Thailand, with its rich cultural heritage and affordable yet exceptionally high standard of living, is increasingly attracting the attention of travellers and professionals, making it an appealing destination for those considering a second home. The country provides a variety of residence options through its Thailand Privilege Residence Program and the Long-Term Residence Program. These programs are designed to cater to different needs, offering benefits such as extended stays, privileged access to services, and a welcoming environment for expatriates.

Key Benefits of the Thailand Residence by Investment Program

Benefits include:

• Long-term residence permit: Provides privileged treatment in Thailand.
• No minimum stay requirement: Enjoy flexibility in travel and living arrangements.
• Attractive tax benefits and exemptions: Take advantage of favourable tax conditions for residents.
• Efficient application processes: Streamlined procedures with the Thailand Privilege Card Company Limited or the Thailand Board of Investment.
• Low-cost yet high standard of living: Experience a comfortable lifestyle without high expenses.
• Ability to include a spouse and dependents: Family members can be included in the residence application.
• Elite service: Access premium support when dealing with immigration matters.

The Thailand Privilege Residence Program (TPRP)

The Thailand Privilege Residence Program allows foreign nationals to reside in Thailand for up to 20 years while enjoying complimentary VIP services and benefits. There are four different program options, each with varying validity, allocated points, and costs:

1. The Gold Card:
   • Validity: 5-year privilege entry visa for expatriates or businesspeople.
   • Fee: THB 900,000 including VAT (approximately USD 25,000).
   • Points: 20 points per year to redeem services.
   • Dependents: Cannot be included in this option.

1. The Platinum Card:
   • Validity: 10-year privilege entry visa, suitable for families.
   • Fee: Main applicant must pay THB 1.5 million (incl. VAT); Additionally, THB 1 million (incl. VAT) per dependent.
   • Points: 35 points per year allocated per family for redeeming services.

1. The Diamond Card:
   • Validity: 15-year privilege entry visa.
   • Fee: Main applicant pays THB 2.5 million (incl. VAT); Additionally, THB 1.5 million (incl. VAT) per dependent.
   • Points: 55 points per year allocated per family for redeeming services.

1. The Reserve Card (invitation only):
   • Validity: 20-year privilege entry visa.
   • Fee: Main applicant must pay THB 5 million (incl. VAT); Additionally, THB 2 million (incl. VAT) per dependent.
   • Points: 120 points per year allocated per family for redeeming services.

Additional Fees: Upon submission of the application, an application fee is payable of TBH 50,000. If the application is successful, this amount is deducted from the total amount invested in the chosen program upon approval.

Dependents: Eligible dependents you can include in your application are: legitimate parents, stepparents, spouse (including civil union), children, and stepchildren.

Process for applying to the TPRP

The Thailand Privilege Card (TPC) features an efficient application process. Approved applicants and their dependents must notify TPC seven days in advance if they wish to have their visa affixed upon arrival at the airport under normal travel conditions or at the Immigration Bureau in Bangkok.

Once a prospective client contacts Compass Services, the process begins with initial due diligence checks. Following this, the client agreement can be signed, and the retainer fee can be paid. The application is then be prepared and submitted for processing once the THB 50,000 application fee is paid. Upon approval of the application, the successful applicant can make the required financial contribution. The residence visa is issued once TPC confirms receipt of the full application fee. Finally, the client will receive a welcome letter and can schedule an appointment for visa affixation.

The Long Term Residence Program (LTRP)

The Long Term Residence Program provides individuals the opportunity to live and work in Thailand for up to ten years, consisting of a five-year visa with an option for renewal for an additional five years. This program features reduced administrative requirements and attractive tax benefits.

There are four different categories available under this program, each with specific requirements:

1. Wealthy Global Citizen: Applicants must meet the following criteria:
   • Hold at least USD 1 million in assets.
   • Demonstrate personal yearly income of a minimum of USD 80,000 for the past two years.
   • Contribute investment of at least USD 500,000 in Thai property, foreign direct investment, or Thai government bonds.
2. Wealthy Pensioner: Retirees (50 years and older) must have:
   • An annual pension or stable passive income of at least USD 80,000. Please note that only passive income will be considered for this program.
   • If the applicant’s personal income is below USD 80,000 but at least USD 40,000 per year, they must invest a minimum of USD 250,000 in Thai property, foreign direct investment, or Thai government bonds.
3. Work from Thailand Professional: Applicants must:
   • Be employed by a well-established overseas company with a personal yearly income of at least USD 80,000 for the past two years.
   • If the applicant’s income is below USD 80,000 but no less than USD 40,000 per year, they must possess a Master’s degree or higher, own intellectual property, or receive Series A funding. The company must be either publicly traded or a private company that has been in operation for at least three years, with a combined revenue of at least USD 150 million over the last three years.
4. Highly Skilled Professional: Professionals or experts with at least five years of experience in targeted industries (such as business entities, higher education institutes, research centres, specialized training institutions, or Thai government agencies) must:
   • Demonstrate personal yearly income of a minimum of USD 80,000 for the past two years.
   • If their income is below USD 80,000 but no less than USD 40,000 per year for the past two years, they must hold a Master’s degree or higher in science and technology, or possess special expertise relevant to their job assignment in Thailand.

Dependents: You can include up to four dependents including a spouse and children or stepchildren under the age of 20, in the application.

Pocess for applying to the Long Term Residence Program

This program, offered by the Board of Investment (BOI), features an efficient application process and provides dedicated support to Long Term Residence (LTR) applicants through the One Stop Service Immigration Office in Bangkok.

The process begins when a prospective client contacts Compass Services. The first step involves completing initial due diligence checks. Following this, the client agreement can be signed, and the retainer fee can be paid. The application is then prepared and submitted for processing once payment of the retainer fee has been made. Once the application is approved, an appointment can be scheduled at a Thai Embassy or the One Stop Service in Bangkok for the payment of the government fee and visa affixation.

Pathways to Citizenship in Thailand

While residence permits obtained through the Thailand Privilege Residence and Long Term Residence Programs do not lead directly to permanent residency or citizenship, there are pathways available for eligible individuals.

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 received three consecutive yearly extensions to qualify. Additionally, the applicant must possess a non-immigrant visa at the time of submitting the permanent residence application.

An application for citizenship can be filed to become a Thai naturalized citizen after holding permanent resident status in Thailand for ten consecutive years. Thailand does not typically recognize dual citizenship, though there are certain exceptions.