The Thai Elite Visa, now offered under the Thai Privilege membership program, has become a go-to choice for convenient long-term stays in Thailand. As one of the largest and most successful GSSAs in Thailand, we get a lot of questions about taxes, visa rules, and the actual benefits that come with Thailand Privilege membership.
This FAQ covers the questions we hear most from clients and helps you get a clearer view before you decide to apply.
What’s the difference between the Thai Elite Visa and Thai Privilege?
Thai Privilege is the membership program that replaced the old Thailand Elite system. When you join it, you receive a long-term visa called the Thai Elite Visa. It’s still the same visa, but the membership structure and benefits changed in 2023.
You can’t apply for the Thai Elite Visa without joining Thai Privilege. The visa is issued only to members.
How many types of Thai Elite Visa are there?
There are five Thai Elite Visa options available:
- Thailand Privilege Bronze Membership: 5 years
- Thailand Privilege Gold Membership: 5 years
- Thailand Privilege Platinum Membership: 10 years
- Thailand Privilege Diamond Membership: 15 years
- Thailand Privilege Reserve Membership: 20 years (invitation only)
How much does the Thai Elite Visa cost?
The total cost depends on the membership tier you choose. The benefits of each membership are largely the same, but higher tiers offer a higher amount of benefits and longer visa durations, as well as the option to add family members at reduced costs.
- Bronze: 650,000 THB
- Gold: 900,000 THB
- Platinum: 1,500,000 THB. 500,000 THB for extra members.
- Diamond: 2,500,000 THB. 500,000 THB for extra members.
- Reserve: 5,000,000 THB for the main member, 2,000,000 THB for each additional member
What benefits do you get with a Thai Elite Visa?
Thai Elite Visa holders receive a wide range of benefits. These include VIP airport services, a personal assistant for immigration procedures, annual health checkups, and discounts at select hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers. The type and amount of benefits can vary depending on your membership tier. No other Thai visa comes close to offering the amount of exclusive benefits that a Thailand Privilege membership provides.
What are Thailand Privilege Points and how do they work?
Thailand Privilege Points are part of the membership system introduced in 2023. Each year, members receive a set number of points based on their membership tier. You can redeem these points for extra services such as limousine transfers, spa treatments, golf outings, visa assistance, and help opening a bank account. Point totals are reset each year, and unused points don’t roll over.
Who can apply for a Thai Privilege Visa?
To apply for a Thai Privilege Visa, you must hold a valid passport with at least 12 months remaining. You cannot have a criminal record, history of bankruptcy, or previous Thai visa violations. Unlike other long-term visas, this one does not require proof of income, employment, or education. It suits retirees, remote workers, and frequent visitors who want a convenient way to stay in Thailand.
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Do you need health insurance?
No, health insurance is not required to apply for or maintain a Thai Privilege Visa. However, medical care in Thailand can be expensive for foreigners without coverage, so for the first 6 months to 1 year of your membership (depending on the tier), Thailand Privilege provides accident insurance for you. This way, you can stay covered while shopping for a permanent policy.
Can anyone apply for the Thai Privilege Visa?
Most nationalities can apply for the Thai Privilege Visa, but there is one exception. Applicants from North Korea are currently not eligible. All other nationalities are allowed to join, provided they pass a background check and meet the basic entry conditions. This includes having no history of visa violations, criminal charges, or bankruptcy.
How do you apply for the Thai Privilege Visa?
The application process begins by submitting your personal information and required documents to an authorized agent. Once your documents are submitted, a background check is conducted, which usually takes several weeks. If you pass the check, you’ll receive an approval letter and be asked to pay the membership fee. After payment, you can have the visa affixed to your passport either in Thailand or at a Thai embassy or airport.
What documents do you need to apply for the Thai Elite Visa?
You’ll need a copy of your passport, a completed application form, passport-sized photographs, and a personal information form. If you’re applying inside Thailand, you may need to provide additional documents such as a departure card or a copy of your current visa. If you’re adding family members, you’ll also need marriage or birth certificates.
What happens if your passport expires while you’re a member?
If your passport expires during your membership period, you must renew it and notify the Thai Privilege Visa center. They will update your membership record and make sure your visa details are correctly transferred. Keeping your passport valid is necessary to avoid issues with re-entry or immigration reporting.
Can you transfer your Thai Elite Visa to a new passport?
Yes, as long as the new passport is from the same country. You’ll need to notify the Thai Privilege Visa center and provide a copy of your new passport. If you change your nationality, you must cancel your current visa and reapply under the new nationality.
Can you upgrade your Thai Privilege Visa Membership after joining?
Yes, you can upgrade your membership tier. To do this, you must pay the price difference between your current package and the one you wish to upgrade to. If you wish to upgrade to the Reserve tier, this requires a personal invitation from the program.
Can you add family members to your Thai Elite Visa package?
You can add family members if you’re enrolled in the Platinum, Diamond, or Reserve tiers. Added members pay a reduced fee compared to main members. Children under the age of 15 can be included under your membership without needing their own visa, but they must still be listed and approved.
Do family members get separate Privilege Points?
No. If you add family members to your membership, all members share a single pool of Thai Privilege Points. That means if one person uses points for a service, it reduces the total available for everyone else in the account.
How long does the Thai Privilege Visa application process take?
Processing usually takes 1 to 3 months from the time you submit your documents. The background check is typically the most time-consuming part, especially if you’ve lived in multiple countries. Once approved, the rest of the process moves quickly.
Can you apply for the Thai Privilege Visa from outside Thailand?
Yes, many people apply from abroad. You can submit your application through an authorized agent while in your home country. Once approved, you may have your visa stamped at a Thai embassy or designated airport.
Can you legally work in Thailand with a Thai Elite Visa?
No. The Thai Elite Visa does not grant you the right to work in Thailand or apply for a work permit. You cannot engage in any paid employment within the country. However, remote work for a foreign company or earning income through overseas investments is allowed, as long as you don’t receive Thai-sourced income.
What should you do if you already hold another Thai visa?
Before receiving your Thai Elite Visa, you must cancel any existing Thai visa. You cannot hold two visas at the same time. Timing matters, so work with your GSSA to make sure the switch from your current visa to your Elite membership goes smoothly.
How long do you have to pay after your Thai Elite Visa is approved?
Once your application is approved, you have 30 days to pay the full membership fee. If you miss this deadline, your application will be canceled, and the non-refundable 50,000 THB application fee will be lost. It’s important to prepare your payment in advance.
Where do you get your Thai Elite Visa stamped?
If you’re in Thailand, you can go to the Immigration Office in Bangkok to get your visa affixed. If you’re outside Thailand, you can have it stamped at a Thai embassy in your home country or upon arrival at select international airports in Thailand.
Do you need to get the visa stamped right after approval?
No, but keep in mind that your membership begins on the date of approval, not when you get the visa stamp. If you delay the stamp, you lose time on your membership. It’s better to finalize it as soon as you can.
How long is the Thai Elite Visa valid for?
Each Thai Elite Visa is valid for five years and renewable—up to 20 years in total, depending on your membership tier. Renewals do not require reapplying from scratch but must be completed through official channels.
Do Thai Elite Visa holders need to report to immigration every 90 days?
Yes. Even with a long-stay visa, you must report your address to Thai immigration every 90 days. You can do it in person, by mail, or online. Alternatively, you can use your Thai Privilege Points to have an assistant file the report on your behalf.
Can you buy property in Thailand with a Thai Elite Visa?
Yes, but you must abide by the same restrictions that all foreigners in Thailand face in regards to property ownership. You can buy a condominium in your name or lease land for up to 30 years. You cannot own land or a house directly. Previous visa promotions linked to property ownership have been discontinued.
Can you open a bank account in Thailand with a Thai Elite Visa?
Yes, you can open a Thai bank account. Some banks allow you to do this independently, while others may require assistance from the Thai Privilege team. You’ll need a Thai phone number, and sometimes a supporting letter, to complete the process.
Can you stay in Thailand full-time with a Thai Elite Visa?
Yes, but each entry is limited to 12 months. To stay continuously, you must exit and re-enter the country once every year. This can be done by taking a short trip abroad and re-entering to reset your stay period. You can also extend your visa once for another 12 months per entry.
How can you pay for your Thai Elite Visa Membership?
You can pay the full membership fee using a credit card, international or Thai bank transfer, Alipay, or cash at participating banks in Thailand.
Can you get a refund if you cancel your Thailand Privilege Visa application?
Refunds are only issued if your background check fails. If you cancel your application after approval or choose to withdraw on your own, you won’t receive a refund. Make sure you’re ready before you apply.
Does Siam Legal charge extra for Thailand Privilege Visa assistance?
No. You only pay the official application and membership fees. Siam Legal does not add any extra service charges when helping you apply.
Do Thai Elite Visa holders have to pay taxes in Thailand?
Possibly. If you stay in Thailand for more than 180 days in a calendar year, you’re considered a tax resident and may need to pay taxes on foreign-sourced income. If you have any sources of Thai income, such as from property rents or other investments, you must pay Thai taxes on them.
Does having a Thai Elite Visa make you a Thai Tax Resident?
Not automatically. You’re only considered a tax resident if you physically remain in Thailand for more than 180 days within a calendar year. Once you meet this condition and transfer income into the country, you may be required to register for a Thai tax ID.
Can you apply for the Thai Elite Visa if you’ve overstayed in the past?
It depends. A short overstay that was resolved with a fine may not affect your application. However, a long or repeated overstay could lead to rejection during the background check. Your immigration history will be reviewed closely.
Can you apply for the Thai Elite Visa if you held an ED, Volunteer, or Medical Visa?
It depends on the type and history of your visa. Former ED Visa holders may apply if their school was properly licensed and they submit an extra form. Most Volunteer Visa holders are not allowed to apply. Medical (Non-MT) Visa holders may also face restrictions depending on their application history.
Where can I apply for Thailand Privilege?
Contact us to begin your application. As an award-winning GSSA, we can ensure your application is handled swiftly and smoothly, all at no extra charge to you.
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