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Thailand Investment Visa 2026: The New 10M Baht vs. LTR Reality

 For years, the “Golden Rule” for foreign investors in Thailand was simple: if you had money, you bought a Thailand Elite Visa. If you wanted to invest, the options were murky, often involving complex company setups that left many feeling uneasy.



But as we settle into 2026, the landscape has shifted dramatically.

The Thai government is no longer just looking for tourists; they are hunting for high-value residents. This has created a “Heavyweight Title Fight” between two major visa options: the traditional 10 Million Baht Investment Visa and the modern Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa.

If you are planning to move your capital to Thailand this year, choosing the wrong one could cost you millions in taxes or trap you in endless paperwork.

At Sukhothai Inter Law, we guide hundreds of investors through this maze every year. Today, we are breaking down the Thailand investment visa 2026 reality—and why the “old way” might not be your best play anymore.

The Old Guard: The 10 Million Baht Investment Visa

Technically known as the “Non-Immigrant IB,” this visa has been around for decades. It is the blunt instrument of the visa world: simple, direct, but a bit rigid.

The Deal:

You must invest at least 10 Million Thai Baht (approx. $290,000 USD) in Thailand.

  • Asset Class: You can buy a condominium, Thai government bonds, or put cash in a fixed deposit account (or a mix of these).

  • The Catch: If you buy a condo, it must be a new build purchased directly from a developer. Buying a stunning resale villa from an expat friend? That won’t count.

  • Validity: It is renewed year-by-year. You must prove you still hold the asset every single year to keep the visa.

Who is it for?

The 10M Baht visa is perfect for the investor who:

  1. Has significant cash liquidity.

  2. Doesn’t meet the strict “income” or “pension” requirements of other visas.

  3. Wants to buy a brand-new luxury condo in Bangkok or Phuket and keep things simple.

The Challenger: The LTR Visa (Wealthy Pensioner & Global Citizen)

Introduced a few years ago and refined for 2026, the Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa is the smarter, more sophisticated option. It’s not just about dumping cash into the country; it’s about proving you are a “high-potential” individual.

The Deal:

The LTR visa grants a 10-year residency upfront (5 years + 5 years).

For investors, the two most relevant tracks are:

  1. Wealthy Global Citizen: You need $1 Million USD in assets and a $500k investment in Thailand.

  2. Wealthy Pensioner: This is the “sweet spot” for many of our clients.

    • Age: 50+

    • Income: $80,000/year pension/passive income.

    • OR: If your income is only $40,000–$80,000, you can qualify by investing $250,000 USD (approx. 8.6 Million Baht) in Thai property or bonds.

The “Secret” Advantage:

Notice the math? $250,000 USD is roughly 8.6 Million Baht.

This means the LTR “Wealthy Pensioner” track essentially gives you a longer visa (10 years vs 1 year) for a smaller investment (8.6M vs 10M) than the traditional Investment Visa.

Head-to-Head: 2026 Showdown

Feature 10M Investment Visa LTR Visa (Wealthy Pensioner)
Minimum Investment 10,000,000 THB ~$250,000 USD (~8.6M THB)*
Visa Validity 1 Year (Renewable) 10 Years
Property Type Strict: New Condos Only Flexible: Condos (and bonds)
Tax Benefits None Huge: Tax exemption on overseas income
Work Permit No (Need to apply separately) Included (Digital Work Permit)

*Note: LTR investment tier applies if income is between $40k-$80k/year.

Why The “Tax” Factor Wins in 2026

This is the part most agents won’t tell you.

Thailand’s new tax rules on “foreign sourced income” are strict. If you live here 180+ days a year and bring money in, you are taxed.

  • 10M Visa Holder: You are subject to Thai tax on remitted income.

  • LTR Visa Holder: You are exempt from tax on overseas income brought into Thailand.

For a high-net-worth individual, this exemption alone can save you the cost of the property over ten years.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose the 10M Investment Visa if:

  • You are under 50 years old.

  • You don’t have a steady “pension” or “passive income” to show on paper (e.g., you live off crypto savings or lump sums).

  • You want to buy a new condo and don’t care about the tax perks.

Choose the LTR Visa if:

  • You are over 50.

  • You want certainty (10-year stamp).

  • You want to legally protect your foreign income from Thai taxes.

  • You want to work digitally or consult while living here.

Don’t Navigate This Alone

The difference between these two visas isn’t just a form; it’s a financial strategy. One wrong move on your Foreign Exchange Transaction (FET) form or your title deed transfer can disqualify you from both.

At Sukhothai Inter Law, we specialize in the “hard cases.” We review your financials, structure your property purchase, and deal with the Board of Investment (BOI) so you don’t have to.

Ready to secure your future in Thailand?

Stop guessing. Let’s get your visa approved.

👉 Start Your Application Here: Thailand Property Investor Visa Application

See what our satisfied clients say about our service: Read Our Google Reviews

Contact Us Today

Sukhothai Inter Law

  • Bangkok: 17 Chan 35, Chan Road, Sathorn, Bangkok 10120

  • Koh Samui: 119/2 Moo 1, T.Bophut, A. Koh Samui, Surathani, 84320

  • Pattaya: 33/35 Moo 11, Soi Kohpai, (Soi 6 Theprasit) T. Nongprue, A. Banglamung, Chonburi, 20150

Phone: +662 212 6866-7 | Fax: +662 213 3124

Email: info@sukhothaiinterlaw.com

Whatsapp: +66846764436

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