Let’s review which visas are available to property owners and which one to choose if your goal is to open a bank account.
Visas Available to Property Owners
Investment Visa (3 months + 12 months)
Property value: from 3 million THB
Suitable for:
- condominium or villa owners
- those who have already invested in real estate
LTR — for High-Net-Worth Individuals (10 years)
Option 1:
- investment from USD 1 million in Thailand
Option 2:
- from USD 500,000 invested in Thailand
- plus overseas assets, with total assets of at least USD 1 million
LTR — for Wealthy Pensioners (10 years)
Requirements:
- investment from USD 250,000
- age: 50+
- passive income: from USD 40,000 per year
How to Choose the Right Visa
To select the optimal option, it is important to consider:
- age
- asset value
- goals (residency, taxation, bank account)
If Your Goal Is to Open a Bank Account
Thailand Elite
The most stable option
Advantages:
- support from a government-backed program
- assistance with opening a bank account (including Bangkok Bank)
- appointment scheduling and сопровождение (full assistance)
Cost:
- 5 years: from 650,000 THB (until the end of March)
- after: from 900,000 THB
LTR
Features:
- no official support from BOI for account opening
- in practice, accounts can be opened (e.g., Krungsri in Phuket)
Investment Visa
Possibility:
- opening a bank account after obtaining the 12-month visa
Additional:
- Longstay operator declares assistance
- practical experience is still limited
Retirement Visa
Reality:
- opening a bank account is possible
- however, the process is more complex
Conclusion
The choice of visa depends on your goal:
- for opening a bank account → Thailand Elite
- for tax optimization → LTR
- if you own property from 3 million THB → investment visa
- for living after age 50 → retirement visa
Important Notes
- bank requirements change frequently
- decisions are made at the branch level
- there is no guaranteed bank account opening
Author: Alexandra Agapitova
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