Navigating between the variety of immigration programmes and visas Thailand has to offer can be confusing. The purpose of this article is to presents on the pros and cons and offer a comparison between the Thailand Elite and the Long-Term Visa (LTR), to help expatriates select the best programmes suitable to their current needs and situation.
The Thailand Elite is a well-established membership programme since 2003, operated by a state-owned enterprise within the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) as its shareholder. Its continuously growing membership community of expatriates all over the world has proven the Thailand Elite membership programme a success. The Thailand Elite Visa Privilege Programmes originated with a singular mission: to present esteemed foreign guests the finest way of life in Thailand. For over 19 years, Thailand Elite has gained both popularity and reputation- becoming the world’s first country membership package with exclusive benefits to immigration, lifestyle, business, and much more.
The Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR), on the other hand, is a newly launched programme operated by the Board of Investment (BOI), starting on 1st of September 2022.
While both programs grant long-term visa to their applicants, with a multiple re-entry permit, and are renewable, there are clear differences as explained below. So, what are the differences between Thailand Long-Term Resident Visa and Thailand Elite Visa?
Both the Thai Elite and the LTR visas offer long-term solutions to live in Thailand. However, the LTR is limited to a 10-year visa option, while the Elite offers the choice between a 5, 10 and 20-year with a possibility to extend the 5-year membership to a 20-year membership at any time.
The Long-Term Visa (LTR) is, in fact, reserved for very specific categories of foreigners: wealthy global citizens, wealthy pensioners, digital nomads, and highly skilled professionals. The Thailand Elite Visa does not have such limitations based on the applicant’s educational background, work experience, and wealth. There are no investments or a health insurance requirement. Contrary to the LTR visa, no proof of current income or residing years requirements to apply to Thai Elite visa.
LTR visa holder are limited to 4 dependents, while Thailand Elite offers packages designed for families and are not limited in the number of dependents. All direct family members can apply as part of Thailand Elite under a main Thailand Elite Visa Holder with additional cost per person.
Both the Thailand Elite and the LTR visa grants fast-track immigration airport service. Only the Thailand Elite membership will be offered VIP airport limousine service (up to 24 trips per year) and a special Thailand Elite lounge access.
A health insurance of minimum USD 50,000 in coverage, a social security insurance in Thailand, or a deposit of USD 100,000 are required to apply to the LTR visa, while no health insurance is required to apply to the Thailand Elite member- no matter the situation or age of the applicant.
For both programs, the submission can be conveniently done online. The clear difference happens when affixing the visa. Indeed, the LTR visa is issued at the Royal Thai Embassies/the Royal Thai Consulate Generals overseas, or at the Immigration offices in Thailand.
The same process is available for Thai Elite member- only with an additional option. Thailand Elite members can decide to affix their ‘Privilege’ multiple-entry visa at international airport on arrival. Additionally, a Thailand Elite Personal Assistance will be sent on site, either at the immigration office in Bangkok or at the airport, to ensure your seamless (and fast) process with the immigration officer.
Depending on the applicant’s lifestyle, it’s best to evaluate which option works best for you. The Long-Term Resident Visa fee is of the Thai Cabinet 50,000 THB and an additional THB 3,000 for the work permit to be processed and renewed every year. Obtaining a Thailand Elite Visa starts from THB 600,000 – THB 2,000,000, granting you from 5-20 years stay in the Kingdom, and saving you the headaches of the 90-days visa runs and other immigration matters. The Thailand Elite membership fee may be higher, however it does offer the luxury of comfort through numerous benefits such as airport immigration fast-track, VIP limousines, special discounts at golf, spa, hotels, shopping malls and so much more.
Highly skilled professional holding an LTR visa will be taxed at the flat rate of 17% and benefit from a tax exemption for overseas income. Thailand Elite does not have such incentives; however it is to note that Thai tax law already exempts taxation on overseas incomes as long as they are not transferred to Thailand within the same fiscal year as they have been generated.
LTR Visa holder can get a work permit with the BOI and benefits from an exemption of the normal company requirements of a ‘registered THB 2,000,000 Capital and 4 Thai employees per work permit’. In 2021, Thailand Elite launched the Elite Flexible Plus package to allow 10-year or 20-year Thailand Elite members who invested at least USD 1 mil. in an approved real estate project or stock exchange in Thailand, to receive a work permit.
As a Thailand Elite member, individuals and their family members have access to- not only renewable Privilege Multiple-entry Visa- but also a 24/7 call center in multiple languages, immigration fast-track at the airport, and access to The Thailand Elite Lounge. Each Thailand Elite member can get the assistance of an Elite Personal Assistant to affix their visas, open a Thai bank account, access to a government concierge, and even obtain a driver’s license. The benefit of a great lifestyle awaits you.
If you’re looking to relocate or planning a long-term residency in Thailand, Thaielite-express.com is here to assist you in obtaining a LTR or a Thailand Elite membership. Thaielite Express has been an authorized General Sales and Services Agent since 2013. If you are interested in applying for a Thailand Elite Visa, please find our online application portal here and submit your Thailand Elite application within minutes!.
Contact us today to start your journey: +66 2 670 1848 or email: bastien@thaielite-express.com. We support English, French, German, Japanese, and Chinese languages. We reply within 24 hours.
Navigating the Journey: Relocating to Thailand with Family and kids The adventure of relocating to Thailand with your family is...
Read MoreExplore the many luxurious and lifestyle benefits for individuals and families with The Thailand Privilege Visa in 2024.
Read More 
