Phuket: Visa Options for Foreign Property Owners

Here are four visa options for foreign property owners in Phuket. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult an immigration specialist for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

The Thai Non-Immigrant “O-X” (long-term resident) visa allows nationals of 14 countries (including France, Canada, the United States, etc.), aged 50 and over, to stay in Thailand for up to 10 years (renewable every 5 years). The visa costs 10,000 baht.

• Be 50 years of age or older.
• Hold citizenship and a passport from one of the 14 eligible countries.
• Provide proof of a Thai bank account with a fixed deposit of at least 3 million baht (held for at least one year), or 1.8 million baht and an annual income of 1.2 million baht. After one year in Thailand, the account must hold at least 3 million baht. These funds must remain deposited for at least one year, and then the balance must remain above 1.5 million baht in the second year and be spent within Thailand.
• Be free from leprosy, tuberculosis, elephantiasis, drug addiction, or syphilis (stage 3).
• Hold Thai health insurance covering at least 40,000 baht for outpatient treatment and 400,000 baht for inpatient treatment.
• Have a clean criminal record.

Benefits:

• Allowed to volunteer (according to a list of permitted activities).
• Allowed to purchase a vehicle and a condominium.

Obligations:

• Report your address in Thailand to immigration every 90 days.
• Report annually to immigration for verification.
• The visa can be revoked for failure to meet financial or insurance requirements, posing a security threat, or engaging in illegal work.

Visa Processing Time: Approximately 4 weeks (longer if the application is incomplete).

Obtain a long-term Thai visa through strategic investment. This visa requires a 10 million THB investment and a valid non-immigrant visa with annual extensions. You can combine several investment options to reach this threshold.

Investment Options:

• Condominium Purchase or Long-Term Lease: Purchase or lease a condominium for a minimum of three years, with documentation issued by a relevant government agency. Note: Real estate investments must be in new constructions purchased directly from a developer.
• Fixed Deposit: Maintain a fixed deposit in a Thai bank with at least 50% Thai ownership.
• Government Bonds: Invest in government or state enterprise bonds.

Required Documents:

• Completed and signed visa application form
• Valid non-immigrant visa
• Visa fee: 2,000 THB (single entry), 5,000 THB (multiple entries)
• Passport or travel document valid for at least six months (18 months for a one-year visa)
• Recent photograph (4 x 6 cm)
• Proof of investment(s) totaling at least 10 million THB made after October 25, 2008 (e.g., foreign exchange transfer form, bank statement, sales contract)
• Letter from the Thailand Board of Investment

Important Considerations:

• This visa does not permit work in Thailand.
• A valid non-immigrant visa is required.
• Spouses and children of investors can apply for long-term stay with proof of family relationship.

Purpose: Study, seminars, training, or internships in Thailand.

Validity: 90 days from the date of entry (single entry). A re-entry permit is required to leave and re-enter Thailand.

• Required Documents:
  • Passport (valid for more than 6 months)
  • Visa application form
  • Passport photo (3.5 x 4.5 cm)
  • Documents related to studies:
    • Public Institution (school/university): Acceptance letter and recommendation letter.
    • Private Institution: Approval from the Ministry of Education, acceptance letter, institutional documents (recommendation letter, student ID card, transcripts, shareholder list, institution profile).
    • Religious Institute: Acceptance letter, religious ID card, other relevant documents.
    • Seminar/Training/Internship: Acceptance and invitation letters, company registration and license, shareholder list, company profile, financial statements, tax documents, list of foreign workers, director’s ID card/passport and work permit.
  • Proof of funds (bank statement from the last 6 months with a minimum balance of 20,000 THB).
  • Supplements (certain nationalities): An in-person application and/or additional documents may be required. Please contact the embassy for details.

  Fee: 80 USD (cash payment only, non-refundable).

  Processing Time: 1-3 business days (longer for some nationalities). Online appointment booking is mandatory.

  Notes:

  • All documents must be in Thai or English (translated and legalized if necessary). Copies of personal documents must be certified by the holder.
  • Please provide your contact information.
  • The embassy may request additional documents or an interview.

Thailand attracts visitors with its idyllic beaches and vibrant culture, but it also offers options for extended stays. The Thailand Elite Visa program provides an exclusive way to fully enjoy the “Land of Smiles” with a range of unique privileges.

Functioning as a paid membership, the Elite Visa allows for long-term stays, from 5 to 20 years, without the usual visa limitations. Frequent renewals are a thing of the past: long-term residents, investors, and frequent travelers benefit from significant stability.

Beyond simply residing in Thailand, members enjoy comprehensive VIP service, including airport assistance with expedited immigration, limousine transfers, and annual health check-ups. Access to exclusive lounges, discounts on golf courses, spas, and other premium services further enhance the Thai experience.

Various membership packages cater to different needs and budgets, ranging from the 5-year Elite Easy Access to the 20-year Elite Privilege Access. Each tier offers specific benefits, allowing applicants to choose the option best suited to their lifestyle and resources.

While the initial cost of the Elite Visa is higher than traditional visas, the convenience, privileges, and long-term access it provides appeal to a discerning clientele. It is particularly attractive to those seeking a second home in Thailand, retirees looking for a comfortable lifestyle, or business travelers desiring streamlined entry and exit procedures.

The Elite Visa is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but for those seeking a premium experience and an extended stay in Thailand, it opens the doors to an exceptional lifestyle.