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At $1,470, the Long-Term Resident Visa (Highly-Skilled Professional) is the 50th-cheapest of the 64 skilled-work visas Transita tracks, above the $569 median. Its 2-month average processing time ranks it 29th-fastest, quicker than 56% of the others.
What is the Long-Term Resident Visa (Highly-Skilled Professional)?
The Long-Term Resident Visa (Highly-Skilled Professional) is Thailand's skilled worker visa programme. BOI long-stay visa for specialists working in Thailand's targeted industries, and for academic professors across all fields. Includes a digital work permit and a flat 17 percent personal income tax rate. Grants a five-year stay extendable by another five.
Applications are processed in 1–3 months on average. Government fees start at $1,470, and the visa is valid for 10 years. Employer sponsorship is required. You must have a qualifying job offer before applying.
The published minimum salary is USD 80,000/yr (≈ $80,000/yr).
The Long-Term Resident Visa (Highly-Skilled Professional) is suited to work in tech, research / academia.
Weighing Thailand against another destination? See how it stacks up on visa speed, cost, and permanent residency:
What are the requirements for the Long-Term Resident Visa (Highly-Skilled Professional)?
A qualifying job offer from a Thailand employer, a salary of USD 80,000/yr (≈ $80,000/yr) or more.
| Job offer required | Yes |
|---|---|
| Language test | Not required |
| Minimum salary | 80,000 USD / year (about $80,000 at the exchange rate on 18 September 2026); average personal income over the past two years. Alternative: 40,000 USD / year (about $40,000 at the exchange rate on 18 September 2026); USD 40,000 to 80,000 with a master's degree or higher. Source read on 18 September 2026Check official salary requirements |
official sources: LTR (HSP) · ltr.boi.go.th
Key facts
Best for
Path to permanent residence
Does not directly lead to permanent residence.
Validity period
10 years (tied to employer)
Employer sponsorship required
You need a qualifying employer to sponsor your application.
How do you apply for the Long-Term Resident Visa (Highly-Skilled Professional)?
- 01
Secure a qualifying job offer
Find an employer in Thailand willing to sponsor your LTR (HSP) application. The role must meet occupation and salary requirements; the minimum salary is USD 80,000/yr (≈ $80,000/yr).
- 02
Gather your supporting documents
Compile educational credentials, employment history, passport, and any certificates. Have foreign documents officially translated.
- 03
Submit your LTR (HSP) application
File online through the official Thailand immigration portal and pay the government fee of $1,470. Double-check all forms for errors before submission. Mistakes cause delays.
- 04
Attend biometrics and medical (if required)
You may be asked to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo) at an approved centre. Some visa categories also require a medical examination by an approved physician.
- 05
Receive decision (1–3 months)
Standard processing takes 1–3 months. Premium or expedited processing may be available for an additional fee. Avoid booking travel until you have a confirmed outcome.
How much does the Long-Term Resident Visa (Highly-Skilled Professional) cost?
The government application fee for the Long-Term Resident Visa (Highly-Skilled Professional) is $1,470 USD. Total costs (including legal fees, document translations, medical exams, and biometrics) typically run 2–5x the base government fee.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Long-Term Resident Visa (Highly-Skilled Professional) take to process?
Processing time for the Long-Term Resident Visa (Highly-Skilled Professional) is typically 1–3 months from the date a complete application is received. Timelines vary depending on application volume, the completeness of your documents, and whether additional checks are requested. Check the official Thailand immigration website for current processing times before applying.
Can the Long-Term Resident Visa (Highly-Skilled Professional) lead to permanent residence?
The Long-Term Resident Visa (Highly-Skilled Professional) itself does not directly lead to permanent residence in Thailand. However, holders may be eligible to transition to a PR-pathway visa after meeting additional requirements. Build a Transita workspace to see the visa routes that match your long-term goals.
Do I need a job offer for the Long-Term Resident Visa (Highly-Skilled Professional)?
Yes. A confirmed job offer from a qualifying Thailand employer is required before you can apply for the Long-Term Resident Visa (Highly-Skilled Professional). The employer typically needs to demonstrate they could not find a suitable local candidate and must meet specific sponsorship obligations.