Long-Term Residence in Thailand with Residence-by-Investment

With its rich cultural history, affordable yet exceptionally high standard of living, and favorable tax regime, Thailand becomes an increasingly attractive destination for travelers and professionals, even as a second home destination. Thailand’s exclusive residence program gives foreign nationals the right to live in the country for up to 20 years. The Thailand Elite Residence Program is the first program of its kind worldwide. It offers unlimited access to the jewel of Southeast Asia, as well as a range of complimentary VIP privileges.

The residence permit (privilege entry visa) is issued by the Thailand Privilege Card Company Limited (TPC), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The ‘Land of Smiles’ has become one of the most sought-after destinations in Southeast Asia, with an increasing number of wealthy families and retired individuals seeking to take advantage of its temperate climate, spectacular landscape, and outstanding leisure facilities.

Program options

There is no minimum residence requirement. Residents can stay in the country for as long as they wish within the parameters of their chosen program.

The Thailand Elite Residence Program offers seven program options, each varying in validity, benefits, and costs. The following are the three most popular options available:

1. Elite Easy Access

A popular option for expats or businesspeople to enter and exit Thailand.

With a five-year privilege entry visa, the one-time fee is THB 500,000 including VAT (approximately USD 16,000).

There is no annual fee and no age restriction.

The residence visa cannot be transferred. However, it can be upgraded to the Elite Ultimate Privilege option for THB 1,605,000 including VAT (approximately USD 50,000).

2. Elite Family Excursion

Designed for a minimum of two people, with a five-year residence visa for each member.

The one-time fee of THB 800,000 including VAT (approximately USD 25,000) covers both applicants, with an additional charge of THB 300,000 including VAT (approximately USD 10,000) per dependent.

The core applicant's dependents may include legitimate parents, stepparents, spouse (including by civil union), children, and stepchildren.

There is no annual fee and no age restriction.

The residence visa cannot be transferred.

The package includes complimentary VIP privileges such as airport transfers for international flights and government concierge services.

3. Elite Superiority Extension

20-year privilege entry visa for individuals who pay a one-time fee of THB 1 million including VAT (approximately USD 32,000).

There is no annual fee and no age restriction.

The package includes complimentary VIP privileges such as government concierge services and airport services.

Procedures and time frame

TPC has an efficient application process. It takes approximately four months to get visa issuance at designated international airports.

TPC will only approve an application in principle after conduting a personal profile check. In some cases, TPC may request additional documents. An approval letter will be issued together with the one-time fee payment request. The residence permit can be issued within two weeks after TPC has confirmed receipt of the full application fee.

The approved applicant and dependents must inform TPC seven days in advance of their arrival time at the designated airport, in order to get the visa affixed at the immigration lounge.

Successful applicants of the Thailand Elite Residence Program can reside or stay in Thailand for as long as they wish up to the validity of their chosen package. The only requirement is to inform TPC when reaching a continuous 90-day length of stay in Thailand.

Key advantages of the program

• Residence options range from THB 500,000 (approximately USD 16,000) for the five-year Elite Easy Access option to THB 2.14 million (approximately USD 68,000) for the 20-year Elite Ultimate Privilege option.
• Residence in Thailand is possible for a few days, months, or an unlimited period within the validity of the chosen package. There is no minimum stay requirement.
• Complimentary VIP services including a dedicated elite personal assistant for international flights and lounge access, airport transfers, and a 24-hour member contact center, which operates in several languages.
• Thailand has a low-cost yet high standard of living.