If you’re a high-earning foreign national looking to stay in Southeast Asia for extended periods, the best option is to apply for a Thailand Golden Visa. Many Southeast Asian countries provide this type of visa, but each has different eligibility requirements and benefits. Given the variety of choices, comparing each country’s Golden Visa can help you choose the option that best matches your immigration plans.
This article will explain what a Golden Visa is, what types of visas fall under this category, and which one you should apply for.
What is a Golden Visa?
A Golden Visa is a term used to define a visa solution that rewards you with long-term residency in exchange for making large investments. These visas come with high financial requirements and are typically offered to wealthy or high-value individuals. In most cases, you’ll only need to meet a few non-financial requirements, making it one of the easiest ways to live in another country.
Golden Visas in Southeast Asia
Most Southeast Asian countries offer a visa that can be considered a Golden Visa. Some of these go by a different name but share enough similarities to be considered a Golden Visa. Investor visas, for example, are issued to foreigners who invest a certain amount of money into the country’s economy.
Thailand Golden Visa
Thailand offers some visas that fall under this category, such as the LTR Visa Thailand (Thailand Long-Term Resident Visa). However, the Thailand Privilege Visa is the Thailand Golden Visa that provides the best overall experience. It is issued after joining the prestigious Thailand Privilege program and is valid from 5 to 20 years, depending on your membership package. Each package also comes with exclusive perks and VIP benefits which makes your stay more rewarding.
Vietnam Investor Visa
Also known as a DT Visa, this Vietnamese visa is valid for up to 5 years, up to 12 months of stay, and multiple entries into the country. You can further prolong your stay in Vietnam by applying for a Vietnam Temporary Residency Card, which lets you reside for up to 10 years. Using the visa to open or invest in a limited liability or joint-stock business grants the opportunity to apply for Vietnamese citizenship.
Malaysia’s Investor Visa
Known locally as the Malaysia My Second Home Program (MMH2), the Malaysian Investor Visa is obtainable within 3 to 6 months and allows you to settle down for up to 10 years in the country.
Aimed at foreign investors, you need to deposit a certain amount of funds (depending on your age) and meet the minimum monthly income requirements. You also have the option of bringing your family members to the country by paying an additional fee.
Indonesia’s Golden Visa
To boost the economy, Indonesia has introduced a series of Golden Visas that offer stays of 5 to 10 years. To qualify for one, you need to invest a certain amount of money, depending on whether you’re applying as an individual or as a company.
Philippines’ Special Investor’s Resident Visa
The Special Investor Resident Visa (SIRV) is a type of golden visa that provides unlimited entries into the Philippines and lets you stay without a set time limit.
To seek long-term residence on this visa, you must remit at least $75,000 into a Filipino account from your home country and invest subject capital in one of the targeted economic activities in the Philippines.
What is the Best Golden Visa in Southeast Asia?
While Golden Visas in Southeast Asia offer a wide range of useful benefits, they usually have high financial requirements and a difficult application to contend with. To make the most of your trip, choose a visa that offers good benefits. Aim for one that’s affordable and easier to apply for.
The Easiest Golden Visa to Qualify for
Golden Visas in Southeast Asia usually involve a lengthy and complex application process, strenuous eligibility requirements, and multiple documents as proof that you fully qualify for the visa. Most of them also require a police clearance certificate and medical exam. For greater convenience, you should look into a Thai Golden Visa.
Among all the options, the Thailand Elite Visa stands out for its simple application and low entry requirements. Applying for an Elite Visa takes up to 4 months, involves only a basic background check that you need to go through, and requires less paperwork. If you require help in applying for an Elite Visa, you can consult a General Sales and Services Agent (GSSA) for FREE assistance in obtaining your visa.
The Cheapest Golden Visa
Most Golden Visas are aimed at investors and require you to make some investments and meet financial requirements before you can qualify. For instance (in US Dollars), the Malaysia Investor Visa requires a minimum investment of $125,000, a monthly income of $2,500, and a bank deposit (the amount varies depending on how old you are).
If you’re looking for something more affordable, the Elite Visa is your best bet for long-term stays. This Thai Golden Visa provides no added income rules, insurance checks, or annual fees. You just pay a one-time membership fee based on the package you choose.
The Golden Visa With the Best Benefits
Every Golden Visa comes with benefits that support your long-term stay in the country. These include the ability to live there without interruption, enter and exit freely, and apply for permanent residency later on.
However, the Thailand Privilege Visa goes above and beyond with its wide selection of exclusive VIP perks. These perks enhance your overall enjoyment of Thailand, making residing there more comfortable and convenient. Examples of Elite Visa benefits that aren’t available with other Golden Visa programs include:
- Unlimited access to the premium lane upon arrival for faster immigration clearance
- Professional assistance in opening a Thai bank account
- Support with your 90-day reporting requirements
- 24/7 phone support through the member contact center
- Access to exclusive lounges at Thai international airports and immigration centers
- Special deals and discounts at certain establishments
- And more
You can also personalize your membership package with added luxury perks and privileges by redeeming them with points issued to you every year. With this, you can acquire free domestic flights, complimentary hotel nights, free golf course sessions, and many more.
Contact Siam Legal for Further Assistance
To secure your Thai Golden Visa smoothly and without delays, reach out to Siam Legal today for professional assistance. We are Thailand Privilege’s most trusted GSSA with the skills and expertise to help you join the membership program in the most hassle-free way possible.
We do all the heavy lifting on your end by managing your application, allowing you to prioritize planning your trip without stress. As a Thailand Elite Visa Agent, we also don’t charge you for our services, giving you our full support without added costs.
Contact Siam Legal today for the most comfortable and stress-free experience in Thailand without any interruptions.