Why Thailand?

 Land of Smiles

Thailand is one of the most sought-after destinations in Southeast Asia. The country has a population of 68 million people who are well known for their friendly disposition, which has resulted in Thailand often being referred to as the ‘Land of Smiles’.

Rising Star

Thailand offers an affordable, yet exceptionally high standard of living. The country has made significant socio-economic progress over the last four decades, moving from a low-income to an upper-income country in less than a generation. Besides being rich in agriculture, its industrial production facilities in automobiles, electronics, healthcare, and jewelry are global pioneers, Safe and Secure

The country has been widely cited as a development success story with sustained strong growth and impressive poverty reduction. Thailand offers residence in a country that is safe and secure.

Attractive Tax Regime

In Thailand, residents (those residing in the country for more than 180 days) are subject to tax only on income earned from sources within Thailand as well as on any portion of income from foreign sources that is remitted to Thailand in the same year in which it is earned. Therefore, Thailand’s tax regime is considered very beneficial, similar to that of Hong Kong and Singapore, for individuals who are resident in Thailand and do not generate significant income in the country.

Thai Permanent Residency

A lot of people want to stay permanently in Thailand as it is one of the most sought-after destinations in South East Asia offering a low yet convenient standard of living.

There are a lot of inquiries from foreigners who are constantly on a trip to the Land of Smiles as to how they can apply for Thai Permanent Resident status.

Obtaining status as a Permanent Resident (PR) in Thailand has many advantages. It allows you to live permanently in Thailand, with no requirement to apply for an extension of stay. You can also have your name on a house registration document, and you will be able to buy a condominium without making a bank transfer from abroad. Getting a work permit is also made easier once you have PR status.

In addition to this, you can be eligible to become a director of a Thai public company, as well as eventually apply to become a naturalized Thai citizen. You will also be able apply for an extension of stay and Permanent Resident status for your non-Thai family members.

All applications for Thai Permanent Residency is processed by the Royal Thai Immigration Commission. The annual quota for granting permanent residency in Thailand is a maximum of 100 persons per country. The application period for Thai PR usually from October to the end of December of every year.

In order to apply to become a Thai Permanent Resident, you must meet the following criteria:

  • You must have had a Thai non-immigrant visa for at least three years prior to the submission of your application. Holders of multiple NON-Immigrant visas cannot apply. You must have 3 consecutive yearly extensions in order to qualify.
  • You must be a holder of a non-immigrant visa at the time of submitting your application.
  • You must be able to meet one of these categories to apply for PR status in Thailand:
    • Investment category (minimum 3 – 10 Million Baht (Equivalent in BDTK 90 Lakhs -3 Crores) investment in Thailand).
    • Working/ Business category.
    • Support a family or Humanity Reasons category: In this category, you must have a relationship with a Thai citizen or an alien who already possess a residence permit as a husband or wife; father or mother; or a guardian of a Thai child under 20 years of age.
    • Expert / academic category.
    • Other categories as determined by Thai Immigration

You should note that the list of required documents for the application depends on the category under which the application is made.

Once your application for Thai Permanent Residency is approved, a residence blue book is issued to you. You must then register your place of residence in Thailand at the local Amphur and obtain a house card. A week after the receipt of your residence certificate you can then apply for an alien book (red book) at the local police station, which is the equivalent of the Thai national ID card. You must re-register there every year.

The Residency Permit itself never expires, unless revoked. To be able to leave the country and return to Thailand, however, requires you to apply for a re-entry permit (endorsement).

You can file an application to become a Thai naturalized citizen after holding Permanent Resident status in Thailand for 10 consecutive years.

Most Popular Thailand Elite Residency Program

Thailand offers three options for its residency visa. A program applicable for HNW (High Net-worth Individual) global citizens wanting frequent access or residency in Thailand.

The Thailand elite residence program offers applicants the right to live in the country for up to 20 years along with access to privileged services and VIP benefits. To receive the Thailand elite residence visa, foreigners must join Thailand elite, an exclusive program offered by Thailand privileged card company limited. (TPC)

The program was initiated in 2003 to attract wealthy global citizens who wish to spend extended periods of time in the country and take advantage of its beneficial tax regime and affordable but high standard of living.

The Thailand elite residence program offers seven options, of which the following three are most popular:

ELITE ULTIMATE PRIVILEGE

Elite Ultimate Privilege is a twenty-years residence visa for a once off fee of approximately $60,000 plus an annual fee of approximately $600. This program includes exclusive VIP express airport services and lounge access, unlimited short haul airport transfers for international flights, government concierge services, and hospitality services for golf, spa treatments and an annual health check.

ELITE PRIVILEGE ACCESS

Elite Privilege Access is a ten-years residence visa designed for family application. The one- off fee is approximately $30,000 for the main applicant and USD 22,500 for each dependent. There is no annual fee. The program includes VIP express airport services, transport services, government concierge services and an annual health check.

ELITE EASY ACCESS

Elite Easy Access is a five-year residence visa allowing expats or business people to enter Thailand regularly and easily during the period. this options requires a one off payment of approximately $15,000 and there is no annual fee. The Elite Easy Access residence visa can be upgraded to the Elite Ultimate Privilege option for approximately $45,000.

APPLICATION PROCESS

TPC provides an efficient application process for residence: in less than one month a visa will be issued and may be collected from a designated international airport in Thailand. Once allocated, applicants may stay or reside in Thailand for as long as they desire under the terms of their chosen package. However, applicants must notify TPC if they stay in the country for a continuous period of more than 90 days.

The residence visa obtained through the Thailand elite residence program does not lead to permanent residence status or citizenship.

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