Thailand Elite Visa: What You Should Know Before Applying
Before you apply for a Thailand Elite Visa, learn everything you can about it so you can get the most out of it.
What is Thai Elite Visa and who is it suitable for?
Thai Elite Visa as know as Privilege Entry Visa is a long-term visa for foreigners who want to make Thailand their second home or stay in Thailand for a longer period of time. The validity duration to stay on this visa could be 5, 10, or 20 years depending on the program that you apply for. It also allows you to skip the 90-day reporting and visa extensions of stay.
Whether you’re an expat, retiree, or an investors, Thai Elite Visa is the perfect choice for the visa with the best match for people who travel to Thailand multiple times a year and prefer not to deal with complicated bureaucracy.
This article will provide an introduction about what do you need to know before applying for Thailand Elite Visa. We’ll guide you through each Thailand Elite Visa, detailing the basic information that you need to know and before apply for your best benefits along with your considerations.
Key Points
- Suitable for people who travel to Thailand multiple times a year.
- Long-term stay without the headaches of bureaucracy.
- Thai Elite visas have various benefits for members while living in Thailand.
Restriction for Elite Visa membership
Although Thai Elite Visa members enjoy a number of exclusive benefits, there are some restrictions that everyone should be aware of. First, the members are not allowed to get a work permit, which means the members can’t work in Thailand. Second, some types of memberships are not allowed to access some benefits.
However, Elite Visa membership conditions allow its members to hold or invest shares in the company. The members also can buy cars, condos, or villas, whether for residential or investment purposes, open a Thai bank account and get a driving license.
Requirements for application
The requirements for applying for a Thai Elite Visa are much simpler than those for other visas, which require applicants to adhere to the specific requirements. All that is required of Thai elite visa applicants is the payment of the application fees in full, as well as annual fees for some members. Check out a few more requirements that are very common in the section below.
1. You must be in violation of Thai law.
2. You must be holding a foreign passport.
3. You must have a clean criminal background in any country.
4. You should not have a history of bankruptcy.
5. You do not have any mental illness.
6. You have never overstayed more than twice or on the blacklist from Thai immigration.
Get to know Thai Elite Visa before applying for the membership.
What is the difference between Thailand retirement visa and an elite visa?
The Thailand Retirement Visa and Thailand Elite Visa are two visas designed to meet different needs and lifestyle preferences. The Retirement Visa is for retirees, but the Elite Visa is for well-off people wanting long-term residency with special VIP advantages.
The retirement visa requires completing financial conditions and paying lesser costs, whereas the Elite Visa provides longer terms (5-20 years) with no yearly renewals. Benefits include the ability to stay in Thailand for retirement purposes, numerous entry, and health insurance. Work restrictions include a 90-day reporting period to Thai immigration. The Elite Visa provides VIP services, health screenings, discounts on wellness programmes, and business networking opportunities. The retirement visa is more straightforward, focused on residency rather than added amenities.
Join the membership and get exclusive benefits in Thailand with Thai Elite Visa.
How to get Elite Visa in Thailand
You can apply for it from anywhere, including The Thaiger; all you have to do is contact one of the Thai Elite Visa agents, send the required documents, and the agent will handle the rest of the process and work with Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The following are the steps to follow when applying for a Thai elite visa.
1. Contact an Accredited Agent: Begin by reaching out to an accredited Thai Elite Visa agent. These agents facilitate the application process and work with relevant Thai government authorities.
2. Submit Required Documents: Provide the necessary documentation, typically including a soft copy of your passport and a completed application form. The agent will then initiate background checks in collaboration with the Thailand Elite Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Immigration Bureau.
3. Pass Background Check: Await the results of the immigration and criminal background check, which may take up to 3 months. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, including having a clean criminal record and meeting other specified requirements.
4. Pay Membership Fee: Once your application is approved, you’ll be instructed to transfer the membership fee. The fee varies depending on the chosen membership package, ranging from 600,000 baht to 2 million baht.
5. Receive Membership ID: Upon completing the payment, you’ll receive a membership ID along with instructions on how to proceed further.
6. Obtain Visa: Visit the Thai embassy or consulate in your home country to obtain the Thai Elite visa. You’ll need to submit your passport, and after processing, return to collect it on the designated day.
Elite Visa membership packages
1. Gold Membership – A 5-year membership program granting a multi-entry visa for the same duration, complemented by a suite of privileges designed to enhance and simplify your life in Thailand.
2. Platinum Membership – A 10-year membership that includes a visa valid for the entire duration, along with a wealth of exclusive privileges. Enrol with your family and enjoy a 500,000THB discount per family member.
3. Diamond Membership – A 15-year membership that includes a visa valid for the entire duration, along with a wealth of exclusive privileges. Enroll with your family and enjoy a 1M THB discount per family member.
4. Reserve Membership – An exclusive, invitation-only 20-year membership. Experience the pinnacle of Thailand Elite offerings with unparalleled services, reserved for a select few.