Last updated 1 October, 2026
The Thailand Elite Visa, now officially the Thailand Privilege Card (often called the Thailand Privilege Visa), is a 5- to 20-year multiple-entry Thai visa that costs a one-time membership fee of THB 650,000 to THB 5,000,000. It is operated by Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd., a state enterprise under Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, and has run since 2003. The program was renamed in October 2023, so if you searched for “Thailand Elite Visa”, “Thai Elite Visa” or “Thailand Privilege Visa”, this is the same program.
The visa suits business owners, investors, retirees, digital nomads, frequent travellers and families who want to live in Thailand long term without income, age or bank-deposit requirements. This guide covers every package and price, the benefits, the requirements, and how to apply. It is written by Hawryluk Legal Advisors, a licensed Phuket law firm and an authorized Thailand Privilege GSSA since 2014.
Key Takeaways
- The Thailand Elite Visa was renamed the Thailand Privilege Card in October 2023. Same program, restructured tiers and pricing.
- There are 5 packages: Bronze THB 650,000 (5 years), Gold THB 900,000 (5 years), Platinum THB 1,500,000 (10 years), Diamond THB 2,500,000 (15 years) and Reserve THB 5,000,000 (20 years, by invitation only).
- Fees are one-time. There is no annual membership fee and currently no application fee. You pay only after your application is approved.
- There is no minimum income, age, bank deposit or health insurance requirement.
- The visa does not give work rights, a tax exemption or extra property rights.
What is the Thailand Elite Visa?
The Thailand Elite Visa is a long-stay membership program that grants a multiple-entry Privilege Entry (PE) visa for a fixed term of 5 to 20 years in exchange for a one-time membership fee. Each entry allows a stay of up to one year, so you never need to leave Thailand every 90 days or apply for a new visa each year. If you stay continuously for more than a year, you apply for a simple annual extension of stay at immigration (THB 1,900).
Alongside the visa, members receive VIP airport services, an Elite Personal Liaison for immigration paperwork, government concierge support and lifestyle privileges. The Thai government manages the program through Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. It is a long-stay visa, not permanent residency and not a work permit.
What are the Thailand Privilege Visa benefits?
The main benefits of the Thailand Privilege Visa (Thailand Elite Visa) are a multiple-entry visa for the full membership term, assisted 90-day reporting, VIP airport fast-track, a personal liaison and lifestyle privileges. Gold and higher tiers also receive annual Privilege Points.
- Multiple-entry visa: Unlimited entries and exits for 5, 10, 15 or 20 years, with up to one year’s stay per entry. No border runs.
- VIP airport services: An Elite Personal Assistant greets and escorts you on arrival and departure, with fast-track immigration lanes and lounge access at major Thai airports.
- Elite Personal Liaison (EPL): Staff handle your 90-day reporting. In Bangkok, Thailand Privilege staff submit it for you; in Phuket, Chiang Mai and Pattaya, dedicated local agents process it.
- Government concierge: A named contact for visa administration and liaison with Thai government offices.
- Banking and everyday setup: Membership documents are accepted by Thai banks for account opening, and members can get a Thai driving license, buy a vehicle and invest in shares or a condominium.
- Annual health check-up and preferred rates at partner hotels, spas, golf courses and restaurants.
- Free domestic flights via Bangkok Airways (Diamond and Reserve).
- Special travel arrangements such as private jet, yacht or luxury car bookings, depending on membership tier.
- No mandatory health insurance: Unlike the O-A retirement visa, insurance is optional. This is a real advantage for applicants over 60 or with pre-existing conditions.
- 24/7 multilingual member service, including Thai, English, Mandarin and Russian.
How much does the Thailand Elite Visa cost? (2026 prices)
The Thailand Elite Visa (Thailand Privilege Visa) costs between THB 650,000 and THB 5,000,000 as a one-time membership fee, depending on the package. Bronze is the lowest-cost entry at THB 650,000 for 5 years (THB 130,000 per year). Reserve is the highest at THB 5,000,000 for 20 years and is by invitation only. All fees are non-refundable, with no annual renewal charge and currently no application fee.
USD figures are approximate, converted at THB 33.8 = USD 1 (30 July 2026). The THB price is the amount actually payable.
Bronze Membership (5-Year Visa) – THB 650,000
- 5-year visa validity
- THB 650,000 (about USD 19,200), or THB 130,000 per year
- VIP airport services, immigration assistance, fast-track lanes and lounges
- No Privilege Points
- Promotional tier, open to applications until 31 December 2026
- View Bronze Membership details
Gold Membership (5-Year Visa) – THB 900,000
- 5-year visa validity
- THB 900,000 (about USD 26,600), or THB 180,000 per year
- Same privileges as Bronze plus 20 Privilege Points per year
- View Gold Membership details
Platinum Membership (10-Year Visa) – THB 1,500,000
- 10-year visa validity
- THB 1,500,000 (about USD 44,400), or THB 150,000 per year
- 35 Privilege Points per year
- Family members can be added
- View Platinum Membership details
Diamond Membership (15-Year Visa) – THB 2,500,000
- 15-year visa validity
- THB 2,500,000 (about USD 74,000), or THB 166,667 per year
- 55 Privilege Points per year
- Free domestic flights via Bangkok Airways and special insurance packages
- Family members can be added
- View Diamond Membership details
Reserve Membership (20-Year Visa) – THB 5,000,000
- 20-year visa validity, by invitation only and subject to Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. approval
- THB 5,000,000 (about USD 147,900), or THB 250,000 per year
- Limited to 100 members per year
- 120 Privilege Points per year
- Free domestic flights via Bangkok Airways, The Reserve Club, supercar test drive, birthday river cruise and a dedicated hotline
- The only transferable tier
- View Reserve Membership details
Thai Elite Visa price comparison: cost per year
| Package | Visa term | Total fee (THB) | Approx. USD | Per year (THB) | Privilege Points / year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | 5 years | 650,000 | 19,200 | 130,000 | 0 |
| Gold | 5 years | 900,000 | 26,600 | 180,000 | 20 |
| Platinum | 10 years | 1,500,000 | 44,400 | 150,000 | 35 |
| Diamond | 15 years | 2,500,000 | 74,000 | 166,667 | 55 |
| Reserve | 20 years | 5,000,000 | 147,900 | 250,000 | 120 |
Gold costs more per year than Platinum (THB 180,000 against THB 150,000). If you plan to stay long term and want points, Platinum is the more efficient of the two. Compare every inclusion side by side in our membership packages comparison chart.
How do Thailand Privilege Points work?
Privilege Points are an annual allowance for Gold (20), Platinum (35), Diamond (55) and Reserve (120) members, redeemable against travel, wellness and lifestyle services. Bronze members receive no points.
| Points | Examples of what you can redeem |
|---|---|
| 1 point | Airport transfer or lounge access · complimentary hotel night or dining · spa and wellness package · hotel and fitness-chain access · buy-one-get-one or up to 50% off dining · buy-one-get-one movie tickets |
| 2 points | Luxury car airport transfer · dental and health check-up package · golf · VIP sports tournament tickets |
| 3+ points | Round-trip domestic flight via Bangkok Airways (Diamond and Reserve) · long-haul airport transfer · private tours · health check and wellness package · concert and event tickets |
Full redemption values: Thailand Privilege Points 2026 guide.
How to apply for a Thailand Elite Visa (step by step)
You can apply for the Thailand Privilege Visa from anywhere in the world; you do not need to be in Thailand. The process has four steps and takes about 6 to 8 weeks from a complete application to visa issuance.
- Submit your application. Send a copy of your passport, a secondary ID, the online application form and the signed Personal Data Policy Form through an authorized agent (GSSA) such as Hawryluk Legal Advisors. We review the file before submission so it goes in complete.
- Background check. Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. screens your application with four Thai government agencies: the Immigration Bureau, the Department of Consular Affairs, the Royal Thai Police Foreign Affairs Division and the Central Investigation Bureau. This is the longest stage and cannot be accelerated.
- Approval and payment. Once approved, you receive an approval letter and pay the one-time membership fee. Nothing is payable before approval. You then receive a welcome letter and your Elite Membership Number (EMN).
- Visa affixed. Your Privilege Entry visa is affixed at a Thai embassy or consulate abroad, on arrival at Suvarnabhumi or Phuket airport, or at the Immigration Bureau in Bangkok if you are already in Thailand.
Hawryluk Legal Advisors is one of the few authorized Thailand Privilege partners accepting cryptocurrency payment, including BTC, ETH, ADA and BNB. See the full application process for details.
How long does it take to get a Thailand Elite Visa?
A Thailand Elite Visa (Thai Elite Visa) application takes 6 to 8 weeks from submission of a complete application to approval. Incomplete or inconsistent documents are the most common cause of delay, which is why every file we submit is checked by our legal team first. Read more about the Thailand Privilege background check.
What are the Thailand Privilege Visa requirements and documents?
Eligibility is deliberately broad. There is no minimum income, age, bank-balance or health insurance requirement. Applicants must:
- Hold a valid foreign passport (all nationalities except North Korea are eligible)
- Have no deportation record in any country
- Have no overstay record in Thailand
- Not currently hold a Thai work permit
Documents required:
- Passport valid for at least six months
- A copy of the passport’s personal details page
- A scanned copy of a secondary ID
- The completed application form
- The signed Personal Data Policy Form
- For family members: proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificate)
Applicants with a previous education (ED) visa must also provide the school’s establishment license from the Ministry of Education (or OBEC/OPEC), school registration, a student certification, academic and attendance records and, if available, class activity photos. Read the ED visa requirements.
What are the limitations of the Thailand Privilege Visa?
- No work rights. The Privilege Entry visa cannot be used as the basis for a work permit, and members cannot work for a Thai company.
- Not permanent residency. It does not count toward permanent residence or citizenship.
- Non-refundable once paid, and non-transferable except for the Reserve tier.
- No tax exemption and no additional property rights.
- North Korean nationals are not eligible.
Work, tax, property and family on a Thailand Elite Visa
Can you work in Thailand on a Thailand Elite Visa?
No. Thailand Privilege is a long-stay visa, not a work authorization, and members cannot hold a Thai work permit. Employment in Thailand requires a different visa and permit. What members can and cannot do.
Do Thailand Elite Visa holders pay Thai tax?
Membership gives no tax exemption. Anyone in Thailand 180 days or more in a calendar year is a Thai tax resident, and foreign income earned from 1 January 2024 and brought into Thailand is assessable, whatever visa you hold. Thailand foreign income tax explained.
Can you buy property on a Thailand Elite Visa?
The visa adds no property rights. Foreigners cannot own land in Thailand under any visa, but can own condominium units within the 49% foreign quota per building and hold houses or villas on registered leases of up to 30 years.
Can you add family members?
Yes, on Platinum, Diamond and Reserve. Immediate family (spouse, children, parents) can be added for THB 750,000 per person under a promotion until 31 December 2026. The standard add-on fee is THB 1,000,000 per person for Platinum and THB 1,500,000 for Diamond. Family add-on details.
Is the Thailand Elite Visa worth it in 2026?
The Thailand Elite Visa is worth it if you want long-term certainty in Thailand without income, age, bank-deposit or insurance requirements, or if you travel often and value VIP immigration handling. It is usually better value than the alternatives when:
- You are under 50, or cannot document USD 80,000 a year in passive income for the LTR Visa
- You do not want to lock THB 800,000 into a Thai bank account or renew a retirement visa every year
- You cannot obtain affordable health insurance
- You are bringing family on Platinum or Diamond
It may not be the best choice if you are 50+ and qualify easily for the LTR Visa (about THB 50,000 in government fees, 10 years, with a foreign-income tax exemption) or the O-A retirement visa, or if you need to work in Thailand. Compare them in Thailand Elite Visa vs DTV vs LTR and Elite Visa vs Retirement Visa.
What our application data shows
Hawryluk Legal Advisors processed 218 Thailand Privilege Card applications between October 2023 and August 2026 as an authorized GSSA. 90% were approved on first submission, meaning without a request for additional documents. Tier distribution: 85% Bronze, 10% Gold, 2% Platinum, 2% Diamond, 1% Reserve.
Figures cover all applications we submitted in the stated period; updated quarterly, last updated 14 September 2026.
Customer reviews
Thailand Elite Visas by Hawryluk Legal Advisors holds a 4.9/5 rating from 92 Google reviews (October 2026).
“As promised, I received my visa as I arrived in Phuket. I submitted everything they asked for online, and the Hawryluk Legal team made sure it was sorted quickly and efficiently. I would recommend them to anyone, as they handle extra matters and have a full legal team at your disposal.”
Yohan Zouine
“I filled out the contact form to figure out how I would move my children and me to Thailand for a long-term stay, and I was met with incredible service. We decided on a family membership and couldn’t be happier not having to deal with issues staying in Thailand.”
Candice Johansson
“As my first language is Mandarin, there were things I didn’t understand while speaking to some other agents. When I contacted Thailand Elite Phuket, I was met with a Chinese-speaking lawyer who explained everything, and within a few days we began the application process.”
Xiao Lee Chen
2026 program updates
- Bronze open until 31 December 2026. Bronze (THB 650,000 / 5 years) accepts new applications until 31 December 2026. Eligibility is set by application date, not approval date. After that, Gold at THB 900,000 becomes the entry tier. Bronze deadline details.
- Family add-on THB 750,000 until 31 December 2026 for Platinum, Diamond and Reserve members (standard THB 1,000,000 Platinum / THB 1,500,000 Diamond).
- No application fee. The former THB 50,000 application fee remains suspended.
- All nationalities eligible except North Korea.
- Foreign income tax relaxation remains draft legislation and has not been enacted as of this date.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Thailand Elite Visa the same as the Thailand Privilege Card?
Yes. The Thailand Elite Visa and the Thailand Privilege Card (or Thailand Privilege Visa) are the same program. It launched in 2003 as Thailand Elite and was renamed Thailand Privilege in October 2023.
How much does the Thailand Elite Visa cost in 2026?
THB 650,000 (Bronze, 5 years), THB 900,000 (Gold, 5 years), THB 1,500,000 (Platinum, 10 years), THB 2,500,000 (Diamond, 15 years) or THB 5,000,000 (Reserve, 20 years, by invitation only). Fees are one-time; the annual immigration extension fee is THB 1,900.
Which Thailand Privilege tier is cheapest per year?
Bronze, at THB 130,000 per year. Among the permanent tiers, Platinum is the most efficient at THB 150,000 per year; Gold costs more per year than Platinum.
How long does a Thailand Elite Visa application take?
About 6 to 8 weeks from a complete application, mostly for the government background check. You can apply from anywhere and pay only after approval.
Do Thailand Elite Visa holders pay tax in Thailand?
The visa gives no tax exemption. If you spend 180 days or more in Thailand in a calendar year, you are a Thai tax resident, and foreign income brought into Thailand can be taxable.
Can I add my spouse and children?
Yes, on Platinum, Diamond and Reserve. Each family member receives their own Privilege Entry visa. Under a promotion ending 31 December 2026, family members can be added for THB 750,000 each.
Is health insurance required for a Thailand Elite Visa?
No. Unlike the O-A retirement visa and the LTR Visa, the Thailand Privilege Card has no health insurance requirement.
Is the LTR Visa better than the Thailand Privilege Card?
If you qualify, the LTR is usually cheaper and offers a foreign-income tax exemption, but it requires documented income or assets (for example USD 80,000 a year in passive income for Wealthy Pensioners aged 50+) and health insurance. The Privilege Card has no income, asset or age requirement.
About the authors
Cherry Ann Maneja has handled Thailand Privilege Card applications for Hawryluk Legal Advisors since 2020, from first enquiry to visa issuance, across all five tiers. Questions on Thai law or tax go to the firm’s legal team.
Jim Martija is Digital Marketing Specialist at Hawryluk Legal Advisors. He maintains this guide against program changes and verifies figures against primary sources including the Thai Revenue Department and the Board of Investment. He does not provide legal or tax advice.
Reviewed by Michelle Hawryluk, Managing Partner. Hawryluk Legal Advisors is a licensed Phuket law firm (est. 2011), an officially appointed agent of Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. since 2014, a member of the Investment Migration Council, and winner of Thailand Privilege’s 2nd Best Sales of the Year 2024 and Rising Star Awards (2020, 2021).