“Golden Visas” usually refer to visas that offer long-term residence through investment in a foreign economy. While Thailand does not offer an official Golden Visa, it does offer the superior Thailand Elite Visa. The visa is provided by Thailand Privilege, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
What is closing, however, are the old Thai Elite memberships. In 2023, it was announced that the previous Elite packages would be replaced with revamped, new Privilege Membership packages. The following packages were discontinued effective October 1, 2023, and are no longer open for enrollment:
- Elite Easy Access
- Elite Privilege Access
- Elite Family Alternative
- Elite Family Excursion (discontinued June 2023)
- Elite Superiority Extension
- Elite Ultimate Privilege
- Elite Family Premium
- Elite Maxima Health
The revamped Thailand Privilege Membership program offers four membership tiers: Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and Reserve. Each tier grants progressively longer visas and more luxurious perks as well as higher price tags.
This prestigious program caters to various travelers, including families, digital nomads, retirees, expats, and high-net-worth individuals seeking to make Thailand their home. It combines long-term residency options, exclusive benefits, and exceptional service, making it an attractive option for those seeking an extended stay in Thailand. Existing Elite Program members can also upgrade to a Privilege membership.
Thailand Privilege Membership Options
Thailand Privilege Membership offers multiple-entry visas valid for 5 to 20 years, depending on the chosen package. These visas come with a range of VIP travel, lifestyle, and immigration benefits. Unlike many Golden Visa programs, the Elite Visa program doesn’t have strict income or asset requirements. Instead, members pay a one-time membership fee to unlock these benefits. The visa itself is included with any of the four Thailand Privilege membership packages.
Thailand Privilege Gold Membership
- Membership Fee: 900,000 THB
- Visa: One 5-year multiple-entry visa
- Thailand Privilege Points: 20 per year (see below)
- Fee to add family members: Members cannot add family members at this level
- Upgrade: Easy Access holders can upgrade for an annual fee of 50,000 THB.
Thailand Privilege Platinum Membership
- Membership Fee: 1.5 million THB
- Visa: Two 5-year multiple-entry visas (10-year stay)
- Thailand Privilege Points: 35 per year
- Fee to add family members: 1 million THB per person
- Upgrade: Elite Privilege Access, Elite Family Alternative, or Elite Superiority Extension holders can upgrade for a one-time fee of 100,000 THB and an annual fee of 75,000 THB.
Thailand Privilege Platinum Membership
- Membership Fee: 2.5 million THB
- Visa: Three 5-year multiple-entry visas (15-year stay)
- Thailand Privilege Points: 55 per year
- Fee to add family members: 1.5 million THB per person
- Upgrade: Elite Ultimate Privilege holders can upgrade for a one-time fee of 100,000 THB and an annual fee of 50,000 THB.
Thailand Privilege Reserve Membership (invitation only)
- Membership Fee: 5 million THB
- Visa: Four 5-year multiple-entry visas (20-year stay)
- Thailand Privilege Points: 120 per year
- Fee to add family members: 2 million THB per person
- Upgrade: All invited Thailand Elite holders can upgrade for a one-time fee of 100,000 THB and an annual fee of 250,000 THB for Elite Family Alternative members, or 225,000 THB for all other upgrading Elite members.
The Privilege Points System
Along with the new visas, Thailand Privilege introduced an improved rewards program. The new Thailand Privilege Points system allocates points annually to members, allowing them to redeem them for a curated selection of experiences, services, and amenities.
These offerings include luxurious five-star accommodations, shopping excursions, travel and immigration assistance, spa treatments, concert tickets, and other premium benefits. The program utilizes a tiered point system, with basic perks like airport transfers and movie tickets requiring one point, while more exclusive experiences cost up to three points.
Points expire annually, encouraging members to utilize them within a year to fully benefit from the program’s extensive offerings. This innovative system empowers members to curate a personalized experience that aligns with their individual preferences.
How to Get Thailand’s “Golden Visa”
General Sales and Services Agents (GSSAs) are government-authorized visa consultants and law firms who can guide you through the Thailand Elite Visa application process. A GSSA works directly with you providing personalized support to ensure your application is submitted and processed quickly and successfully.
Siam Legal is a full-service law firm and accredited GSSA. Our expert visa consultants can help you choose the right membership for you and begin the application process. Our Elite Visa assistance is subsidized by the Thai government, meaning that we can help you navigate the enrollment process and prepare your documents for no extra charge; you only need to pay for your Thailand Privilege Membership. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Siam Legal for a consultation.
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