If you are looking for a way to stay in Thailand for an extended period, then the Thai Golden Visa program might be just what you need. The program offers a range of benefits to foreign retirees and investors, including the right to live in Thailand for up to 20 years. This guide will cover everything you need to know about the Thai Golden Visa and how to apply for it.
Initially, Thailand started the golden Visa to attract High Net Worth investors and global wealthy citizens in 2003 to boost the economy. Thai Golden visa is accredited to those who are members of the Thai Elite Residency Programme or Thailand Residency Visa Investment.
This allows the visa holders to exclusively invest and own properties in Thailand. Thai Golden Visa: How to Apply? read more
What is the Thai Golden Visa?
The Thai Golden Visa is offered to applicants for a 20-year residency in the country and opportunities and access to privileges. To apply for the Thai Golden Visa, you will need an investment of at least 1,000,000 TBH through the Thai Elite banking programs. The Thailand elite visa benefits a lot of privileges like
Freedom to live in Thailand for 20 years
Freedom to work in Thailand without a work permit
Freedom to own real estate in Thailand
Eligibility and Requirements
The Thailand Golden Visa is a Privilege Entry visa that comes under the Thailand Elite Visa Programs. The Thailand Elite Visa Programme is categorized under a few divisions that determine the cost and extension of the stay.
The Thai Ultimate Elite Privilege Program and the superiority program gives the applicants permission for the 20 -year privilege stay while renewing it every five years. The Thailand Elite Program is available with a separate annual fee for different extensions.
The Eligibility of the Thai Golden visa are listed below:
- Foreign passport holder. Possessing a valid immigration status in Thailand includes not having an overstay record in Thailand.
- Age: There is no particular age limit for the applicants other than the requirement of being at least 20 years old.
- Thai Privilege card membership: The Applicant must be a holder of a Thai Privilege card which makes them eligible for the Thailand long-term residency visa. After you acquire the Thai Elite Card, the processing of the elite visa will start. The elite visa falls under the category of Privilege Entry Visa.
- Criminal Record: The criminal record is an essential factor to be eligible. The candidate must not have a pending sentence of imprisonment in any other country or should not be associated with bankruptcy. Only crimes committed due to negligence will be allowed as concerned for the record.
Thai elite visa Requirements:
The requirements of documents for the Thai elite visa application is straightforward. The documents required are a copy of the profile page of the passport, the original and the copy of the acquired elite visa application form and coloured photo for proof are the basic requirements in the issuance of the Visa. The evidence of the family member if applying any of them will be required as well.
Depending on the scheme that the applicant chooses, the annual fee and the down payment for obtaining the Thai Elite Visa is different. Most of them are renewable after every five years and come with a one-year extension. The complete details of the different types of Thai Elite Visa are available at the official website of the Thai Embassy.
The Processing
The processing period depends on the immigration status and criminal record to acquire the Elite card and then issuing the Visa after delivering the annual fee. The processing of Thai Elite Visa takes on average from one to two months, and it’s pretty readily available for businessmen.
The processing of the Visa is quite simple that is you have to
- Application for the membership along with documents
- Verification and background check.
- Membership ID issuance after transferring the fee
- Issuance of VIsa and obtaining from the embassy or upon arrival in Thailand
Thailand golden visa price
The Thai Golden Visa or Thailand Elite Residence Program offers numerous visa options with varying prices, ranging from 500,000 baht (approximately USD 16,000) for a 5-year visa to 2.14 million baht (approximately USD 69,000) for a 20-year visa.
Thai Golden Visa and How to Apply for It
You must meet certain criteria to be eligible for the Thai Golden Visa. The program is open to foreigners who are at least 50 years old and have a minimum annual income of ฿1.8 million (approximately USD 60,000) or a minimum net worth of ฿10 million (approximately USD 330,000). In addition, you must have no criminal record and must be in good health. You can apply for the Thai Golden Visa if you meet these criteria.
To apply for the Thai Golden Visa, you will need to provide a range of documents, including your passport, proof of income or net worth, a health certificate, and a police clearance certificate. In addition, you will need to pay an application fee of ฿10,000 (approximately USD 330). The application process can take up to 90 days, so it is important to apply well in advance of your planned arrival in Thailand.
Benefits of the Thai Golden Visa
The Thai Golden Visa offers a range of benefits to foreign retirees and investors. Some of the key benefits include:
Long-Term Stay
With the Thai Golden Visa, you can stay in Thailand for up to 20 years without the need to renew your visa every year. This makes it a great option for those who want to retire or invest in Thailand for an extended period of time.
Ability to Work and Invest
The Thai Golden Visa also allows you to work and invest in Thailand without needing a work permit or other documentation. This makes it easier for foreign investors to set up businesses in Thailand and for retirees to work part-time or freelance.
Tax Incentives
Foreigners who hold a Thai Golden Visa are eligible for a range of tax incentives, including a reduced personal income tax rate and exemption from withholding tax on dividends and interest.
Family Members
If you hold a Thai Golden Visa, your spouse and children under 20 are also eligible for long-term visas. This makes it easier for families to live together in Thailand without needing separate visas.
Health Benefits
Foreigners with a Thai Golden Visa are eligible for the same health benefits as Thai citizens, including access to public hospitals and clinics.
How to Renew Your Thai Golden Visa
Once you have obtained your Thai Golden Visa, you must renew it every five years. To renew your visa, you must provide updated documentation to prove that you still meet the eligibility criteria. In addition, you will need to pay a renewal fee of ฿10,000 (approximately USD 330).
The Thai Embassy has given access to many foreigners for work and investment. While acquiring citizenship in Thailand, you may claim to spread and increase the network of your business, help in the foreign economics in the investment of Thailand, and enjoy your vacations luxuriously at a reduced cost. There are similar program in UAE Golden visa and The Philippines retirement visa SRRV too.
Is it Worth to get a Thai Golden Visa?
Getting a Thai Golden Visa can be a worthwhile investment if you are considering staying in Thailand for an extended period. One of the many advantages of this visa program is that it allows international retirees and investors to stay in Thailand for up to 20 years without renewing their visas. This means avoiding the hassle and cost of regularly renewing your visa.
The Thai Golden Visa also provides holders with greater flexibility in terms of their travel and financial options. With a Thai Golden Visa, you can enter and exit Thailand as often as you like, and you can open a bank account, purchase property, and even start a business in Thailand.
Additionally, the Thai Golden Visa gives holders access to a range of exclusive privileges, such as VIP airport services, special immigration lanes, and discounts on certain goods and services. Overall, obtaining a Thai Golden Visa can be a wise investment if you want to stay in Thailand for an extended period and enjoy a range of benefits and privileges.
However, it’s important to note that the application process can be complex, so seeking guidance from a reputable visa agent or lawyer is essential to ensure a successful application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much is Thailand Golden Visa?
The Thailand Elite Residence Program costs from 500,000 baht (approximately USD 16,000) for a 5-year visa to 2.14 million baht (approximately USD 69,000) for a 20-year visa. In addition, the program offers various benefits, such as visa-free travel to Thailand, VIP airport services, and exclusive events and discounts.
Does Thailand have a Golden Visa?
Thailand has a Golden Visa program called the Thailand Elite Residence Program. It offers a range of long-term visa options for those who want to live, work, or retire in Thailand, with benefits such as visa-free travel, VIP services, and more.
Is Thai Elite visa worth it?
It depends on your circumstances and needs. The Thailand Elite Residence Program offers a range of benefits, including long-term visas, airport services, and exclusive privileges.
How do I get a 10-year Thai visa?
The Thailand Elite Residence Program offers a 10-year visa for a one-time fee of 800,000 Thai baht with no annual fee (approximately $23,460.) The visa is valid for 5 years and can be renewed for an additional 5 years, providing a long-term solution for those looking to make Thailand their home.