Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does the application process for the Thailand Elite Visa take?
The application process for the Thailand Elite membership and Thailand Elite visa may take 3 weeks to 2 months, depending on the applicant’s nationality and their immigration and criminal records.
2. Does the Thailand Elite visa application require notarization or authentication of documents?
Not required.
3. What is the required validity period for the passport when applying for the Elite visa?
Ideally, your passport should have a validity of at least 5 years. However, if your passport has less than 5 years remaining, the Thai Embassy or Immigration Office will affix the Thailand Elite visa based on the remaining validity stated in your passport. The remaining validity of your visa will then be transferred to your new passport when obtained. It’s also important to note that your passport should have at least 3 blank pages. (If there are 3 years remaining on your passport, the Elite visa will be initially affixed for 3 years, and the remaining 2 years will be transferred to the new passport when obtained.)
4. Is it necessary for the applicant to be present when applying for the Thailand Elite membership and visa?
No, it is not necessary. During the membership and visa application process, you do not need to be present as everything will be handled by an agent on your behalf. However, it is essential for the applicant to be present when affixing the visa.
5. As a holder of the Thailand Elite visa, do I need to pay income tax in Thailand?
The Thailand Elite visa is a privileged visa categorized under special tourism visas or privileged entry. Holders of the Thailand Elite visa are not required to pay income tax in Thailand, especially when the income is derived from abroad.
6. Can the application be processed if the person is not in Thailand?
Yes, it can be processed. The application can be submitted even if the person is in China. After the application is approved, the individual can go to the Thai Consulate in China to affix the visa. Once the visa is affixed, the person can then enter Thailand.
Additionally, it is also possible to submit the application within your home country and then enter Thailand with a tourist visa or visa on arrival. Once in Thailand, you can complete the process by affixing the Thailand Elite visa. Of course, applying for the Elite visa while already in Thailand is also an option.
7. Can the Elite visa be used for work?
To work in Thailand, it is necessary to obtain a work permit. Foreigners holding the Thailand Elite visa can apply for a work permit in Thailand.
8. Apart from the initial one-time processing fee, are there any other fees?
Once the one-time payment is made for the processing of the Elite visa, there are no additional fees. However, it’s important to note that, for example, if a member holds a five-year Elite visa, they can make multiple entries within the validity period. However, each time upon entry, the immigration authorities provide a one-year visa endorsement. If a member stays in Thailand for a full year without leaving, they would need to visit the immigration office to extend the visa for another year.
9. Is a bank statement required for the Elite visa application?
No, it is not required.
10. Is there an age limit for applying for the Elite visa?
Considering family needs, both children and elderly individuals can apply for the Elite visa, and there is no specific age limit.
1. After obtaining the retirement visa in Thailand, what should be noted?
Once you have obtained the retirement visa for Thailand, you are allowed to enter the country within the specified period of the visa. However, foreign residents in Thailand must adhere to certain rules. Firstly, if you wish to leave, you must apply for a re-entry permit from Thai immigration. Additionally, you are required to report your address to the immigration authorities every 90 days while continuing to reside there.
2. What is the purpose of the re-entry permit?
In order to leave Thailand and return smoothly within the validity period of your visa, you must obtain a Thai re-entry permit. If you leave without obtaining this permit, your visa will become void unless you acquire a new one, making it impossible for you to return.
However, this applies only if you have received a single-entry visa. If you hold a multiple-entry visa, you can leave and re-enter the country without difficulty.
3. What is the 90-day reporting?
Every foreigner residing in Thailand for more than 90 days is required to report their address to the Thai immigration authorities. The 90-day reporting is a way for the Thai government to track foreign residents in the country and is an effort to prevent illegal stays.
4. How to extend the visa?
If you have a one-year retirement visa, you must apply for a visa extension every year. You can apply for the extension at the Thai immigration checkpoint.
On the other hand, for the Thai O-X retirement visa, you only need to apply for an extension after 5 years, meaning when you are about to receive another 5-year visa.
When extending your visa, you will need some supporting documents, such as:
- A completed visa extension application form (TM)
- One-inch color photo
- Photocopies of all passport pages with signatures
- Proof of accommodation in Thailand
- Proof that you meet the financial requirements for living in Thailand, such as bank statements, notarized income affidavits, etc.
5. How much is the fee for the Thai retirement visa?
The cost of the Thai retirement visa depends on the type of visa you are applying for. The fees may vary depending on the country you are applying from, but you will need to pay the following fees for your Thai retirement visa:
- One-year retirement visa (single entry): 2,000 Thai Baht
- One-year retirement visa (multiple entries): 5,000 Thai Baht
- Five-year retirement visa: 10,000 Thai Baht
6. Can I bring my family with me to Thailand on the retirement visa?
Yes, your family can accompany you to Thailand. However, if they do not qualify for the Thai retirement visa (O-A or O-X), they can apply for a non-immigrant visa O or ED for dependent children.
You can bring only your spouse or children under 20 years old.
The Thai retirement visa allows you to bring direct family members such as parents, children, and spouses. However, certain conditions must be met. If bringing children, they must be under 18 years old, and if bringing a spouse, the spouse must meet the condition of being 50 years old.