The Thailand Elite Residence Program

Obtain privileged entry to Thailand and enjoy an affordable yet exceptionally high standard of living. With the Thailand Elite Residence Program, you can secure the right to live in Thailand for up to 20 years with a residence permit, all while experiencing beautiful natural attractions, world-class shopping, and idyllic island getaways. Enjoy a selection of additional complimentary luxury services and benefits and travel easily through border control and immigration procedures.

Benefits

Access to long-term residence that allows you to reside in the country throughout the residence program validity
A multiple entry residence permit with no minimum stay requirements
Attractive tax regime
Complimentary VIP services
Access to numerous benefits and discounts across Thailand

Program details

Program validity: Five years to twenty years
Program fee: Ranges from THB 600,000 to THB 2.14 million (approximately USD 19,000 to USD 68,000)
Annual fees: None*
Age requirement: None*

*Annual fees apply for the Elite Ultimate Privilege and the Elite Family Premium options. An age requirement of 20 years and over applies for the Elite Ultimate Privilege.

What is the Thailand Elite Residence Program?

The Thailand Elite Residence Program is a long-term privilege entry visa program managed by the Thailand Privilege Card Company Limited (TPC). TPC is a wholly-owned subsidiary under the Ministry of Tourism and Sport. The purpose of the program is to promote Thailand to foreigners through the issuance of a privilege entry visa, giving them the right to reside in Thailand for up to 20 years.

TPC registered its incorporation under the Civil and Commercial Code on 29 August 2003, having the Tourism Authority of Thailand as its sole shareholder and having the status of state enterprise under the Budget Procedures Act B.E. 2502 (1959).

The Thailand Elite Residence Program was initiated according to Article 17 of the Immigration Law B.E. 2522 (2003). It is supported by all government agencies and successful applications are irrevocable. The program has had over 4,000 approvals since inception.

What are the Thailand Elite Residence Program options?

There are currently seven program options for the Thailand Elite Residence Program. All options have common features such as airport immigration express services (elite personal assistance through immigration and access to executive lounges), access to a 24-hour contact center, and government concierge services.

The main differences between the program options are the term of the visa (either five, 10, or 20 years), the nature of the airport transfer services, and other complimentary benefits included in the package.

What are the key factors that an applicant must consider when deciding on which program option is best for them?

The key factors that an applicant must consider when deciding on which program option to select are:

1.Does the applicant require a visa for five, 10, or 20 years?

2.Is it a single applicant or multiple/family application?

What additional benefits and complimentary services are required by the applicant?

Kindly note that the visa provided to Thailand Elite Residence Program members is not considered a non-immigrant visa and therefore does not allow the successful applicant to work in Thailand.

Are there any investments required in order to apply to be a member of the Thailand Elite Residence Program?

No, an applicant is not required to make any investment in order to apply for the program.

As a non-privilege entry visa holder, if I'm overstaying in Thailand, can I apply for a visa through the Thailand Elite Residence Program, so I do not have to leave the country?

No, an individual is not eligible to acquire a Thailand Elite Residence Program privilege entry visa in this case. The individual is required to leave the country if they are overstaying on their current entry.

Any applicant who has more than one overstaying record will not be eligible to apply for the Thailand Elite Residence Program. Regardless of whether an approval letter has been issued, any member with a record of overstaying more than once will be rejected at the immigration office when they arrive to have their privilege entry visa affixed.

What are the costs involved to obtain the Thailand Elite Residence Program Privilege Entry visa?

The application fees range from a non-refundable payment of THB 2,140,000 (approximately USD 68,000) with a 20-year validity; THB 1,000,000 (approximately USD 32,000) with a 10-year validity; to THB 600,000 (approximately USD 19,000) with a five-year validity.

What is the upgrade option available with the Elite Easy Access program option?

The Elite Easy Access option is designed as a trial option for new prospects. Once the successful Elite Easy Access applicant gets familiar with and enjoys the Thailand Elite Residence Program and its benefits, the applicant is allowed to upgrade to the Elite Ultimate Privilege option for a fee of THB 1.498 million (approximately USD 50,000) including VAT. The applicant is also allowed to upgrade to the Elite Superiority Extension option for a fee of THB 400,000 (approximately USD 13,000) including VAT.

What is the 20% transfer fee available on the Elite Ultimate Privilege program option?

Successful applicants of the Elite Ultimate Privilege program option are allowed a one-time transfer of the remaining validity of the privilege entry visa to another person. A one-time transfer fee is payable at 20% of the prevailing application fee at the time of the transfer. Currently, the transfer fee is THB 400,000 (20% of THB 2,000,000 excluding VAT). After transfer, the term of the visa is subject to the remaining period.

What are the differences between the Elite Ultimate Privilege and the Elite Superiority Extension program options?

Both program options provide the applicant with a 20year privilege entry visa and airport express services through immigration. The Elite Superiority Extension program option, however, does not allow for the one-time transfer of the visa nor does it provide the complimentary services such as golf, spa treatments, and the annual health check (which is included in Elite Ultimate Privilege). The Elite Superiority Extension program option does not have an annual fee payable and there is no age restriction for applicants. The Elite Ultimate Privilege requires a THB 20,000 (approximately USD 600) annual fee (excluding VAT) and applicants must be 20 years or older.

The application process

What is the difference between 'Assisted Application' and 'Apply Yourself'?

We provide two different application processes. With the 'Assisted Application' you can take advantage of a convenient, fast and simple application process directly supported by our staff. Feel free to contact us for personal guidance via email or office number.

The 'Apply Yourself' option is apparent in the application section, where all process steps are clearly mentioned. Feel free to complete each online process step yourself.

Both application process options are free of charge.

What are the qualifications required of the applicant?

The applicant must have and maintain to have the following qualifications:

Not having been sentenced by a judgment to imprisonment in any countries except for an offense committed due to negligence;
Not having been adjudicated bankrupt;
Not having been declared as a person of unsound mind, incompetence, or quasi-incompetence;
Not having previously overstayed more than one visa in Thailand;
Being allowed to stay in Thailand in accordance with the immigration laws or any related law of Thailand;
Holding a foreign passport; and
Being sui juris under Thai law

What documents are required to apply for the Thailand Elite Residence Program visa?

The applicant must fill in and sign an application form and provide the following supporting documents:

Copy of each applicant's passport biodata page*
High-resolution color passport-size photo or digital photo not exceeding 2 MB
Copy of birth certificate**
Copy of marriage certificate**
Copy of any Thai visas and entry stamps in the passport

* The passport must have a minimum validity of one year and three blank pages

** This is only required for family applications to prove the relationship to the main applicant

All documents must be translated into English where applicable and such translations must be notarized or certified as a true translation by the translation company (and include the company's stamp)

How complicated is the application process?

The application process and required documents for the Thailand Elite Residence Program visa are not onerous. The most important documents are the application form, a copy of the applicant(s) passport, and color photos of the applicant(s). For family applications, proof of the relationship between the core applicant and family members must be included in the submission. The applicant must sign as indicated on all pages of the application form.

What are the signature requirements for the application forms?

Family members must sign on the designated space on the application form.

For the applications of minors, the parent or legal guardian will need to sign these designated spaces on their child's behalf. The spaces must be completed with "Signature on behalf of (child's name)".

Is there any quota or restriction on the nationality of applicants?

There are no quotas.

Please note that passport holders of the following countries are currently ineligible to acquire the Thailand Elite Residence Program privilege entry visa: Afghanistan, Algeria, Cameroon, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Guinea, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Palestine, Republic of the Congo, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.

What is the processing time for the application?

Approval in principle will be received two to three months from application submission.