What is the Thai Elite visa? How long? How much? etc. Thanks
Answer summary
The Thai Elite Visa is a long-term visa option for expats in Thailand, typically lasting for either 5 or 20 years depending on the chosen program. The current costs include a 1 million THB fee for a 20-year visa, while the 5-year options can start from around 500,000 THB. This visa allows multiple entries without the need for re-entry permits and simplifies the immigration process, although holders cannot work directly without a separate work permit. Insights shared in the community highlight satisfied experiences with the visa, emphasizing its convenience despite the higher upfront costs.
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Ron *******
No. I'm not married. Been there and done that. I never liked being a member of that club.Good to see your looking after your wife.
And how many ex pats do you think have a pension income of 100,000 a month or can tie up 3 million in a bank account here for a year then 1.5 million for the further 4 years topping them back up to 3 million for the further 5 years?
Personally I hate to be the bloke that relies on immigration every 12 months to grant him an extension.
What was that new visa they were talking about some time ago. Something like having 100,000 baht a month income and a million baht seasoned in a bank will get you the same as the elite visa. And at no charge. I'd hate to be the guy who threw away half a million baht for an elite if they implement that.
For me taking early retirement and having my home here but also travelling in and out a fair bit, it's a perfect solution. Of course, for those that are not certain where they see themselves in the future or not travelling in and out frequently it's a big financial commitment. For those under 50 and not married or working though and wanting to stay here long term, there may very well not be another choice in the future at some stage.
Can I get a work permit for Thailand Elite Visa? What does mean "the acceleration and assistance in obtaining work permit"
Work permit in Thailand can be obtained only under a valid working (non-b) visa. For cardholders who wish to obtain a work permit when entering the country you will need to obtain a business visa. However, he can still use all privileges of the club Thailand Elite, such as airport service, 90-day report, golf, spa, etc.
All cardholders of Thailand Elite can look forward to free public service concierge, which can be used to speed up government processes in obtaining a work permit: to get a letter from the Ministry of Labor, etc. Also, Officer of the Club can be provided if necessary to aid in communications in the Immigration Police and other government services.
Thailand Elite Members should pay attention, if you enter Thailand with your non-b visa with permission to work, to leave the country will also be carried out by your business visa (which is not a multi-visa and requires to make re-entry permit visa during your trips abroad). If you want to take advantage of Thailand Elite visa for the next entry, you must first cancel your business visa before you leave the country, and then enter with you Thailand Elite visa next time.
9. What does it mean “business networking” for members Thailand Elite.
Company Thailand Elite, as investment advisor and legal consultant, conducts various business activities throughout the year for the members.
This is done with a view to presenting the elite club of Thailand Elite and to introduce members to each other, to share experiences, opportunities for further business cooperation and collaboration. Experienced members of the club can share with new useful information and experience to take advantage of the club in Thailand, etc.
In addition, cardholders can get Thailand Elite consulting support in the field of investment and legal issues. Company Thailand Elite can help it's Members in communication with the BOI (Board of Investment) if it’s necessary.
Yes Funny thing about Thai Law -- a foreigner can OWN a business in Thailand but Not Operate it - hands on in any way without a Work Permit... The American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand has made an appeal to the Thai Government to change that somewhat ...
I should have clarified as using the Work Permit to run a business in Thailand. I think some Elite Members would like to do that... It would simplify a lot ...
If you have to live in Bangkok it may not be good. Outside there are not those issues. In Chumphon I live 15 minutes away from the immigration office. Takes a whole 5 minutes to check in. I Surly can use that half a million for something better then 20 minutes out of my day 4 times a year.
I had read many topic threads on the Thai Elite Visa on many forum platforms ... The take that I get - is that the vast majority of those with long term experience with one version or another of the Elite Visa are well satisfied ... A lot of the carping about the Elite Visa - in my opinion - comes from a bit of jealousy from those who do not have the disposable income to do it ... I do not have the money to do it - even the lowest cost one of 500,000 Baht for 5 years - BUT I do not envy those who can do it or have done it.... More power to them ... Of the hundreds of posts on this subject that I have read I cannot recall even one negative post of Elite Visa owners... If I had the money -- I would do it tomorrow - just for one reason -- not to have to deal with any hassle to live here...
It is call to each his own. When the new longer stay over 50 visas are put fully into place requiring much more money in the bank and same with monthly income - and some prize winning member of the Thai Government decides to phase out the current Extension of Stay for over 50 and the lower financial requirements then the 500k Elite will look pretty good.
JD, nobody is negative about elite. It's just throwing money into the wind for a mere 90 day check in. I'll take my wife to Europe for a few weeks with half a million baht.
JD, I joined Elite because back then it was the only visa available which was good "For Life" and I was willing to commit here for such a duration. I'm sure many naysayers might have the resources to join, but they might not have enough faith in the Govt out of fear the visa might one-day be cancelled. Yet after 12+ years, through multiple coups and the current junta, all is well. The daily perks and annual privileges make it great for me, but there are other perfectly valid options for those to make other choices. I just do not wish to travel out of the country for the reasons of a extension.
Telling people to google....on a Thai Visa Advice page...That just doesn't seem right does it.....Thats like calling customer service and they say..Oh have you googled it??..20.year 1 mill = 50k a year. No hassles. I am considering.
If you don't want the hassle of a visa trip / renewal every year and border runs and questions and proof of funds and reporting and all the rest. Frank the skimmed down version as I understand it is 20 year 1 million. That is 50k per year for multiple entry. Less than what you pay now and no border runs.
I do not have that problem , as i work so i have my visa , i can move freely in and out of thailand when ever i want , 1 visa trip per year , and 3 border runs , i pay tax , and everyone is happy and leaves me alone since about 15 years now , visa cost in total about 60 000 thb
I don't think so Phil, I paid i million THB over 10 years ago, for life, and will have this visa for another 20+ years. Is that really expensive for 30+ years of benefits?
It's a fair lump to pay in one hit but it probably works out cheaper than visa runs and extensions if you stay in a half decent hotel. Plus you know your not getting declined or messed around. Immigration actually smile and welcome you back lol
Sweet. Yes thats the one I have been looling at and want. I am 37 so not really many other options other than painful ones. 50k a year...thats nothing....but a fair bit to pony up at the beginning for peace of mind and an easy visa life in Thailand. Cheers. Better than google any day ;)
The best option by far now Michael is the 20 year 1 million baht one. That wasn't available when I bought the 5 year one. The only long term option then was the 20 year 2 million baht option with golf and spas. I don't play golf so was useless to me.
I will purchase the new 20 year option when this one runs out.
Thanks Ron. It is comments like yours (on this site an others) that make me follow these sites as they are first hand. Anyone can say go check google but that is not really helpfull on a page for people to ask visa related questions is it. Some people just want to watch the world burn rather than help ohers... I have been considering Elite for a long time and may go for it one of these days when I am cashed up. Thanks again.
The only people that I have seen say anything other than positive feedback about the Thailand Elite PE Visa are those they have never had one. I really couldn't be more happy about the programme. I'm 58 ( I know I don't look it 😂) and could easily have qualified 3 years ago for a retirement extension when I bought the programme. All the time I can afford to stay with it, I will never change to any other visa. I love the fact I can come and go as i please with no re-entry permits and a years stamp everytime I enter. No grief with immigration, fast track meet and greet airport service, they deal with immigration and collect my luggage with a BMW series 7 limo supplied picking me up to and from the airport 24 times per year, and the private airport lounge all included.
what ever dude. This group has come so deluded in the past year. Tod and Lloyd and maybe one or two others are the only reputable guys here. Stick with conflicting false advice if you want or just join bangkok expats and argue.
Go on google and there are so many varied reports that you get more confused than before you started for visas and elite info. Why are any of us in this group if google is king, why are you?? 555...Forums and groups are much better info than random google searches.
Hendrik Alma Most stuff anymore is contradictory. Wasn't always like that. Yes one person says, no another. I heard somewhere this or in my opinion. It's crap. Google is derived from people. There's maps, recommendations, pictures and star ratings. This is a great site a lot if information as long as it's coming from a Tod Danials and Lloyd Turner type. Most everything else is bs from people who think they know.
Google is a great way to find information but getting information from others with first hand actual experience makes the whole picture complete and that is why I like this forum.
With the Elite Visa program now, The way that visa works is every time you exit/re-enter the country you're stamped in for a completely new calendar year. If you do not leave the country to get stamped in for another year you do pay for those yearly extensions of stays at the immigration office (1900baht).
No work permits, but you can have dividend paying investments. The premise being you are not coming to Thailand to work, but to make investments and employ people.
Hello Robert, I am contemplating the 20 year Thai elite. just a simple question is it really so convenient and easygoing as they described on their website ? feel free to msg me your experience. Kind regards and have a great weekend.