Thailand is lifting restrictions on applications for the Thailand Elite Visa (Thai Elite Visa) program for all nationalities except North Korea, Thailand Privilege Card Co., the company supported by the Thai Government those processes applications, announced in September 2024. It also became known that from January 1, 2025, when applying for this Visa, each candidate will need to pay a fee of THB 50,000. And at the moment and until December 31, 2024, such a fee is not charged.
This decision reflects a strategic plan to expand the reach of Thailand Elite Visa to new markets and is a response to the growing popularity of the program, based on Immigration Act 1979 Chapter 1 Section 7 (7)..
Thailand Elite Visa: how to get it?
The Thailand Elite Visa program offers investors renewable residence visas valid for 5 to 20 years. To clarify, this program does not lead to permanent residence or citizenship in Thailand.
The non-refundable fee ranges from $26,000 to $140,000 USD. The applicant can choose an option based on the visa validity, with the longest one, Reserve Membership for THB 5 million, being issued by invitation only.
Thailand Privilege Programs: types of membership
Gold Membership is valid for 5 years – THB 900,000
Platinum Membership is valid for 10 years – THB 1,5 m
Diamond Membership is valid for 15 years – THB 2,5 m
Note that each option has complimentary benefits such as a year valid health insurance, Airport Service (escort on arrival and departure, personal assistance through immigration) and more.
However, paying the non-refundable fee is not the only reason for obtaining a Thai Elite Visa. The Thailand Elite Flexible One Program offers a 5-year multiple-entry visa for members that purchase properties worth THB 10 million with participating developers.
Visa application typically takes one to two months to process. Applicants are not required to be physically present in the host country to maintain immigration status, as is the case with naturalization.
