If you want to turn Thailand into your dream retirement location and enjoy living comfortably on a pension, you may expect the Thai Retirement Visa to be the only choice. But, for the most comfortable, convenient, and fun experience as a retiree in the Land of Smiles, the Thailand Elite Visa is the ideal choice. This long-term privilege-entry visa offers exclusive benefits and unmatched flexibility, empowering you to make Thailand the ultimate retirement paradise.
This article will delve into the simple application process and valuable benefits to explain why the Thailand Elite Visa is superior to the Thai Retirement Visa for living in Thailand as a pensioner.
The Elite Visa is Easier to Get than the Thai Retirement Visa
The Thailand Elite Visa is the easiest way to settle in Thailand or visit frequently, and is granted once you become a member of the Thailand Privilege program. It lets you stay for 5 to 20 years (depending on your membership level) and you can rejoin at the end of your membership period to stay indefinitely. It requires little more than a simple background check and a membership fee to acquire.
The Thai Retirement Visa, on the other hand, is only valid for up to a year (although you can renew it on an annual basis) and requires you to meet the eligibility requirements each time you renew. Obtaining it is harder and involves more stress, as you must gather a wide range of specific documentation and meet strict requirements.
Securing a Thailand Elite Visa is far more straightforward with its:
- Simplified application process: There is only one simple application you need to complete and a background check to go through to obtain a Thailand Elite Visa, which will be valid for 5 years minimum. The retirement visa includes additional steps to complete, as you need to acquire a 90-day Non-Immigrant O Visa, remain in Thailand for at least 60 days, and apply for an extension to a 1-year visa.
- No financial requirements: No assets or investments in Thailand are required to get an Elite Visa. With the retirement visa, you need to show you have at least 800,000 baht in your bank account, earn 65,000 baht per month, or a combination of both. This money must be in your bank account for several months prior to both application and renewal, adding more hassle.
- No health insurance: Health insurance is mandatory for the retirement visa if you’re applying for it from abroad, whereas it isn’t for a Thailand Elite Visa.
- No age requirements: You have to be at least 50 years old to qualify for the retirement visa. There are no age requirements associated with the Elite Visa, making it the right choice if you want to retire early.
- No medical examination: The Thailand Elite Visa application only consists of passing a background check and paying the membership fee. With the retirement visa, you need to also complete a medical exam which can lead to wasted time or even preclude you from getting your visa.
- Free assistance: You can get free services from a General Sales and Services Agent (GSSA), who are partnered with the government to provide application assistance. For the retirement visa, application assistance services are not subsidized by the government, so you must pay a visa agent out of pocket.
The Thailand Elite Visa Makes Life Easier, the Retirement Visa Adds Hassle
With all its different perks, the Thailand Elite Visa makes retirement life more comfortable, convenient, and easy by cutting out the bureaucracy and streamlining your lifestyle. The many benefits of the Elite Visa that make Thailand an easier place to live include:
- 1-year stay permit in Thailand, with the possibility of an extension if you desire to stay longer without having to leave the country.
- A multiple-entry visa with no annual fees, allowing for seamless overseas travel without needing a re-entry permit.
- Unlimited access to the premium lane at Thai International Airports so you can clear immigration without waiting in long lines.
- Continuous support from an Elite Personal Assistant (EPA) at the airport, simplifying your entry by helping you with any problems upon arrival.
- Access to the privilege points system, allowing you to earn a certain number of points each year and exchange them for a massive array of convenient and fun perks (see below).
- An Elite Personal Liaison (EPL) for assistance with opening a bank account, completing your 90-day report, and acquiring a driver’s license, among other official tasks.
- Exclusive access to premium lounges at Thai International Airports and the Thai Immigration Bureau for relaxation and complimentary assistance with immigration troubles.
None of the privileges shown above are available to retirement visa holders. Even worse, you need to fulfill several obligations to maintain a retirement visa, which can make retiring in Thailand more tedious:
- Re-entry permit: You need a re-entry permit every time you want to travel outside Thailand’s borders or risk your visa being canceled.
- Yearly renewals: The retirement visa is only valid for 1 year, meaning you’ll need to renew it on an annual basis. To renew, you’ll need to provide the same documents you submitted when you initially applied and pay the fee again.
- Financial Requirements: To renew your visa and ensure that your retirement visa doesn’t get canceled, you’re required to maintain the same amount of funds in your bank account that you needed when you initially applied for the visa and provide documented proof.
A Thailand Privilege Membership Makes Retirement Fun
The Thailand Elite Visa doesn’t only make retiring more stress-free, it also unlocks the most exciting, memorable, and relaxing experiences in Thailand to make your golden years the best ones yet. With its wide selection of free perks, special offers, and exclusive discounts, you can personalize your membership with privileges that enable a variety of rewarding lifestyles.
These privileges are either free or redeemable using privilege points, adding even more value to your membership. There are hundreds of different perks to benefit from. Here are just a few examples:
- Free golf sessions
- Free spa packages
- Health check-ups
- Special deals and discounts on shopping and events
- Free hotel stays
- Free domestic flights
Contact Siam Legal for Professional Assistance With Your Visa
To swiftly and smoothly achieve the best possible retirement with the Thailand Elite Visa, reach out to Siam Legal for professional assistance with your application. As a government-approved GSSA, our Thailand Elite consultants have the skills to help you secure your visa quickly and efficiently. We will prepare and submit your application on your behalf, so you can enjoy the relaxing and stress-free retirement you deserve. Most importantly, due to our partnership with the Thai government, we offer all our services for FREE.
Contact Siam Legal today to enjoy a relaxing and gratifying retirement in Thailand free from all immigration troubles.