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Exploring the Thailand Elite Visa: Big Changes Coming
24/08/2023
The Thailand Elite visa has been the best choice for those who wish to stay long-term in Thailand. However, the Thai authorities have announced their decision to raise the price due to increasing demand. Therefore, anyone interested in applying for the Thailand Elite should do so as soon as possible.
This guide will walk you through the upcoming changes, benefits, application process, and costs associated with the Thailand Elite Visa.
Key points
- The price for the Thailand Elite visa will increase in October 2023.
- The current membership packages for the Thailand Visa Elite will not be available for application after September 15, 2023.
- New membership packages will be available from October 1, 2023.
- Thailand Elite Visas are long-term visas for foreign nationals (from 5 to 20 years), and offer holders incentives such as Tax exemptions and a Streamlined process for opening a bank account and credit card.
What is the Thailand Elite Visa?
The Thailand Elite Visa is a special program designed to provide long-term visas to foreign nationals who want to stay in Thailand for an extended period. The program offers various membership packages, each with its own set of benefits and fees. These packages range from five-year to 20-year visas, allowing you to choose the best option.
Operated by the Thailand Privilege Card Company Limited, a subsidiary of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Thailand Elite Visa offers a range of exclusive benefits to its members. These benefits include airport services, personalized assistance, discounts on leisure activities, opening a bank account, applying for a credit card, tax exemption on foreign income, and much more. With the Thailand Elite Visa, you can enjoy a hassle-free and enjoyable stay in Thailand.
What are the Benefits of the Thailand Elite Visa?
The Thailand Elite Visa Holders are eligible for some benefits for the program. Some of these benefits include:
Multiple-Entry Visa
One of the Thailand Elite Visa’s primary benefits is its multiple-entry visa. Members can enjoy uninterrupted stays in Thailand without needing to leave the country every 90 days, as other visa types require. The Thailand Elite Visa allows the holder to stay in Thailand longer, providing more flexibility and convenience.
Tax Exemption on Foreign Income
One of the significant advantages of the Thailand Elite Visa is the tax exemption it offers on any income earned outside of Thailand. This means you can enjoy your foreign income without worrying about taxes in Thailand, making it an attractive option for individuals with international income.
Airport Services
The Thailand Elite Visa program offers exclusive airport services, including access to lounges, concierge services, expedited passport processing, and immigration procedures.
Elite Personal Assistance
The Thailand Elite Visa provides you with Elite Personal Liaisons who will assist you during the 90-day reporting period mandated by Thailand Immigration. These personal assistants will be there to address any concerns or needs you may have.
Limousine Service
Thailand Elite Visa members can access Personal Assistants who will greet them and provide roundtrip limousine services from the airport to their residence or hotel.
Discounts and Leisure Activities
Thailand Elite Visa members can access various discounts and leisure activities, from spas and golf courses to excursions and recreational activities. Additionally, members can take advantage of free annual health checks and enjoy discounted rates at resorts, hotels, restaurants, Muay Thai gyms, schools, and malls.
Opening a Bank Account
Thailand Elite Visa members can open a bank account at any local bank in Thailand. All you need to do is present your passport and membership letter or card, and you can easily start managing your finances.
Applying for a Credit Card
Thailand Elite Visa members can also apply for a credit card through Bangkok Bank, one of the leading banks in Thailand. To qualify, you must present your passport, membership card, or letter and open a fixed deposit account with a minimum deposit of THB 50,000.
What are the New Changes to the Thailand Elite Visa?
The Thailand Elite Visa program is undergoing significant changes. As part of a rebranding plan and an effort to offer superior services, the program will launch new membership packages on October 1, 2023. However, all existing membership programs will be discontinued from September 15, 2023.
Existing members will continue to enjoy their privileges until the end of their membership period, but renewals and upgrades under the previous terms may not be possible. If you are considering joining under the current packages, submit your application before the September 14, 2023 deadline.
The new membership packages and associated costs will be announced closer to the launch date. However, it is expected that the prices will be increased significantly. Belaws will keep you posted with any updates when they are announced. Read more here
Why should you apply for a Thailand Elite Visa now?
While nothing official has been announced about the new changes, there is a wide expectation that the Thailand Elite Visa prices will increase significantly. However, it has been announced that the existing programs will be available for application until September 15th; after that, it will not be possible to apply for the current programs.
As a result, if you are interested in applying for a Thailand Elite Visa, it is better to do so sooner rather than later to avoid the upcoming price increases.
What are the current Thailand Elite Visa Costs?
The Thailand Elite Visa offers a range of membership packages to cater to different needs and preferences. Each package comes with its own set of benefits and fees. Here is an overview of the current membership packages and their costs. Please note after September 15, these packages will not be available and will replaced with more expensive packages:
- Elite Easy Access
- 5-year visa validity
- No age limit; anyone can apply
- Upgradeable to a 10-year or 20-year visa
- Membership fee: THB 600,000 (approximately 17,000 USD)
- Elite Family Alternative
- 10-year visa validity
- Membership fee: THB 800,000 (approximately 22,800 USD)
- Elite Privilege Access
- 10-year visa validity
- No age limit; anyone can apply
- Membership fee: THB 1,000,000 (approximately 28,500 USD)
- Elite Superiority Extension
- 20-year visa validity
- Membership fee: THB 1,000,000 (approximately 28,500 USD)
- Elite Ultimate Privilege
- 20-year visa validity
- Membership fee: THB 2,000,000 (approximately 57,000 USD)
- Elite Family Premium (applicable only to members of Elite Ultimate Privilege)
- Membership fee: THB 1,000,000 (approximately 28,500 USD)
- Validity depends on the Elite Ultimate Privilege visa holder.
Who can apply for the Thailand Elite Visa?
To be eligible for the Thailand Elite Visa, you must meet certain criteria set by the program. Here are the key eligibility requirements:
- Holder of a Legal Foreign Passport: You must hold a valid foreign passport.
- No Deportation Record: You must not have a deportation record in any country.
- No Overstay Record in Thailand: You should not have an overstay record in Thailand.
Individuals from countries listed on the UN Sanction List, such as North Korea, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, and others, do not qualify for the Thailand Elite Visa.
What are the Limitations, Restrictions, and Conditions for a Thailand Elite Visa?
While the Thailand Elite Visa offers numerous benefits and privileges, there are certain limitations, restrictions, and conditions to be aware of. Here are some important points to consider:
Work is prohibited: Thailand Elite Visa holders are not allowed to work for any company in Thailand. Therefore, holders are prohibited from securing a work permit in Thailand. However, members can engage in other investment forms, such as buying shares, investing in condominiums, or obtaining a driver’s license.
Non-Permanent Residency: Holding a Thailand Elite Visa does not grant permanent residency in Thailand. It is a long-term visa that allows for an extended stay but does not confer permanent residency status.
Non-Refundable: The membership fees for the Thailand Elite Visa are non-refundable, even in the event of visa cancellation or early termination.
What are some alternatives to the Thailand Elite Visa?
The Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR) is a visa issued by the Thai government that allows foreign nationals to reside in Thailand for an extended period. This visa is intended to attract high-value individuals who wish to stay in the country for an extended period for various reasons, such as work, retirement, and stimulating the Thai economy.
The LTR visa is issued for up to ten years and is renewable. The visa holder is permitted to work or engage in business activities in Thailand but must obtain a work permit or business visa extension from the Thai immigration authorities.
The eligibility requirements for the LTR visa vary depending on the purpose of the applicant’s stay and nationality. Applicants must demonstrate financial stability, a clear criminal record, and a valid reason to stay in Thailand.
Foreign nationals who wish to stay in Thailand for an extended period can apply for a Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR). However, the eligibility requirements for an LTR visa vary depending on the purpose of the applicant’s stay and nationality.
The LTR is designed to attract high-potential foreigners to Thailand. For this visa, high-potential foreigners are divided into four groups:
- Rich global citizens
- Wealthy retirees
- Professionals working in Thailand
- Highly skilled workers
For more information, please take a look at our blog post here.
How can Belaws help?
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Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for Thai Elite visa?
To be eligible for the Thailand Elite Visa, you must hold a valid foreign passport, have no deportation record in any country, and not have an overstay record in Thailand. Individuals from countries on the UN Sanction List, such as North Korea and Iran, do not qualify.
What is the 20-year elite visa in Thailand?
The Thailand Elite Visa offers a membership package called “Elite Superiority Extension” with a 20-year visa validity. It provides various benefits for an extended stay in Thailand.
How much does a Thai elite visa cost?
The cost of a Thailand Elite Visa varies based on the membership package. For example, the Elite Easy Access package costs THB 600,000 (approximately 17,000 USD), while the Elite Ultimate Privilege package costs THB 2,000,000 (approximately 57,000 USD).
Is Thai Elite visa worth it?
The Thailand Elite Visa offers a range of benefits, including multiple-entry visas, tax exemptions on foreign income, airport services, and more. Whether it’s worth it depends on your individual needs and preferences for staying long-term in Thailand.
How do I get a 10-year Thai visa?
You can get a 10-year Thai visa through the “Elite Family Alternative” or “Elite Privilege Access” membership packages offered by the Thailand Elite Visa program.
Can I buy a house in Thailand on elite visa?
While Thailand Elite Visa holders cannot work for a company in Thailand, they can engage in other investment activities, such as buying shares, investing in condominiums, or obtaining a driver’s license.
How much is Thailand elite residence?
The membership fees for the Thailand Elite Visa range from THB 600,000 (approximately 17,000 USD) to THB 2,000,000 (approximately 57,000 USD), depending on the chosen membership package.
Thailand retirement visa better than elite visa?
Both the Thailand Retirement Visa and the Thailand Elite Visa cater to different needs. The Retirement Visa is designed for retirees, while the Elite Visa offers a broader range of benefits for long-term stays.
What are the benefits of Thailand Elite visa?
The Thailand Elite Visa offers benefits like multiple-entry visas, tax exemptions on foreign income, airport services, elite personal assistance, limousine service, discounts on leisure activities, opening a bank account, and more.
Can I work in Thailand with a Thai Elite Visa?
No, Thai Elite Visa holders are not allowed to work for any company in Thailand. However, they can engage in other investment activities such as buying shares or investing in property.
Can I upgrade my Thai Elite Visa membership package?
Some membership packages are upgradeable, such as upgrading from the “Elite Easy Access” package to a 10-year or 20-year visa. However, specific upgrade options might vary.
Can I apply for a Thai Elite Visa if I’ve been previously deported from another country?
Applicants must not have a deportation record in any country. It’s important to review the eligibility requirements and consult with Belaws.
Can I bring my family with me under the Thai Elite Visa?
Yes, the “Elite Family Alternative” package, implies the possibility of including family members.
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