Home - Privileges - Thailand Privilege Visa (2026) Options, Fees, Benefits, Eligibility, and How to Apply

Thailand Privilege Visa (2026) Options, Fees, Benefits, Eligibility, and How to Apply

Learn Thailand Privilege Visa options (5–20 years), fees, benefits, eligibility, and application steps. Apply with ThaiElite-Express (authorized GSSA since 2013).

Key takeaways (quick answers)

The Thailand Privilege Visa is a long-term stay program tied to Thailand Privilege Card membership (often searched under the former “Thailand Elite Visa” name).
Official membership options range from 5 to 20 years, with published fees from THB 650,000 to THB 5,000,000 depending on the membership tier.
The program members also use Privilege Points on certain membership tiers, which can be redeemed for services/benefits depending on the current Privilege Benefits catalog.
The visa you receive may be a Privilege Entry (PE) or Special Entry (SE) sticker; as PE allows 1 year per entry and SE allows 90 days per entry.
ThaiElite-Express is an authorized General Sales and Services Agent (GSSA) since 2013, backed by HLG (Thailand), and you pay only when your Thailand Privilege visa application is approved.

What is the Thailand Privilege Visa?

The Thailand Privilege Visa is a long-term stay option offered through the government-backed Thailand Privilege Card program. Many people still refer to it as the Thailand Elite Visa , but the current official branding is Thailand Privilege Visa.

Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. is described by the official site as a state enterprise under the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), founded in 2003. It supports members with long-stay visa privileges and a range of service benefits.

Thailand Privilege Visa options (5–20 years): tiers and official fees

Thailand Privilege publishes tier options and fees on its official website. As shown on the official membership tiles, tiers include:

Membership tier	Validity	Fee (THB)	Points/year	Notes
Bronze	5 years	650,000	0	Entry tier
Gold	5 years	900,000	20	Includes points
Platinum	10 years	1,500,000	35	Longer validity
Diamond	15 years	2,500,000	55	Higher points
Reserve	20 years	5,000,000	120	Invitation only

What to compare when choosing a tier

Validity (5 / 10 / 15 / 20 years)
Upfront membership fee
Privilege Points per year (if included)
Whether the tier is open enrollment or invitation-only (Reserve is invitation-only per the official site)

Note: Promotions and add-on policies (including family/additional members) can change. Confirm current terms during consultation.

Benefits: what members commonly use

Benefits can vary by tier and the current privileges catalog. The official Thailand Privilege materials highlight service support such as:

Elite Personal Assistants (EPA) and airport-related support services
Access to premium lanes for fast-track immigration at Suvarnabhumi, Phuket, and Chiang Mai airports
Member support services with advance booking windows for common services (airport transfer/EPA, visa affixation scheduling, etc.)

Practical benefits many members care about: banking support

Thailand Privilege Visa members are supported with bank account opening, with assistance in listing typical required documents (passport, valid PE/SE visa, entry stamp, membership evidence, Thai phone number, and address/residence details).

Visa mechanics that matter: PE vs SE (how long you can stay per entry)

One of the biggest points of confusion is “How long can I stay each time I enter Thailand?”

Thailand Privilege’s official guidance states:

Special Entry (SE) visa (green sticker): 90 days per entry
Privilege Entry (PE) visa (gold sticker): 1 year per entry

Eligibility and who should avoid applying

Thailand Privilege applications typically involve background/security screening. While the criteria is minimal, applicants should assume that issues like serious criminal history, immigration violations, or being on an immigration blacklist may cause problems.

Who the Thailand Privilege Visa is usually a strong fit for

Retirees and long-stay visitors who want a predictable, multi-year solution
Frequent business travelers who want streamlined arrivals and long-stay flexibility
Families who want a long-term base in Thailand (tier and add-on options vary)
Remote workers who want a long-stay option (but should confirm work authorization separately)

How the Thailand Privilege application works (step-by-step)

Specific steps can vary slightly based on where you apply and where you want your visa affixed, but most applications follow a clear sequence.

Typical process

Consultation & eligibility check — We confirm your membership goals (5/10/15/20 years), review basic eligibility, and flag issues early.
Prepare and submit documents — ThaiElite-Express helps you assemble the application package and submit through authorized channels.
Background screening / processing — Screening is handled by the program and relevant authorities. Bangkok Post reporting indicates screening takes around one month (timelines vary by applicant).
Approval notice — Once approved, you receive confirmation and instructions for payment and visa affixation.
Payment after approval — Thai Elite Express operates on a pay-only-on-approval model: you pay when your application is approved (reducing upfront risk).
Visa affixation / entry planning — We guide you through where and how to get the visa placed in your passport (inside Thailand or via an eligible location, depending on your situation and current program procedures).

Timeline expectation

Thai Elite Express commonly sees approvals in about 4 weeks (not guaranteed), depending on background checks and document completeness.

Documents to prepare (typical checklist)

Exact requirements can vary by nationality and your personal history, but most applicants should be ready with:

Passport (with sufficient validity and blank pages)
A recent photograph (passport-style)
Completed application forms (provided during consultation)
Any additional documents requested during screening (case-by-case)

Thai Elite Express will confirm your exact list before submission.

Thailand Privilege Visa vs Thailand LTR (Long-Term Resident) Visa

If you’re comparing long-stay options, Thailand Privilege and Thailand’s LTR visa are fundamentally different.

Quick comparison

Topic	Thailand Privilege	Thailand LTR
Main model	Paid membership + long-stay visa privileges	Qualification-based visa (income/assets/employer/insurance criteria)
Typical validity	5–20 years (tier-dependent)	10 years (program-specific)
Best fit	People who want a straightforward long-stay option	People who meet strict financial/professional criteria

LTR categories and criteria (income/assets/investment/insurance requirements) are outlined by Thai consular sources, including Wealthy Global Citizen, Wealthy Pensioner, Work-from-Thailand Professional, and Highly-Skilled Professional.

If you want, Thai Elite Express can advise on both Thailand Privilege and LTR, and help you choose the right path.

Why apply with Thai Elite Express

Thai Elite Express helps clients apply through the Thailand Privilege program with a focus on speed, clarity, and risk reduction:

Authorized GSSA since 2013
Backed by Harvey Law Group (HLG)
Pay only when your application is approved
Multilingual support: English, Chinese, French, Turkish, Japanese
Online-friendly process with fast response times
Free consultations, including walk-ins

FAQs

Is Thailand Elite Visa the same as Thailand Privilege Visa?

“Thailand Elite Visa” is the legacy term many people still use. The current official branding is Thailand Privilege (Thailand Privilege Card membership tied to visa privileges). Always confirm tier names, fees, and benefits via current official materials.

How long can I stay in Thailand with Thailand Privilege?

Membership validity ranges from 5 to 20 years depending on tier. For per-entry stays, the official site notes PE allows 1 year per entry and SE allows 90 days per entry.

How much does the Thailand Privilege Visa cost?

Official published membership fees range from THB 650,000 (Bronze) to THB 5,000,000 (Reserve, invitation only).

How long does approval take?

Timelines vary. Bangkok Post reporting suggests screening takes about one month, and Thai Elite Express often sees approvals in around 4 weeks depending on the case and documentation.

Do I still need 90-day reporting?

Yes, if you remain in Thailand longer than 90 consecutive days. The official guide states a THB 2,000 fine for failing to report and gives the reporting window rules.

Can Thailand Privilege help me open a Thai bank account?

The official Thailand Privilege guidance provides bank account opening support details and a document checklist (passport, valid PE/SE, entry stamp, membership evidence, Thai phone number, residence details).

Can I work in Thailand with a Thailand Privilege Visa?

Thailand Privilege membership is primarily a long-stay solution and does not automatically mean you have work authorization. If you plan to work, you should discuss a work-authorized pathway (such as LTR or another appropriate visa/work permit route) with a qualified advisor.

What happens if I overstay?

The official guidance summarizes overstay penalties, including THB 500/day up to THB 20,000 and possible re-entry bans depending on the circumstances and length of overstay.

What if my passport expires during membership?

This is common for long memberships. Typically you’ll renew your passport and then follow the program’s process to update your visa/records. Thai Elite Express can guide you based on your current tier and location.

Can Thai Elite Express help if I’m not in Thailand?

Yes. Thai Elite Express supports remote applicants and can explain where you can complete steps such as visa affixation based on your location and the current program procedures.

Get a free consultation (Thai Elite Express)

If you want a clear recommendation on the best Thailand Privilege tier for your travel pattern and length of stay—plus help preparing your application—contact Thai Elite Express for a free consultation.

Authorized GSSA since 2013
Backed by Harvey Law Group Thailand
Multilingual support (English, Chinese, French, Turkish, Japanese)
Pay only when approved

Start here: https://thaielite-express.com/

Disclaimer: The content on this website is provided for general informational purposes and should not be interpreted as legal, financial, or professional advice. While we make every effort to ensure the information is accurate and current, some details may be subject to change or may not be fully up to date. We do not accept liability for any actions taken based on the information presented.

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Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible for Thai elite visa?

The applicant/the Member must have and maintain to have the following qualifications: Being allowed to stay in Thailand in accordance with the immigration laws or any related law of Thailand.(no overstay record) Holding foreign passport. Not having been sentenced by a judgment to imprisonment in any countries except for an offense committed through negligence. Not having been adjudicated bankrupt. Not having been declared as a person of unsound mind incompetence, or quasi incompetent.

How long can I stay in Thailand with Elite Visa?

Thailand Elite offer a 5,10 or 20 years membership and ensure the renewal of your visa during the validity of the membership. Each time a member goes through the Thai immigration, he/she will automatically get a one-year visa stamp in his/her passport until expiration of the membership. If the member happens to stay for more than 1-year consecutively in Thailand, then a simple renewal at the immigration office will grant another 1-year visa stamp.

Is Thailand Elite a scam?

The Thailand Elite Visa is a program initiated and approved by the Royal Thai government in 2003. The Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd, which runs the Elite Visa program is a fully owned subsidiary of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, under the Ministry of Tourism and Sport. ThaiElite-Express empowered by HLG Law Firm is an authorized sale agent.

Can I work with Thailand Elite?

After becoming an Elite member and obtaining your Thailand Elite Visa, you can apply anytime to a non-immigrant business visa and a work permit allowing you to work in Thailand. You also have the option of applying to the Elite Flexible Plus, invest at least 1 million USD in Thailand either in real estate, a limited or public company, or in stock exchange, and be granted a work permit.

How do I pay for Thailand Elite?

The payment is required only after submission of your application, the immigration background check by the Thai immigration, and receipt of the Approval Letter by email. Applicants could then choose to proceed to their membership fee by local or overseas bank transfer, credit card or depositing money to Thailand Elite bank account directly.

Is the Thailand Elite visa for Digital Nomads?

The Thailand Elite Visa is perfectly suitable for Digital Nomads. As business or retirement visas are not necessary a good match for digital nomads, the Elite Visa answers to all nomads with numerous privileges to cater members’ needs. With very little documentation needed, as well as the flexibility of applying from anywhere, regardless abroad, on arrival, or within Thailand. The process is seamless and fast. Moreover, from a study by The Instant Group, Bangkok has recently been voted as the world’s second-best city to work in as a digital nomad (best city in Asia). This is down to the innumerable benefits in which Bangkok brings, which are but not limited to; Internet broadband speed, culture, scenery, transportation, weather, affordability, cuisine, and more. Having already welcomed 35 million digital nomads from all over the world, in 2021, it’s forecasted that there would be more arrivals to the Land of Smiles with constant technological and infrastructure improvements.

What is the long term visa available in Thailand?

Applying to a Thailand Elite program is a viable and easy solution to stay and live for a long period of time in Thailand. Only Thailand Elite can offer a 5,10 or 20 years membership and ensure the renewal of the visa during the validity of the applicant membership. As of today, all other non-immigrant visa options are limited to a validity period of 1 or 2 years.

Thailand elite vs Retirement Visa

To retire in Thailand, the Elite Visa is a worry-free option compared to the Retirement Visa from the application, during holding period to the renewable. At the application time, for an Elite, the documentation is minimal, and no medical insurance nor proof of funds is required for instance. During the holding period, Elite members enjoy numerous privileges such as an assistance for their 90 days report, a fast track at the airport immigration, the lounge access and airport limousine, assistance in opening a bank account in local or foreign currency, a 24/7 call center and much more. The Elite Visa offers you an easy renewable of the Privilege Entry Visa for the duration of your membership.