Eligible For a Thai Elite Visa
Thailand’s Elite program is designed for foreigners who want to invest in the country or live here for a long period of time. Its participants receive long-term visas and a variety of VIP benefits. Those who join the program are also eligible for citizenship by investment, which has its own benefits.
The benefits of the Thai Elite Visa program are considerable, and it is highly recommended that those interested apply. However, a Thai Elite Visa is not an immigration document, and it does not entitle holders to permanent residency in the country. For that, a foreigner must have a non-immigration visa for at least three years. In addition, they must reside in Thailand for at least 10 years in order to be eligible for a passport.
This visa does not provide a work permit, but the person can own shares in a Thai company or be a director. They can also invest in a Thai company or open a bank account. They can also drive a vehicle. Moreover, the Thailand Elite visa is open to everyone, and there is no age limit or requirement for marriage. The application process takes approximately four weeks.
To apply for a Thai Elite visa, an applicant must submit a completed application form and a scanned copy of their passport. Applicants can also visit an accredited agent, which will work with the Immigration Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or Thailand Elite Office. Due diligence is required, and it is estimated that for most nationalities, the process can take up to one month, with longer times for those with special nationalities.
Who is Eligible For a Thai Elite Visa?
The Thailand Elite Residence Program is a long-term privilege entry visa program that is managed by the Thailand Privilege Card Company Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Ministry of Tourism. Its aim is to promote Thailand and issue privilege entry visas for foreigners. This visa allows an applicant to reside in Thailand for up to 20 years. The company was established on 29 August 2003 and is a registered enterprise under the Civil and Commercial Code.
The Thailand Elite Visa allows individuals to live and work in Thailand for a long period of time. It provides privilege entry for foreigners, eliminating the hassle of applying for a visa upon each arrival. Moreover, the Thai elite visa allows its members to enjoy special privileges at partner establishments. For instance, Thailand’s King Power Duty-Free Store is part of this program.
Thai Elite Visa can be obtained by those who have a Thai national spouse. For the applicant to obtain the visa, the marriage must be registered and reported in Thailand. The applicant must also obtain a non-immigrant O visa abroad and then convert it into a 1-year marriage visa at their local immigration office. Applicants must meet financial requirements to be eligible for this visa. They must have 400,000 THB in savings in a Thai bank account and 40,000 THB in monthly income. The foreign embassy will also need to verify the finances of the applicant.