The Elite Visa is the answer to those who want to live and work in Thailand but don’t want to deal with a lot of bureaucracy. It is a way for you to live, work and travel without having to deal with the hassles that long stayers have to endure on an annual basis.
With its rebranding and is now called Thailand Privilege, the program has recently launched its new membership packages that offers more benefits and an opportunity to secure a residence permit for up to 20 years in exchange for a membership fee of THB 900,000 to 5 million Baht with options available for 5, 10, 15, and 20 years. The program provides a variety of privileges and VIP services that can make your life in Thailand easier than ever before.
Aside from the visa, members of the Elite program receive a host of complimentary VIP benefits and services such as priority lanes at immigration checkpoints, fast-track airport service, exclusive invitations to Thai government events and other opportunities for business and leisure.
What are the New Thailand Elite Visa Packages?
Thailand Privilege Visa Gold Package
The Thailand Privilege Visa GOLD Package offers a robust 5-year membership validity with an accompanying 5-year multiple-entry visa at a cost of 900,000 Thai Baht without any recurring annual fees. Open to all ages, members will also accrue 20 privilege points each year.
Thailand Privilege Visa Platinum Package
For those seeking a more extended membership, the Elite Platinum Membership Package, alternatively known as the PLATINUM Package, is a viable option with a 10-year membership validity. This package includes a 5-year multiple-entry visa, renewable for an additional five years. The cost is set at 1.5 million Thai Baht for the main applicant and 1 million Thai Baht for additional applicants, with no annual fees. Members will receive 35 privilege points annually without any age restrictions on application.
Thailand Privilege Visa Diamond Package
On the other hand, the Elite Diamond Membership Package, or DIAMOND Package, extends the membership validity to 15 years. Within this period, members are provided with a 5-year multiple-entry visa that can be renewed twice. The main applicant will incur a cost of 2.5 million Thai Baht, while additional applicants are charged 1.5 million Thai Baht, both without annual fees. This package grants 55 privilege points per year, with no age limitations on applicants.
Thailand Privilege Visa Reserve Package
For individuals who receive exclusive invitations, the Elite Reserve Membership Package or RESERVE Package is available. This unique offering boasts a membership validity of 20 years or more, featuring a 5-year multiple-entry visa that can be renewed thrice throughout the 20-year period, with the possibility of reapplication after the initial term. With a price tag of 5 million Thai Baht (free of annual fees), members are provided with an impressive 120 privilege points per year. While there are no age restrictions, this package is accessible only to those who have received an invitation.
How to Apply for an Elite Visa in Thailand
To apply for the Thai Elite Visa or Thailand Privilege Visa, begin with the Application for Membership and Background Check step. This can be initiated whether you are residing in Thailand or another country. The process requires you to forward a digital copy of your passport and the completed application form to a certified Thai Elite Visa agent. This agent collaborates with various Thai authorities, including the Thailand Elite Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Immigration Bureau, to perform essential immigration and criminal background screenings. Typically, this comprehensive process spans approximately one month for the majority of nationalities, with special countries taking up to three months and the background checks alone requiring four to six weeks.
Upon the successful clearance of the background check and approval of the application, you will proceed to the Transfer of Elite Membership Fee phase. In this stage, applicants are required to remit the membership fee, which varies from 900,000 Thai baht to 2.5 million Thai baht, contingent upon the selected membership package. This fee is payable through a bank transfer, with applicants given a 30-day window to complete the transaction.
Following the successful payment of the membership fee, the Elite Membership Acceptance stage ensues. Applicants will receive a Membership ID and detailed guidance on visa acquisition, typically within 5 to 10 working days of the payment completion.
The final step, Thailand Elite Visa Issuance, occurs once the Membership ID is in hand. Applicants have the option of affixing the Thai Elite Visa at a Thai embassy or consulate in their home country. Alternatively, for those who find it inconvenient to visit the embassy, the Thai Elite Visa can be procured upon arrival at major Thai airports, including Suvarnabhumi, Chiang Mai, or Phuket. For applicants already in Thailand, visa issuance can be facilitated at the Immigration Bureau in Bangkok through coordination with a Thai Elite agent.
Buying Real Estate in Thailand
The most important benefit of the Elite Visa is that it allows you to own condos and other buildings in Thailand without having to have a land-lease. However, you will still need to pay taxes on any income that you earn from the real estate and other sources in Thailand.
In addition, you can also purchase a land-lease to build a house in Thailand as long as the land-lease is for at least 30 years and you will need to apply for construction permits. You can also invest in Thai companies and become a shareholder as long as you don’t do any managerial activities or sign legal documents.