Thailand is a sought-after destination in Southeast Asia. The country offers an affordable and high standard of living. Its attractions include spectacular ancient ruins, scuba-diving sites, tropical islands, an exciting nightlife, palaces, Buddhist temples, and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Long-Term Residence in Thailand
With its rich cultural history, affordable yet exceptionally high standard of living, and favorable tax regime, Thailand is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for travelers and professionals, even as a second home destination.
Thailand’s exclusive residence program gives foreign nationals the right to live in the country for up to 20 years. The Thailand Elite Residence Program is the first program of its kind worldwide, offering unlimited access to the jewel of Southeast Asia, as well as a range of complimentary VIP privileges.
The residence permit (privilege entry visa) is issued by the Thailand Privilege Card Company Limited (TPC) — a wholly owned subsidiary of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, under the Ministry of Tourism and Sport. The ‘Land of Smiles’, as the country is often referred to due to the friendly disposition of its citizens, has become one of the most sought-after destinations in Southeast Asia, with an increasing number of wealthy families and retired individuals seeking to take advantage of its temperate climate, spectacular landscape, and outstanding leisure facilities.
Key advantages of the Thailand Elite Residence Program
- Residence options range from THB 600,000 (approximately USD 19,000) for the five-year Elite Easy Access option to THB 2.14 million (approximately USD 68,000) for the 20-year Elite Ultimate Privilege option.
- Residence in Thailand is possible for a few days, months, or an unlimited period within the validity of the chosen package. There is no minimum stay requirement.
- Complimentary VIP services including a dedicated elite personal assistant for international flights and lounge access, and a 24-hour member contact center, which operates in several languages.
- Thailand has a low-cost yet high standard of living.
Thailand Elite Residence Program options
There is no minimum residence requirement and residents can stay in the country for as long as they wish within the parameters of their chosen program.
The Thailand Elite Residence Program offers seven program options, each varying in validity, benefits, and costs. The following are the three most popular options available:
- Elite Easy Access — A popular option for expats or businesspeople to enter and exit Thailand. With a five-year privilege entry visa, the one-time fee is THB 600,000 including VAT (approximately USD 19,000). There is no annual fee and no age restriction. The residence visa cannot be transferred but can be upgraded to the Elite Ultimate Privilege option for THB 1.498 million including VAT (approximately USD 48,000) or the Elite Superiority Extension for THB 400,000 including VAT (approximately USD 12,000).
- Elite Family Excursion — Designed for a minimum of two people, with a five-year residence visa for each member. The one-time fee of THB 800,000 including VAT (approximately USD 25,000) covers both applicants, with an additional charge of THB 300,000 including VAT (approximately USD 10,000) per dependent. The core applicant’s dependents may include legitimate parents, stepparents, spouse (including by civil union), children, and stepchildren. There is no annual fee and no age restriction. The residence visa cannot be transferred. The package includes complimentary VIP privileges such as airport transfers and government concierge services.
- Elite Superiority Extension — 20-year privilege entry visa for individuals who pay a one-time fee of THB 1 million including VAT (approximately USD 32,000). There is no annual fee and no age restriction. The package includes complimentary VIP privileges such as government concierge services and airport services.
Procedures and time frame of the Thailand Elite Residence Program
TPC has an efficient application process. Approved applicants and dependents must inform TPC seven days in advance of their request to have the visa affixed upon their arrival at the airport under normal travel conditions or at the Immigration Bureau in Bangkok.
The first step after the prospective client has contacted Henley & Partners is the completion of the initial due diligence checks. Thereafter, the client agreement can be signed and the retainer can be paid. The application for Thai residence can then be prepared and submitted. After the application is approved following a two–three-month process, the successful applicant can make the contribution. The residence visa can be issued within two weeks after TPC has confirmed receipt of the full application fee. Finally, the welcome letter can be received by the client and an appointment can be made for the visa affixation service.
Dual citizenship in Thailand
The residence permit (privilege entry visa) obtained through the TPC does not lead to permanent resident status or citizenship because it is not classified as a non-immigrant visa.
In order to apply to become a Thai permanent resident, applicants must have had a Thai non-immigrant visa for at least three years prior to the submission of the application and must have three consecutive yearly extensions in order to qualify. The applicant must also be a holder of a non-immigrant visa at the time of submitting the permanent residence application.
An application for citizenship can be filed to become a Thai naturalized citizen after holding permanent resident status in Thailand for 10 consecutive years. Thailand does not recognize dual citizenship, but there are exceptions.