Thailand Citizenship Investment Elite Residency

Thailand Elite Residency Program

Thailand offers several residency by investment options through the Thailand Privilege Visa Program. This government-backed long-stay visa avenue provides high-net-worth individuals, investors, and frequent visitors with an exclusive pathway to long-term residency in Thailand.

Established in 2003, the program was originally called the Thailand Elite Residency Program but was updated to the Thailand Privilege Visa in October 2023

The Thailand Privilege Visa offers different memberships permitting renewable visas from 5 to 15 years alongside a suite of lifestyle privileges and government concierge services.

Types of Thailand Privilege Visas

The Thailand Privilege Visa is structured across five elite membership options:

Thailand Elite Bronze Visa

5-year visa
One-off fee: 650,000 THB (approx. $20,000)

Thailand Elite Gold Visa

5-year visa
One-off fee: 900,000 THB (approx. $27,000)

Thailand Elite Platinum Visa

Membership validity of 10 years.
A 5-year visa, renewable for another 5 years
One-off fee: 1,500,000 THB (approx. $45,000)
Discounted rates for family members. 1,000,00 THB per additional family member

Thailand Elite Diamond Visa

Membership validity of 15 years
15-year renewable visa renewable for 2 years twice
One-off fee: 2,500,000 THB (approx. $75,000)
Discounted rates for family members. 1,500,000 THB per additional family member

Thailand Elite Reserve Visa (Invitation only)

Only available via invitation
20 years membership validity
15-year renewable visa renewable for 3 times
One-off fee: 5,000,000 THB (approx. $150,000)

Asides from the visa, each category comes with additional lifestyle perks such as concierge & VIP airport services, leisure, travel and healthcare perks.

Citizenship by Investment Thailand

Thailand doesn’t offer a direct citizenship by investment programme. If it did it’s passport would likely be of minimal attraction to investors. The Thai passport offers visa-free travel to just 92 countries worldwide. In terms of mobility for investors, it offers visa-free access to only 25.5% of the world’s wealth (as measured by GDP) and 31.9% of the global travel popularity. It ranks 104th overall in La Vida’s comprehensive Global Passport Ranking.

For applicants interested in citizenship by investment there are alternative programmes available. The residence visa obtained through the Thailand elite residence program does not lead to permanent residence status or citizenship. Permanent residence can only be obtained when an individual has had a Thai non-immigrant visa for at least three years prior to the submission of their application. It is possible to apply for citizenship after holding permanent residence status in Thailand for 10 consecutive years.

Citizenship And Residency Programmes

A selection of alternative residency and citizenship investment programmes to consider.

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Thailand Privilege Visa FAQ’s

What is the difference between the Thailand Elite Visa and the Thailand Privilege Visa?

The Thailand Elite Visa was the original long-term residency program introduced in 2003, offering various visa packages from 5 to 20 years. In 2023, the program underwent a comprehensive overhaul and was rebranded as the Thailand Privilege Visa, introducing new membership tiers and a more flexible benefits system.

How can I get permanent residency in Thailand through investment?

The Thailand Privilege Visa grants long-term residency but not permanent residency. To obtain Thai Permanent Residency, individuals must hold a non-immigrant visa for at least three consecutive years, meet other financial criteria’s.

What is the cost of the Thailand Elite Residence Program?

The new Thailand Privilege Visa packages start from THB 650,000 (approximately USD 20,000) for a five-year Bronze Membership. Other tiers offer longer stays and additional benefits, with prices reaching up to THB 2.5 million (approximately USD 75,000) for the Diamond Membership.

Is the Thailand Elite Visa the same as a Golden Visa?

The Thailand Privilege Visa functions differently from traditional Golden Visa programs. Golden Visas usually offer direct residency or citizenship through investment with the right to live and work. In contrast, the Thailand Privilege Visa provides renewable long-term residency but does not allow work

What is the fastest way to get residency in Thailand?

Applying for the Thailand Privilege Visa is currently the fastest way to secure long-term residency in Thailand. Approval typically takes between 30 to 60 days, with minimal documentary requirements compared to traditional visa categories.

Can I work in Thailand with the Thailand Privilege Card?

The Thailand Privilege Card, previously known as the Thailand Elite Visa, does not grant the right to work in Thailand. Holders of the Privilege Visa are allowed to work remotely for Thai companies but cannot work for Thai companies without a separate work permit.