Thailand has become a hugely popular destination for foreigners in which to work or retire. Expert estimates say that hundreds of thousands of westerners are living and working in the country.
The UK Institute for Public Policy Research published a recent study that calculated there were between 40,000 and 50,000 United Kingdom citizens residing in Thailand.
Other studies estimate similar levels of Americans, Australians and Canadians, plus large populations from other European countries, New Zealand, as well as the Near and Middle East and India.
Thailand is popular for many reasons. The weather is excellent, rarely falling below 30°C or 86°F in Bangkok.
The cost of living is a fraction of that in Europe or America. Livingcost.org calculates that it is about a third of the United States, with rent only one quarter. So, with USD 25,000 a year you can create a lifestyle that would probably cost you USD 80,000 stateside or close to AUD 120,000 in Australia (based on exchange rates at time of writing).
Many people can therefore afford a much more luxurious standard of living in the capital, Bangkok, and still save money. Some aim to get the cost of living even lower. They reside in one of the provincial centres where rent is even less, as are many other living expenses.
Thailand is regarded as a very safe country. Medical care is good and comparatively inexpensive, as is public transport and infrastructure in Bangkok. Foreign residents have plenty to do, with huge numbers of first-class golf courses, water sports and resorts, mountain get aways in the north, large numbers of restaurants of all cuisines and shopping malls with every conceivable luxury brand.
Many foreigners want to live and work in Thailand long term, not surprisingly. As a result there are large expatriate communities, which makes it easier in many ways for newcomers.
A large group of long term foreign residents see one particular visa type, unique to Thailand, as the path of choice. It is called the Thailand Elite-Visa. The Thailand Elite-Visa is a long-term visa categorized as PE or Privileged Entry by Thai Immigration.
The visa gives the recipient a 5-year renewable multiple entry. It allows them to have residency in Thailand, along with a number of other benefits, for between 5 and 20 years, depending on the option chosen, in return for a membership fee that starts at THB 600,000 (USD 16,800 at the time of writing).
Thailand Elite Members receive a number of exclusive privileges. They get fast track immigration and passport checking when they arrive in Thailand or depart. Some Thai Elite member levels also get complimentary limousine travel to and from the airport and use of an airport guest lounge.
One of the most valued privileges is the government concierge service. Members of Thailand Elite can use this for business networking and immigration services; as well as to help obtain a local driver’s license and a foreign currency or local bank account. They are also not required to have medical insurance.
Thailand Elite-Visa holders, in addition, get special discounts at selected partners. This includes duty-free shops, shopping malls, hotels and some restaurants.
If you want to live in Thailand with the Thailand Elite-Visa, the step-by-step application process is as follows.
Step One, foreigners applying for membership must first decide which of several versions of the Thailand Elite-Visa they want.
Step Two, they must ensure they have the requisite fee for that version.
Step Three, they must meet several, not especially difficult legal requirements. For example, they cannot be the subject of bankruptcy proceedings.
Step Four, they must then fill in the application. If everything is in order, the whole process takes about 45 days.
Step Five, they can then collect the visa when arriving on their next international flight, at a Thai Consulate overseas, or from the Immigration Department in Bangkok.
Unlike some visas, the Thailand Elite-Visa allows holders to work.
“Thailand is a wonderful country in which to live for retirees, digital nomads or people seeking a better lifestyle,” explained Mr. Bastien Trelcat, Managing Partner of Harvey Law Group, an international law firm that works on investment and business immigration matters.
“It is located in the middle of South East Asia, with more than a dozen countries within a short flight of two or three hours. The standard of living is also extremely attractive with a warm climate, low costs and many entertainment options,” continued Mr. Trelcat.
He further advised that, “There have been some recent revisions to the immigration laws that make it even more attractive as a destination and which have generated a lot of attention in foreign media.”
Many people who have applied successfully recommend applicants obtain professional advice to ensure they make no mistakes in the process.
For nearly a decade, Thaielite Express has been an authorized General Sales and Services Agent. Interested prospects can find the option that best suits them and helps them understand the details in their guide at Thai Elite Visa costs, as well as the various benefits.
You can also visit their website and contact them to ask questions on the Thailand Elite-Visa and Membership, or send your questions directly to them via email. They usually reply within 24 hours. They can even let you apply for it online here!
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