Thailand Elite Visa & Thailand Privilege Card: A Comprehensive Guide
The Thailand Privilege Visa, commonly known as the Thailand Elite Visa, caters to business professionals, digital nomads, retirees, investors, high-income individuals, and families seeking to relocate to Thailand. This is one of the most popular visa types for foreigners looking to buy property in Thailand.
Benefits of Thailand Elite Membership
Multi-Year Residency: Members enjoy a 5-year multi-entry visa, allowing them to reside in Thailand full or part-time. This visa facilitates opening multi-currency bank accounts with internet banking and obtaining a Thai driving license.
Exclusive Services: Membership includes 24/7 concierge services, fast-track immigration at major Thai airports, and limousine services, enhancing your living experience in Thailand.
Visa Details
The Thailand Elite Visa, categorized under Tourist Visa (Privilege Entry Visa “PE”), offers long-term residency options of 5, 10, or 20 years, depending on the selected package.
Key Features:
- 5-Year Renewable Visa: This visa is renewable and allows for a 1-year stay per entry.
- Uninterrupted Stay: Visa holders can remain in Thailand without the need for frequent exits.
- Visa Duration: The visa lasts for up to 5 years or until the passport’s expiry date. Free renewals are available if the membership exceeds 5 years or the passport expires sooner.
Obtaining the Thailand Elite Visa
After becoming a member and receiving your Thailand Elite member ID, you can request your visa, which will be issued within 5 working days.
Visa Collection Points:
- Airports: Bangkok Suvarnabhumi or Phuket Airport upon arrival.
- Immigration: Bangkok Chaeng Wattana.
- Royal Thai Consulate: In your country of residence.
Responsibilities of Visa Holders
90-Day Reporting: All foreigners, including Thailand Elite Visa holders, must report their address every 90 days. This can be done online, by mail, or at the nearest immigration office.
Annual Visa Extension: The visa allows a maximum of 1-year stay per entry. If staying beyond a year without leaving, contact member services for an extension.
Working with a Thailand Elite Visa
A work permit is required to work legally in Thailand. The PE Visa does not directly permit obtaining a work permit, except under the Flexible Plus program, which allows certain members to convert their PE Visa to a Non-immigrant visa and secure a work permit.
Application Requirements
Applicants must:
- Hold a valid foreign passport with at least 3 empty pages and a minimum 1-year validity.
- Have no overstay record in Thailand.
- Meet the minimum age requirement for the Elite Ultimate Privilege package (20 years old).
- Have no criminal record, bankruptcy, or mental incompetence.
After application approval, typically within 4 weeks, and payment, you become an official Thailand Elite member. The Thailand Elite Visa is granted to members who maintain these qualifications.
Meet the Author
With extensive expertise in Phuket’s property market and Thai property laws, as well as deep connections with local developers, Nuno co-founded one of the largest real estate agencies in the region. Recently, he launched his own venture, Storm Real Estate, specializing in a carefully curated selection of properties that meet his high standards. Unlike larger agencies where frequent staff turnover can disrupt client relationships, Nuno is committed to offering a stable, one-on-one experience with himself or a member of his team of experienced property consultants, from initial consultation through purchase and beyond. By prioritizing quality over quantity, he ensures that each client’s unique needs and budget are met, making dream homes a reality.
Contact Us
Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions on the subject, or if you would like to know more about property in Phuket in general.
