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What are the costs and reporting requirements for the 10 year Elite Family Alternative visa in Thailand?

Elite VisaThailand Visa Rules90 Day ReportingVisa ExtensionsNon-O VisaRetirement VisaImmigration ProceduresExpat Life in Thailand
Jul 23, 2023
a year ago
Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi all

We are just looking through the small print for the 10 year Elite Family Alternative visa (for myself and my wife) before we sign and get the process started

It covers the 90 reporting and what we have to do and that the cost is covered by the Elite Visa

It also mentions an annual report, if we stay in the kingdom for a whole year we have to report in, easy to do apparently, can be done in their offices in Bangkok or Pattaya (and 2 other named areas) from what I am reading, the fee for this does not appear to be covered by the Elite Visa and that it will cost us 1900thb (around £43 each)

Can someone please confirm if this is the case and equally important, confirm if there are any other annual fees/ charges or any other deductibles we should be aware of

Thank You
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation revolves around the 10-year Elite Family Alternative visa for a couple moving to Thailand. Key points include a clarification that 90-day reporting is free for all visa holders, but visa extensions cost 1900 THB each year, which is not covered by the Elite Visa. Participants discuss potential alternatives to the Elite Visa, like the Non-O retirement visa, emphasizing the need for funds in a bank account and the complexities of visa requirements in relation to their financial situation and pet relocation. The dialogue reflects common concerns and shared experiences among expats regarding visa processes in Thailand.
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Gio *****
Can't believe that you still have to pay for extension every year when you pay this amount of money on TE
a year ago
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Mitchell *******
If the money is no issue, Elite visa is the least hassle and least stress by far. But, as you see, it isn't cheap.
a year ago
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Jo **********
the best option if you can get is a 10 year LTR based on retirement. I have one based on remote working i only need to report once a year. Amazing
a year ago
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Mike ******
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/thailand-introduces-new-10-year-long-term-resident-visa-for-foreigners/?fbclid=IwAR2_uxmMtQcLdDwnMcjAkjSBJHkZSBsZF-ONarh4Kx29fEkhuBWUzOdGt60_aem_AfNE0cWJ1yfFj6a4gM6WK82VayFMad5PPMsEEvC_Lf30wZMzgZHWQXn6M4wnDLF6qDw
a year ago
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Mike ******
Maybe this is less complicated .if you qualify
a year ago
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Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mike *****
 would absolutely jump at the chance if my finances allowed, Alas that is out of our reach
a year ago
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Linz ************
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Richard ***********
The dog is not relevant to your visa. You can bring one as a visa exempt tourist. You need to engage with the pet people at Bangkok Airport directly to get an import permit in advance. You will need to prove rabies vaccination and rabies titre (antibody) test as well as regular vaccinations and a dog health check with your vet just before you leave. The authorities at the airport speak good English and communicate by email. Google them. It’s very straightforward. We brought our cat in as tourists.
a year ago
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Ronnie *******
Thanks so that works for the one year retirement visa. What about the free visa or the tourist visa? Don't you need a visa for cambodia?
a year ago
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Nivant ******
Go to Cambodia or nearby country right before the completion of 1yr and save 3800 for yearly extention, practically free small trip every year on elite visa by saving on extention..
a year ago
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Tulip ********
TE is at least worry free, and with all the other complications does give peace of mind if you think its worth it.
a year ago
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Ally ************
If you can leave the dog with relatives for a couple of months.. i would suggest you enter Thailand together.. on a 60-day tourist visa.. with the intention of extending it by 30-days.. which would give you 3-months in country to 'get your ducks in a row' so to speak.. with a letter from Immigration confirming your address in Thailand you should be able to open a bank account with Bangkok Bank.. and get money transferred into it from overseas to begin seasoning your funds.. then apply for your retirement visa.. the trailing spouse idea seems sensible in order to minimize the extra documentation.. once your initial retirement visa has been approved.. one of you returns to your home country to bring your dog over.. having had time to consult with other dog owning expats that brought their pet here from overseas.. i think this approach would simplify the process and could help you to avoid potential pitfalls.. you also get to 'try' Thailand for 3-months before putting your dog through the mincer of a long-haul pet flight.. and will have limited your financial outlay should you decide against following through with a long term visa.. there's no refund on the cost of an Elite Visa should you change your mind after 3-4 months.. recommend you conserve your capital and take your time.. maybe even experience different regions before deciding upon the ideal location for your permanent retirement home.. you can't do that so easily with your dog in tow.. and he'll probably thank you for it later 😉
a year ago
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Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ally ***********
 alas, leaving our dog is not an option, yes we fully appreciate that is a big hurdle to overcome but leaving her behind, even for a short while is not an option, thank you for the suggestion though 👍🏼
a year ago
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Linz ************
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Steve *******
90 day reporting is free but yes you will have to pay 1900bt for your yearly extentions of stay.
a year ago
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Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve ******
 thank you
a year ago
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Linz ************
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Brook ********
I don’t have the energy to convince you it’s a really bad decision based on inaccurate information.

Good luck.
a year ago
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Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brook *******
 well, I appreciate you responding, our heads are spinning, spent 4+ months working out what is best, went to do a trial run (application) for the Non-O whilst still in the UK, my wife’s circumstances immediately flagged as an issue so Elite sounded like the best option, and yet, here we are again, confusing ourselves of which route as can go down and indeed which route is best for us don’t get us wrong, we do not want to have to fork out £34,000 if we can avoid it
a year ago
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Linz ************
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Ron *******
You're getting yourself mixed up.

The 4 places you mention are the only places in Thailand that TE will do the 90 day report on your behalf.

It means 2 trips. Once to drop the passports off and you return a few days later to collect them again.

A TE yearly extension can be done in any immigration office.

If you want TE to hold your hand and go with you for an extension, it isn't free. They will meet you at Bangkok, Phuket,Pattaya or Chiang Mai immigration.

It's 2000 baht per person for the TE service plus 1900 baht per person for the extension.

Another thing. If you want TE to provide any of those services, you need to make sure you lodge a completely new TM30 every 12 months and have the printout in your passport from immigration or TE simply won't entertain you.
a year ago
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Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ron ******
 sorry Ron, I am clearly getting confused 😵‍💫

Thank you for responding

We are planning on settling around Pattaya so immigration wise, ther shouldn’t be an issue

TE take care of the 90 day reporting on our behalf (yes, I appreciate we will have to drop off some paperwork of some kind) there is no fee for this
a year ago
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Linz ************
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Zap **********
Why not both get Non O in Thailand and extend for retirement purposes?
a year ago
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Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Zap *********
 £10,000 each shown in our bank account for 3 months before applying is one reason, we have a joint account and we would never leave £20k sat in there
a year ago
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Zap **********
@Linz ***********
not necessarily some immigration offices only require the funds to be in account when applying for Non O not 3 months before applying. Doesn't matter if you have joint account in your home country you open separate accounts in Thailand ...each meeting the 800,000 tbh requirement. Perhaps can open one in both names with 1,600,000 tbh. Why throw away $$ on Elite. I suppose if you are wealthy and have money to burn..?
a year ago
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Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Zap *********
 you are right and by choice we do not want to throw away £34k if at all possible, it is simply finding an alternative way to settle there 👍🏼
a year ago
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Zap **********
@Linz ***********
and this is why I suggest Non O apply in Thailand then do annual extensions
a year ago
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Zap **********
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Graham ******
@Linz ***********
 but you're prepared to pay for an Elite Visa, sorry, that makes no sense to me
a year ago
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Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graham *****
 well, yes, we can afford the elite visa and we could do that whilst still in the Uk so it’s all sorted for when we arrive (and indeed paid for before we arrive)

We cannot get our head around how we can land in Bangkok with a dog on a on way ticket and stay

My wife has no income (not an issue for us)

We do not have 3 months showing £10k each sat in an account

Oh heck, this is so confusing 😵‍💫
a year ago
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Alistair **********
@Linz ***********
 I don't understand why you can't just put £10k each in your bank account. If you have enough to spend £40k on elite visas, can't you put some of that money into your account for 3 months to meet the non o requirement?
a year ago
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Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Alistair *********
 we are in the process of selling our home, we do not have £20k cash floating around but upon completion we will have ample funds

The £34k elite visa can be paid on a credit card (balance cleared the following month from the sale of our home)
a year ago
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Alistair **********
@Linz ***********
 so you can apply for non o before you leave. Your wife can apply for a non o in Thailand. Apply for a tourist visa for her before leaving to give extra time to sort her visa out when here. Your situation allows a lot of options. So I wouldn't be too worried.

For the money you'd spend on elite visa you could almost get an OX visa. Which is up to 10 years (5 + 5) so has the same security in length as the 10yr elite. You need to have 3mil in a Thai bank as a requirement, but I believe that covers both of you and your wife.

But the best option would probably be to just get a non o in Thailand, then get the 1yr extension, renewable indefinitely. 1900B a year. 90 day reports are free and can be done online from the comfort of your couch. There's what 100,000+ retirees living here doing it this way
a year ago
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Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Alistair *********
 thank you
a year ago
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Mike ********
@Linz ***********
 money spent on elite visa…..gone,. Money in bank to get a retirement visa will always be available,. Think about it ?
a year ago
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Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mike *******
 agreed, we are seriously seriously looking at moving away from the elite as per your suggestion👍🏼
a year ago
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Mike ********
@Linz ***********
 I think elite visa is ok if you've got money to burn, 800k baht in thai bank doesn't fill me with confidence either, but its like a safety buffer, you should try a couple of visa agents for quotes also,.
a year ago
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Graham ******
@Linz ***********
 So that money is sat in an account somewhere, there's your proof of funds for the Embassy for your initial Non-O
a year ago
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Graham ******
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Brook ********
How old are you?

The retirement visa is much less expensive if eligible.
a year ago
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Andrew *******
@Brook *******
 I'm nearly 57 can you explain the process what you have to do thankyou in advance
a year ago
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Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brook *******
 months away from my 55th (wife 60+)

Had looked at the non-O but my wife has no income, it is my pension that will fund us both and we are arriving with our dog for added complications
a year ago
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Brook ********
@Linz ***********
The Non-O for you is a much better and much less expensive option IMHO.

Your wife can come as a trailing/dependent spouse. Her lack of income is irrelevant.

The dog does not require a visa or proof of income.

You need to do much more research before you waste money.
a year ago
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Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brook *******
 is it a waste of money, I appreciate that is a subjective question but 10 years peace of mind, Elite Visa assistance with bank accounts and driving licenses, 90 day reporting etc, at the very least we would use an agent for a Non-O, how much is that each year, what will the cost be in 2 years, 4 years, 5 years etc

We are seeing the elite as an investment for our own peace of mind and stability
a year ago
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David *********
@Linz ***********
 look int LTR visa for pensioners. Far less expensive and easy to do.
a year ago
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Brook ********
@Linz ***********
 Opening a bank account takes all of one visit, and 30 minutes at the Maya mall.

Driver’s license is 1-2 hours at most with a valid license, IDP residency certificate and Doctors exam.

You need to read the fine print of the elite visa and talk to people that have tried to use the services.

Many of the services are severely limited or restricted (read the fine print), apply only to Bangkok, or are one time only.

A Non-O is ฿1900 or $55/year.

An elite visa is about $10,000 over a five year term ($2,000/year).

That’s 36 times more expensive.

For $1000, we might be able to get the Governor of the province to assist you in opening a bank account and getting a license.

Finally, there is not as much peace of mind with an elite visa (or any visa) as you may think. Thailand can revoke your visa for any reason, at any time.
a year ago
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Peter ********
@Brook *******
 I read your post with interest. I was interested in going the non o route but have been absolutely unable to open a bank account anywhere. So whilst opening a bank account may take 30 minutes it’s completely irrelevant if all you get is constant no’s. Without opening a bank account it is impossible to show the required money in a Thai bank account.
a year ago
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Frank **********
@Peter *******
 I got one through Bangkok Bank while on a Visa Exempt. My Immigration Office had an arrangement at one of the branches.
a year ago
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Peter ********
@Frank *********
 In Bangkok I have been asked if I have a work permit , said no I am retired looking to put money in an account for retirement visa. Got a straight NO. Many banks same respponse
a year ago
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Alistair **********
@Peter *******
 it's a lot tighter than it once was. Bangkok bank allows foreigners to open an account with either residence certificate from immigration (can't get in Bangkok till 90 day report is done tho) or embassy certified copy of your passport.

Otherwise, just pay an agent if you really need one and can't get it any other way. About 5000B in Bangkok
a year ago
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Peter ********
@Alistair *********
 Thank you. If I could find an agent that was interested in helping me open a bank account I would choose that route. Found 2 in Pattaya but they need a Pattaya address
a year ago
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Alistair **********
@Peter *******
 Siam legal seems to be widely recommend. They had issues opening accounts for people a few months ago, idk if that's resolved since tho. Otherwise, the certified passport method with Bangkok Bank should still work I believe. Their head office in Silom deals with lots of foreigners and will probably be best placed to tell you want you need exactly.
a year ago
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Ivan ************
@Pe***
 you need to go to a branch that is known to be friendly to foreigners that is known to do it. I know where you could go in Chiang Mai for example, and could tell you that. Many branches won't do it, you need to go to the branch that does. Alternately, just hire an agent to do it for you.
a year ago
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Frank **********
@Peter *******
 I understood I guess I was lucky.
a year ago
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Mark ********
@Peter *******
also helps if you have a copy of rental accommodation lease agreement. Seems to speed things along. Oh, and dress well. That's a biggy.
a year ago
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Peter ********
@Mark *******
 I had the rental agreement with me and dressed well and proof of funds in UK bank. Didnt get past have you got a work permit or just a straight NO. That is in Bangkok.
a year ago
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Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mark *******
 agreed, dress respectfully when the circumstances warrants such a thing 👍🏼
a year ago
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Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Peter *******
 we’ve read similar reports, numerous attempts at opening a bank account simply to be met with the no, no, no
a year ago
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Brook ********
@Peter *******
 A few weeks ago I challenged a guy to come meet me at K Bank in CM, not dressed like a begpacker and open an account with a minimum deposit of ฿20,000.

He arrived early without me and accomplished it himself.
a year ago
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Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brook *******
 wow, thank you, just when we thought we had agreed the best way for us you mention the above, seriously Thank You 😕🤔

More thought needed
a year ago
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Linz ************
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Garrett ***********
Everytime you enter Thailand, you'll be stamped in for 1 year. If you don't leave the country for 1 year, you need to apply for a 1 year in country extension. If you leave the country and reenter once a year, you never have to do yearly extensions.

Also, please don't turn off commenting in this group. Thanks.
a year ago
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Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Garrett **********
 understood and sorry
a year ago
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Linz ************
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Brandon ************
90 day reports are free for everyone in Thailand.

Extensions are 1900₿ for everyone in Thailand.

These aren't elite visa costs they are regular immigration costs.
a year ago
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Linz ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 understood, thank you
a year ago
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Linz ************
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