Answered2 years ago

Is the Thailand Elite Visa a good option for long-term living?

Elite Visa DTV Visa Long-term Visa Options Remote Work Visa Thailand Immigration Tourist Visa

Eric ******

asked Oct 18, 2024

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Hello,

So I work IT and have been looking into long term visas, but have been pondering the elite visa.

Would it make sense to just try and go for the Elite if I plan on transitioning and living in Thailand for the long term?

Answer summary

The discussion revolves around the options of obtaining a long-term visa in Thailand, specifically weighing the Elite Visa against alternatives like the DTV (Digital Nomad Visa). Community members suggest considering the DTV for remote work, as it may be more cost-effective than the Elite Visa, which they argue has limited benefits. One commenter shares their experience with using tourist visas over several years and highlights the financial comparison between the Elite Visa and other options, ultimately choosing flexibility over the commitment of the Elite Visa.

12 repliesnewest first

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Terary **********

I have been doing remote IT work in Thailand for the past 8 years. Mostly I have been on tourist visas. When I originally started this journey I looked into the Elite visa and found it was about the same value as other visa options. At that time, it cost half as much as it does now. My math worked like, $2500/year for 10 years... I needed for 8 years.. over pay by $5000, Or $1,200/trip, 2 trips a year... Effectively the choices, did I want to travel a couple times a year or did I want an elite visa.

I went with the tourist visas option. Today there are a few other visa options.

Best of luck.

2 years ago

Eric ******

@Terary *********

that’s awesome

What aspect of IT are you in?

Let’s network I have TS, Sec+ ,CCNA, and willing to switch roles though for something decent if you have any connections.

2 years ago

Us *****

Do the DTV. If you have difficulty then message me. I just got it. Do not pay 900k for the Elite.

2 years ago

Eric ******

@Us ****

check my response to Brandon above 🙏🏾

2 years ago

Eric ******

@Eric *****

ok. I figured that. Thanks.

2 years ago

Us *****

@Eric *****

opening a bank account is a 5k baht problem. Just pay an agent. Message me privately. I know all the run arounds.

2 years ago

Us *****

@Eric *****

bkk wants too much. Just come Pattaya

2 years ago

Eric ******

@Us ****

Any $5000 baht agents in Bangkok or have to go to Pattaya?

2 years ago

Brandon ************

If you want to work remotely from Thailand, then look into the DTV visa.

There are very few reasons for anyone to actually get an elite visa anymore

2 years ago

Eric ******

@Brandon ***********

Thank you,

Do you know if bank account comes after visa for the baht requirement or am I able to set up bank account before?

I have a rental contract out there

But next time I visit my objective is to set up bank account, but have been told it’s a hassle to set up account on tourist.

2 years ago

Brandon ************

@Eric *****

they just want to see the equivalent in baht from your bank account anywhere. Not sure how they calculate the exchange rate. I believe most of the embassy websites just state for the requirements to show xxxx in the local currency so there's no needing to figure out exchange rates at all.

2 years ago