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Is the Thailand Elite 500K baht 5-year visa a good deal or a scam?
Thailand Elite VisaVisa RulesExpat AdviceImmigrationLiving in ThailandVisa CostsLong-term Visa Options
Jul 27, 2018
8 years ago
Franck ******************
ORIGINAL POSTERVisa Elite 500K Bth 5 years visa, is that a good deal or a scam?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The Thailand Elite Visa, costing 500,000 baht for a 5-year stay, has generated mixed opinions among expats. Many respondents affirm its legitimacy, praising its benefits such as priority immigration service and exemption from 90-day reporting through concierge assistance, making it a hassle-free option for affluent retirees or investors. However, some skeptics view it as a scam lacking substantial benefits for those eligible for other, cheaper visa options, especially for those under 50 or intending to work in Thailand. Ultimately, whether it's a good deal depends on individual circumstances and priorities.
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Tod *********
It's the real deal, it does what it says it does, the company is above board and is NOT affected by what ever government is running the country. I know many people on different plans and all of them are happy with it.
I think the O/P has more than enough information to make a decision ;)
I think the O/P has more than enough information to make a decision ;)
Han ********
and you still have to do the 90 day report!?
Paolo *********
@Han *******
One more reason not to spend 15k then...no senseDave **********
The report still needs to be done but Visa Elite does it for you.
Paolo *********
No
Reply to
Paolo *********
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Franck ******************
ORIGINAL POSTERSo Hand to Hand Visa ! and work my business on the side !
Ernesto ********
Who wants to work for a living if well financially.
Just enjoy life I would do.😉
Just enjoy life I would do.😉
David ************
Just remember if you do any kind of work you technically need a work permit. You might risk it but you never know when someone will turn you in.
Reply to
David ************
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Indigo *****
@Mary *******
...🧐David ************
Some are acting like getting a yearly extension is a hassle. I have been doing it for years and never a problem. Make some copies hand them in pat 1900 baht. What's the big deal.
Daniele *************
@David ***********
got youDavid ************
@Daniele ************
and did you notice I said yearly extension. Which implies you already have the visaDavid ************
@Daniele ************
didn't say that. I'm referring to people who do but insist it's a hassle. Every time thus discussion cones up someone who can get one says it's a hassle. It isn't. Clear for you now?Daniele *************
@Tony *******
you are a salty old fella you know that?Tony ********
@Daniele ************
Then they should go home and get a job!Tony ********
Agree absolutely.
Daniele *************
What is so hard in understanding that not everybody can get a non O visa?
Reply to
Daniele *************
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Barry ******
If you're able take the 20 year one. The 5 year one is cheap and an easy temptation, but you should aim for 20 years as the per day cost is lower.
Advantages: less paperwork. no bank statements period. This is useful for those who have high networth but the majority of funds are locked up in other assets or in company they control . You just pay money and that's it. No need to tell where you got the money from, if you have the money you pay it and it's settled right there.
Disadvantages: no working so you must have the means of generating wealth (ideally you are an investor)
Advantages: less paperwork. no bank statements period. This is useful for those who have high networth but the majority of funds are locked up in other assets or in company they control . You just pay money and that's it. No need to tell where you got the money from, if you have the money you pay it and it's settled right there.
Disadvantages: no working so you must have the means of generating wealth (ideally you are an investor)
Tony ********
I spend about 1900 baht a year on a non imm O and I pop along to immigration for a few minutes every 90 days. What can be better?
Tony ********
@Daniele ************
Elite ok until a. the money runs out or b. the Thai has nicked it - by whatever means.Tony ********
@Daniele ************
If I was 30 I'd be gainfully employed but that may be an old fashioned idea. When I was 30 I had my brains above the waistline and that's how I survive here - I earned a fat pension. Since then my brains have meandered south! These young uns should get real.Tony ********
@Daniele ************
Imagine I'm loaded. Thailand is the last place in the world I'd be! Unfortunately I'm here - for now!Daniele *************
Imagine i'm 30, i have investments abroad, not married, so the only thing i really have is cash to spend. This visa could be the perfect solution to stay in Thailand for years without problems
Daniele *************
@Tony *******
yes, but this visa is not for people with little money, that's the point. It's a simple "pay to stay" formula.Tony ********
David Hallgren Choices?
Tony ********
David Hallgren I did, for a long time. Legally. If you are not prepared or eligible to work are under 50 and have little money then perhaps Thailand ain't the place for you?
Daniele *************
Because obviously this visa is intended for people with no intention of getting a job, that can afford the cost, and want to enjoy a long stay without hassles.
Tony ********
Daniele *************
@Tony *******
now you're just talking nonsenseTony ********
David Hallgren Get a job?
Daniele *************
This is especially for people non eligible for a non O
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Daniele *************
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Henri ******
Good deal
Frankie *************
I'd rather spend that money on a new motorbike but it all comes down to what your priorities are, I suppose.
David *******
exactly.
Reply to
David *******
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Michel *****************
Good thai fake
Mark ***********
ignore it if you're working and here legally already. If you're retired though then it's worth considering. You don't get the 500k back though so it's 100k/year for a visa. Still not bad - if you've got the money.
Dave **********
If you have the US$15k to spend on a visa then it is a good deal.
No hassles, no muss, no fuss, priority in and out privileges and VIP treatment at the airports and immigration.
.
If the thought of spending US$15k just on a visa is a bit much then welcome to the real world where people fly economy class and don't live in 5* hotels.
No hassles, no muss, no fuss, priority in and out privileges and VIP treatment at the airports and immigration.
.
If the thought of spending US$15k just on a visa is a bit much then welcome to the real world where people fly economy class and don't live in 5* hotels.
Ernesto ********
@David ******
,if I'm rich,,,,sure I would select the right person to clean my ringgear😉😀David *******
@Dave *********
you wipe your arse with a food processor? lolDave **********
@David ******
At home we buy a food processor. In Thailand they are called a maid.David *******
@Dave *********
well yes obviously if your that rich $15k means nothing you may as well employ a maid to wipe your arse after toilet also for convenience lolErnesto ********
@Dave *********
,last shirt has no pockets and why not let's the kids do like we did.Work hard and be nice to your Mum.
Have seen a lot of spoiled kids who didn't make it much past 30 years. But money for drugs always there.😒
Henry *********
@Dave *********
90 day reports are still required but Elite can arrange them for you.Dave **********
It is like the difference between playing 9 holes at the municipal golf course or your membership at the country club.
They are both just a round of golf but there is a lot more convenience at the country club for your money.
Do you prefer top deck or economy class on the plane? They both get you to the same place.
Money well spent? It is a matter of personal preference.
Some people like the top deck.
They are both just a round of golf but there is a lot more convenience at the country club for your money.
Do you prefer top deck or economy class on the plane? They both get you to the same place.
Money well spent? It is a matter of personal preference.
Some people like the top deck.
Dave **********
For those who are interested in the Elite Visa the time is more of a factor than the price. If $15k is nothing to you then the convenience of the fast track at the airport, no 90-day reports, no need for border bouncing or annual visa extensions, no muss, no fuss, no hassle... is worth it.
.
It is not about being able to do it cheaper. It is about the convenience.
.
It is not about being able to do it cheaper. It is about the convenience.
Ernesto ********
I agree with you Dave ,but not forget i wrote if you not short on a buck.
And this kind of people would be put
And this kind of people would be put
*****
$ on the bar and tell the owner ,,,,close the entry door,from now on privat Party with the Girls 😂👌🏻David *******
In the real world can do yoirself much cheaper by getting own visa and if really inclined a limo home leaving only benefit having someone get you through immigration faster. IMHO not realy worth the extra $10k
Reply to
David *******
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Adam *********
Scam - puts money in Official’s pockets and gives little to no benefits!
Ron *******
It's the best visa and service I've ever had anywhere.
Adam *********
@Robert ***********
- good for you.Robert ********
Good for you Adam, I myself am happy to be a life member :)
Adam *********
@Robert ***********
- I had it and subsequently didn’t renew. Wasn’t impressed for the money.Robert ********
Adam, you clearly have no idea what you are talking about.
Amornrat **********
wrong, it is a valid visa.
Reply to
Amornrat **********
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Stephen ******
The visa is legitimate, but it is not ideal for everyone. If you are working here legally then it is a complete waste of time since you still need to obtain a Non-immigrant B visa and Work Permit.
Tony ********
@Charles ***************
38 years. A wonderful time and a great pension!Charles ****************
Tony ********
@Ernesto *******
But most do.Tony ********
@Charles ***************
I'm a military man!Charles ****************
@Tony *******
"Tits up", love that expression.Have no idea where it came from nor why, but a good one.
Ernesto ********
@Tony *******
,not everyone wants to live in Thailand with a hooker in mind.But if you are desperate it up to each individual 😂
Tony ********
Or a non imm O on marriage - yeah, some are that desperate. But giving away large sums of money just to save a little inconvenience is all well and good but don't expect a refund if that relationship with your sulky, moody, whinging, scrounging hooker goes tits up after a couple of months!
Robert ********
True Stephen, you cannot have a Non-B and an Elite visa at the same time.
Ernesto ********
But if you as a pensioner retired in Thailand it's ideal and not crawling the public servants up their arse 😏😉
Reply to
Ernesto ********
Reply
Ernesto ********
If you not short on a Buck and want avoid the hassle with travel and the cost attached to it,,,,brilliant!!😉
Ron *******
For the 5 year visa, it works out at 8300 baht a month. Thats 1 decent night out in Bangkok (Maybe). For the 20 year visa at 1 million baht, that costs 4,166 baht a month. Not enough for a decent night out in Pattaya, let alone Bangkok.
Hardly big money in the grand scheme of things.
Hardly big money in the grand scheme of things.
Franck ******************
ORIGINAL POSTERMake sense indeed
Reply to
Franck ******************
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Geoff ********
Scam...you get bugger all for it and you probably have to do 90 day check-in
Stephen ******
@Henry ********
There is an annual limit to the limos. I think it is twelve, which should be enough for most people.Roger *******
Thanks
@Robert ***********
now when you mention it, there is a document posted with the text Thai Elite in the 90 day report room at Chaeng wattana 😊Henry *********
No you don't. Elite can arrange it for you. Plus they arrange a "limo" airport car whenever you need it!
Stephen ******
@Ben *********
actually the 90 day report is still necessary but the Elite card team handle it.Ben **********
@Henry ********
yes... sorry, I meant you don't have to do yourselfRobert ********
@Roger ******
I joined when the Elite visa was offered for life, this option is no longer available. I never have to leave Thailand, if I do not wish. I can do the 90 day report online OR I can go in person, if I go to Immigration in person, I am not subject to any queue. I simply identify myself as an Elite member and I am processed immediately, so my 90 day report (in person) takes less than 5 minutes to complete.Roger *******
@Henry ********
thanksHenry *********
@Roger ******
As stated above, 90 day reporting is still required and you get permitted to stay for one year. There was a thread here a few weeks ago from an Elite visa holder who overstayed as he thought he was stamped in for 5 years!Roger *******
@Robert ***********
is your visa valid for as long as you membership? Does your permitted to stay stamp alow you to stay for the length of your visa? Do you need to do the 90 day report yourselfe?Henry *********
@Ben *********
Actually 90 day reporting is required for Elite, although they will do them for you if necessary. It is also necessary to leave/re-enter once per year, as your passport is stamped each year, during the 5 year visa period.Franck ******************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Geoff *******
funny im living Australia for good actually, thanks to the crap immigrationGeoff ********
Paperwork to exist should be a one time thing...as is the case in Australia for my wife...it was time consuming but a one time thing
Robert ********
That is if Bt. 270/day is too expensive...
Robert ********
Geoff Morgan Hence the name "Thailand Elite"....it is not intended for everyone.
Geoff ********
Seems a tad expensive...in my opinion
Ben **********
No you don't. And why is anything a scam that exactly states what you get for something for a certain price? It's a value for money question that everyone has to decide for himself. But not a scam.
Reply to
Ben **********
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Oliver ********
it's quite a good deal (if you dont mind paying up front rather than incurring the costs over time) to save all the hassle. but remember its not a work permit and you need a work permit to work.
Oliver ********
@Franck *****************
what you describe is considered work. the only type of investing not considered work is when you have no involvement in operations or management (for example you buy some shares in CP company)Franck ******************
ORIGINAL POSTEROh i mean when you develop the business, you just spend and make $0 at first, until you can finally sell something but if i understand, you can invest in other businesses and make money as long as you are not involved in management operation.
So making money from investment isn't considered as a work?
It seems to me that investing in something involve work to find out if the investment if a good one. So it's like working i think and you make money out of it so it's really a job. No work permit needed?
So making money from investment isn't considered as a work?
It seems to me that investing in something involve work to find out if the investment if a good one. So it's like working i think and you make money out of it so it's really a job. No work permit needed?
Oliver ********
@Franck *****************
not sure what you mean by a business that doesn't sell any services. if you work or do any business or even volunteer you are supposed to have a work permit. but dont worry too much (in thailand there is always a way)Franck ******************
ORIGINAL POSTERCorrect, so if I were to work for myself without selling any services but just by myself and without employees, I would be fine however I want to cash hand employed 4 to 6 web developers... That isn't the right visa for me then but on another hand I don't want to spend $120K into a business that I will hold at only 49%. I'd rather be employed by someone and Dev my business on the side while invoicing clients through my official employer who can send give me back the benefits less taxes and commision.
Not sure it's possible tho 😅
Not sure it's possible tho 😅
Robert ********
@Oliver *******
Nearly 20 years in Thailand, I'm well aware of the laws thank you...Oliver ********
@Robert ***********
you need a work permit to invest in local businesses too. unless you are just a shareholder with no involvement in management or operations.Robert ********
The Elite visa is intended for investors and not for those seeking employment (work permit) in Thailand.
Reply to
Robert ********
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Somchai *****
My wife and i are 2
***
years into our 5 year Elite visa. Money well spent in our opinion. Peace of mind and less hassle are of great value to us.Tony ********
@Robert ***********
Meant for @Somchai ****
.Robert ********
What examples do you want Tony?
Tony ********
Examples please.
Franck ******************
ORIGINAL POSTERThanks
Reply to
Franck ******************
Reply
Franck ******************
ORIGINAL POSTERI want to go live to BKK for the next 3 years and start a YouTube channel and back to acting and develop a website with Thai IT people that I want to employ till I can sale the website to a Thai company.
So I am thiyof that visa
So I am thiyof that visa
Franck ******************
ORIGINAL POSTERYes jealousy is a b.... It's risky indeed.
Glen *********
Franck Stylyroper-Bossi anything that is an activity that can produce an income is considered work - given you are undertaking activities to set-up a company and build that company in order to generate an income later is still work.
It only takes 1 person to notify immigration...it could be a neighbour, a competitor who doesn’t like the fact you will affect his business, someone here in Facebook or even a friend who is upset with you ...you’d be surprised who tries to get people in trouble.
It only takes 1 person to notify immigration...it could be a neighbour, a competitor who doesn’t like the fact you will affect his business, someone here in Facebook or even a friend who is upset with you ...you’d be surprised who tries to get people in trouble.
Franck ******************
ORIGINAL POSTERUnderstand
Tony ********
Franck Stylyroper-Bossi Working for free (for a charity for example) is depriving a Thai of work thus it's considered working. Busking and even selling illegal narcotics on the street can get you arrested for no WP - and other charges of course.
Glen *********
@Franck *****************
it’s not you that has to consider it work, it’s immigration 🙂Franck ******************
ORIGINAL POSTERAs I just realised indeed. Any suggestions?
However i don't concider it as working unless I get pay for it which I won't till I sell it.
Even then I don't think that selling a website is considered as a work
However i don't concider it as working unless I get pay for it which I won't till I sell it.
Even then I don't think that selling a website is considered as a work
Lloyd ********
You can not work with an Elite visa
Reply to
Lloyd ********
Reply
Paolo *********
Are you serious? You would pay
*****
euro for a visa???Paolo *********
@Franck *****************
visa elite does not give you any option to work. Not sure why you refer to it as it would actually allow you to do businessFranck ******************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Robert ***********
I was thinking that too. Alright you guys are the expert or kinda well informed. If i don't want to open a business with a thai person what is my other solution to work, invoice, sell without going through "iglu" which is to my taste a $700 waste every months especially at t ?he beginning when you make $0 developing the website.Franck ******************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Glenn *****************
notedPaolo *********
@Glenn *****************
I could not agree with you moreRobert ********
@Glenn *****************
There is no such creature as a Digital Nomad visa...Glenn ******************
You are giving away a lot of money to save on a little paperwork if you wanted to do that just use a lawyer or a visa agent much cheaper. However given the OP's plans in Thailand which is to work it would be a total waste of money.
Robert ********
@Glenn *****************
there are no supporting documents required to become an Elite member, unlike other visas. Just complete the form and once you pass the background check, you pay the membership fee and you're done.Glenn ******************
@Franck *****************
With many visas you dont have to leave every 90 days i.e. Dependant visa, marriage visa or retirement visa. You have to do 90 day reporting and that is it. I believe that you can even do that over the internet though its not working fully. Given your prospective plans it would be a waste of your money and useless to you. You might look into the digital nomad visa or just one based on Business.Franck ******************
ORIGINAL POSTERI guess money looks different depending on how much you make. $12K is fine
Robert ********
More than 5,000 members and counting ;-)
Paolo *********
Still it's
*****
euro ffs 🤔Franck ******************
ORIGINAL POSTERIt's for 5 years with no headache if having to leave every 90 days
Reply to
Franck ******************
Reply
Franck ******************
ORIGINAL POSTERFrom what I can see on their website, the only advantage is to be able to stay the whole year then leave and come back again for another year etc.. for 5 years.
I don't see any other advantages
I don't see any other advantages
Richard *******
You have to leave every year?? 😮😮😮
Robert ********
****
concierge, help with banking & insurance, discounts at hotels & restaurants, invitations to investment seminars....etc.Nina *********
That's a huge advantage! As you read often in this group, ppl are finding it more difficult to do the border bounce and if you can afford it why not. You also get to get in th the priority lines at the airport too when you decide to leave the country. Oh and I think a golf membership
Reply to
Nina *********
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Josan ********
What are the requirements for Elite visa?
Robert ********
******************
Josan ********
Thanks
Ben **********
500.000 thb costs for the most basic variety for 5 yrs. You can google their website.
Reply to
Ben **********
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Colin **********
The "normal" visa extension is 1900THB a year, so your paying dearly for it, but if your under 50, not married to a Thai and don't plan to make an heavy investment here, it could be worthwhile. There are benefits with the Elite you should check out.
Robert ********
The Elite visa is very helpful if you plan on making investments here as well and was designed to support private investors.
Reply to
Robert ********
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Robert ********
Thailand Elite Visa is very much legit, it just depends on if the fees and perks are worth it to you. I've been a member for over 12 years...
Ben **********
That depends on how much you value being free of visa issues for 5 years
Reply to
Ben **********
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