Moving to Thailand: taxes, residence and life
How to become tax resident in Thailand: personal, dividend and corporate tax, 9 residence programmes, days needed, climate, safety and economy — compared with 194 countries.
Taxes
In Thailand the top income tax rate is 35%, dividends are taxed at up to 10% and companies pay 20% corporate tax. Newcomers may use a special regime (0%): Foreign income taxed only if remitted; LTR visa gives further relief.
How to move and become tax resident
To become tax resident in Thailand you need at least 180 days a year (180 days in calendar year (aggregate)). The typical route is LTR visa – Wealthy Global Citizen (USD 500k in Thailand): Net assets ≥USD 1m, ≥USD 500k in Thai bonds/property/FDI; health insurance; no income test since 2025 There are 9 open residence programmes in Thailand — see the list below.
Living there
Bangkok has a tropical savanna (wet/dry) climate with winter highs around 32 °C and summer highs around 35 °C. The economy grew +2% in 2025; the IMF forecasts 1.6% for 2026. Its passport opens about 82 countries without a visa in advance. Security: Border war with Cambodia Jul & Dec 2025, truce holds; Malay-Muslim insurgency in south.
Key facts
| Top income tax | 35% |
|---|---|
| Dividend tax | 10% |
| Corporate tax | 20% |
| Special regime for newcomers | 0% — Foreign income taxed only if remitted; LTR visa gives further relief. |
| Tax residence | after 180 days — 180 days in calendar year (aggregate) |
| Typical residence route | LTR visa – Wealthy Global Citizen (USD 500k in Thailand) — Net assets ≥USD 1m, ≥USD 500k in Thai bonds/property/FDI; health insurance; no income test since 2025 |
| Passport | visa-free or on arrival to 82 countries |
| Economic growth | +2% (2025), forecast 1.6% (2026) |
| Climate type | tropical savanna (wet/dry) · 32° / 35° (Bangkok) |
| War & conflict | armed — Border war with Cambodia Jul & Dec 2025, truce holds; Malay-Muslim insurgency in south |
| All natural hazards | 6.7/10 |
| Banking strength | 6.5/10 · BBB+ |
| Property protection | 5/10 |
| Warm homes in winter | 9/10 |
Residence programmes in Thailand
- Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa – Wealthy Global Citizen — Investment CHF 400'000
- Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa – Wealthy Pensioner — Income / yr CHF 64'000
- Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa – Work-from-Thailand Professional — Income / yr CHF 64'000
- Thailand Privilege Visa (formerly Thailand Elite) — independentMeans
- Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) — digitalNomad
- Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant O / O-A / O-X) — Investment CHF 19'700
- Business Visa (Non-Immigrant B) + Work Permit — Investment CHF 49'200
- Permanent Residence (quota) — Investment CHF 73'800
- Non-Immigrant O (marriage/family) — Income / yr CHF 11'800
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to spend in Thailand to become tax resident?
after 180 days. 180 days in calendar year (aggregate) Foreign income taxed if remitted (since 2024); LTR visa holders exempt on foreign income
How much tax will I pay in Thailand?
In Thailand the top income tax rate is 35%, dividends are taxed at up to 10% and companies pay 20% corporate tax.
Which residence programmes does Thailand offer?
Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa – Wealthy Global Citizen (CHF 400'000); Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa – Wealthy Pensioner; Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa – Work-from-Thailand Professional; Thailand Privilege Visa (formerly Thailand Elite); Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
What is the usual way to move to Thailand?
LTR visa – Wealthy Global Citizen (USD 500k in Thailand). Net assets ≥USD 1m, ≥USD 500k in Thai bonds/property/FDI; health insurance; no income test since 2025
Compare with nearby countries
Afghanistan · Armenia · Australia · Azerbaijan · Bangladesh · Bhutan · Cambodia · China · Fiji · Georgia · Hong Kong · India
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