How to Pay for a Thailand Elite Visa with Cryptocurrency

Pay with Crypto the Safe and Secure Way

The Thailand Privilege program provides foreigners with a long-term Thai Elite Visa in exchange for a significant upfront fee. As this is a modern offering and the initial investment is relatively high, the program’s governing body, Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. has included a cryptocurrency payment option. Paying this way adds some extra steps and complexity to the Thailand Privilege application process. So, if you are hoping to pay for your Elite Visa with crypto, it’s vital that you apply through an authorized General Sales and Services Agent.

Read on to learn more about this option, see answers to frequently asked questions, and discover the steps required to make your Thai Elite Visa cryptocurrency payment.

FAQ: Cryptocurrency Payment Option for Elite Visa

Can I pay for a Thailand Elite Visa with crypto?

For all intents and purposes, yes. Technically, you cannot pay the application fee with cryptocurrency directly, as the only official ways that the Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. accepts transactions are cash and credit card. Therefore, you must convert the cryptocurrency to Thai baht (THB) before making a payment, but the program has built-in mechanisms to perform the conversion for you.

If you apply through a participating, government-authorized GSSA, they will assign a trusted crypto consultant to your case who will handle converting your cryptocurrency to THB, and then transfer the funds via the Thai banking system as part of your application. You won’t have to worry about going to a third party or hiring your own consultant, and although there may be a few extra steps for you, your process for making a Thailand Elite Visa crypto payment will be seamless.

Can I just find my own trader to convert cryptocurrency and pay in cash?

This is possible, but not recommended. While there are many legitimate crypto brokers that could convert your cryptocurrency to pay for your Thailand Privilege Visa, there are others who are not. Like everywhere in the crypto space, there are occasionally scammers and fraudsters in Thailand who take advantage of the people who entrust them with their funds. That’s why it’s a good idea to go through official channels and work with authorized Thailand Privilege agents to eliminate any possibility of theft.

Isn’t paying with crypto illegal in Thailand?

Yes, but again you aren’t paying for an Elite Visa with crypto, you are converting the currency and paying in cash. Buying, trading, investing in, and converting cryptocurrencies are legal activities in Thailand. As long as you follow the proper procedures, you have nothing to fear from the Thai government.

Which cryptocurrencies can I use to pay for my Thailand Privilege membership?

As you are converting the cryptocurrency instead of directly paying with it, the kind of currency doesn’t matter all that much. Your cryptocurrency will be converted to THB based on the current market value of that particular currency, so do keep that in mind when selecting which currency to utilize.

The crypto consultant assigned to you during the application process will accept all major cryptocurrencies, but any obscure coins that have trouble on the market will also likely face difficulties in this process.

Recommended Cryptocurrencies

Bitcoin (BTC)
Ethereum (ETH)
Tether (USDT)
USD Coin (USDC)

Among these, USDT and USDC are the most popular methods for getting a Thailand Elite Visa with crypto. These “stablecoins” are usually easier and safer to work with here in Thailand.

How to Make an Elite Visa Cryptocurrency Payment

As mentioned earlier, there are a few extra steps involved when applying for a Thailand Privilege Membership and paying with cryptocurrency. The full process is as follows:

Leverage an authorized General Sales and Services Agent (GSSA)

These agents are certified by the Thai government to assist applicants in obtaining a Thailand Privilege membership and the accompanying Elite Visa. Since paying with crypto is more involved than paying with cash or credit, it is highly recommended to consult with an agent when applying. The assistance is free, as there are no agent fees involved thanks to government subsidies.

Submit the initial application as normal

The first official step is the same as a normal application. Choose which tier of membership you are applying for, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, or Reserve, then submit the application form as normal. Again, a GSSA can help you with this.

Wait for approval

Before you can arrange payment, you will need to have your application approved by going through a series of background checks.

Request the cryptocurrency payment option

Once you have your approval letter, you can then contact your visa agent and request to pay by crypto. DO NOT follow the instructions in the approval letter for making a payment, as those cover only the cash and credit card options.

Arrange the details with your consultant

After receiving your request, your crypto consultant will set up a meeting to sort out the particulars and plan your payment. You will then need to sign a contract for the conversion process, as you would with any financial transaction agreement.

Transfer the cryptocurrency

Once the agreement is signed, your consultant will then provide you with the address where you will send your currency. Note that depending on the currency you choose, the consultant may require you to send a smaller amount first as a test before sending over the remaining balance to ensure the actual payment goes through smoothly.

Wait for the transaction, then get your receipt

The consultant will convert the cryptocurrency you send them, then make the appropriate transfer to the Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. Afterwards, you will receive a confirmation of payment and a receipt for the bank transfer.

Submit your receipt to the Thailand Privilege authority

At this point, you can continue on with your application and send the bank transfer receipt as proof of payment.

Get your Thailand Privilege Elite Visa

If everything else goes smoothly, you should receive a final confirmation and welcome letter within 10 days of payment confirmation. From there you can head to Thai immigration, your country’s Thai embassy, or the immigration office at your point of arrival to affix your new visa.

Enjoy all the benefits of a Thailand Privilege membership and Thai Elite Visa!

Ready to Make Your Thailand Elite Visa Crypto Payment?

Remember, it is critical to go through an authorized General Sales and Services Agent like Siam Legal to ensure your application goes smoothly when paying with cryptocurrency. With a bit of extra patience and assistance from their experienced consultants, Siam Legal will ensure you can use your cryptocurrency of choice to achieve a luxurious and hassle-free expat life in Thailand.