Thailand: Long-Term Resident Visa and SMART Visa Program Requirements to Be Relaxed
February 12, 2025

Update – February 12, 2025: The proposed changes to the Long-Term Resident Visa have now taken effect. In addition to the changes mentioned below, the Thai government also removed the work experience requirement for both the Work-From-Thailand Professionals and Highly-Skilled Professionals tracks.
January 17, 2025: Based on a cabinet proposal, the Thai government is set to introduce key changes to the Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa and SMART Visa programs to streamline processes and enhance Thailand's appeal to foreign professionals and investors. Once the proposed changes are approved, the USD 80,000 annual personal income requirement for LTR visas will be removed from the "Wealthy Global Citizens" track, which applies to those with significant investments and stable financial status in Thailand. For "Work-from-Thailand" applicants, the employer's required revenue threshold will be reduced from USD 150 million to USD 50 million over three years, facilitating easier access for professionals in technology and digital sectors. Additionally, restrictions on the number of dependents for LTR Visa holders will be eliminated, allowing spouses, parents, children, and legal dependents to be included without the previous cap of four. In the SMART Visa program, overlapping visa categories will be phased out to reduce confusion and prioritize the LTR Visa for high-potential foreigners. Lastly, the SMART-T (Talents), SMART-I (Investors), and SMART-E (Senior Executives) categories will be removed, leaving only the SMART-S (Start-up) category for established startups. The changes are expected to go into effect in March 2025.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen

Video
Learn the key requirements for digital nomad visas and find out which countries you can apply to as a remote worker or freelancer.

Media mentions
Practice Leader Olga Nechita provides practical guidance on navigating UK immigration routes, settlement options and key considerations for applicants.

Video
Senior Business Immigration Consultant Missy Mae Makil discusses the new DOLE rules for employing foreign nationals in the Philippines.

Media mentions
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines how the UK’s new Immigration White Paper could affect talent mobility and growth in the life sciences sector.

Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses recent changes in Saudi Arabia's commercial regulations, their impact on international businesses and how they support Vision 2030.

Awards
Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries received the “Partnership with an International Charity” award at the 10th Annual Better Society Awards.

Blog post
Corporate Services Director Elena Caron outlines essential information and updates regarding obtaining a freelance licence in the UAE, highlighting key requirements and benefits for freelancers.

Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik discussed how UK employers can prepare for immigration reforms by reviewing policies and aligning mobility with workforce planning.

Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit discusses how the UK’s Immigration White Paper presents both challenges and opportunities, highlighting the need for a system reset to address immigration issues effectively.

Media mentions
Immigration Manager Virginie Todesco highlights how Luxembourg’s clear immigration system and strategic reforms attract global talent and employers.

Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner noted that higher H-1B fees may have led employers to be more selective, though demand remains strong.

Awards
Fragomen was recognised at the Citywealth Magic Circle Awards 2025 with an award in the "Immigration Practice of the Year" category in London on 14 May 2025.

Video
Learn the key requirements for digital nomad visas and find out which countries you can apply to as a remote worker or freelancer.

Media mentions
Practice Leader Olga Nechita provides practical guidance on navigating UK immigration routes, settlement options and key considerations for applicants.

Video
Senior Business Immigration Consultant Missy Mae Makil discusses the new DOLE rules for employing foreign nationals in the Philippines.

Media mentions
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines how the UK’s new Immigration White Paper could affect talent mobility and growth in the life sciences sector.

Media mentions
Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses recent changes in Saudi Arabia's commercial regulations, their impact on international businesses and how they support Vision 2030.

Awards
Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries received the “Partnership with an International Charity” award at the 10th Annual Better Society Awards.

Blog post
Corporate Services Director Elena Caron outlines essential information and updates regarding obtaining a freelance licence in the UAE, highlighting key requirements and benefits for freelancers.

Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik discussed how UK employers can prepare for immigration reforms by reviewing policies and aligning mobility with workforce planning.

Blog post
UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit discusses how the UK’s Immigration White Paper presents both challenges and opportunities, highlighting the need for a system reset to address immigration issues effectively.

Media mentions
Immigration Manager Virginie Todesco highlights how Luxembourg’s clear immigration system and strategic reforms attract global talent and employers.

Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner noted that higher H-1B fees may have led employers to be more selective, though demand remains strong.

Awards
Fragomen was recognised at the Citywealth Magic Circle Awards 2025 with an award in the "Immigration Practice of the Year" category in London on 14 May 2025.