While becoming a Thailand Privilege member and acquiring a Thailand Privilege Visa is less stressful compared to the application processes of other Thai visas, it is a relatively new visa, so our consultants get many questions about its application process and the benefits of membership. As Siam Legal is a licensed General Sales and Services Agent (GSSA) tasked with helping Thailand Privilege applicants by the Thai government, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about the Thailand Elite Visa and their answers.
How much does a Thailand Privilege Visa cost?
You only need to pay a one-time membership fee to secure your Thailand Privilege Visa. How much you have to pay depends on which of the five Thailand Privilege membership options you have chosen. Here is a rundown of the packages and their respective costs:
- 5-year Bronze membership: 650,000 baht
- 5-year Gold membership: 900,000 baht
- 10-year Platinum membership: 1,500,000 baht
- 15-year Diamond membership: 2,500,000 baht
- 20-year Reserve membership: 5,000,000 baht (only available via invitation)
Aside from the membership fee, no additional payments are required.
What are the Thailand Privilege Visa eligibility requirements?
While the Thailand Privilege Visa includes fewer requirements than other Thai visas, you still need to satisfy some conditions to qualify. These include:
- No history of being declared mentally incompetent
- No history of being bankrupt
- No history of long overstays or penalties that have not yet been resolved
- Not being a current or previous holder of a volunteer visa
What documents do I need for a Thailand Privilege Visa?
In addition to the application form, applying for the Thailand Privilege Visa requires submitting certain documents, including:
- A valid passport (with at least 6 months’ validity remaining)
- A recent passport-sized photograph (in color and taken in the past 6 months)
- A completed application form (for the membership of your choice)
- A completed PDPA form
- Proof of relationship documents (only if you are adding family members to your membership package)
To make the process more convenient, Siam Legal provides a complimentary checklist highlighting all the documents you need. As a GSSA, we assist in collecting your documents and verifying their accuracy before submission to Thailand Privilege.
Are any nationalities restricted from applying for a Thailand Privilege Visa?
Previously, nationalities on the UN sanction list were prohibited from securing a Thailand Privilege Visa. As of now, all nationalities are eligible for the Thailand Elite Visa with the exception of North Korea.
Am I eligible for a Thailand Privilege Visa if I’m holding an Education Visa?
Yes, you can still secure a Thailand Privilege Visa, whether you are a current or previous holder of a Thai Education Visa (ED). However, you must submit a completed Education Visa Holder Acknowledgement Form as well as documents from the educational institution you studied at.
What are Thailand Privilege Points, and how many do I earn each year?
As a Thailand Privilege member, you can access the exclusive Thailand Privilege Points system to unlock perks using an allotment of points granted each year. How many annual points you’re entitled to depends on which membership package you applied for. Here is a breakdown of the annual points per membership:
- Gold membership: 20 points per year
- Platinum membership: 35 points per year
- Diamond membership: 55 points per year
- Reserve membership: 120 points per year
It is important to note that the privilege points system is not available to Bronze members.
How long does it take to obtain a Thailand Privilege Visa?
Applying for an Elite Visa can take between 4 weeks and 3 months, depending on your nationality, whether you have a criminal record, or whether you submitted all the required documents.
Can I apply for a Thailand Elite Visa if my passport is expiring?
You can apply for the visa, but it depends on when your passport expires. To be eligible, your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining. If your passport is expiring in less than 6 months, you will need to renew it or provide a foreign passport that’s valid.
Do I have to apply in person for a Thailand Elite Visa?
No, you can apply for the Thailand Elite Visa online, regardless of your location. If you consult the services of a GSSA, they can help you through your online application from anywhere in the world. The only time you have to appear in person is to collect your passport from the nearest Thai Embassy, airport, or Thai immigration office after your application has been processed.
What is the income requirement for Thailand Privilege?
Much like with financial and age requirements, applying for a Thailand Privilege membership and securing your visa includes no income requirements that you have to satisfy. All that’s needed is to pay the one-time membership fee.
Can I buy land on a Thailand Elite Visa?
You are entitled to the same land ownership rights as other foreign nationals while holding the Thailand Elite Visa. This means you can purchase a condominium in Thailand or lease land for a certain period. However, according to Thai property law, you aren’t allowed ownership over land.
Do I have to pay taxes on a Thai Elite Visa?
Yes, as a holder of a Thailand Elite Visa, you are not exempt from having to pay taxes to the Thai government. If you reside in Thailand for at least 180 days and earn income from abroad, you will have to submit a Thai income tax return by the deadline each year. However, you only need to pay income tax on your Thai sources of income. Whether or not you must pay income tax on your foreign-sourced income depends on where it was earned and when you bring it into Thailand. If you are unsure of what taxes you are obligated to pay on your foreign income, contact our Thai tax advisors for a consultation.
Do I need health insurance for a Thailand Elite Visa?
One of the benefits of applying for a Thai Elite Visa is that you are not required to purchase health insurance, unlike other Thai visas, such as a Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR Visa Thailand).
Where can I find professional assistance with my Thailand Privilege Visa application?
If you want to apply for the Thailand Elite Visa smoothly and get your visa as quickly as possible, connect with Siam Legal for professional assistance with your application. As a GSSA partnered with the Thai government, our lawyers have the expertise to guide you through the application process, from start to finish.
We handle most of your application for you, from preparing your application packet correctly to submitting everything to the relevant authorities on your behalf. With us by your side, we’ll help you secure your Thailand Elite visa quickly and easily, so you can focus on planning your new life in Thailand without worries.
Contact Siam Legal today for the most rewarding and convenient way of enjoying an extended stay in Thailand.