Thailand Elite Visa
What is the Thailand Elite Visa?
The Thailand Elite Visa is a long-term tourist visa offered through the Privilege Entry Visa program, which is managed by Thailand Privilege Card Company Limited, a fully owned subsidiary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
Thailand Elite Visa Program
The Thailand Elite Visa program aims to attract affluent and high-income foreigners by offering a privileged entry visa, providing the opportunity to obtain a long-term, multiple-entry visa, and the right to reside in the country for up to 20 years. This program is designed for individuals such as digital nomads seeking to avoid frequent visa runs, retirees looking to avoid the stress of constantly changing regulations, and investors or business professionals who need to travel in and out of Thailand multiple times per year.
Benefits of Thailand Elite Membership
Thailand Elite members enjoy the advantage of staying in Thailand without the usual requirement to leave every 90 days or complete visa runs, unlike other visa types.
Elite Members gain access to exclusive perks, including personalized assistance through the Elite Personal Assistant (EPA) service upon arrival and departure.
Thai Elite Visa holders can also request a staff member to handle their 90-day reporting to Thai Immigration Authorities on their behalf.
Additionally, they benefit from expedited immigration procedures and fast passport control processing upon arrival in Thailand.
Other perks include airport transportation, complimentary golf green fees, spa treatments, annual health check-ups, and a variety of discounts and special experiences at shopping centers, hotels, resorts, and restaurants.
Qualifications for Thailand Elite Visa
To qualify for a Thailand Elite Visa, applicants must meet and maintain the following criteria:
- Hold a foreign passport
- Be permitted to stay in Thailand under immigration laws, with no record of overstaying in the country
- No age limit applies to this program
- Have not been convicted and sentenced to imprisonment in any country, except for offenses committed through negligence
- Have not been declared bankrupt
- Have not been declared mentally unsound, incompetent, or quasi-incompetent
Are There Any Nationality Restrictions for the Thailand Elite Visa?
Individuals of all nationalities, except North Korea, are eligible to apply for the Thailand Privilege Card Membership.
Thai Elite Visa Cost
The cost of a Thai Elite Visa depends on the selected membership program, each offering varying validity, benefits, and fees. Below are the details of the available membership options:
Note: From September 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, applicants are not required to pay the 50,000 THB application fee before starting their background check.
How to Obtain a Thailand Elite Visa
1. Start Your Application and Due Diligence Process
You can begin the Thailand Elite Visa application from anywhere, whether you’re in Thailand or abroad. Simply send a scanned copy of your passport, a passport-sized photo, a signed PDPA form, and a completed application form to an accredited General Sales and Services Agent (GSSA), such as Legal Planet. The agent will coordinate with the Thailand Elite Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Immigration Bureau to conduct immigration and criminal background checks. The due diligence process typically takes about 1 month for most nationalities and up to 3 months for certain nationalities.
2. Approval and Payment of Membership Fee
Once the due diligence is completed, you’ll receive an approval letter along with payment instructions for the Thailand Elite Visa membership fee. The fee varies depending on the membership package selected, ranging from 900,000 Thai Baht to 2.5 million Thai Baht. Payment can be made via local or international bank transfer or through online payment methods.
3. Membership Acceptance and Visa Issuance
Upon payment, you will receive your Membership ID and instructions for affixing your Thailand Elite Visa. If you are arriving in Thailand, you can affix the visa at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Phuket, or Chiang Mai Airports. If you are already in Thailand, the Thailand Elite agent may assist in canceling your previous visa and issuing the Thailand Elite Visa at the Immigration Bureau in Bangkok.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thai Elite Visa Membership Is there an income requirement for the Thai Elite Visa?
No, the Thai Elite Visa does not require a specific income level. As long as you can pay for the chosen membership package and have not been declared bankrupt, you are eligible.
Is there an age limit for applicants?
There is no age limit for applicants. Anyone can apply for a Thai Elite Visa regardless of age.
What documents are needed to apply for the Thai Elite Visa?
Applicants must submit the following:
• Completed Thailand Elite Visa application form
• Signed PDPA Form
• Profile page of passport (in color, with signature)
• Passport-sized photo (high resolution, white background)
• For family applications, proof of relationship to the primary visa holder
How long does the application process take?
The application process typically takes between 1 to 3 months, including a 4-to-6-week background check. However, processing times may vary depending on nationality and location.
What is the minimum passport validity required for the Thai Elite Visa?
Your passport must have at least 12 months of validity remaining and 3 empty pages when applying.
What if my passport is not valid for 5 years?
If your passport’s validity is less than 5 years, the visa will be issued to match your passport’s expiration date. Once you receive a new passport, you can update your visa sticker with the remaining validity period.
Can I apply for the Thai Elite Visa while holding a tourist visa?
Yes, as long as you haven’t overstayed your tourist visa, you can switch to a Thai Elite visa.
Can I apply for a Thai Elite Visa if I hold a work permit?
No, you must cancel your work permit and Non-Immigrant visa before applying for the Thai Elite Visa, as it is a tourist visa.
Can I work while holding a Thai Elite Visa?
You can work by applying for a non-immigrant work visa. However, you cannot hold both a non-immigrant visa and a Thai Elite Visa simultaneously.
Do I need to do the 90-day report as a Thai Elite Visa holder?
Yes, you are still required to complete the 90-day report. However, you can request assistance from the Thailand Elite help center to handle it on your behalf, using privilege points for this service.
What happens if I fail to do the 90-day report?
Failure to do the 90-day report on time results in a late fee of 2,000 THB during the next reporting.
Do I need a visa for my child to stay with me in Thailand?
Yes, children under the age of 15 still need a visa to stay in Thailand, although they will not face an overstay penalty if they are under this age.
Can someone with a Thai Elite Visa purchase property in Thailand?
Yes, you can own a condominium but cannot own land. You can lease land and build on it, but the land itself must be leased.
Why Choose Legal Planet as Your Thailand Elite Visa Agent?
As an authorized General Sales and Services Agent (GSSA) for Thailand Elite membership in Thailand and a member of The Paralegal Association, Legal Planet offers a comprehensive and reliable service for your Thailand Elite Visa application. By choosing us as your agent, you will benefit from:
- Professional, Fast, and Accurate Service
- Cost-effective and Efficient Solutions
- Over 50 experienced in-house document assistants working for you
- 24/7 VIP phone line for legal and immigration concerns (priceless)
- 2 hours of legal consultation with our legal advisor (worth 10,000 THB)
- 2 hours of immigration consultation (worth 6,000 THB)
- Complimentary Notary Public service for one document (worth 3,000 THB)
- Free Bank Account Opening service (worth 5,000 THB)
- Discounts for future years (worth 5,000 THB)
- Business Registration Service (worth 3,000 THB)
- Complimentary taxi fare (worth 1,000 THB)
Trust Legal Planet for expert guidance and exceptional service throughout your Thailand Elite Visa journey!