Are you seeking a place to live long-term or retire that will only take little work on your part to obtain? Well if you are, you should consider Thailand. Did you know Thailand is ranked 20th place for a comfortable retirement and ranked 28th as the best country?
Thailand and its Thai Elite Visa
Thailand is renowned for its people, food, festivals, culture, and a host of many things. It is one of the best places to stay in Asia. The best way to experience Thailand and all its wonders is to enter Thailand on a Thai Elite Visa.
What is Thai Elite Visa? The Thai Elite Visa is a long-term visa with exclusive benefits and privileges given only to its holders. Depending on the package you choose, it permits residency for a term of 5 years, 10 years, or even 20 years.
Thai Elite Packages and Fees
There are 7 totally different packages with different privileges you can have. These packages are:
Elite Ultimate Privilege
- Membership validity of 20 years
- It costs ฿ 2.14 million ($65,066) with an annual fee of ฿ 21,400 ($651)
- The Elite Visa is valid for five years and is renewable for an additional five. (4 sets of 5-year multi-entry visas)
- Members must be over 20 years old
Elite Family Premium
- Applicable only to family members of Elite Ultimate Privilege members
- Membership fee of ฿ 1,000,000 ($30,405) with annual fee of ฿ 10,000 ($305)
- Membership and Thai Elite Visa validity will be based on the membership and visa validity of the Elite Ultimate Privilege family member
- Visa is renewable after 5 years (4 sets of 5-year multi-entry visas)
Elite Family Excursion (Popular, minimum of 2)
- Thai Elite Visa validity of 5 years
- It costs ฿ 800,000 ($24,341) with no annual fee (2 persons)
- For additional family members, there is a fee of ฿ 300,000 ($9,126)
Elite Family Alternative
- Membership validity of 10 years
- The Elite Visa validity of 5 years and is renewable for another 5 years
- It costs ฿ 800,000 ($24,341) with no annual fee
- An additional fee of 700,000 ($21,290) for an additional family member.
Elite Easy Access (Popular)
- Thai Elite Visa validity of 5 years
- It costs ฿ 600,000 ($18,252) with no annual fee
- You have the option to upgrade to Elite Ultimate Privilege
- No age restriction; members can be any age
Elite Privilege Access
- Membership validity of 10 years
- The Elite Visa validity of 5 years and is renewable for another 5 years
- It costs ฿ 1,000,000 ($30,405) with no annual fee
- An additional fee of ฿ 800,000 Thai baht ($24,341) for an additional family member.
- No age restriction; members can be of any age
Elite Superiority Extension (Popular)
- Membership validity of 20 years
- It costs ฿ 1,000,000 ($30,405) with no annual fee
- The Elite Visa validity of 5 years and is renewable for another 5 years (4 sets of 5-year multi-entry visas)
Though there are differences when it comes to visa validities, fees, etc., there are also some similarities between all of the packages. These are:
Extraordinary VIP Services
- Airport Lounge
- Elite Personal Assistant
- Elite Personal Liaison
- Member Contact Centre (90-day report)
Extraordinary Privileges
- Government Concierges
- Banking Service
Extraordinary Benefits
- Special Discount
- Shopping Centre
Extraordinary Luxury
- Special Discount for Private Jet
- Special Discount for Yacht Charter
The Thai Elite Visa not only provides you with a visa for your travel document but also offers numerous perks as a member. Remember that these advantages will prove valuable during your extended stay in the country.
Pros of having a Thai Elite Visa
The Thai Elite Visa has the benefit of being long-term, making it ideal for people planning to live in Thailand for five to twenty years. There are no age restrictions, financial requirements, or health insurance prerequisites for the Thai Elite Visa, thus applying for one is simple. Your criminal history is essentially the only thing you need to be concerned about.
Also, unlike other visas where the application process is constrained, the Thai Elite Visa application process is flexible. Thai Elite Visas are extremely adaptable and can be obtained from anywhere, both inside and outside of Thailand.
Cons of having a Thai Elite Visa
While you have a Thai Elite Visa, you are not allowed to physically work for a company in Thailand. Nonetheless, you are still allowed to work online or run your own business. Some of the benefits of being a Thai Elite Visa holder are you can own a business or be a shareholder of the business.
How to Apply
It is really easy! As was mentioned earlier, there are not many requirements. All you need to do is to fill out the application form, provide a scanned copy of your passport, and a 2×2 passport photo. Then, wait for 1 to 2 months for the criminal background check. After the criminal background check is the payment. Easy, right?
Thai Elite Visa amidst Pandemic
In Thailand, not all Thai visas are granted to the applicants and not all are allowed to enter the country under the visa exemption scheme. However, the Thai Elite Visa is one of the few Thai visas granted entry into the country amidst the pandemic.
