As a member of the ASEAN sphere, Thailand garners an extraordinary amount of attention from tourists, entrepreneurs, and retirees. For one, the lower living costs relative to other nations, particularly countries within the western hemisphere, are often very appetizing to foreign nationals who simply want to use their earnings and life savings. No longer would one have to spend over $20 for a single meal. A single bottle of water that would cost around 3.50 Canadian dollars in Canada would cost barely even 25 cents here. Immigrate into Thailand with US dollars, Canadian dollars, UK pounds, or European euros among others and you’ll often find yourself living like a prince. Couple this with some majestic locales, exotic beaches, lush jungles, grandiose urban skyscrapers, awe-inspiring mountains, and a plethora of activities and shopping to do, and Thailand becomes incredibly attractive to even the pickiest of foreigners.
Those aspiring to move to Thailand long term could consider the Elite Superiority Extension membership, with its more affordable price tag and lower requirements, but others have amassed even more funds from overseas and want a far more luxurious lifestyle. If your life philosophy is that “money equates to happiness”, then the Elite Ultimate Privilege visa is a great choice for you. Leverage those hard-earned savings of yours to witness what it feels like to live a life of royalty in another country. Wear that Thailand Privilege on your sleeve with pride as the Elite Ultimate Privilege lets you risk a larger sum of money but for greater risk and reward. After applying, you will receive a 5-year multiple entry visa that’s renewable every 5 years for up to a total of 20 years, along with additional benefits such as free health checkups, dental appointments, VIP lounge access, and many more. Given this, it’s no surprise why so many retirees and businessmen have been applying for such a plan.
Features of Elite Ultimate Privilege Visa
Costs: 2 million THB (VAT included)
- Annual fee of 20,000 THB.
- Transfer fee: 20% of the prevailing rate.
- No additional renewal costs.
Conditions
- Visa holders of the Elite Ultimate Privilege membership will be able to transfer their membership to other parties for 20% of the prevailing rate.
- The Elite Ultimate Privilege is non-refundable. Thailand Privilege Card, Ltd. accepts no refunds after the payment is made.
Benefits
Holders of the Elite Ultimate Privilege membership are entitled to all the base benefits that come packaged when applying for any Thailand Elite Visa option. These include:
- 4 renewable, 5-year multiple-entry visas that can be extended every 5 years for up to 20 years.
- Can stay for up to 1 year per visit to Thailand (Elite Ultimate Privilege holders can extend it to up to 2 years per visit if requested).
- Access to the immigration fast-tracking lane for shorter wait times upon arrival.
- A government concierge service to drive visa holders to destinations in Bangkok.
- A friendly greeting and guidance from an Elite Personal Assistant upon arrival, who will escort you to the immigration fast track lane.
- Discounts at hotels, King Power Duty-Free branches, spas, golf courses, dining establishments, department stores, and shopping malls.
- Assistance with immigration services such as the 90-day reporting process.
- Guidance in the acquisition and expediting of a Thai Driver’s License.
- Guidance on how to open a Thai bank account.
- A chance to network with Thai businesses and start-ups.
- 24-7 phone support and security services in either English, Japanese, Korean, or Mandarin.
Additional Benefits
- Special golf and spa privileges at least 24 times per year.
- Annual health checkups at least once a year.
- Free oral health checkups.
- Access to exclusive VIP arrival and departure lounges.
- Access to special VIP airport services.
As a holder of the Ultimate Privilege visa, you also have the opportunity to apply for the Elite Flexible Plus membership. This converts your visa into a non-immigrant visa so you can be able to acquire a work permit in the country. More information on how to apply for the Flexible Plus membership can be found here: <insert link to general overview page>.
How to Apply for the Elite Ultimate Privilege Visa
Qualifications
To be fully qualified for the Thai Elite Visa program, the applicant must have:
- No overstays on their travel record within 3 years.
- Be granted the right to reside in Thailand according to Thai immigration law and any other related Thai law.
- Be a holder of a foreign passport from an eligible country or a visa holder in Thailand (Thai volunteer visas are not eligible).
- Have no criminal offenses or blacklists on record.
- Be required to provide medical documentation proving the applicant is of sound mind.
- At least a 1 year validity on your travel document/passport.
- Approval of a Thai Elite Visa application by the Thai Immigration Department.
- To disclose visa information and supporting documents (when requested) if holding a Non-O (volunteer), ED, or Non-Imm (medical treatment) visa.
- Not be a member of any of the restricted territories:
- Asia: North Korea, Afghanistan, Pakistan.
- Middle East: Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Libya, Palestine, Syria, Yemen.
- Africa: Central Africa, Cameroon, Congo, Democratic Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea of the Congo, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan.
- To apply for the Elite Family Premium visa, the applicant would need to be a current holder of an Elite Ultimate Privilege visa.
Application Procedure
You can apply for the Elite Ultimate Privilege visa by filling out the application form for that selected plan. Please follow these steps to acquire the visa:
Steps in applying for Elite Ultimate Privilege Visa:
- Select the Thailand Elite Visa package of your own choice. Select “Elite Ultimate Privilege” and you will be directed over to that package’s page where you can click on the link titled “Apply now” to be taken to the main application page and download the application form.
- Prepare all necessary documentation needed to apply for membership. This includes:
- Application form for chosen membership plan.
- Scanned copy of your passport/travel document.
- An updated picture (in color) of yourself in passport format.
- Proof of relationship/marriage certificate/birth certificate (required for the family plan options).
- Next, you will need to fill out the online form for the Elite Ultimate Privilege visa depending on your option.
- As the application is fully online, you can complete it while living remotely overseas.
- You may also be required to clear your criminal record and background checks. Once you have submitted your application, it will automatically be submitted for approval at the Thai Government Office, so no extra work is needed for this.
- After the application has been filled out and sent, immigration services will be reviewing it before granting approval. If successful, you should receive an email from immigration services with the approval letter attached and payment instructions. The wait time is between 4-6 weeks.
- Follow the instructions in that email to make your final payment. Be sure to save the receipt of payment as you will be required to send it directly to Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd as proof that a payment has been processed. Payment can be accepted through many means, such as credit card or bank transfer.
NOTE: For more information on how to pay for the Thai Elite Visa, please visit our “How to pay for Thai Elite Visa” page.
- Once successful, you can now officially activate your membership. Within 5 days, you will receive an email from Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd with a welcome letter and your membership ID.
- Request an appointment with your nearest Royal Thai Consulate, Airport, or Immigration Office (if in Thailand) to attach your Thailand Elite visa to your travel document at least 5 days after activating your membership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Elite Ultimate Privilege visa recommended for?
The Elite Ultimate Privilege is a stronger, albeit pricier option for individuals who find themselves wanting to move into Thailand for a much longer period of time. This can involve a wide range of people, but most notably has amassed popularity amongst businessmen, investors, and retirees. Despite the high price tag, this option negates that risk with its greater rewards offerings. Out of all the choices, the Elite Ultimate Privilege visa is the most prestigious. Having the Elite Ultimate Privilege visa also gives visa holders a chance to apply for the Elite Family Premium visa.
Can I apply for a Thai Elite Visa outside Thailand?
Yes. The Thai Elite Visa application is all online, so you will be able to complete the whole application procedure remotely.
What is Thailand Privilege?
The Thailand Privilege Card, Ltd. was set up as a subsidiary of the Thailand Ministry of Tourism and Sport. Their main intentions are to provide a more streamlined approach for non-Thais to be able to either travel to or immigrate to Thailand.
What is Thailand Privilege’s role in the Thailand Elite Visa?
The Thailand Privilege Card, Ltd. is responsible for curating the Thailand Elite Visa as an easier and more relaxing approach for foreigners and expats to travel, reside in, or immigrate to Thailand without any of the downsides packaged with visa applications.
How do I send confirmation of payment details over to Thailand Privilege?
Payment confirmation details can be sent over to Thailand Privilege via email. After your payment has gone through, you can copy, photograph or save your invoice and send it over to Thailand Privilege as an attachment via email.
Are you required to be of a certain age to acquire the visa?
In order to apply for the Elite Ultimate Privilege option, you need to be at least 20 years of age or older. This is because the Elite Ultimate Privilege stream is catered more towards adults who are either ready to retire or aspire to set up a business in Thailand.
Are there any additional work, income, or study-related requirements I need to meet before I can acquire the visa?
No. A huge benefit of applying for the Elite Ultimate Privilege visa is that there are no requirements needed pertaining to employment, income, or school. If you meet all the requirements listed under the qualification section, then you’ll be able to obtain your visa without any issues.
Can you change to a different package?
If you aren’t pleased with the current offerings provided by this plan, you can apply for a different option instead. If you want to change to a different plan, you would need to cancel the current plan you’re on and apply for your desired option with an entirely new application and background check.
If I’ve lived in Thailand for a year but my visa is still valid, can I return?
Holders of one of Thailand Privilege’s Thai Elite Visas are required to stay in Thailand for no more than a year (or 2 if requested). While you will need to leave the country before a year is up, you can still return back to Thailand a day later so long as your visa is still valid.
Can I own a house, condominium, or property in Thailand on a Thai Elite Visa?
Having a Thai Elite Visa does give you permission to own a condominium within the country, however, you are not permitted to own land.
I am on a tourist visa, would I be eligible to apply for the Elite Ultimate Privilege visa?
Yes, holders of tourist visa are eligible to apply for Thai Elite Visas. There are no restrictions imposed on applicants holding a tourist visa.
I am on a Thai work permit, would I be eligible to apply for the Elite Ultimate Privilege visa?
No, as Thai Elite Visas are considered tourist visas, and having a work permit classes you as a non-immigrant visa holder. This is because Thailand forbids holding two different types of visas simultaneously.
Can I work on a Thai Elite Visa?
No, Thai Elite Visas are classified as tourist visas. You will need to hold a Thai work permit to be able to legally work in Thailand. Another alternative option is to apply for the Flexible Plus addon which converts your Thai Elite Visa into a non-immigrant visa which will give you the right to work legally within the country.
When can I extend my visa?
The Elite Ultimate Privilege offers 4 5-year multiple-entry visas that can be extended every 5 years. This would mean you will need to extend your visa thrice before the first 5 years are up so the entire duration totals up to 20 years. You won’t be able to extend it past 20 years, so you will need to apply for a new visa.
I applied for the Flexible Plus plan to be able to work in Thailand, can I still utilize my Thai Elite Visa?
If you have applied for the Flexible Plus plan, you will be classed as using a non-immigrant visa but will be able to use the benefits of the Elite Ultimate Privilege visa you applied for.
I want to pay for the Elite Ultimate Privilege visa, but I do not have a local bank account. What should I do?
If you are unsure as to whether or not your current bank is supported, please reach out to a Thai Elite Visa agent or contact our customer support staff.
Do I need a certain minimum sum of money in my bank account to be eligible?
No. As long as you have the funds to make the full payment for the application, there is no minimum number of funds you need to have within your account.
I am on a volunteer visa, would I be eligible to apply for the Elite Ultimate Privilege visa?
No, unfortunately, applicants on a volunteer visa are not eligible to apply for Thai Elite Visas.
Why is my country on the “restricted countries” list?
Countries blacklisted from being eligible for the Thai Elite Visa are based on the results found on the UN Sanction List. If you are from any of these territories and still want to apply, we do encourage you to still fill out the application form, though we urge you to get in touch with a Thai Elite Visa agent to discuss what steps are needed.
Can I use my Thai Elite Visa discount perks at any restaurants, shopping malls, etc?
You can only use these perks at Thailand Elite Visa partner establishments (for example: King Power Duty-Free stores).
How do I use my Thai Elite Visa discount benefits?
You can reach out to any of the Thailand Elite Visa partner restaurants, spas, golf courses, shopping malls, etc, and present your Thai Elite Visa card. You will then be allowed to utilize any perks and discounts within that location.
Can I apply for permanent residency status?
Thai Elite Visa holders cannot apply for PR status in Thailand as they do not hold a non-immigrant visa or a work permit. To qualify for PR status you would either need to apply for the Flexible Elite Plus membership or attain non-immigration status.
Would I be required to pay taxes while on a Thai Elite Visa?
No, Thai Elite Visa holders do not have to pay taxes while residing in Thailand. However, they may be subjected to overseas taxes if they are receiving income internationally. Visa holders, however, can be considered a tax resident and are eligible to apply for a TIN (Tax Identification Number). As Thai Elite Visa Agents are not experts in areas pertaining to taxation, you are urged to reach out to tax advisors in Thailand or your country of residence for any tax-related assistance.
Can I share the benefits of this visa with non-Thai Elite Visa holders?
Yes. Visiting friends and family members can enjoy the benefits of the Thailand Elite Visa while in the country.
Will I be eligible for a certificate of residence?
Yes, Thai Elite Visa holders can apply for a certificate of residence if requested. The certificates will only be in Thai, so you would need to hire a translator to convert them to English.
Would I be able to delay the start date of my Thai Elite Visa?
You won’t be able to delay the start date of your new visa, however, you can delay the payment date once you’ve received your payment instructions.
I’ve made a mistake with my Thai Elite Visa package choice, can I change to a new one?
If you want to change to a new package without having to apply again as a new applicant, you can only do so before you’ve paid for your current package. Once a payment has gone through, you cannot switch and would need to cancel and apply for a new one.
I have some more questions, but they aren’t under the FAQs.
If you have any questions that you can’t find answers to, we highly encourage you to reach out to one of our Thai Elite Visa agents. Our contact information can be found above under the “contact us” section.