The advantages of the Elite visa for living in Thailand

The Thailand Elite programme offers a simple and effective alternative to the more traditional visas required for long-term residence in Thailand.

It has been specifically designed to meet the needs of foreigners who are looking for an efficient and transparent application process.

Thailand's immigration laws are complex and subject to constant change.

Prior to the introduction of the Thailand Elite programmes, only the bravest persevered to wade through complex and opaque immigration rules, sometimes for months, before they could identify the right way to settle in Thailand or renew their hard-won initial permit.

Benefits of the Thailand Elite visa

Thailand Elite now offers foreigners a fast and clear route.

People who enrol in this programme are not just immigrants.

They are esteemed 'members' and as such enjoy a number of benefits that remind them of the privilege of being part of such an elite community.

Member benefits include VIP and priority airport services, medical services, 24/7 call centre in several languages, personal concierge services, special discounts at luxury SPAs, golf courses, shopping centres and activities, etc.

Joining the Thailand Elite community comes at a cost, but an affordable cost compared to other options.

To register, simply contact an authorised agent.

The different forms of membership

Travelling and staying in Thailand has never been easier.

Thailand Elite membership is available for 5, 10 or 20 years.

The application can be made online (whether the applicant is in Thailand or abroad at the time) and requires only simple documents.

Thailand Elite members do not have to leave Thailand or renew their visas at regular intervals, which is a substantial advantage over other visa types.

Due to the flexibility and different choices of Thailand Elite packages available, this programme attracts a wide range of members, including expatriates, investors, digital nomads, business people, retirees, frequent visitors and families.

Digital nomads and frequent travellers enjoy the freedom to move around with the 5-year Elite Easy Access programme.

Note: the elite visa is a kind of tourist visaIt is not normally possible to work on this visa, although it is well known that many digital nomads travel on tourist visas or student visas.

Perhaps because of its success, the minimum fee is now 600,000 baht (15,395 euros).

If an Elite Easy Access applicant wishes to extend their stay in Thailand, they can simply upgrade to a 20-year membership by paying an additional 400,000 baht (10,265 euros).

The Elite Easy Access programme might also be suitable for business people, but in our experience this category of applicants often finds that the Elite Ultimate Privilege programme offers more benefits than they would like.

This is a 20-year membership for just over 2 million baht, which offers the member luxurious benefits such as limousine service to/from the airport, SPA, golf, etc.

In addition, the member can include family members (spouse and minor children) by applying for Elite Family Premium membership (for an additional cost of approximately 1 million baht - €25,663) in addition to Elite Ultimate Privilege.

Retirees often compare the Thailand Elite to a retirement visa, but the Thailand Elite is preferred for its convenience and flexibility.

It does not require medical insurance or blocking money in a Thai bank account.

The 5-year Elite Maxima Health programme kills two birds with one stone as it combines health insurance and a Thailand Elite visa for a total cost of 1,500,000 baht (€38,482).

Some young retirees are considered too young to obtain a retirement visa, which is not available to people under 50.

Therefore, the Thailand Elite visa is a real alternative.

In recent years, we have seen the Elite Superiority Extension gain popularity, thanks to its affordable price of around THB 1 million.

Finally, investors who wish to combine a long-term visa with a property investment can combine their property purchase with an Elite Flexible One.

This is a five-year Thai Elite Visa, which is granted in conjunction with a property purchase in approved projects located in Bangkok, Hua Hin or Phuket.

This option is interesting because the purchase price already includes the price of the Elite visa for Thailand.

There are other intermediate options. For example

• 10-year Elite Privilege access at 1,000,000 baht (plus 800,000 baht for each additional family member);
• The 5-year Elite Family Tour at 800,000 baht for 2 people (plus 300,000 baht per additional family member);
• the Elite 10-year family alternative at 800,000 baht (plus 700,000 baht per additional family member).

In summary, there is a Thailand Elite programme that meets the needs of most individuals and families.

The site : Thailand Elite

Source: Mondaq