Freaquently Asked Questions:

What is the Thai Elite Visa?

The Thai Elite Visa is a special visa introduced in 2003 by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports that aims to attract affluent visitors, businessmen, investors, and expats to stay in Thailand long-term. It is a visa classified as a Privilege Entry Visa that is valid for 5 years with multiple entries without having to deal with so much paperwork or visits to the immigration office. The Thai Elite Visa holder will be allowed to stay in the country for up to 1 year on each visit.

How long is the Thai Elite Visa application process?

The Thailand Elite Membership and Thai Elite Visa application process may take 3 weeks to 2 months depending on the nationality of the applicant and in case of immigration or criminal record of the applicant.

Do any Thai Elite application documents need a notary stamp or to be certified?

No. It is not required for the Thai Elite Visa application forms and copy of passport to be notarised or to be certified. A scanned copy sent through email or photocopy of these documents is sufficient.

What is the passport validity that is required for this Elite visa process?

deally, you need to have at least 5 years remaining in the validity of your passport. However, in case you have less than 5 years, the Thai Embassy or Immigration Bureau will affix the Thai Elite Visas based on the expiration date stated in your passport. The remaining validity of your visa will then be affixed to your new passport. It is also good to note that you need to have at least 3 blank pages in your passport.

Do I have to appear in person for the Thai Elite application?

No, it is not required to personally appear during the Thai Elite membership application. You will be represented by a sales agent during the membership application. However, your presence is required during the issuance of the visa whether it is at the Thai Embassy abroad, at Suvarnabhumi airport, or at the Bangkok immigration office.

What are the required documents for application for the Thai Elite Visa?

The required documents for the application of the Thai Elite membership are a copy of the profile page of your passport, coloured ID photo with white background, duly accomplished application form, and copy of proof of relationship for any family member applying with the main applicant.

Is there an income requirement to hold the Thai Elite visa?

There is no income requirement to hold the Thai Elite Visa. The applicant only needs to pay the membership fee which will range from 600,000 Thai baht to 2 million Thai baht. Although there is no income requirement, one of the requirements to qualify as a member is that the applicant has not been adjudicated bankrupt.

How does the Thai Elite visa differ from the Thai Retirement visa?

The Thai Elite Visa differs from the retirement visa in such a way that the financial requirement or membership fee is non-refundable. The financial requirement for a retirement visa is deposited in the visa holder’s bank account as his/her own savings. The retirement visa must be renewed every year whereas the Thai Elite visa does not need to be renewed every year. Both Thai Elite Visa and Retirement Visa require 90-day address reporting.

Do I have to pay income taxes in Thailand as a Thai Elite visa holder?

The Thai Elite Visa is a privilege visa which falls under the special tourist visa category. The Thai Elite Visa holder does not need to pay income taxes especially when the income was derived abroad. There are instances where a Thai Elite Visa holder may voluntarily pay income tax in Thailand.

Can Thai Elite Visa holders buy real estate in Thailand?

Just like other foreigners, Thai Elite Visa holders can own condominiums in their own name. If applicants wish to acquire land and build a house, they can obtain a long-term lease on the land (for up to 30 years). They will need to apply for a construction permit to build the house in their own name. This way applicants can own the house and have a secured long-term lease on the land.