Thailand

 

Thailand, with its rich cultural heritage and exceptional yet affordable quality of life, is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for travelers, professionals, and those seeking a second home. The country offers various residency options, including the Thailand Privilege Residence Program and the Long-Term Residence (LTR) Program, providing flexibility for individuals looking to establish themselves in Thailand.

 
Advantages of Thai Residency by Investment

Long-term residence permit with exclusive privileges.
No minimum stay requirement, offering flexibility for residents.
Attractive tax benefits and exemptions for qualified applicants.
Streamlined application process through the Thailand Privilege Card Company Limited or the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI).
Affordable cost of living while maintaining a high standard of life.
Inclusion of spouse and dependents, allowing families to benefit from the program.
Priority immigration services, ensuring a seamless experience when dealing with Thai authorities.

 

The Thailand Privilege Residence Program grants foreign nationals the opportunity to reside in Thailand for up to 20 years, while also providing exclusive VIP services and benefits.

The program offers five membership options, each differing in validity, allocated points, and cost:

Bronze Card (Limited-time offer until 30 June 2025)

Validity: 5 years
Fee: THB 650,000 (approx. USD 18,000, VAT included)
Points: No points for redeemable services
Dependents: Not allowed
Ideal for: Frequent travelers seeking unlimited access to Thailand with VIP airport services
Gold Card

Validity: 5 years
Fee: THB 900,000 (approx. USD 25,000, VAT included)
Points: 20 points per year for redeemable services
Dependents: Not allowed
Ideal for: Expats and business professionals who require multiple entries
Platinum Card

Validity: 10 years
Fee:Main applicant: THB 1.5 million (approx. USD 42,000, VAT included)
Each dependent: THB 1 million (approx. USD 28,000, VAT included)
Points: 35 points per year per family for redeemable services
Dependents: Allowed (spouse, children, stepchildren, and parents)
Ideal for: Families looking for long-term residency benefits
Diamond Card

Validity: 15 years
Fee:Main applicant: THB 2.5 million (approx. USD 70,000, VAT included)
Each dependent: THB 1.5 million (approx. USD 42,000, VAT included)
Points: 55 points per year per family for redeemable services
Dependents: Allowed
Ideal for: Long-term residents seeking extended benefits and services
Reserve Card (By Invitation Only)

Validity: 20 years
Fee:Main applicant: THB 5 million (approx. USD 140,000, VAT included)
Each dependent: THB 2 million (approx. USD 55,000, VAT included)
Points: 120 points per year per family for redeemable services
Dependents: Allowed
Ideal for: Ultra-high-net-worth individuals looking for exclusive privileges
Application Fee: THB 50,000 (deducted from the total amount upon approval).
Eligible Dependents: Parents, stepparents, spouse (including civil unions), children, and stepchildren.

 
Application Process for the Thailand Privilege Residence Program

The Thailand Privilege Card (TPC) Company has a streamlined application process:

Visa Request & Arrival Coordination

Approved applicants and dependents must inform TPC at least 7 days in advance of their arrival.
Visa can be affixed upon arrival at the airport or at the Immigration Bureau in Bangkok.

Application Steps

Step 1: Initial due diligence checks.
Step 2: Sign the client agreement and pay the retainer fee.
Step 3: Submit the residence application along with a THB 50,000 application fee.
Step 4: Upon approval, the applicant makes the full contribution.
Step 5: Once payment is confirmed, the residence visa is issued.
Step 6: The welcome letter is sent, and an appointment is scheduled for visa affixation.

This program provides a flexible, efficient, and long-term residence solution for individuals and families looking to establish themselves in Thailand while enjoying a high standard of living with exclusive benefits.

The Long-Term Residence (LTR) Program allows individuals to live and work in Thailand for up to 10 years, offering a five-year visa with the option to renew for another five years. The program features reduced administrative requirements and attractive tax benefits, making it an appealing option for long-term expatriates and professionals.

Eligibility Categories for the Thailand LTR Program

There are four categories under the LTR Program, each with specific eligibility criteria:

1. Wealthy Global Citizen
Applicants must meet the following financial criteria:

Hold at least USD 1 million in assets.
Have a personal annual income of at least USD 80,000 for the past two years.
Invest a minimum of USD 500,000 in Thai property, foreign direct investment, or Thai government bonds.
2. Wealthy Pensioner (For retirees aged 50 and above)
Must have a stable passive income or pension of at least USD 80,000 per year.

If the applicant’s annual income is between USD 40,000 and USD 80,000, they must invest at least USD 250,000 in Thai property, foreign direct investment, or Thai government bonds.
3. Work from Thailand Professional (For remote professionals employed by overseas companies)
Must be employed by a well-established foreign company and meet the following requirements:

Have a personal annual income of at least USD 80,000 for the past two years.
If income is between USD 40,000 and USD 80,000, the applicant must:Hold a Master’s degree or higher.
Own intellectual property.
Or have received Series A funding.
The employer must be:A public company listed on a stock exchange, or
A private company that has operated for at least three years, with a combined revenue of at least USD 150 million over the past three years.
4. Highly Skilled Professional (For experts in targeted industries)
Applicants must have at least five years of experience in a relevant field and:

Earn a minimum of USD 80,000 per year for the past two years.
If income is between USD 40,000 and USD 80,000, the applicant must:Hold a Master’s degree in science and technology, or
Possess specialized expertise relevant to their job in Thailand.
Dependents: Up to four dependents can be included in the application, including a spouse and children (or stepchildren) under 20 years old.

Application Process for the Thailand LTR Program

This program is managed by the Board of Investment (BOI) and provides applicants with dedicated support through the One Stop Service Immigration Office in Bangkok.

Application Submission

Applicants must complete an initial due diligence check.
Sign a client agreement and pay the retainer fee.
Submit the LTR application for processing.
Approval & Visa Issuance

Once approved, applicants must visit a Thai Embassy or the One Stop Service Center in Bangkok.
Pay the government fees and complete the visa affixation process.

Dual Citizenship in Thailand

While residence permits obtained through the Thailand Privilege Residence and LTR Programs do not lead to permanent residency or citizenship, there are alternative pathways available:

Pathway to Thai Permanent Residency
Applicants must have held a Thai non-immigrant visa for at least three consecutive years before applying.
Must have received three yearly visa extensions and hold a valid non-immigrant visa at the time of application.
Pathway to Thai Citizenship
Applicants may apply for Thai naturalization after holding permanent resident status for 10 consecutive years.
Thailand does not generally allow dual citizenship, but exceptions exist under specific circumstances.
The Thailand LTR Program provides a streamlined path for long-term residency, catering to investors, retirees, remote professionals, and highly skilled experts, while offering exclusive benefits and financial incentives.