Thailand Elite Residency Program

Thailand offers three options for its residency visa. A programme applicable for HNW global citizens wanting frequent access or residency in Thailand.

The Thailand elite residence program offers applicants the right to live in the country for up to 20 years along with access to privileged services and VIP benefits. To receive the Thailand elite residence visa, foreigners must join Thailand elite, an exclusive program offered by Thailand privileged card company limited. (TPC)

The program was initiated in 2003 to attract wealthy global citizens who wish to spend extended periods of time in the country and take advantage of its beneficial tax regime and affordable but high standard of living.

The Thailand elite residence program offers seven options, of which the following three are most popular:

Elite Ultimate Privilige

Elite Ultimate Privilege is a twenty year residence visa for a once off fee of 2,000,000 THB, approximately $65,000 plus an annual fee of approximately $650. This program includes exclusive VIP express airport services and lounge access, unlimited short haul airport transfers for international flights, government concierge services, and hospitality services for golf, spa treatments and an annual health check.

Elite Privilige Access

Elite Privilege Access is  a ten year residence visa designed for family application. The one-off fee is 1,000,000 THB, approximately $32,500 for the main applicant and $25,000 for each dependent. There is no annual fee. The programme includes VIP express airport services, transport services, government concierge services and an annual health check.

Elite Easy Access

Elite Easy Access is a five year residence visa allowing expats or business people to enter Thailand regularly and easily during the period. this options requires a one off payment of 600,000 THB, approximately $19,500 and there is no annual fee. The Elite Easy Access residence visa can be upgraded to the Elite Ultimate Privilege option for approximately $48,500.

Application Process

TPC provides an efficient application process for residence: in less than one month a visa will be issued and may be collected from a designated international airport in Thailand. Once allocated, applicants may stay or reside in Thailand for as long as they desire under the terms of their chosen package. However, applicants must notify TPC if they stay in the country for a continuous period of more than 90 days.

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.