The Thailand Privilege Card, also known as the Thailand Elite Visa, is a long-term tourist visa (Privilege Entry Visa “PE”) offering a range of exclusive benefits and services to its members. Managed by the Thailand Privilege Card Company Ltd under the Tourism Authority of Thailand, this visa program provides hassle-free residence options for those wishing to stay in Thailand for an extended period.
Residence in Thailand
Thailand’s rich cultural history, combined with its affordable yet high standard of living, makes it an increasingly attractive destination for travelers, professionals, and those seeking a second home. The Thailand Privilege Card offers a flexible residency option through membership in its long-term visa program, allowing stays of 5, 10, or 15 years, with a special 20-year package available by invitation.
The Thailand Elite Visa is a renewable 5-year, multiple-entry visa, granting a stay of up to one year per entry. Unlike other visas, it eliminates the need for frequent border runs, as members can enjoy uninterrupted residency. Additionally, Thailand Elite members benefit from streamlined immigration processes, including expedited passport control upon arrival and assistance with 90-day reporting through Thailand Elite staff.
Benefits of Thai Residence by Investment
The Thai Elite Visa, categorized under the special tourist or privilege entry visa, offers numerous advantages for long-term residents:
- Long-Term Residence Permit: Enjoy an extended stay in Thailand with privileged treatment and the convenience of not having to meet minimum stay requirements.
- Tax Benefits: Thai Elite Visa holders are exempt from income tax on foreign-sourced income. However, in certain cases, holders may voluntarily pay income tax in Thailand to obtain a tax ID.
- Cost-Effective Living: Thailand provides a low-cost yet high standard of living, making it a desirable destination for both short-term and long-term residency.
- Efficient Application Process: The Thailand Privilege Card Company Limited and the Thailand Board of Investment streamline the application process for a seamless experience.
- Family Inclusion: Applicants have the option to extend the residence benefits to their immediate family members, creating a well-rounded solution for families seeking long-term residency. Eligible dependents include legal parents, stepparents, spouses (including civil partners), children, and stepchildren.
- Elite Immigration Services: Visa holders benefit from expedited immigration services, easing the process of entering and exiting Thailand.
Property Ownership for Thai Elite Visa Holders
- Thai Elite Visa holders can legally own condominiums in their name, just like other foreign nationals.
- Those wishing to acquire land and build a house, can secure a long-term lease on the land (up to 30 years) and apply for a construction permit to build the house in their name. This allows visa holders to own a house while leasing the land, offering a secure and flexible property ownership option.
Thailand Elite Visa Qualifications
To qualify for the Thailand Elite Visa program, applicants must meet and maintain the following criteria:
- Foreign Passport Holder: Applicants must possess a valid foreign passport.
- Compliance with Thai Immigration Laws: Applicants must have no overstay record in Thailand and should be allowed to remain in the country under immigration regulations.
- Age Requirements: While there is no minimum age requirement, applicants under 20 years of age must provide parental authorization as part of the application process.
- Clean Criminal Record: Applicants must not have been sentenced to imprisonment in any country, except for offences committed due to negligence.
- Financial and Mental Stability: Applicants must not have been declared bankrupt or deemed as a person of unsound mind, incompetence, or quasi-incompetence.
d the corresponding visa typically takes between 1 to 3 months to complete.
Application Process
The application can be submitted whether you are in Thailand or abroad. The process begins by submitting a digital copy of your passport and a completed application form through an accredited Thailand Elite Privilege Visa agent. They will coordinate with the Thailand Privilege Head Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Immigration Bureau to carry out necessary immigration and criminal background checks.
The entire process typically takes about 1 month for most nationalities, while applications from certain countries may take up to 3 months.
Thailand Privilege Visa Packages
1. Gold Package
- Membership Validity: 5 years
- Visa Type: 5-year multiple-entry visa
- Cost: THB 900,000 (approximately USD 25,000) with no annual fee
- Privilege Points: 20 points per year
- Eligibility: No age restrictions; however, dependents cannot be included in this option.
2. Platinum Package
- Membership Validity: 10 years
- Visa Type: 5-year multiple-entry visa, renewable for another 5 years
- Cost:
- Main applicant: THB 1.5 million (approximately USD 42,000), no annual fee
- Additional applicants: THB 1 million (approximately USD 28,000), no annual fee
- Privilege Points: 35 points per year (shared among family members)
- Eligibility: No age restrictions, making this package ideal for families.
- Key Benefits: The Platinum card is designed for families, with the primary applicant and dependents receiving a collective total of 35 privilege points annually.
3. Diamond Package
- Membership Validity: 15 years
- Visa Type: 5-year multiple-entry visa, renewable twice within the 15-year membership duration
- Cost:
- Main applicant: THB 2.5 million (approximately USD 70,000), no annual fee
- Additional applicants: THB 1.5 million (approximately USD 42,000), no annual fee
- Privilege Points: 55 points per year (shared among family members)
- Eligibility: No age restrictions.
- Key Benefits: Diamond cardholders receive the highest point allocation in this tier, ideal for long-term residents and families.
4. Reserve Package (Invitation Only)
- Membership Validity: 20 years or more
- Visa Type: 5-year multiple-entry visa, renewable three times over 20 years. After the initial 20-year period, members can apply for an additional 5-year visa.
- Cost:
- Main applicant: THB 5 million (approximately USD 140,000), no annual fee
- Additional applicants: THB 2 million (approximately USD 55,000)
- Privilege Points: 120 points per year (shared among family members)
- Eligibility: Available by invitation only, with no age restrictions.
- Key Benefits: The Reserve card offers the longest membership duration and the highest point allocation, making it the most exclusive package for elite members.
