top of page
ค้นหา

2026 HR Guide: Thailand LTR Visa & Hiring Foreign Experts

  • รูปภาพนักเขียน: Rohan Jain
    Rohan Jain
  • 1 วันที่ผ่านมา
  • ยาว 4 นาที
Thailand LTR Visa illustrated on digital background. Text: 2026 HR Guide: Thailand LTR Visa & Hiring Foreign Experts. Blue, futuristic theme.
2026 HR Guide: Thailand LTR Visa & Hiring Foreign Experts

For years, Thai HR managers have navigated a maze of quotas, reporting rules, and the infamous "4 Thai to 1 Foreigner" ratio. In 2026, the game has changed with the Long Term Resident LTR scheme.


To support the country's economic goals, the Board of Investment (BOI) has relaxed the BOI visa rules 2026, making it easier to bring in foreign workers. The government is laser-focused on attracting highly potential talent to drive "Industry 4.0" and boost national competitiveness in a global market.


While the LTR program covers four categories including the Wealthy Global Citizen, Wealthy Pensioner, and Work-From-Thailand Professional, this guide focuses on the "Highly Skilled Professional" track. This specific track has become the gold standard for corporate hiring because it offers the most direct benefits to local entities.


Here is your HR guide to hiring foreigners Thailand using the latest LTR visa Thailand requirements 2026.



1. The "Game Changer" Updates for 2026


2026 HR Guide Thailand: LTR Visa & Hiring Foreign Experts. Blue digital theme with icons of tech, globe, atom, and robot, futuristic mood.
The "Game Changer" Updates for 2026

Previously, the term resident LTR visa had strict barriers that made it difficult for companies to utilize effectively. The latest cabinet approvals have relaxed these rules to attract a broader pool of talent.


Key Changes HR Managers Must Know:

  • Removal of Experience Requirement: Perhaps the biggest change is that applicants in the "Highly Skilled Professional" category no longer require 5 years of work experience if they work in targeted industries (HLB Thailand, 2025). This allows HR to hire brilliant young talent or Ph.D. graduates who previously didn't qualify but possess critical modern skills.

  • Expanded Target Industries: The scope has widened beyond just "digital" and "automotive" to include Higher Education and Disaster Management (Mahanakorn Partners Group, 2025). This expansion ensures that universities and specialized NGOs can now access the same global talent pool as tech giants.

  • Unlimited Dependents: LTR visa holders can now bring their parents (not just spouse and children), and the previous limit of 4 dependents has been removed (Legal 500, 2025). This is crucial for retention strategies targeting senior executives who care deeply about family proximity.



2. Who Qualifies? (The Highly Skilled Professional Track)


When you need to apply for a work permit or visa for an expert, check if they fit the highly skilled professional visa Thailand criteria.

Criteria

Requirement

Income

Minimum USD 80,000 / year.


(Reduced to USD 40,000 if the candidate has a Master’s Degree in STEM or specialized expertise)

Employer

Must be a business in a Targeted Industry (BOI, 2026).

Experience

None required for targeted industries (previously 5 years) (Siam Legal, 2025).

Insurance

Health insurance with >USD 50,000 coverage OR social security benefits in Thailand OR >USD 100,000 deposit.

Note: While your focus is on experts, be aware that the Wealthy Global Citizen (assets >$1M) and Wealthy Pensioner (retirees >50) tracks also exist for those staying in Thailand for lifestyle reasons.



3. The Killer Benefit: 17% Flat Tax Rate


This is your strongest negotiation tool.


In Thailand, the progressive income tax rate climbs to 35%. However, under Royal Decree No. 743, eligible LTR holders are granted a special privilege (Revenue Department, 2022).


  • Standard Visa: A candidate earning 300,000 THB/month pays progressive tax (up to 35%).

  • LTR Visa: The same candidate pays a flat 17% tax rate Thailand.


HR Takeaway: You can effectively offer a higher "take-home" salary without increasing the company's gross salary expense. This allows you to close deals with top-tier candidates who might otherwise be too expensive for your budget.



4. Comparison: LTR Visa vs. Standard Business Visa


Why go through the LTR process? Because it streamlines visa and work permit logistics.

Feature

Standard Non-B Visa + Work Permit

LTR Visa (Highly Skilled)

Visa Validity

1 Year (Renewable annually)

10 Years (5+5 renewable)

Reporting

Required every 90 days

Exempt from 90 days (Report 1x/year)

Hiring Ratio

4 Thai employees : 1 Foreigner

Exempt (No ratio required)

Personal Tax

0% - 35% (Progressive)

Flat 17%

Re-Entry

Must apply every time/year

Exempt (Multiple entry included)

This term resident visa LTR offers stability that can span a career of 20 years (via renewal), unlike standard visas that require constant paperwork and administrative overhead.



5. Application Process: A Timeline for HR


The process differs from a standard Non-B. It is centralized through the BOI.


  1. Online Application: Submit required documents via the LTR online portal.

  2. Endorsement (20 Working Days): The BOI reviews qualifications.

  3. Issuance (60 Days): Once endorsed, the candidate has 60 days to enter Thailand (if abroad) or visit Immigration to activate the visa.

  4. Digital Work Permit: After receiving the visa, the candidate collects their Digital Work Permit at the One Start One Stop Service Center (OSOS) (Thai Embassy, 2025).


Pro Tip: This visa essentially acts as a work permit exemption from the traditional Department of Employment struggles, as the process is streamlined under the BOI.



Conclusion


In the 2026 talent war, speed wins. The Long Term Resident LTR visa removes friction. It tells your top-tier candidate that "We value you enough to secure your future here."


Stop managing 90-day reports. Start managing performance. Switch your foreign experts to the LTR track today to ensure your organization remains competitive and agile.



Partnering with Hyperwork Recruitment


Finding the expert is hard enough. Handling the recruitment process shouldn't be.

At Hyperwork Recruitment, we excel at understanding our clients' requirements and needs.


We do not just fill seats. We partner with you to find talent that aligns perfectly with your strategic goals and company culture. Whether you are navigating complex BOI visa rules 2026 or defining a new role, our deep market insight ensures you find the right fit every time.


Contact us today to build a world-class team.




References


bottom of page