1. What is the Thailand Elite Visa?

The Thailand Elite Visa is a special visa introduced in 2003 by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports 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 Thailand Elite Visa holder will be allowed to stay in the country for up to 1 year on each visit.

2. How long is the Thailand Elite Visa application process?

The Thailand Elite Membership and Thailand Elite Visa application process may take 3 weeks to 2 months depending on the nationality of the applicant and immigration or criminal record of the applicant.

3. Do any Thailand Elite application documents need a notary stamp or to be certified?

No. It is not required for the Thailand Elite Visa application forms and copy of passport to be notarised or to be certified. A scanned copy sent through email or photocopy of these documents is sufficient.

4. What is the passport validity that is required for this Elite visa process?

Ideally, you need to have at least 5 years remaining in the validity of your passport. However, in case you have less than 5 years, the Thai Embassy or Immigration Bureau will affix the Thai Elite Visas based on the expiration date stated in your passport. The remaining validity of your 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.

5. Do I have to appear in person for the Thailand Elite application?

No, it is not required to personally appear during the Thailand 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.

6. What are the required documents for application for the Thailand Elite Visa?

The required documents for the application of the Thailand Elite membership are a copy of the profile page of your passport, colored ID photo with white background, duly accomplished Thailand Elite Visa application form, and copy of proof of relationship for any family member applying with the main applicant.

7. Is there an income requirement to hold the Thailand Elite visa?

There is no income requirement to hold the Thailand Elite Visa. The applicant only needs to pay the membership fee which will range from 600,000 Thai baht to 2 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.

8. How does the Thailand Elite visa differ from the Thai Retirement visa?

The Thailand 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 Thailand Elite visa does not need to be renewed every year. Both Thailand Elite Visa and Retirement Visa require 90-day address reporting.

9. Do I have to pay income taxes in Thailand as a Thailand Elite visa holder?

The Thailand Elite Visa is a privilege visa which falls under the special tourist visa or privilege entry category. The Thailand Elite Visa holder does not need to pay income taxes especially when the income was derived abroad. There are instances where a Thailand Elite Visa holder may voluntarily pay income tax in Thailand.

10. Can Thailand Elite Visa holders buy real estate in Thailand?

Just like other foreigners, Thailand 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.