Thailand Elite Visa – Long-Term Visas In Thailand

What is the Thailand Elite Visa Program?

The Thailand Elite Visa program, overseen by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) under the Thai government, was established to enhance tourism and promote long-term stays in the country. In 2003, the Thailand Privilege Card Company Limited, which is part of the TAT, was formed as a state enterprise to manage this initiative. It issues membership cards with durations of 5, 10, 15 and 20 years, providing benefits for tourist visa foreigners planning long-term stays in the kingdom.

What is the Purpose of the Thai Elite Visa program?

The Thailand Elite Visa program purpose is to offer exclusive privileges to its elite visa holders, typically comprising high-earning expatriates. This strategic approach not only enhances the experience of affluent expats but also fuels the overall development and prosperity of Siam.

For Visa Holders, they have exclusive benefits designed to elevate their experience while living in Thailand. The Thailand Elite ‘Privilege Entry Visa’ stands out with its initial 5-year validity and multiple-entry privileges, allowing holders to freely travel to and from Thailand throughout the visa’s duration.

The program intends to streamline the immigration procedure, remove the need for visa runs, and provide a smooth experience for those seeking long-term stay in Thailand. Foreigners who join the Thailand Elite program get unique privileges such as airport services, VIP lounges, legal aid, exclusive discounts at partner businesses, and personalized support for the term of their membership.

For the Government, the Thai Elite Visa Program aims to entice high-end professionals, affluent individuals, digital nomads, and retirees to make long-term stays in the country. By attracting such expatriates, the program significantly boosts Thailand’s economy.

What are the Benefits of Holding a Thai Elite Visa?

The benefits of holding Thai Elite visa are divided into 5 main sections:

1. Long Term Multi-Entries Visa
2. Airports Arrival / Departure Assistance
3. Luxurious Transportation
4. Access to banking services
5. Other advantages

Who is the Thai Elite Visa Beneficial for?

The Thailand Elite program is open to foreigners looking for long-term stays in the Thai Kingdom. If you can pay the membership fee and meet a few simple requirements, you can enjoy its benefits.

The four common alien profiles that qualify for Thai Elite visas are:

1. Digital Nomads: People who work online and want to live in Thailand without worrying about visas.
2. Families: Those who want to move to the kingdom with their families, benefiting from its affordable living and good international schools.
3. Retirees: Those who want to retire in Thailand and enjoy its attractions without dealing with complicated visa rules.
4. Investors and Business people: People who travel to Thailand for business and need a flexible visa option.

Are there Limitations of Thai Elite Visa Membership?

Yes. There are 3 main restrictions that apply to Thai Elite Visa membership:

1. Work Permit Prohibition: Thai Elite Visa members are not allowed to engage in any kind of employment, therefore, they cannot obtain a work permit.
2. Lack of Permanent Residency: Holding Thailand Elite membership does not confer permanent residency status in Thailand.
3. Non-Transferability: Typically, Thailand Elite membership cannot be transferred between individuals, except for the Elite Family Premium Membership, which allows for transfer within the family.

What Are the Conditions of Obtaining a Thai Elite Visa?

The conditions for obtaining a Thai Elite Visa include the following requirements:

Conditions for Applicant Qualifications

1. Applicants must hold a valid passport from their country of citizenship.
2. Applicants should have a clean criminal record, free from any serious offenses.
3. Individuals must not have been deported from any country.
4. Applicants should not have a history of overstaying visas in Thailand or any other country.
5. Individuals must not have filed for bankruptcy in the past.
6. Applicants must demonstrate sound mental health and capacity.
7. Applicants must not be citizens of countries currently under United Nations sanctions.
8. Age Requirements: Most Thailand Elite Visa programs do not have a particular age restriction. However, for the Elite Ultimate Privilege package, candidates must be at least 20 years old.

Does an Elite Visa require Income Qualification?

No, applicants for the Thailand Elite visa program are not required to meet specific income criteria. Instead, they are solely responsible for paying the membership fee, which varies between 900,000 Thai baht to 2.5 million Thai baht, depending on the selected package.

While there’s no income requirement, applicants must fulfill certain conditions to qualify as members, including not having been adjudicated bankrupt. This ensures that members possess a certain level of financial stability and responsibility, contributing to the overall integrity of the program.

Conditions for Nationality Restrictions:

Passport holders from the following countries are restricted for the Thai Elite Visa:

Afghanistan, Algeria, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Guinea, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Palestine, Republic of the Congo, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.

What Tiers of Memberships Programs Thai Elite Privilege Visa has?

The membership programs tiers offered by Thailand Elite are gold, platinum, diamond, and reserve, along with details about their validity, costs, and features.

How to Apply for Thai Elite Visa Membership?

The application process for Thai Elite Visa membership is divided into 5 main steps.

1. Pick Your Appropriate Elite Visa Membership

Choose the solo or family membership that fits your requirements and lifestyle.

2. Start Your Elite Visa Membership Application with Deposit Fees

Applicants can submit their applications online, accompanied by the necessary documentation, with the assistance of accredited General Sales and Services Agent (GSSA). Following submission, each application undergoes a thorough review by the agent who closely works with the Thailand Elite Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Immigration Bureau to do immigration and criminal background checks. The due diligence process may take 1 month for most nationalities and up to 3 months for special nationalities.

Once all documents are verified, applicants will be prompted to pay the application fee, which is an initial payment of 50,000 Baht, inclusive of VAT, required to initiate the application process. It’s imperative to note that this payment is non-refundable if the full membership payment isn’t completed within 30 days of receiving the invoice.

After submitting the application fee, it will be forwarded to the Immigration Bureau for processing, typically requiring one to three months. Remember that the application fee will be deducted from the total program fee upon approval. If the application is not approved, the fee will be refunded, subject to a processing fee.

What are the Required Documents for Thai Elite Visa Application?

To apply for Thailand Elite membership, you’ll need to prepare the following documents:

1. Copy of the profile page of your passport.
2. Colored national ID photo with a white background.
3. Duly accomplished Thai Elite Visa application form.
4. Signed PDPA form (Personal Data Protection Act).
5. Copy of proof of relationship for any family member applying with the main applicant.
6. Your passport must have at least 12 months of validity remaining from the date of application.
7. Additionally, your passport should have at least 3 blank pages. These pages are necessary for visa stamps and endorsements.

3. Approval Letter and Payment Fees

After the completion of the due diligence process, successful applicants will receive an approval letter along with instructions for remitting payment for the Thailand Elite Visa cost. The membership fee varies depending on the selected package, ranging from 900,000 Thai baht to 2.5 million Thai baht.

Applicants can pay the membership fee through various methods, including direct deposit, bank transfer, bitcoins, or cryptocurrency within 30 days. These options ensure flexibility and ease of payment for applicants, allowing them to proceed with securing their Thailand Elite Visa without hassle.

4. Acceptance Letter to Thai Elite Visa Membership

Upon completion of the payment, Thailand privilege card company limited will send a welcome letter, Elite Membership Number (EMN), and instructions on getting your visa.

5. Issuance of the Thai Elite Visa

To affix your Thailand Elite visa, you have 3 options:

1. At Thai Embassy or Consulate: You can affix your visa at a Thai embassy or consulate in your home country before traveling to Thailand.
2. Upon Arrival in Thailand: Alternatively, you can obtain your visa upon arrival in Thailand at designated airports such as Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, Phuket and Chiang Mai Airports.
3. Assistance from Thai Elite Privilege Agent: If you’re already in Thailand, your Thai Elite Privilege agent can arrange for your visa to be issued at the Immigration Bureau in Bangkok.

FAQ About Thailand Elite Visa

Can I Apply for a Thai Elite Visa Holding Education Visa?

Yes, alongside the standard application requirements for the Thai Elite Visa, if you’re holding an Education Visa and wish to apply for the Thai Elite Visa, there are additional documents, fees and procedures required.

Is a Member of Thai Elite Visa Required to do a 90-day report?

Yes, every member of the Thai Elite Visa program is required to complete the 90-day report, and receive a complimentary service for the 90-day report. This report is required for any foreign resident in Thailand for more than 90 consecutive days, regardless of visa type.

Is It Possible to Buy Landed Property For Thai Elite Visa Members?

Yes, Thai Elite Visa members are allowed to purchase landed real estate indirectly through a Thai company setup according to property law in Thailand.

Can I Secure a Home Loan with a Local Bank as a Member of Thai Elite Visa?

Yes, being a member of the Thai Elite Visa program allows you to get a home loan in Thailand. Foreigners can obtain these loans from several financers in Thailand.

Is there a Cheaper Long-Term Visa Stay for Foreigners Buying Property in Thailand?

Yes, a cheaper longer term visa stay for foreigners buying a property in Thailand is investment visa as Individuals seeking permanent residence via the Investment Visa must invest at least 10 million baht (about $320,000) in real estate, fixed deposit accounts, or Thai government bonds and it’s more cost-effective long-term residence option for foreigners looking to buy property in Thailand than the Thailand Elite Visa program.