What is the best Thai Visa for someone wanting to stay long in Thailand? Is it the Thailand Privilege Visa (or Thailand Elite Visa), Thai Retirement Visa, Thailand Marriage Visa, Thailand LTR Visa or a Non-immigrant Business Visa? This featured article will offer a comprehensive look into the world of Thailand visas for foreigners wishing to live in Thailand.
Thailand Elite Visa
The Thailand Elite Visa is a Privilege Entry Visa given to Thailand Privilege Card members. It is categorized as a long term tourist visa allowing residency in Thailand along with benefits for a period between 5, 10, or 15 years (with a 20-year package only available via invitation) depending on the chosen package in exchange for a membership fee. Thailand Privilege Visa program is managed by the Thailand Privilege Card Company Ltd under the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
- The Thailand Elite Visa is a 5-year renewable multiple-entry visa with an extendable 1-year length of stay per each entry.
- The Thailand Elite visa holder can have an uninterrupted stay in Thailand without the usual need to leave the country every 90 days as with the other visa types.
- The Elite Visa holder can utilize the privilege points to be represented by the Thailand Elite staff on the 90-day reporting as required by Thai Immigration.
- Thailand Elite card holders will receive expedited immigration formalities and passport control processing when arriving in Thailand
Thailand Elite Visa Qualifications
The applicant for the Elite visa program must have and maintain to have the following qualifications:
- Holder of a foreign passport
- Being allowed to stay in Thailand in accordance with the immigration laws, which means the applicant has no overstay record in Thailand
- No minimum age requirement for Thailand Elite Visa program. Applicants under 20 years of age must provide parental authorization during the application process.
- Not having been sentenced by a judgment to imprisonment in any country except for an offense committed to negligence
- Not having been adjudicated bankrupt
- Not having been declared as a person of unsound mind, incompetence, or quasi-incompetence
The application for the Thailand Elite Privilege Card membership and the Thai Elite Visa may take 1 to 3 months.
Thailand Elite Visa Cost
The Thailand Elite Visa cost is based on the membership program. There are different Thailand Elite membership programs available to obtain a Thailand Elite Visa, each varying in validity, benefits, and cost, as follows:
Thailand Privilege Visa: GOLD Package
- Membership program validity of 5 years
- Provides a 5-year multiple entry visa
- It costs 900,000 Thai Baht with no annual fee
- Provides 20 privilege points per year
- No age restriction; Elite members can apply at any age
Thailand Privilege Visa: PLATINUM Package
- Membership program validity of 10 years
- Provides a 5-year multiple entry visa, renewable for another 5 years
- It costs 1.5 million Thai baht with no annual fee (main applicant)
- It costs 1 million Thai baht with no annual fee for additional applicants
- Provides 35 privilege points per year
- No age restriction; members can apply at any age
Thailand Privilege Visa: DIAMOND Package
- Membership program validity of 15 years
- Provides a 5-year multiple entry visa, renewable for another 5 years twice through the 15-year membership duration
- It costs 2.5 million Thai Baht with no annual fee (main applicant)
- It costs 1.5 million Thai Baht with no annual fee (additional applicant)
- Provides 55 privilege points per year
- No age restriction; members can apply at any age
Thailand Privilege Visa: RESERVE Package
- Membership program validity of 20 years or more
- Provides a 5-year multiple entry visa, renewable another 5 years thrice throughout the 20-year membership duration. After the 20 years is up, Thailand Elite members can apply for another 5-year visa
- It costs 5 million Thai Baht with no annual fee
- Provides 120 privilege points per year
- Only available to applicants via an invitation
- No age restriction; members can apply at any age provided they have the invitation
1. Application for Thailand Elite Membership and Background Check
You can apply for the Thailand Privilege Entry Visa program whether you are in Thailand or abroad. All you need to do is to send a soft copy of your passport and application form to an accredited Thailand Elite Privilege Visa agent.
Siam Legal is one of the authorized general sales and services agent of the Thailand Privilege program. They will work with the Thailand Privilege Head Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Immigration Bureau to do immigration and criminal background checks.
The entire process may take 1 month for most nationalities and up to 3 months for special countries, with 4 to 6 weeks for the background check.
2. Thailand Elite Membership Fee Payment
When the applicant has passed a background check and the application has been approved, the applicant will be instructed to transfer the membership fee. The membership fee ranges from 900,000 Thai baht to 2.5 million Thai baht depending on the membership package the applicant has applied for.
The payment for the membership fee can be made through a bank transfer or credit card payment. The applicant will have 30 days to make the payment.
3. Thailand Elite Membership Acceptance
After completing the payment or bank transfer, the applicant will receive the Membership ID and instructions on how to receive the visa within 5 to 10 working days upon successfully paying their membership fee.
4. Thailand Elite Visa Issuance
The Thailand Elite member can affix the Thailand Privilege visa at the local Thai embassy or consulate in his/her respective country once the membership ID has been received. If it is not convenient for the applicant to collect the visa from the Thai embassy, it is also possible for the Thailand Elite card holder to obtain the Thailand Privilege visa upon arrival in Thailand at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Chiang Mai Airport, or Phuket Airport with the help of an Elite Personal Assistant.
In case the Thailand Elite member is in Thailand, the Thailand Elite agent may arrange the visa issuance at the Immigration Bureau in Bangkok.
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Thailand Elite Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Thai Elite Visa?
The Thailand Elite Privilege Visa is a special visa introduced in 2003 by the Tourism Authority of Thailand that aims to attract affluent visitors, businessmen, investors, and expats to stay in Thailand long-term. It is a visa classified as a Privilege Entry Visa that is valid for 5 years with multiple entries without having to deal with so much paperwork or visits to the immigration office.
The Thai Elite Visa holder will be allowed to stay in the country for up to 1 year on each visit.
How long is the Thai Elite Visa application process?
The Thailand Elite membership program and Thailand Elite Privilege Visa application process may take a total of 1 to 3 months depending on the nationality of the applicant and in case of immigration or criminal record of the applicant. In terms of background checks, the whole process could last between 4 to 6 weeks.
Do any Thailand Elite application documents need a notary stamp or to be certified?
No. It is not required for the Thailand Elite Privilege Visa application forms and copy of passport to be notarized or to be certified. A scanned copy sent through email or photocopy of these documents is sufficient. The application form are also not required to be notarized when applying for the Elite membership.
What is the passport validity that is required for this Elite visa process?
You need to have at least 12 months remaining in the validity of your passport at the time of application. However, in case you have less than 5 years, the Thai Embassy or Immigration Bureau will affix the Thai Elite visa sticker based on the expiration date stated in your passport. The remaining validity of your Thai Elite visa will then be affixed to your new passport. It is also good to note that you need to have at least 3 blank pages in your passport.
Do I have to appear in person for the Thailand Elite application?
No, it is not required to personally appear during the Thai Elite membership application. You will be represented by a sales agent during the membership application. However, your presence is required during the issuance of the visa whether it is at the Thai Embassy abroad, at Suvarnabhumi airport, or at the Bangkok immigration office.
What are the required documents for application for the Thai Elite Visa?
The required documents for the application of the Thailand Elite membership are a copy of the profile page of your passport, a colored ID photo with a white background, a duly accomplished Thai Elite Visa application form, a signed PDPA form, and a copy of proof of relationship for any family member applying with the main applicant.
Is there an income requirement to apply for the Thai Elite visa?
There is no income requirement to apply for the Thailand Elite visa program. The applicant only needs to pay the membership fee which will range from 900,000 Thai baht to 2.5 million Thai baht. Although there is no income requirement, one of the requirements to qualify as a member is that the applicant has not been adjudicated bankrupt.
How does the Thai Elite visa differ from the Thai Retirement visa?
The Thai Elite Visa differs from the retirement visa in such a way that the financial requirement or membership fee is non-refundable. The financial requirement for a retirement visa is deposited in the visa holder’s bank account as his/her own savings. The retirement visa must be renewed every year whereas the Thai Elite visa does not need to be renewed every year. Both Thai Elite Visa and Retirement Visa require 90-day address reporting
Do I have to pay income taxes in Thailand as a Thai Elite visa holder?
The Thai Elite Visa is a privilege visa which falls under the special tourist visa or privilege entry category. The Thai Elite Visa holder does not need to pay income taxes especially when the income was derived abroad. There are instances where a Thai Elite Visa holder may voluntarily pay income tax in Thailand to obtain a tax ID.
Can Thai Elite Visa holders buy real estate in Thailand?
Just like other foreigners, Thai Elite Visa holders can own condominiums in their own name. If applicants wish to acquire land and build a house, they can obtain a long-term lease on the land (for up to 30 years). They will need to apply for a construction permit to build the house in their own name. This way applicants can own the house and have a secured long-term lease on the land.
Why choose Siam Legal as your Thailand Elite Visa Agent?
Siam Legal is the authorized General Sales and Services Agent (GSSA) for Thailand Privilege membership in Thailand. The firm provides the following services on top of the services provided by an Elite agent:
- 24/7 VIP phone number (priceless)
- 2 hours of legal consultation with our legal advisor (value 10,000 THB)
- 2 hours of immigration consultation (value 6,000 THB)
- Free Notary Public service (one document, one-time value 3,000 THB)
- Free Bank Account Opening Service (value 5,000 THB)
Siam Legal does not charge any fee to assist you.
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Thailand Elite by Siam Legal
Your Thailand Elite Visa application will be handled by Siam Legal staff in Bangkok
Comparing Other Long-Term Thai Visas for Foreigners with Thailand Elite Visa
Here are other types of long term Thai visas available to foreigners who wish to live or move to Thailand:
Thai Retirement Visa
Benefits of the Thailand Retirement Visa
Having the Thai retirement visa delegates a lot of benefits to those choosing to apply for it. The retirement visa can offer the following perks:
- The retirement visa can be extended every year provided you meet the eligibility requirements. If your visa is about to expire by the end of the year, you need not worry and will only have to renew it to continue staying in Thailand.
- Holders of a Thailand Retirement Visa can stay in Thailand for an entire year uninterrupted. This means you do not need to fly home at one point during the year.
- Thai retirement visas also come with 5 year and 10 year options, as well as options that enable the visa holder to enter and exit the country multiple times within a year.
Advantages of having the Thailand Elite Visa over the Thailand Retirement Visa
The Thailand Elite Visa sometimes will seem more preferable to apply for over the Thailand Retirement Visa. This can be because of the following:
- The Thailand Elite Visa application can be completed entirely online. A representative on their behalf will instead be coordinating with Immigration Officers in Thailand on processing the application. Applying for this saves the time and hassle of having to book flights to Thailand or changing flights back home, and having to present yourself at the embassy. Applying for the Thailand retirement visa usually requires applicants to be stationed in Thailand for the entire process, especially if applying for the O-Retirement visa. This also includes extending the visa. While there are cases of applicants applying for and being approved for it overseas, the chances are much, much lower than if applying for it locally.
- Having insurance, while recommended, is completely optional for the Thailand Elite Visa. Some retirement visa options such as the O-A Retirement visa require health insurance, sometimes ones with a coverage of over 100,000 THB, the amount increasing yearly. Being obligated to purchase insurance on top of the visa can be an expensive endeavor for a lot of people.
- The Thailand Elite Program does not have any financial or medical certificate requirements or bank amount limits that need to be met to be considered for the program. Applicants applying for a Thai Retirement Visa must have 800,000 THB in savings within their bank account for the Non-Immigrant OA visa, while those apply for the Non-immigrant OX visa need 3 million baht. If they lack this amount in their bank accounts, then they need to meet the required monthly income amounts.
- A good benefit of having a Thai Elite Visa as opposed to a Retirement visa is its flexibility. With a Thai Elite Visa, the retiree can choose either a 5 year, 10 year, or even 15 years option. This helps the retiree live in Thailand long enough to decide whether this is the right location for them to retire in. Sometimes retirees will apply for a retirement visa in Thailand and then move over there only to realize after a couple of months that it’s not a right fit for them. This could pose problems for their retirement visa or make it so that the money they spent for it was such a waste.
- Visa holders of a Thai Retirement Visa also do not gain access to the VIP-level perks offered by the Thailand Elite Visa, such as easier 90-day reporting sessions and complimentary immigration fast tracking at airports.
Thai Marriage Visa
Benefits of the Thai Marriage Visa
For those considering the Thailand Marriage Visa, there are benefits involved:
- For one, the marriage visa is extendable every year, so you won’t need to be worried about not being able to continue it after its expiration date. Applying for an extension is also very convenient in the sense that you can apply for it entirely within Thai borders. The fact that you don’t need to leave Thailand can seem very enticing to any foreigner, especially given that it lets them save money on plane ticket costs and also time (traveling to another country is a long, tedious procedure that can take an entire day).
- Being a holder of a marriage visa also allows you to obtain a work permit in Thailand. This enables workers to be able to provide their services to benefit the Thai economy along with local businesses and startups. Having a work permit also provides many options for the visa holder with regards to money making opportunities.
- The marriage visa offers the holder a validity period of one year, but can be renewed annually while the holder is in Thailand. This allows the holder a chance to stay in the country uninterrupted without having to leave.
Advantages of having the Thai Elite Visa over the Thai Marriage Visa
In some cases, it’s preferable to apply for the Thai Elite Visa instead given the following benefits:
- When you apply for the Thailand Elite Visa, you only apply for one visa valid for 5 years. A Thailand marriage visa requires applicants to have applied for a non-immigrant O visa first. Then they will receive a 90-day visa and then you can apply for the marriage visa. The applicant will also need to apply for a re-entry permit. Being forced to complete multiple applications can feel time consuming and expensive to many.
- Both holders of a Thailand Elite Visa and holders of a Thai Marriage Visa will also be required to complete their 90-day reporting while residing in Thailand. Thai Elite Visa however grants holders support from Thai Elite Agents. Thailand Elite members can send their documentation to the agents who will report them on their behalf to the Immigration Officers. This is convenient for those who do not want to present themselves in person.
- A Thailand Elite Visa is simpler and less complicated to apply for, if you married a Thai person in another country outside Thailand. For the Thai marriage visa, you must complete the following steps:
- Gather documents pertaining to the marriage certificate.
- Get said documentation stamped and verified at the embassy in Bangkok.
- Have the document translated into Thai and then taken to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Take the marriage certificate into an Amphur to obtain Kor Ror 22.
- Apply for the marriage visa.
- Applicants who apply for the Thailand Elite Visa, will not need to fulfill any financial or banking requirements. For the Thai Marriage Visa, applicants need to have at least around 400,000 THB within their savings account or alternatively, they require at least 40,000 THB per month to be transferred into their account on a monthly basis.
- The Thai Elite Visa grants additional VIP-level perks to members that they won’t get if they applied for the Thai Marriage Visa. These complimentary benefits include:
- Support in opening a Thai bank account.
- Support in acquiring a Thai driver’s license.
- Access to exclusive VIP lounges at airports.
- Immigration fast tracking via the fast tracking lane.
Thai Business visa
Benefits of the Thai Business Visa
The Thai Business Visa can be desirable based on the following perks:
- Being a holder of a Thai Business Visa comes with the complimentary add-on of being able to apply for a Thai work permit. This is perfect for foreign nationals who not only want the privilege of being able to experience Thailand, but also want to be able to work here.
- A Thai Business visa holder is able to open up a business within the country. This can be extremely enticing towards aspiring business owners.
- The cost to apply is very affordable. If interested, you can choose to pay 2,000 THB for a single-entry visa with 3-months worth of validity, or shell out 5,000 THB for a multiple-entry visa with a years’ worth of validity.
- There are also a number of different options for the Thai Business Visa that the applicant can choose, providing a list of choices with their own benefits and differences. Examples include:
- Non-Immigrant B visa (Business): geared towards foreign nationals that want to apply for a work permit to either work in the country or establish businesses.
- Non-Immigrant B-A visa (Business Approved): geared towards foreign nationals looking to merely invest in or start a business in Thailand.
- Non-Immigrant IB visa (Investment and Business Visa): geared towards foreign nationals hired by the Board of Investments to work on investment related projects.
- Non-Immigrant B (Teaching) Visa: geared towards applicants looking to teach in Thailand.
Advantages of having the Thai Elite Visa over the Thai Business Visa
- Acquiring the Thai Elite Visa is cheaper and more stress-free. Acquiring a work permit as a business owner comes with tough requirements. Starting a business in Thailand is a very expensive venture and business owners will often need 2 million THB worth of capital invested in order to qualify for the work permit, along with having hired at least 4 staff members (all must be of Thai nationality).
- You need to meet a couple of requirements in order to be able to acquire a Thai Business Visa. These include:
- Having a job offer (if you want to work in Thailand).
- Having an investment (if you want to invest).
- Having an invitation entitling the applicant to set up a business venture within the country (if you want to conduct business here).
- Having a sponsorship from either a Thai Business Partner or entity.
- Holders of a Thai Business Visa do not benefit from the Thai Elite Visa’s unique VIP-level perks:
- Assistance with the mandatory 90-day reporting.
- Support in opening a Thai bank account.
- Support in acquiring a Thai driver’s license.
- Access to exclusive VIP lounges at airports.
- Immigration fast tracking via the fast tracking lane.
Thai SMART Visa
Benefits of a Thai SMART Visa
The Thai SMART Visa comes with a list of benefits for those interested:
- Holders of a Thai SMART Visa will be permitted to only present themselves at immigration institutions for compulsory reporting once every year, rather than every 90-days.
- The Thai SMART Visa holder, their spouse and their children do not need a work permit in order to work in Thailand. This saves them time from submitting an application and having to carefully meet requirements.
- You do not need to apply for a Thai re-entry permit in order to gain access into the country everytime you leave.
- There are different packages to choose from regarding the Thai SMART Visa, depending on your experience and situation:
- SMART Talent Visa (T) : available to science and technology experts earning 200,000 baht per month and employed by one of the ten targeted industries.
- SMART Investor Visa (I): available to investors who invest 20 million baht into companies using technology in their manufacturing process or deliver services. NOTE: These companies also must be in one of the ten targeted industries.
- SMART Executive Visa (E): available to senior managers with at least a Bachelor’s degree, ten years’ work experience, and earn a minimum of 200,000 baht per month. Senior managers must be employed by companies in one of the ten targeted industries.
- SMART Startup Visa (S): available to entrepreneurs looking to start a business in Thailand. To be eligible, you must deposit 600,000 baht in Thailand, have health insurance, and set up a company in one of the ten targeted industries within your first year.
Advantages of having the Thai Elite Visa over the Thai SMART Visa
- Applicants applying for a Thai Elite Visa can choose from a list of 5, 10, and even 15-year visas. SMART Visas are granted to applicants only for a maximum of 4 years (4 x 1-year extendable visas). After those 4 years are up, the visa holder will need to leave Thailand.
- There are no financial or employment requirements to apply for the Thai Elite Visa. To qualify for the SMART visa, depending on the option you’ve selected, you need to meet certain financial or employment requirements. For instance with SMART Visa Ts, you need at least 100,000 THB income per month (or at least 50,000 THB if you are working for a startup) and need to be a highly qualified professional.
- Holders of a SMART Visa do not gain any sort of access to the VIP-level benefits provided by the Thai Elite Visa. Thai Elite Visa holders earn benefits such as:
- Access to exclusive VIP lounges at airport establishments,
- Assistance from a representative to open a Thai bank account.
- Assistance in acquiring a Thai driver’s license.
- Special immigration fast tracking at airports.
- Exclusive support for the mandatory 90-day reporting procedure.
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Conclusion
Having a Thai visa is essentially your golden ticket into the Land of Smiles and a jumpstart to your Thailand experience. Out of all alternatives, the Thai Elite visa would be the most convenient and hassle-free option if you aspire to live in Thailand long-term. If you ever feel intrigued by the Thai Elite Visa and all the options available, feel free to consult one of our professionals to measure which visa package is best suited to your needs. We can receive any inquiries on the web form above or in the comment section below.
Other Thai Elite Visa Pages
Rex BaaySenior Immigration Consultant
Siam Legal International
48 Responses
Hi Rex, if you are applying to have a Thai company/entity set up in order to conduct business but are not planning on living there (but will occasionally flying back forth) can the Thai Elite Visa be in place of a business visa?
Hi Alecia,
If you will be a managing director of this Thai company, unfortunately a Thai Elite visa will not be issued to you until you remove yourself as director. Having a Thai business visa might be more suitable in your case in this occasion. However, if your part of the company does not require you to have a work permit or the participation in this Thai company is very minimal, you may apply for Thailand Elite visa for you to have a multiple entry long term visa in Thailand.
Thank you.
Rex,
Can I take care of all Elite Visa requirements without visiting a Thai Consulate in my home country (USA)? If this is not required, how then will I receive the official visa to be added to my passport?
I plan to live in Nan Province with my Thai wife once we return to Thailand in 2024. Does Nan Immigration recognize the Elite Visa?
Finally, after paying the fee for my Elite Visa, do I also need to maintain a special Thai bank account for the normally-expected THB 800,000 or is this not required under the terms of an Elite visa?
If you are not a holder of a Thai Elite Visa, you can contact me directly, and I will assist you with the application process.
For the official visa sticker, you have two options: you can either collect it at the Thai Embassy in the USA or upon your arrival in Thailand. This can be done at one of the three airports: Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi), Phuket, or Chiang Mai. To have a smooth process, please inform the Thai Privilege staff of your arrival date so they can guide you through the VIP lane and have the visa sticker prepared.
You don’t need to worry about your Thai bank account; once the payment is made, the process is completed.
Hello Rex,
I’m interested in the 10 year elite privilege access visa.
Q1. My Australian Passport will be expired in JUNE 2024, is it okay to apply the elite visa RIGHT NOW or should I RENEW my passport then apply it later?
Q2. DURING I AM STAYING in THAILAND as a tourist, can I apply the elite visa and get my visa sticker on my passport, OR should I apply it abroad, ie) in Australia?
Q3. When I pay for the elite visa, can I transfer the visa membership fee FROM MY THAI GF’S BANK ACCOUNT?
Q4. When I apply the elite visa, can I attend your office in person?
I’m looking forward to hearing you soon. Thanks so much.
Hi Alex,
I recommend renewing your passport before applying for an Elite Visa.
You can apply for an Elite Visa in Thailand or in Australia. If you are in Thailand, I can help you apply and you will get the sticker at the Immigration Office at Chaengwattana in Bangkok.
If you choose to use a different bank account to pay for your Elite Visa, please make sure that you include your full name and specify the purpose of the payment. Alternatively, you can use a credit card linked to your Australian bank account for payment.
Yes, you can come to the office to apply for the Elite Privilege Access visa.
Hello there –
What’s the difference between upgrading from Elite Easy Access to Elite Superiority Extension or Elite Ultimate Privilege?
Dear Kreo,
Thank you for your interest in the Thai Elite Visa.
Regarding your inquiry, there are some differences between Elite Superiority Extension and Elite Ultimate Privilege. Elite Ultimate Privilege cost is 1.4 million THB and you can add your family members (They will apply for Elite Family Premium package). There is an annual fee of around 20,000 THB for the Elite Ultimate Privilege. Elite Superiority Extension costs 400,000 THB, and cannot add family members and there is no airport limousine service.
Kind regards,
Rex Baay
Is it ok for me to travel to Thailand with a Tourist Visa – (60days) 2-4x in a year?
If so, will I be allowed to extend per trip as well?
Dear Martz,
It is not a problem to do it 2x. However if you will do it 4x in a year, that will make immigration officer doubt that you are a genuine tourist.
Thank you.
1. What are the perks I can get for Elite Easy Access, the 600K THB for 5 years.
2. Is there’s any hidden charges?
3. I’m from India can I apply for Elite Easy Access?
Hi Gaurav,
With Elite Easy Access, you will receive several perks, including airport services, access to the airport lounge, and up to 24 short-haul (50KM or 80KM) car services per year.
There are no hidden charges.
Yes, you can apply for Elite Easy Access. However, it will take 2-3 months to get approval.
Can I open up a Thai bank account easily if I have a Thai Elite Visa
Yes, Thailand Elite Visa holders can easily open a Thai bank account. Which Thailand Elite program are you interested in?
Is it legal to work on a Elite Visa as a digital nomad in Thailand? I’m registered abroad and also pay taxes there. No business with Thai people.
Dear Mike,
It is acceptable to be on Elite Visa and continue working for a company abroad. You cannot work for a Thai company nor deal with Thai clients.
Thank you.
Does the Elite Family Excursion (minimum 2 persons) include my husband? We have no children, so can myself and my husband purchase this visa to come together?
Dear Holly,
Yes, the application has to be you and your husband. You can apply for the background check at the same time and you can get the visa sticker at anytime you wish after you have received the Welcome Letter.
Thank you.
With 5 years Thailand Elite Visa, how many times can I leave and enter Thailand?
Dear Raul,
Good day.
Regarding your inquiry, the 5-year visa sticker is valid for multiple entries. Technically, there is no limit on the number of times you can enter and exit Thailand within this 5-year period. Each entry will allow you to stay for a maximum of 1 to 2 years without the need to leave Thailand.
Thank you.
Hello, I would like to apply for the Elitevisa but I have a 5 day overstay on my passport, can I still apply?
Dear Jodie,
Yes, it is possible to apply for the Elite Visa as long as the overstay has been cleared already and you have paid the overstay fine and left Thailand. You can apply for the Elite Visa while abroad or when you return to Thailand.
Thank you.
Thanks a lot for sharing this article as I find it amazing and it has been very useful
I’m married a thai national can i a apply for the thai elite visa.
Hi Jube,
You are allowed to apply for a Thai Elite Visa if you are married to a Thai national. However, you cannot hold both a marriage visa and a Thai Elite Visa simultaneously; it’s a matter of choosing one or the other.
If you’re interested in applying for a Thai Elite Visa, you can complete the application form and provide scanned copies of your passport’s profile page (in color) along with a photograph of yourself against a white background.
Once it’s completed, you can send it over to us and we will send it over to Thailand Privilege on your behalf.
Hi,
For the Thai Elite Visa, once obtained, do I automatically get permanent residence status in Thailand? If not, then what are the requirements?
Dear Peter,
Good day.
No, the Thailand Elite Visa is a long stay tourist visa valid for 5 years allowing you to stay in Thailand for 365 days each time you enter Thailand within the duration of your visa.
Thank you.
Thanks Rex for a very informative site!
Will see you wonderful people as soon as Thailand open ! choke dee! ?
Dear Andreas,
Thank you so much for your kind words. Have a good day.
Thanks for share the useful information about Thai Elite Visa.
You’re welcome. Have a great day.
Hi
My brother was deported from Thailand due to a minor drug offence and was banned for 2 years but that expires soon and he intends to move back to Thailand. He already has an elite visa so can he just arrive at the airport and enter on his elite visa or does he also need some other type of permission to re enter?
Dear Paul,
If the Elite Visa has already been affixed in his passport, he may apply for the COE or Certificate of Entry to Thailand through this page:
Thank you.
My wife and I are planning to use a Thai Elita Visa to come to Thailand and make it our home. Are we allowed to do some volunteer work such as helping the soi dogs and helping elderly people?
Kind regards,
Rob and Cindy
The Netherlands
Dear Rob,
Yes, you will be allowed to do some charity work but please make sure that you cannot do some activities that requires a work permit. There is a fine line between charity work and volunteer work. I recommend for you not to get too involved in case too much involvement will require a work permit.
Thank you.
Please give me a sugestion.
If the expat is holding the Thailand Elite Visa and they would like to work in Thailand. What should they do for this matter? They have to cancel the Thailand Elite Visa along with benefits and apply for the Non Immigrant B visa and Work Permit? or they can still hold their Thailand Elite Visa and just apply for Work Permit?
Dear Natpapha,
Good day.
If the Thai Elite Visa holder would like to work in Thailand. There is no need to cancel the 5 year visa. He or she just need to leave Thailand, obtain a new Non Immigrant B visa and use it to enter Thailand. While in Thailand he or she can apply for a work permit. If this person wishes to stop working, he or she can leave Thailand and return to Thailand and use the remaining validity of the Thai Elite Visa.
Thank you.
Morning Rex,
I’m thinking to apply to the Elite Thai Visa, should I be able to enter in Thailand currently under this visa ?
Cheers
Dear Jason,
Good day.
Yes, the Thai Elite Visa holder or members were added to the list of foreigners allowed to apply for the COE and permitted to enter Thailand. We will send you an email on how you can sign up for the membership.
Thank you.
I am opening a Private School in Thailand. I have Thai business partners and investors in Private Limited company. Can performance requirements in contract require the civil courts to order me provided with a work permit Visa, during pandemic
I have a n “O”(retirement) visa issued in Thailand. Do I have to re- apply for a Certificate of Entry and an O-A visa in order to re-enter Thailand? Thank you
Dear Thomas,
Good day.
it depends on the location where you are flying from. If you are in the UK, there was a report that Non Immigrant O retirement was issued a certificate of entry. If you are in the US, it was strictly stated that they would only issue a certificate of entry to those with non-immigrant OA visa, so if you do not have it, you may have to apply for this Non immigrant OA visa. I recommend to check with the local Thai embassy in your city or country.
Thank you.
Can we apply still for 1 Year non immigrant visa at the moment?
Dear Sutida,
Yes, you can apply for the 1 year non immigrant B, O or OA visa from Thai embassy. You may check this page for the list of visas that you or the applicant may apply:
https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel/can-you-enter-thailand-now-during-the-covid-19-crisis.php
Thank you.
G’day mate.
What is the fastest period of time that a Thai Elite Visa could be issued?
Dear Tom,
Good day.
Thank you for your message. Regarding your inquiry, the fastest time to complete the membership application and the application of the of the Thai Elite Visa is 1 month. There are factors that you have to consider when applying for the membership for Thai Elite: the nationality, immigration record in Thailand for the past 3 years and the working hours of the Thai Embassy where the Thai Elite visa will be lodged.
Have a good day.
Please advise the fees and waiting time to receive each of the following visa types:
1.) One Year Non-Immigrant Visa
2.) Business Visa
3.) Thai Elite Visa
My nationality is South African and I would be seeking employment with schools teaching English and Business English.
Any other advice would be welcomed.
Thank you.
Dear Mark,
Good day. Regarding your inquiry, here are some of the information that you may need:
1. Thai Elite costs 500,000 THB and the processing time is 1 to 3 months.
2. Business Visa does not cost much but you need to have a Thai business partner to sponsor your application.
3. 1 Year non immigrant visa does not cost much but you need to be a condominium owner, have a Thai wife or perhaps a retiree.
Based on your information, you may look for a job in Thailand and then you may apply for the Non Immigrant B visa for employment and also apply for the Certificate of Entry from the Thai Embassy in Pretoria.
Thank you.