Freedom Score

Emigrating from Serbia to Thailand: tax and cost of living

How does Thailand score against Serbia? The Freedom Score weighs six dimensions, built on primary government sources.

Net per month€2,490
Per year vs. Serbia+€4,294

LTR visa 17% flat · 10-year residency

Tax

78/100

Residency

87/100

Cost of living

79/100

Living environment

65/100

Mobility

71/100

Ownership

85/100

Compared by dimension

On an average Serbia income of €36,000 gross per year, you keep €29,880 net in Thailand: a difference of €4,294 per year compared with Serbia.

  • Tax: on this income Thailand lands at an effective rate of about 17%, against 29% in Serbia.
  • Passport and mobility: from Thailand you travel visa-free to 82 countries.
  • Residency: on our accessibility scale Thailand scores 87 out of 100 for obtaining residency.
  • Living environment: banking, internet, safety and healthcare together give Thailand a living-environment score of 65 out of 100.

The tax regime in Thailand

Thailand levies personal income tax on a progressive scale from 0% to 35%. Foreign-sourced income not remitted to Thailand is exempt; from 1 January 2024 a new rule makes foreign income taxable in the year of remittance regardless of when earned. The LTR visa offers a flat 17% rate for qualifying employment income.

Residency and visas in Thailand

Thailand offers several residency pathways: the Thailand Privilege (Elite) visa, the Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa, and the retirement visa (Non-Immigrant O-A). Permanent residency is difficult to obtain and typically requires 3 consecutive years of stay. Naturalization requires 10 years of legal residence.

  • Non-Immigrant O-A (Retirement Visa) · €23,000/year · 3 years to permanent residency
  • Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa · €75,000/year · €500,000
  • Thailand Privilege Visa (formerly Elite) · €14,000
  • Non-Immigrant B (Employment) · 3 years to permanent residency
Read the full guide to ThailandTax, residency routes, property rules and quality of life, with sources.

Frequently asked questions

What is the financial difference between Serbia and Thailand?
On an average Serbia income it differs by roughly €4,294 net per year. Your own figure depends on your income and situation; calculate it with the free freedom check.
Is this tax advice?
No. Libaros compares on the basis of primary government sources and provides information. For personal decisions, consult a qualified adviser.
What sources is this based on?
The Freedom Score uses the OECD Tax Database, IATA Timatic, the Henley Visa Index and Eurostat, with direct links to primary government sources.
Order report · €6,99

Figures from primary government sources. Information, not advice.

Sources