Thailand 2025: Updated Tax Regulations and Visa Requirements

Thailand has always been a popular destination for many perpetual travelers, not least because of the low cost of living, the tropical climate, the hospitality of its people, and its paradisiacal landscapes.

Unfortunately, however, the tax situation has changed in 2024. According to ordinances Paw. 161/2566 and Paw. 162/2566, any person who spends a total of 180 days or more in Thailand during the tax year is considered a Thai tax resident and would therefore have to pay taxes there. Although this was already the case before, from now on this measure will be applied more harshly to foreigners. However, the change that could affect you the most is not even that, but that foreign income earned by Thai residents will be taxed in the calendar year in which it is brought into Thailand, regardless of the calendar year in which it was earned.

Prior to the new regulations, foreign income of Thai residents was only taxed if it was brought into Thailand during the same calendar year in which it was earned – allowing, through clever planning, the income to be transferred to Thailand in a later year to avoid taxation.

This option is no longer available and it is therefore more important than ever to avoid involuntary tax liability. Now, there are two key points here:

• Avoid becoming a tax resident: Make sure you do not reach the 180 days limit. If you want to live in Thailand long term, perhaps you could force yourself to miss the 180 days one year every two or three years. This way, the year you are not a Thai tax resident you could bring money into Thailand tax free.
• Do not bring money into Thailand: If you become a tax resident, do not transfer any income from abroad to Thailand to avoid being taxed there. If you need money urgently, arrange it as a repayable loan that you will repay later to avoid taxation. If this is not possible, be sure to enter only what you need to cover your day-to-day expenses.

It is also rumored that from 2025 onwards all income could end up being taxed, not “only” income transferred to Thailand. This would mean that Thailand would definitely move from a system of territorial taxation to worldwide taxation —i.e. taxation on universal income, regardless of its origin. Naturally, we will be watching for any change in this direction, but for the time being, the current rules will continue to apply. From Denationalize.me we believe that it is unlikely that they will implement this measure, as it would cause a massive capital flight and emigration of foreigners and wealthy Thais. In any case, applying for an LTR visa would protect you against any additional changes in Thai taxation, since the visa guarantees that foreign income would remain tax free (explained below).

Legal compliance Residency in Thailand (also for crypto-investments).

Many perpetual travelers use Thailand not only as a place to plant the playground flag, but also as a legal compliance residence outside Europe.

Naturally, this begs the question: what now? Of course, this will change the plans of many Perpetual Tourists, and precisely proves once again that you should never trust a country 100% and put all your eggs in one basket: laws can change at any time and you never know what to expect. Also, you should never assume that solutions that work today will work forever, for exactly the same reasons.

A very good legal compliance domicile is one that allows you to manage your global financial affairs smoothly and legally compliant, without taking on unnecessary tax obligations or risks.

The most important criteria are a stable political environment, the possibility to obtain a tax identification number without triggering tax obligations (a tax identification number does not necessarily imply the obligation to file a tax return), flexible residency rules, and a network of useful double taxation agreements. This residency must be accepted by international financial institutions and facilitate the handling of documents such as utility bills.

Thailand meets many of these criteria, especially if you combine a long-stay visa with a tax identification number and a third-party utility bill or the purchase of your own home. Some banks in Thailand may require a tax identification number if you want to open an account, especially as a non-resident. You can ask the bank to help you with the application. You can also apply directly to the Thai tax authorities for a Tax ID with a valid reason —such as foreseeing business transactions or real estate investments.

Flexibility and vigilance are essential.

For those who have applied for compliance residency in Thailand due to the MiCA, we have bad news: Thailand also took major steps in the field of cryptocurrency regulation in 2024.

The MiCA (Markets in Cryptoassets) is a new European Union regulation that aims to create a regulatory framework for the cryptoasset market. The MiCA will regulate all cryptoassets that are not yet covered by other EU financial regulations, from cryptocurrencies to stablecoins and utility tokens.

The Thai Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has adjusted its rules to further open up the market. For example, the investment limit for private investors in digital tokens secured by real estate or infrastructure has been removed. Previously, this limit was THB 300,000 (about USD 8,400) per offering. At the same time, custodied wallets must now be managed by subsidiaries of publicly traded companies, which should provide additional security. Here is a full Baker McKenzie report on cryptocurrency regulation in Thailand.

However, in this area the legal framework can change quickly, so it is important to keep up to date and act flexibly.

Tax rates in Thailand

Income earned in Thailand (whether from employment, business activities, or real estate) is subject to income tax.

From January 1, 2024 the new rule will apply to income earned abroad, which will be taxed if you remit it to Thailand and spend at least 180 days in Thailand in the same tax year. It does not matter in which year the income was originally earned: the decisive factor is the transfer to Thailand.

As for the personal income tax rates, you can find them in the table below:

Taxable income (THB)	(EUR – depending on the currency)	Tax rate
Between 0 – 150,000	Between 0 and 3,900 approx.	0%
Between 150,001 and 300,000	Between 3,901 and 7,800 approx.	5%
Between 300,001 and 500,000	Between 7,801 and 13,000 approx.	10%
Between 500,001 and 750,000	Between 13,001 and 19,500 approx.	15%
Between 750,001 and 1,000,000	Between 19,501 and 26,000 approx.	20%
Between 1,000,001 and 2,000,000	Between 26,001 and 52,000 approx.	25%
Between 2,000,001 and 5,000,000	Between 52,001 and 130,000 approx.	30%
More than 5,000,000	More than 130,000 approx.	35%

 

The same rates apply to capital gains.

The social security contribution is 5% and is levied on a monthly income of up to THB 15,000. Therefore, the maximum contribution is THB 750 per month or THB 9000 per year.

The tax filing obligation applies if the annual income exceeds THB 120,000 as a single person or THB 220,000 as a married couple, even if no taxes are paid. The income tax return must be filed within three months after the end of the year.

Regarding deductions:

Deduction	Amount
Personal allowance	THB 60,000
Spousal allowance	THB 60,000
Child allowance	THB 30,000 per child (THB 60,000 for the second child born from 2018 onwards)
Parental support allowance	THB 30,000 per parent (special conditions apply)
Life insurance allowance	Up to THB 100,000 (special conditions apply)
Health insurance allowance	Up to THB 25,000 (the total amount of life and health insurance premiums must not exceed THB 100,000)
Health insurance allowance for parents	Up to THB 15,000 per parent (special conditions apply)
Provident Fund (PF) allowance	Up to THB 500,000 (contributions must not exceed 15% of basic salary)
Pension Fund (RMF)	Up to THB 500,000 (contributions must not exceed 30% of taxable income; see below for total amount)
Super Saving Fund (SSF)	Up to THB 200,000 (contributions must not exceed 30% of taxable income; see below for total amount)
Thai Environmental, Social and Governance Fund (ESG)	Up to THB 100,000 (contributions must not exceed 30% of taxable income; special conditions apply)
Interest subsidy (mortgages)	Up to THB 100,000 (special conditions apply)
Donation allowance	Up to 10% of taxable income
Social security allowance	Actual amount (5% of basic salary, not more than THB 9,000 per year)
Allowance for spouses/parents/children/dependent persons in need of support	THB 60,000 per person (special conditions apply)
Allowance for educational and sports donations	Twice the effective amount paid, but not exceeding 10% of the taxable income after deduction of other allowances
Pension savings insurance allowance	Up to THB 200,000 (contributions must not exceed 15% of taxable income)

 

Your Thai visa

Thailand is known for being a country where paperwork and bureaucracy are part of everyday life. A multitude of documents are required for everything, often in duplicate. However, you can rest assured, our associates can help you obtain your residence permit or visa in Thailand without any problems.

You do not have to speak Thai, since our local team speaks English, French, Russian, Italian, and Spanish. And, of course, you do not have to fill out any of the tedious forms yourself: they take care of everything —what is more, our associates accompany you and stay with you until all the formalities are taken care of!

All we need from you is your presence, your passport (with a minimum validity of 6 months or the duration required for the visa) and your entry visa. You will only need to travel to Bangkok or Pattaya to present these documents.

Below we explain the different types of visas currently available to you.

Retirement visa

You can apply for a retirement visa through the normal procedure or the accelerated procedure. One month before the visa expires, you can extend it for another 12 months, year after year, for as long as you wish. This visa is only available from the age of 50 years and requires a deposit of THB 800,000 in a Thai bank account.

• Accelerated procedure: Costs EUR 1,500, and includes a 15-month visa, bank account, bank certificate, address, and multiple entry visa. Annual renewal: approx. EUR 600 per year.
• Standard procedure: Costs EUR 1,200 and includes a 15-month visa, bank account, bank certificate, and address. Annual renewal: approx. EUR 600 per year.

Student visa in Thailand (only in Pattaya)

It costs EUR 1,600, all inclusive (school registration, 3-month visa, and three extensions of 3 months each). Annual extension: about EUR 1,600 per year. Ideally, you should actually attend a school and take the exams. However, there are certain options to avoid attendance.

Privilege Entry Visa (formerly known as Elite Visa)

This visa category is constantly changing. The government now offers 4 packages whose fees have increased between 50% and 250% since last year: the 5-year package, for example, used to cost THB 600,000, now it costs THB 900,000. If you have the means and want to stay in Thailand for the long term, this is the right visa for you. It allows you to buy the residence permit, so to speak, as well as granting you some additional benefits and discounts in the country.

Other residence permits

The above three visas are only the most popular and easy to obtain, but there are other visas for staying in Thailand on a long-term basis. Feel free to contact us with your plans and needs.

Frequently asked questions about visas

What happens if I do not stay in Thailand for the whole year? If you travel during your visa, you must apply for a re-entry visa before leaving the country. This will affect your 90-day notification: once you return, you must report back within 48 hours.

What is the difference between the Non Immigrant O visa and the Non Immigrant OA visa? The difference is that the OA visa requires health insurance, while the O visa does not.

Are there alternatives for those who do not have the required minimum deposit? Yes, as an alternative you only need to demonstrate a monthly income of at least THB 65,000.

Do I have to be retired to benefit from the retirement visa? No, you only need to be over 50 years old and be able to prove that you have at least THB 800,000 in a Thai bank account.

What happens if I am not in Thailand during the extension period? Your visa must be extended one month before it expires. If you miss this deadline, you will have to start the whole process all over again. Our associates will contact you in good time to remind you so that this does not happen to you.

Can I work in Thailand on a retirement visa? No, you cannot work in Thailand with a retirement visa, a student visa, or a Privilege Entry visa.

How do I get a work permit? You must be an employee of a Thai company or start your own company.

Which visa is right for me? Choosing the right visa depends on your destination, age, financial means, and desired length of stay.

How does the 90-day notification work? Any foreigner staying in Thailand for more than 90 days must register to comply with this measure. This notification can be made 14 days before or 7 days after the notification date. If you miss the deadline, you may face fines and possibly other penalties. Our team can take care of filing this notification for you.

Can I change my visa to another category? Yes, as long as you meet the requirements of the new visa. However, please note that you will lose the remaining time on your current visa.

Do I have to pay taxes on my retirement visa in Thailand? If you stay in Thailand for more than 180 days per year, you will have to pay taxes. Your foreign income will be taxed in Thailand to the extent that it is brought into the country.

Can I include my family on my visa? Yes, it is possible in many visa categories. However, for the retirement visa, both partners must be over 50 years of age.

Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)

There is also a new visa category for Perpetual Tourists with a stay of up to six months, the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). This five-year visa allows stays of up to 180 days per entry, with the possibility of multiple re-entries. To obtain it, applicants must prove that they have at least THB 500,000 (approximately USD 13,920) and that they are traveling to Thailand for a recognized reason, such as telecommuting, freelancing, business travel, training, etc.

This visa is intended for digital nomads, perpetual travelers, and anyone wishing to participate in activities such as attending Muay Thai or Thai cooking classes, sports training, music events, seminars, or to undergo medical treatments. The spouse and children of the DTV holder are also included in this visa.

Long-term residence visa

Also worth mentioning is the Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR), a program specially developed for highly skilled foreigners.

The LTR visa targets four distinct groups with different requirements, which we will not discuss individually:

• High-Net-Worth International Citizens
• High-Net-Worth retirees
• Telecommuters working from Thailand
• Highly skilled professionals

For the categories requiring high net worth, a personal net worth of USD 1 million and an annual income of USD 80,000 in the last 2 years must be demonstrated. In addition, USD 500,000 must be invested in Thai government bonds or Thai companies. Alternatively, you can also acquire property above this value. LTR holders have additional rights to acquire property in Thailand. In addition, a valid health insurance policy with a minimum coverage of USD 50,000 or a bank balance of USD 100,000 is required.

The visa grants a stay of up to 10 years, with the possibility of extension. Highly qualified professionals can benefit from a reduced income tax rate of 17%, while other categories are exempt from tax on foreign income remitted to the country. Even if there were to be a possible change in the taxation of foreign income in Thailand, LTR visa holders would still be exempt from tax.

Instead of the usual 90-day declaration, only an annual declaration is required. LTR visa holders and their dependents also receive a digital work permit and the usual fee regulations for Thai companies do not apply to them.

New visa on arrival for tourists

To finish the article, we have another positive piece of news: Thailand has improved its visa on arrival for tourists. From now on, tourists can stay up to 60 days, i.e. twice as long as before, without having to apply at a Thai embassy for an additional visa.

Nationals of more than 90 countries can now enter Thailand without a visa by simply presenting their valid passport at the airport of arrival. Nationals of some countries with bilateral visa waiver agreements with Thailand (such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru and South Korea) can even stay in Thailand for up to 90 days without a visa for business purposes, without having to apply for an extension.

Finally, there is also the project of a “Schengen visa” for Southeast Asia, the so-called common ASEAN visa, which has been gaining more and more attention in recent years. This initiative by ASEAN states aims to create a common visa that would allow travelers to access several countries in the region on a single visa, similar to Europe’s Schengen visa. Some countries, such as Thailand and Cambodia, have already signed bilateral agreements that could be considered the first steps towards an ASEAN-wide visa.

Although the idea of a common ASEAN visa has been discussed for several years, member states have not yet fully agreed on its implementation.

Concluding

As you can see, Thailand offers us in 2025 a lot of new options for those who want to visit or even live in this interesting country. The tax changes are not for the better, but, as we have seen, they do not have to affect us too much if we get the right visa and/or keep most of our income out of the country.

If you want more information about Thailand or would like to decide if it is the right place for you, we are here to answer all your questions: contact us or book a consultation directly with us.