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Is the Thailand Elite Visa a scam for expatriates looking to retire in Thailand?
Thailand Elite VisaVisa rulesRetirement VisaNON-O visaLTR visaExpat adviceImmigration optionsCost of living in Thailand
Apr 11, 2025
a year ago
Susan *********
ORIGINAL POSTERHas anyone heard of or gotten a “Thailand elite” visa or is this a scam? Looking to retire there in the next 6 months and trying to figure out the best way to go about it. Thanks
TLDR : Answer Summary
The Thailand Elite Visa is a legitimate option for long-term stays in Thailand, but it comes at a high price, costing around $15,000 for a 5-year visa with various exclusive benefits. Many commenters suggest that while it provides a hassle-free experience, especially for those who value convenience and security, there are cheaper alternatives available such as the Retirement Visa for individuals over 50, or the LTR visa for others. Opinions vary, with some strongly recommending the Elite Visa for its advantages, while others contend that it is not worth the expense compared to other visa options.
LONG TERM RESIDENT (LTR) VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic LTR Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Long Term Resident (LTR) Visa.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Long Term Resident (LTR) Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Andrew ********
Umm better off with retirement visa if you can
Johnny *********
That's the best way, get the Elite visa
Billy *******
Definitely not a scam. Mine costs about ฿900 per week for over 20yrs of hassle free living in Thailand. Easy extensions, easy to open bank accounts, depending on your location the extensions are a breeze, no need to leave Thailand, no need for re-entry permits etc, many other perks but mostly I like the security of the visa.
Tom ********
@Billy ******
thank you for the very direct and informative information. Much appreciatedReply to
Tom ********
Reply
Mma *******
Elite for under 50 (or DTV also), Retirement Visa for over 50. That reduces the confusion for you.
Dave **********
Not worth it. Get retirement visa and save a shed load of money to spend on nice hotels or trips to islands
Bob **********
Look at the LTR visa if you can afford the Elite maybe you have the passive income for it
Greg *********
Not worth the money, IMO.
Todd *********
It’s a great visa. Just pay your money and move in
Dave *********
Love anything that insulates me from bureaucracy.
I’d be going for it myself if they weren’t doing away with the Bronze tier end of June.
I’d be going for it myself if they weren’t doing away with the Bronze tier end of June.
Marty *********
How old are you? If you are under 50 then it is an option to consider
Susan *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Marty ********
I am 66 looking at other visas is confusing was trying to streamline if possibleMarty *********
@Susan ********
in my opinion the Elite visas, if you can afford it, best serve those under 50 years old. The typical retirement visa is the O visa.I have a 10 year pensioner LTR visa which is another little known option.
Andrew *******
@Marty ********
That visa is solid but it requires, from memory, a fairly high annual passive income and/or reasonably chunky amounts of cash invested in Thailand right? If you’ve got those levels of cash then buying a Thai Elite for 10 years seems almost lower friction no?
Marty *********
@Andrew ******
When you buy an Elite visa you pay a fair amount of cash and it is gone. The pensioner LTR requires a passive income of $80,000/yr which admittedly is a high hurdle for most people. The LTR visa is 50,000 baht which is much cheaper than all categories of Elite visa. The LTR doe not require any money in the bank except . . . The LTR does require insurance or can be satisfied by $100,000 in a bank anywhere. Tax benefits - money brought into Thailand is not taxed.I meet the LTR financial requirement with my work pension. There are some passive investments that qualify as well and you can use Social Security as well.
Since I was using passive income to qualify for the LTR it was incredibly easy to apply myself online. If you are using passive investment income then the process may be more difficult.
There are other LTR categories that require investments.
In my opinion, the Elite only makes sense for people under 50 years old that have fewer options. The DTV satisfied the needs for many people under 50 years old.
Andrew *******
@Marty ********
Cheers 👍I’m tossing both up and I’m lazy, so leaning towards just punting the money on the Elite. But absolutely agree with your point
Susan *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Marty ********
will look at that. Thank youDave **********
@Susan ********
agree the LTR **********************
Reply to
Dave **********
Reply
Charles ********
We hav3 several elite Facebook groups, join if you have specific questions. Not a scam, I am on elite, is expensive but also stable. Retirement visa is an option that's cheaper, but elite will be a white glove exper and they take care of everything so it's up to you if it worth it or not
Robert *********
Cost of this visa please
Charles ********
@Robert ********
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Reply to
Charles ********
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Laurie ***************
@Charles *******
and there is no insurance requirement. If you have preexisting conditions and cannot get Thai insurance, Elite is only option.Robert *********
@Charles *******
how much is the Thai Elite Visa pleaseReply to
Robert *********
Reply
Jesper *******
If you are above 50yrs old try to apply a non O immigrant retirement visa in a thai enbassy in your home country
Raed ****
cost 15k$ !! if you are willing to pay you will get the privilege to stay 5 years no questions ask like the other visas
Brandon ************
The Thai Elite Visa is real. That doesn't mean it's not a scam. For what they charge, there are many much better options for visas.
Andrew *******
@Brandon ***********
it’s massively convenient but it costs a chunk. If you’ve got the money I reckon it’s a decent option.Reply to
Andrew *******
Reply
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