Thailand Elite Visa
Culture-rich, Thailand is a vibrant country for foreign nationals of any age to discover. With the Thailand Elite Visa, foreign nationals can gain a privilege entry visa to frequently access or reside in Thailand for 20 years.
This residence program includes exclusive services and VIP benefits. Find out the three most popular ways to enjoy Thailand on your own terms with tax advantages and elite easy access to the best of the country.
Why Choose Thailand?
With a tropical climate and bustling cities, Thailand has long been a staple travel destination. Many foreign nationals remark on the cheap cost of living and the relaxed lifestyle found in the country. In the major cities, it is easy to find a community of working or retired expats from all over the globe.
This Asia-Pacific destination has many benefits for foreign nationals wanting to enjoy life’s luxuries while stretching their wealth’s value. Through the Thailand Elite Visa program, the option to frequently visit or reside in Thailand has never been easier. The program comes with a range of exclusive benefits for members as well, giving them more advantages than traditional residency visas.
Thailand Country Profile
Short History: Thailand is a land of fascinating history as ancient kingdoms merged or dominated in the region over many centuries. The earliest humans in the region have been speculated to have lived there over 1 million years ago.
The most influential of the ancient kingdoms are the Ayutthaya Kingdom and the Burmese. The current Chakri Dynasty arose in 1792 and continues to play a significant role in the culture of Thailand. Known as the “Land of Smiles,” Thailand is well known for its warmth towards foreign visitors.
Taxes: Paying taxes in Thailand will largely depend on if a foreign national uses the Thailand Elite Visa program to reside in Thailand or simply visit. Non-residents are only subject to pay taxes on income made within the country. As a resident, you can transfer foreign income tax-free 1 year after this income has been generated.
Tax residents pay income tax from income sourced within the country and on foreign income remitted into Thailand. Personal income tax rates go up to 35% progressively (150,000 THB ~ 4,500$ tax exempt). The corporate income tax rate is 20%. There are no local government income taxes.
Advantages & Disadvantages: There are many advantages to moving or traveling frequently to Thailand. The culture is warm and friendly and the climate is good for exploring year-round. There is also a variety of housing options to fit any budget or lifestyle preference. Thailand has long been a favored holiday destination and as a result, foreign nationals will find a multicultural population in the major cities.
However, outside of major foreign neighborhoods, there is less English available. There is lots to enjoy in Thailand, from the natural scenery, upbeat nightlife, or taking in the cultural landmarks and cuisine. While Thailand is cost-effective for those wanting to get the most out of their money, imports and some rental properties can be quite expensive or add up quickly over time.
Languages: Thai is the official language of the country but English is widely spoken, especially in areas frequented by foreign nationals.
Healthcare: With the launch of a brand new universal healthcare program funded through taxes in 2001, Thailand has been getting international recognition for its quality of services and treatments. By 2011, 98% of Thailand’s population had access to healthcare and three quarters were covered through the program. In 2009, Thailand ranked 6th for the best healthcare in the world.
In 2020, the government announced a new healthcare program for long-term residents over the age of 50 who will qualify for healthcare insurance coverage under the universal program, allowing those who retire to ensure that medical costs are covered by purchasing the policy.
Retirement: Retired foreign nationals who decide to reside in Thailand enjoy the sunny weather and affordable cost of living. Most live on 1,000-2,000 USD a month.
There are three ways to get a retirement visa in Thailand
- prove a minimum monthly income of 2,000 USD (65,000 Baht)
- have a bank account with at least 26,000 USD (800,000 Baht)
- provide a combination of the two that equals 26,000 USD (800,000 Baht)
With the new healthcare insurance policies for retired foreign nationals that stay in Thailand long-term, the country is ideal for making the most out of retirement.
Come to Thailand
Worlds away and yet connected like never before, Thailand is a thrilling journey waiting to be discovered. Our team members can assist you in expanding your horizons!
Thailand Elite Visa Program Highlights
The top tier of the program allows for foreign nationals to gain a temporary residence permit for 20 years. Other options grant 10 and 5-year visas for those unsure about their long-term plans.
Exclusive privileges range from spa and golf gifts, airport perks, and even discounts through supporting partners of the program.
From start to finish, the Thailand Elite Visa program only takes one month to complete. Foreign nationals can begin enjoying their complimentary services right away.
While this is a temporary residency program, there are options for securing permanent residency in Thailand. However, with a 20 year, transferable temporary residence permit, and many additional benefits only for this program, the Thailand Elite Visa program may be more advantageous than permanent residency options.
Not only is the cost of the visa program affordable, so is life within the country. In the long-term, foreign nationals can save money without sacrificing luxuries.
There are 7 options to get residency through this program. They vary on cost, family inclusion, tiers of in-country benefits, and length of residency status. Everyone will be able to find an option suitable for their needs.
Through the Thailand Elite Visa program, a foreign national can come and go to Thailand at their own desired pace. There is no minimum length or maximum length of stay in the requirements.
Thailand maintains a low cost, high quality of life reputation, and everyone from digital nomads to retired foreign nationals find the country a vibrant destination full of opportunities without the stress of everyday expenses.
Thailand is a thriving business market with lots of job opportunities and a unique Asian location. Entrepreneurs can find business options in Thailand or simply enjoy the country for extended holidays. Digital nomads can base their residence and travel out of the country, allowing them to cheaply and quickly fly to other Asian or international destinations.
What Are the Requirements?
Included in the application, an applicant must have:
- A copy of the biodata page in a foreign passport
- A high-resolution, colored passport-sized photo (copy or digital)
- Copies of birth certificates and marriages certifications if applying as a family
- A passport with more than six months of validity and three blank pages
- All documentation in English, and notarized if translated
It is also important to note that an applicant cannot have previously overstayed a visa in Thailand.
Thailand Elite Visa Residency Programs
Once an applicant has received their residency permit, they may come and go from Thailand as much as they wish. They can decide to stay in Thailand for an extended vacation or reside in Thailand for the full 20 years, or length of their visa program. The only condition is that a foreign residency holder must notify the immigration office if they are choosing to stay in the country for a continuous period over 90 days.
The Thailand Elite Visa program is not permanent residency and does not lead to permanent status or citizenship. Permanent residence is an option when a foreign national holds a non-immigrant visa for a minimum of 3 years. Thai citizenship can be applied for once a foreign national has maintained a permanent residency for 10 consecutive years.
NEW: Since 2022, under the Elite Card’s NEW Flexible Plus Program (valid for 10 years), holders are now able to obtain a work permit for Thailand at a cost of 32 Million Thai Baht (~989,000 USD). Without this, Elite Card Holders are NOT allowed to work in Thailand. Contact the investment immigration experts at Immigration Explorer for more information.
There are seven options to gain a Thai temporary residence permit, but three programs are the most popular options.
Elite Ultimate Privilege: The Thailand Elite Ultimate Privilege residence visa is granted for 20 years. A foreign investor pays a one-time membership fee of 65,000 USD (2 million THB). Then an additional annual fee of 650 USD (20,000 THB). Prices do not include VAT of 10%.
Travel benefits include unlimited airport transfers on international flights to airport, residence, or hotel, expedited immigration formalities, access to exclusive airport lounges, and VIP welcome and assistance.
Other privileges include 24 complimentary golf green fees and 24 complimentary spa treatments per year. The visa also allows for one annual health check-up for the foreign national at a private hospital in Thailand. There are also discounts through their partners, such as hotels and restaurants. This residency visa is also transferable to another person for a one-time transfer fee of 20% of the membership costs, not including VAT. The new visa holder will be granted residency status for the remainder of the visa’s validity.
Elite Privilege Access: The Thailand Elite Privilege Access residence visa is granted for 10 years. A foreign investor pays a one-time membership fee of 32,000 USD (1 million THB). Each additional family member is 25,000 USD (800,000 THB). There are no annual fees. Prices include VAT.
Travel benefits include 18 complimentary airport transfers on international flights to airport, residence, or hotel, expedited immigration formalities, access to exclusive airport lounges, and VIP welcome and assistance. There are also discounts through their partners, such as hotels and restaurants. The visa also allows for one annual health check-up for the foreign national within Thailand.
The Thailand Elite Superiority Extension is a similar visa program option in costs and grants a 20-year residency permit instead of the 10 through this program. The membership fee is also 32,000 USD (1 million THB). However, there are no complimentary airport transfers or annual health check-ups. The Elite Privilege Access program tends to be more popular.
Elite Easy Access: The Thailand Elite Easy Access residence visa is granted for 5 years. A foreign investor pays a one-time membership fee of 20,000 USD (600,000 THB). Prices include VAT.
Travel benefits include 24 complimentary airport transfers on international flights to airport, residence, or hotel, expedited immigration formalities, access to exclusive airport lounges, and VIP welcome and assistance. There are also discounts through their partners, such as hotels and restaurants. Membership can also be upgraded for an additional 48,000 USD (1.5 million THB), excluding VAT, for full membership status.
Alternative Residency by Investment Program to the Thailand Elite Visa
While the Thailand Elite Visa extends for several years, it is only a temporary residence permit. Foreign investors who are seeking a permanent residence should consider applying through a different Residency by Investment program in Thailand.
Foreign nationals will need to invest 320,000 USD (10 million THB) in a real estate property that is both new and approved by the Thai government. Other methods include investing this same minimum into government bonds or into a Thai bank account.
With this route, permanent residency is established, does not expire, and can be renewed every ten years. Although if an investor is planning to travel abroad, a re-entry permit will need to be obtained beforehand.
One of the benefits of this option is that business investors and entrepreneurs can set up a business in Thailand through the permanent residency program.
Costs at a Glance
Elite Ultimate Privilege (20 Year Visa)
Membership Fee: 64,000 USD (2 million THB)
Annual Fee: 650 USD (20,000 THB)
VAT: 10% (Currently 7% until 30 September 2021 due to Covid-19)
Total: 65,000 USD (2,400,000 THB) + VAT
ROI Estimated (rented out): 1%
Elite Privilege Access (10 Year Visa)
Membership Fee: 32,000 USD (1 million THB)
Annual Fee: none
VAT: Included
Total: 32,000 USD (1 million THB)
ROI Estimated (rented out): 1%
Elite Superiority Extension (10 Year Visa)
Membership Fee: 32,000 USD (1 million THB)
Annual Fee: none
VAT: Included
Total: 32,000 USD (1 million THB)
ROI Estimated (rented out): 1%
Elite Easy Access (5 Year Visa)
Membership Fee: 20,000 USD (600,000 THB)
Annual Fee: none
VAT: Included
Total: 20,000 USD (600,000 THB)
ROI Estimated (rented out): 1%
Click here to Get Your Thailand Elite Visa!
The Thailand Elite Visa lets you do and see more. Get further than you ever imagined with this one-of-a-kind travel residency program!