Thailand
Thailand is a popular destination in Southeast Asia, known for its affordable yet high-quality standard of living. The country boasts impressive ancient ruins, vibrant scuba-diving spots, tropical islands, a lively nightlife, grand palaces, and numerous Buddhist temples, including several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visitors are also drawn to Thailand's rich cultural heritage and its warm, welcoming people. Additionally, the diverse cuisine, blending sweet, sour, spicy, and savory flavors, makes it a paradise for food lovers.
Residence by Investment Overview
The Thailand Privilege Card Company Limited (TPC) provides the Thailand Privilege Residence Program, which allows applicants to reside in the country for up to 20 years while enjoying exclusive services and benefits.
The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) offers the Long-Term Residence Program, enabling individuals to live and work in Thailand for up to 10 years, with streamlined administrative processes and appealing tax advantages.
Investment
Thailand Privilege Residence Program: Minimum application fee of THB 900,000 (approximately USD 25,000)
Long Term Residence Program: Government application fee of THB 50,000 (approximately USD 1,500)
Processing Time
Two to three months
Key Benefit
Long-term residence permit, with privileged treatment in Thailand
Residence in Thailand
Thailand, renowned for its vibrant cultural heritage and affordable yet outstanding quality of life, is becoming an attractive choice for travelers and professionals alike, making it a desirable destination for those considering a second home. The country provides various residency options through its Thailand Privilege Residence and Long-Term Residence Programs.
Benefits of Thai residence by investment
Long-term residence permit offering special privileges in Thailand
No mandatory minimum stay
Appealing tax benefits and exemptions
Streamlined application process through the Thailand Privilege Card Company Limited or the Thailand Board of Investment
Option to include spouse and dependents
Premium service for immigration procedures
The Thailand Privilege Residence Program:
The Thailand Privilege Residence Program offers foreign nationals the opportunity to live in Thailand for up to 20 years and access complimentary VIP services and benefits.
There are four different program options, each varying in validity, the number of points allocated, and cost:
Gold card — A five-year privilege entry visa for expats or businesspeople to enter and exit Thailand. The fee is THB 900,000 including VAT (approximately USD 25,000). 20 points per year are allocated to redeem services. Dependents cannot be included in this option.
Platinum card — A 10-year privilege entry visa ideal for families, where the main applicant pays a fee of THB 1.5 million including VAT (approximately USD 42,000) and an additional fee of THB 1 million including VAT (approximately USD 28,000) per dependent. 35 points per year are allocated per family to redeem services.
Diamond card — A 15-year privilege entry visa where the main applicant pays a fee of THB 2.5 million including VAT (approximately USD 70,000) and an additional fee of THB 1.5 million including VAT (approximately USD 42,000) per dependent. 55 points per year are allocated per family to redeem services.
Reserve card (issued by invitation only) — A 20-year privilege entry visa for THB 5 million including VAT (approximately USD 140,000) and an additional fee of THB 2 million (approximately USD 55,000) per dependent. 120 points per year are allocated per family to redeem services.
An application fee of THB 50,000 is payable upon submission of the application. Upon approval, this fee is deducted from the total amount of the chosen program option.
Dependents may include legitimate parents, stepparents, a spouse (including by civil union), children, and stepchildren.
Procedures and time frame of the Thailand Privilege Residence Program
TPC offers an efficient application process. Once approved, applicants and their dependents must notify TPC at least seven days in advance if they wish to have their visa affixed either upon arrival at the airport under normal travel circumstances or at the Immigration Bureau in Bangkok.
The process begins when a prospective client contacts Henley & Partners, who then conduct initial due diligence checks. Following this, the client can sign the agreement and pay the retainer. The Thai residence application can be prepared and submitted after the THB 50,000 application fee is paid. Once the application is approved, typically within two to three months, the applicant can proceed with the required contribution. The residence visa is generally issued within two weeks after TPC confirms receipt of the full application fee. Finally, the client receives a welcome letter and can schedule an appointment for the visa affixation.
The Long Term Residence Program:
The Long Term Residence Program allows individuals to live and work in Thailand for up to ten years (initial five-year visa with a built-in renewal for an additional five years), offering simplified administrative processes and appealing tax benefits.
This program features four distinct categories, each with its own set of requirements:
Wealthy Global Citizen: Applicants must have:
At least USD 1 million in assets.
A minimum annual income of USD 80,000 for the past two years.
An investment of at least USD 500,000 in Thai property, foreign direct investment, or Thai government bonds.
Wealthy Pensioner: Retirees aged 50 and above must have an annual pension or stable passive income of at least USD 80,000. If their income is between USD 40,000 and USD 80,000 per year, they must invest at least USD 250,000 in Thai property, foreign direct investment, or Thai government bonds.
Work from Thailand Professional: Applicants must be employed by a well-established overseas company and have earned a minimum annual income of USD 80,000 for the past two years. If their income is between USD 40,000 and USD 80,000, they must hold a Master’s degree or higher, own intellectual property, or have received Series A funding. The company must be either publicly traded or a private firm that has operated for at least three years, with a combined revenue of at least USD 150 million over the past three years.
Highly Skilled Professional: Professionals or experts with at least five years of experience in targeted industries (such as business entities, higher education institutes, research centers, specialized training institutions, or Thai government agencies) must have a minimum annual income of USD 80,000 for the past two years. If their income is between USD 40,000 and USD 80,000, they must have a Master’s degree or higher in science and technology or possess specialized expertise relevant to their role in Thailand.
The program also allows for the inclusion of up to four dependents, including a spouse and children or stepchildren under the age of 20.
Procedures and time frame of the Long Term Residence Program
The program, offered by the BOI, features an efficient application process and provides special support to LTR applicants through a dedicated immigration office, the One Stop Service Immigration Office in Bangkok.
The process begins with the prospective client contacting Trust Path Visas, who will conduct initial due diligence checks. Once these are complete, the client can sign the agreement and pay the retainer. The application for Long Term Thai residence can then be prepared and submitted for processing upon payment of the retainer fee. After approval, which typically takes four to six weeks, the applicant can schedule an appointment at a Thai Embassy or the One Stop Service in Bangkok to pay the government fee and have the visa affixed.
Dual Citizenship in Thailand
Although residence permits obtained through the Thailand Privilege Residence and Long Term Residence Programs do not grant permanent residency or citizenship, there are pathways available for eligible individuals to pursue these statuses.
To apply for Thai permanent residency, applicants must have held a Thai non-immigrant visa for at least three years before submitting their application and must have obtained three consecutive yearly extensions to qualify. Additionally, the applicant must hold a non-immigrant visa at the time of applying for permanent residency.
Citizenship can be pursued after holding permanent resident status in Thailand for 10 consecutive years. While Thailand generally does not recognize dual citizenship, there are some exceptions.
Thailand residence by investment program frequently asked questions
What is the Thailand residence by investment program?
The Thailand residence by investment program, known as the Thailand Long Term Residence Program, grants residence to individuals and their families through significant economic contributions.
What are the investment options available for the Thailand Long Term Residence Program?
Investment options include Wealthy Global Citizen, which requires substantial assets and investment in Thai property, foreign direct investment, or government bonds. Wealthy Pensioner is for retirees with a stable passive income. Work from Thailand Professional is for employees of established overseas companies meeting income or educational requirements. Highly Skilled Professional is for experts with significant experience in targeted industries and meeting income or educational criteria.
What are the benefits of obtaining Thai residence through investment?
Benefits include the right to live in Thailand for up to 10 years, access to a favorable tax regime, and a high quality of life.
What is the minimum investment required for the Thailand Long Term Residence Program?
The minimum investment starts at THB 50,000 for the government application fee.
How long does it take to process an application for the Thailand Long Term Residence Program?
The processing time is approximately nine to twelve months.
Can family members be included in the Thailand Long Term Residence Program application?
Yes, the main applicant can include their spouse and dependent children under 20 in the application.
What are the residence requirements for the Thailand Long Term Residence Program?
There are no mandatory physical presence or residence requirements.
What documents are required for the Thailand Long Term Residence Program application?
Required documents include a valid passport, proof of investment option, health insurance, a clean criminal record, and other supporting documents.
Is it possible to obtain Thai citizenship through the residence by investment program?
No, obtaining Thai citizenship requires a separate and more stringent process.
What is the process for applying to the Thailand Long Term Residence Program?
Applicants must make a qualifying investment, submit the application with the necessary documents, and undergo a due diligence process.
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