Visa regulations - New visa for the Eastern Economic Corridor

On 14 May 2024, the Thai cabinet approved new visa type to attract high-potential foreigners for the Eastern Economic Corridor (provinces south-east of Bangkok, Chachoengsao, Chonburi and Rayong).

Four groups will be eligible as follows:

Groups	Category	Description
Specialists	EEC “S” Visa	Highly qualified persons working in targeted industries in the Eastern Economic Corridor
Executives	EEC “E” Visa	Executives in senior positions working in companies in the Eastern Economic Corridor
Professionals	EEC “P” Visa	Professionals working in companies operating in the Eastern Economic Corridor
Dependents	EEC “O” Visa	Spouse and children of an EEC Visa holder of the other categories

Benefits

Validity:

The visa will be valid for 10 years (5+5) under the condition of employment in the EEC. During application, a signed employment agreement has to be presented and the validity of the EEC visa cannot exceed the duration under the employment agreement.

Eased Work Permit Process:

Holders can access the eased EEC process for issuance of work permits to foreigners.

Flat rate personal income tax:

Holders will be taxed at a rate of 17 % (instead of the usual progressive rate of 0-35 %).

No 90-day reporting: Holders will not be required to report to the immigration in case of staying in Thailand for consecutive 90 days.

Fast-Track:

Holders will be eligible to use the Fast-Track lanes at airports.

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