Thailand Visas

Visa options, requirements, and timelines for Canadian professionals moving to Thailand.

Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR)

A 10-year renewable visa targeting wealthy global citizens, retirees, remote workers, and highly skilled professionals. Offers a flat 17% income tax rate for qualifying employment income.

Requirements

•Annual income of US$80,000+ (or US$40,000+ with advanced degree/IP)
•Health insurance with US$50,000+ coverage
•Must fall into one of 4 categories: wealthy global citizen, wealthy pensioner, work-from-Thailand professional, or highly skilled professional
•Digital work permit available for remote workers

Processing Time:1–3 months processing

Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)

Launched in 2024, this 5-year multiple-entry visa allows stays of up to 180 days per entry (extendable). For remote workers, freelancers, and those attending courses or events.

Requirements

•Proof of remote employment, freelance work, or enrollment in Thai activities
•Minimum savings of 500,000 THB (~C$19,000)
•Health insurance
•Clean criminal record

Processing Time:2–4 weeks processing

Non-Immigrant B Visa (Work Permit)

The standard work visa for professionals employed by a Thai company. Requires a job offer and a separate work permit application.

Requirements

•Job offer from a registered Thai company
•Company must have 4 Thai employees per 1 foreign worker
•Minimum registered capital of 2 million THB per foreign worker
•Relevant qualifications and experience

Processing Time:1–3 months processing (visa + work permit)

Tax Overview

Tax implications for Thailand

Income Tax Rate

0% on first ฿150,000 → 35% on income above ฿5,000,000; LTR: 17% flat

Thailand's standard income tax is progressive from 0% to 35%. The LTR visa offers a flat 17% rate on Thai-sourced employment income for qualifying professionals. Foreign income remitted to Thailand in the same year it is earned is taxable. No Canada-Thailand tax treaty is currently in force, though negotiations have been discussed.

✓LTR visa holders pay flat 17% on Thai employment income
✓Foreign income remitted in the same calendar year is taxable since 2024
✓No capital gains tax on securities traded on the SET (Thai stock exchange)
✓No inheritance tax below ฿100 million
✓No comprehensive Canada-Thailand tax treaty currently in force
✓Consult a cross-border tax specialist before relocating

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