The Thailand Elite Visa is a long-term visa given to Thailand Privilege Card members. It is categorized under Tourist Visa (Privilege Entry Visa or PE) allowing residency in Thailand along with benefits for a period between 5-20 years depending on the chosen package in exchange for a membership fee.
- The Thai Elite Visa is a 5-year renewable multiple entry visa with an extendable 1-year length of stay per each entry.
- The Thai Elite visa holder can have an uninterrupted stay in Thailand without the usual need to leave the country every 90 days as with the other visa types.
- The Elite Visa holder will be represented by the Thai Elite staff on the 90-day reporting as required by Thai Immigration.
- Thai Elite Visa holders will receive expedited immigration formalities and passport control processing when arriving in Thailand
Thailand Elite Applicant/Elite Member Qualifications
The applicant/member must have and maintain to have the following qualifications:
- Holder of a foreign passport
- Being allowed to stay in Thailand in accordance with the immigration laws, which means the applicant has no overstay record in Thailand
- No age limit is required for this program apart from the Elite Ultimate Privilege (Premium Package) which requires one to be at least 20 years old
- Not having been sentenced by a judgment to imprisonment in any country except for an offense committed to negligence
- Not having been adjudicated bankrupt
- Not having been declared as a person of unsound mind, incompetence, or quasi-incompetence
There are no health insurance and proof of financial resources requirements. ALL Thai Elite Visa memberships require a one-time payment based on the selected package.
The application for the Thai Elite Privilege Card membership and the Thai Elite Visa may take 1 to 3 months.
Step-by-Step Thailand Elite Visa Application Guide
1. Application for Membership and Background Check
Whether you are in Thailand or abroad or anywhere really, you can apply for the Thailand Elite Visa. The application process is straightforward; all you need to do is provide a scanned copy of your passport and complete the application form, which can be submitted to an authorized Thailand Elite Visa agent. Once received, the agent will work with the Thailand Elite Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Immigration Bureau of Thailand to facilitate immigration and conduct a thorough criminal background check.
The duration of the application process typically takes around 1 month for the majority of nationalities. However, for certain countries with specific requirements, the process may extend up to 3 months. Rest assured, the responsible agents and authorities will diligently carry out the necessary procedures to ensure a smooth and successful application process
2. Transfer of Elite Membership Fee
Once the applicant successfully clears the background check and their application is approved, they will receive instructions on how to make a membership fee payment. The amount varies depending on the chosen membership visa package, ranging from 600,000 to 2 million THB. The payment can be easily fulfilled through a bank transfer of your choice. Please note that a Thai bank account set-up service is included in every membership package.
3. Elite Membership Acceptance
After completing the payment or bank transfer, the applicant will receive the Membership ID and instructions on how to receive the visa.
4. Thailand Elite Visa Issuance
The Thai Elite member can affix the Thai Elite visa at the Thai embassy or consulate in their respective country. If it is not convenient for the applicant to collect the visa from the Thai embassy, it is also possible that the applicant obtains the Thai Elite Visa upon arrival in Thailand at the Suvarnabhumi Airport or Phuket International Airport. In the case that the Thai Elite member is in Thailand, the Thai Elite agent may arrange the visa issuance at the Immigration Bureau in Bangkok.
Thailand Elite Visa Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Thailand Elite Visa?
The Thai Elite Visa is a special visa introduced in 2003 by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports that aims to attract affluent visitors, businessmen, investors, and ex-pats to stay in Thailand long-term. It is a visa classified as a Privilege Entry Visa that is valid for 5 years with multiple entries without having to deal with so much paperwork or visits to the immigration office. The Thai Elite Visa holder will be allowed to stay in the country for up to 1 year on each visit.
How long is the Thai Elite Visa application process?
The Thailand Elite Membership and Thai Elite Visa application process may take 4 weeks to 3 months depending on the nationality of the applicant and in case of immigration or criminal record of the applicant.
Do any Thai Elite application documents need a notary stamp or to be certified?
No. It is optional for the Thai Elite Visa application forms and copy of passport to be notarised or to be certified. A scanned copy sent through email or a photocopy of these documents is sufficient.
What is the passport validity that is required for this Elite visa process?
Ideally, you need to have at least 5 years remaining in the validity of your passport. However, in case you have less than 5 years, the Thai Embassy or Immigration Bureau will affix the Thai Elite Visas based on the expiration date stated in your passport. The remaining validity of your visa will then be affixed to your new passport. It is also good to note that you need to have at least 3 blank pages in your passport.
Do I have to appear in person for the Thailand Elite Visa application?
No, it is not required to personally appear during the Thailand Elite membership application. You will be represented by a sales agent during the membership application. However, your presence is required during the visa issuance, whether at the Thai Embassy abroad, at Suvarnabhumi Airport, or at the Bangkok immigration office.
What are the required documents for application for the Thailand Elite Visa?
The required documents for the application for the Thai Elite membership are a copy of the profile page of your passport, a colored ID photo with white background, a duly accomplished Thai Elite Visa application form, and a copy of proof of relationship for any family member applying with the main applicant.
What is the income requirement for the Thailand Elite Visa?
There is no income requirement to hold the Thailand Elite Visa. The applicant only needs to pay the membership fee which will range from 600,000 to 2 million THB. Although there is no income requirement, one of the requirements to qualify as a member is that the applicant does not have an adjudicated bankruptcy.
How does the Thai Elite visa differ from the Thai Retirement visa?
The Thai Elite Visa differs from the retirement visa in such a way that the financial requirement or membership fee is non-refundable. The financial requirement for a retirement visa is deposited in the visa holder’s bank account as his/her own savings. The retirement visa must be renewed every year whereas the Thai Elite visa does not need to be renewed every year. Both the Thai Elite Visa and Retirement Visa require 90-day address reporting.
Do I have to pay income taxes in Thailand as a Thai Elite visa holder?
The Thai Elite Visa is a privileged visa that falls under the special tourist visa or privilege entry category. The Thai Elite Visa holder does not need to pay income taxes especially when the income was derived abroad. There are instances where a Thai Elite Visa holder may voluntarily pay income tax in Thailand.
Can Thai Elite Visa holders buy real estate in Thailand?
Just like other foreigners, Thai Elite Visa holders can own condominiums in their own name. If applicants wish to acquire land and build a house, they can obtain a long-term lease on the land (for up to 30 years). They must apply for a construction permit to build the house in their own name. This way applicants can own the house and have a secured long-term lease on the land.
Pros and Cons of Thailand Elite Visa
Pros
- Offers long duration of stay of 5-20 years
- Hassle-free and simple visa-renewing process
- No need to demonstrate financial and health insurance requirements annually
- Numerous lifestyle perks and benefits such as airport personal assistance, VIP lounge, expedite immigration service, spa, golf, and many more
Cons
- Large initial investment
- Since the Thailand Elite Visa is technically a special tourist visa, Thailand Elite Visa holders cannot physically work in Thailand but may own a business or work online as digital nomads. For more information, check out our Digital Nomads guide