Launched in 2003, the Thailand Privilege Card (also known as the Thailand Elite Visa) comes with its offerings and builds trust with a global audience.
It is a standard tourist visa that allows you to stay in the country for 90 days. Thailand Elite Residency Visa facilitates staying in Thailand for a long term without needing to leave the country every 90 days.
Thailand Elite Visa has over 31,000 members who aspire to extend their stay in this Southeast Asian paradise. In 2022, 11,846 applicants indicated a growing interest in the program.
So, let’s dive into this card together.
Thailand Elite’s Member Long Stay Visa
Having a Privilege Card, also called Thailand Elite Visa, means getting a multi-entry visa valid for 5, 10, or 15 years – even 20 years in some cases. With a long-stay visa, you can come and go from Thailand as you want without any hassle of frequent visa renewals.
Thailand Elite membership offers flexibility by providing a range of visa durations. If you want a longer commitment to Thailand, you can opt for the extended 15-year or even the rare 20-year option. However, it is important to remember that the plans start with the shorter 5-year visa.
The Thailand Privilege Visa program extends beyond mere residency. You gain access to Thailand’s high-quality healthcare system, ensuring peace of mind during your extended stay. Additionally, a world of exclusive privileges awaits, including
- dedicated concierge services,
- access to premium airport lounges and
- a network of partner businesses offering special discounts.
Elite Pass to Thailand
Thailand Elite Residency Visa offers a complete experience. It’s a gateway to a life of luxury and convenience in Thailand.
Thailand Elite also offers unique privileges for a VIP experience. In addition to long-term residency, here are some core features and benefits of obtaining an Elite Pass to Thailand:
- Fast Track Immigration: At major airports like Suvarnabhumi, Phuket, and Chiang Mai, you can bypass long queues as you will have priority.
- 24/7 Concierge Services: A personalized assistance will help you with everything from booking tours to finding the perfect restaurant.
- Exclusive Discounts: You will be covered by a network of partner businesses offering special discounts on luxury hotels, spas, golf courses, restaurants, and shopping experiences.
- Airport Assistance: Upon arrival, you will receive VIP treatment, including limousine services and assistance with luggage (depending on your membership tier).
Bonuses (depending on membership tier): Some tiers offer benefits like annual health checkups, investment and wealth advisory services, unlimited access to premium movie tickets, exclusive access to select golf courses, spa privileges, and even personal shopping assistance.
Advantages of Thai Elite Visa
Here are some of the advantages of Thai Elite Visa:
Long Stays & Convenience:
- Multi-entry visas are valid for 5, 10, or 15 years (a rare 20-year option available).
- No need for frequent visa renewals.
- One year extendable length of stay.
VIP Privileges & Savings:
- Fast-track immigration at major airports.
- Elite Personal Liaison (EPL) service is available for assistance concerning governmental processes.
- Exclusive discounts on luxury hotels, spas, golf courses, restaurants, and shopping.
- Access to a network of partner businesses for special deals.
Exceptional Experiences:
- 24/7 concierge services for personalized assistance.
- Airport limousine services and luggage assistance (depending on tier).
- Additional perks like health check-ups, investment consultations, and exclusive entertainment access (depending on tier).
Financial Ease:
- Ability to open multi-currency bank accounts in Thailand.
Local Integration:
- Assistance in obtaining a Thai driver’s license.
Thailand’s Elite Visa Requirements
The Thailand Elite Residency Program unlocks a world of advantages, and the program is quite selective about who gets this visa. The eligibility for Thailand Elite Membership requirements ensures the program caters to a specific clientele.
Here are the requirements:
- Financial Investment: The Thailand Elite program uses a tiered membership system, offering four cards at different prices.
- Foreign Passport: Only holders of valid passports from countries approved by Thailand can apply.
- Clean Background: Applicants must not have a record of bankruptcy or criminal convictions (except for minor offenses) and not have been declared a person of unsound mind, incompetence, or quasi-incompetence.
Immigration Status: You must be legally present in Thailand and have no history of overstaying visas.
Thailand Elite Visa Cost
There are four card types and each Thailand Privilege Card has different fees. Thailand Elite Visa Cost starts from THB 900,000 (equal to around 25,000 USD) and goes up to THB 5,000,000 (equal to around 136,000 USD).
The fee depends on the chosen visa duration and the package’s benefits, reflecting the program’s premium nature.
Membership Programs of Thai Elite Visa
The Thailand Privilege Residence Program proposes tiered memberships addressing different needs and budgets. The Gold Membership, being the most affordable and offering the shortest-term residency, costs THB 900,000 and grants a 5-year multi-entry visa.
Let’s discover your privileged options for a long stay in Thailand.
Thailand Privilege Visa Gold Membership
The Thailand Privilege Visa GOLD Membership is your gateway to living the Thailand dream for 5 whole years.
Unlike some other programs, there’s no age barrier, so it is perfect whether you are younger and adventurous or looking for a sunny retirement sanctuary. For a one-time fee of 900,000 Thai Baht, you’ll score a 5-year multi-entry visa, giving you the freedom to come and go.
Think of it as your key to peaceful days to come, with no annual fees to worry about after that initial investment. Plus, you’ll get 20 privilege points every year that you can redeem for perks like airport assistance or exclusive discounts, making your stay in Thailand even more enjoyable.
Here are the main points to know about the Thailand Privilege GOLD membership:
- Membership program validity of 5 years, including a multiple entry visa.
- It costs 900,000 Thai Baht (24,623 USD) with no annual fee.
- It provides 20 privilege points per year.
- No age restriction, but applicants under 20 need to provide parental authorization.
Thailand Privilege Visa Platinum Membership
The Thailand Privilege Visa PLATINUM Membership offers a truly VIP experience. This membership grants you a whopping 10-year stay in Thailand. That’s a decade of basking on untouched beaches and Thai culture!
Unlike the GOLD Membership, there is a minimum age requirement, but the benefits are outstanding for those who qualify. The cost is a step up at 1.5 million Thai Baht (41,024 USD)—no annual fees. For additional members, you will need to pay 1 million.
Plus, you will get 35 privilege points annually, redeemable for exclusive extras, such as fast-track access or exclusive discounts on luxury hotels and spas.
Here are the main points to know about the Thailand Privilege PLATINUM membership:
- The membership program is valid for 10 years, and it includes a 5-year multiple-entry visa that can be renewed for another 5 years.
- It costs 1,500,000 Thai Baht with no annual fee.
- It provides 35 privilege points per year.
- No age restriction, but applicants under 20 need to provide parental authorization.
Thailand Privilege Visa Diamond Membership
The DIAMOND Membership promises 15 years of living in Thailand. This program is open to all ages, so whether you’re dreaming of raising a family in Thailand or planning your luxurious retirement years, the DIAMOND Membership has you covered.
The price reflects the extended stay, with a 2.5 million Thai Baht (68,324 USD) fee without annual fees for the primary applicant and 1.5 million Thai Baht for additional members.
In addition to the long-term residency, you will get a royalty experience with 55 privilege points annually. These points can be redeemed for all sorts of amazing extras, making your life in Thailand even more comfortable and luxurious.
- The membership program is valid for 15 years, including a 5-year multiple-entry visa that you can renew for 5 years twice.
- It costs 2,500,000 Thai Baht (68,324 USD) with no annual fee.
- It provides 55 privilege points per year.
- No age restriction, but applicants under 20 need to provide parental authorization.
Thailand Privilege Residence Program: Time frame and Procedures
Thailand’s Privilege Residence Program makes getting settled more comfortable. Here’s how it goes:
1. Card Selection: Gold, Platinum, or Diamond? First things first, it is better to decide which membership tier is your perfect match. Think about how long you want to live in Thailand and what kind of VIP treatment tempts you most.
2. Online Application: The program has an online platform where you can submit your application from the comfort of your sofa. This user-friendly platform guides you through the process and facilitates the upload of necessary documentation.
3. Required Documents: A valid passport, bank statements to prove that you can afford this opportunity, and maybe a health certificate, depending on your tier. Having everything on hand makes the process easier.
4. Due Diligence Review: Once you submit your application, they do a quick check to make sure everything looks good on your end. This process verifies your financial standing and confirms a clear criminal and bankruptcy record. Think of it as a quick thumbs up before welcoming you to the club.
5. Program Fee Payment: Once everything checks out, it’s time to pay the membership fee for your chosen tier. This fee covers the cost of the visa and associated administrative processes.
6. Visa Processing: After you pay and they finish their checks, the Thai Immigration Bureau begins working on your visa. This usually takes 1-3 months, so you may need to be patient.
7. Welcome Letter & Visa Affixation: Once your visa is ready, you will get a welcome letter with your member ID and instructions on scheduling an appointment at a Thai embassy or consulate to get your visa stamped in your passport. This appointment officially grants you residency status in Thailand.
8. Program’s Beginning: It is time for your appointment to get that visa stamped. Then, you will be officially a Thailand Privilege member, ready to start your extended Thai adventure.
Please note that: According to the Immigration Bureau of Thailand, Thailand Elite Members are still required to submit a 90-day report if they continuously stay in the country without leaving for over 90 days. You can do this online, by mail, or by visiting the immigration office.
One more notice considering Thailand Elite Visa Tax Residency: People staying in Thailand for more than 180 days need to pay taxes. However, it depends on your conditions.
Dual Citizenship in Thailand
It is not difficult to get dual citizenship in Thailand. According to Thailand’s Nationality Act, Thai citizens, whether by birth, naturalization, or descent, are permitted to hold citizenship in another country concurrently.
It means that in some countries, you will not be forced to choose between your Thai passport and another one you might have. This is a significant shift from earlier legislation that was more restrictive, especially for Thai women who married foreigners in the past. But since 1992, things have loosened up.
However, while Thailand’s laws accept you as a double citizen, your other country might not be. Some places have stricter rules and might make you pick just one.
Conclusion
The Thailand Privilege Visa program caters to a global audience and provides a seamless pathway to extended stays in Thailand.
The program comes with a tiered structure, offering multi-entry visas valid for 5, 10, 15, or even 20 years. This flexibility facilitates to tailor your residency experience to your specific needs and long-term goals.
Once you are a member, you are greeted with exclusivity upon arrival. Expedited immigration processes, along with dedicated airport services, ensure a smooth transition into your new life. Furthermore, the potential for tax residency benefits (consult with a tax advisor) adds another charm.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Thai Elite Visa application process take?
The Thailand Elite Visa application process can take one to three months to complete. After you submit your application and documents, Thai authorities conduct a background check and process your visa, which usually takes four to twelve weeks.
Once your due diligence is approved, you can receive your membership ID and visa processing instructions within 5 to 10 working days.
What is the passport validity requirement for the Elite visa process?
According to the Immigration Bureau of Thailand, if your current passport expires before a five-year period, the Privilege Entry Visa will be affixed according to the expiration date stated on the passport.
However, upon renewal, the remaining visa validity can be transferred to a newly issued passport, ensuring continuity and minimizing disruption during the application process.
