Thailand Privilege Visa vs LTR Visa
Thailand Privilege Visa vs LTR Visa
Both the Long-Term Resident (LTR) and Thailand Privilege Elite visas allow foreigners to stay in Thailand with minimal disruptions, but the nature of these visas, what benefits they provide, and what they allow you to do differ greatly. If you’re planning on living in Thailand long-term, it’s best to get all the facts regarding your visa options to ensure you get the one that best fits your needs and lifestyle.
Here, we will do a comparison of long-term visas in Thailand focusing on the LTR and Thailand Elite visas. If you want to see a comparison of Thailand’s Retirement Visa and the Thailand Privilege Visa, click here.
Thailand Privilege Visa vs. LTR Visa:
The Rundown
Thailand’s Retirement Visa
The LTR visa has been around Thailand for a while, and is a popular way for foreigners in specific categories to stay in the Kingdom and enjoy rights not granted to those on other visas.
These categories are:
- Wealthy global citizens
- High-income pensioners
- Digital nomads
- Skilled professionals
- Dependents of eligible candidates
The main hurdle to acquiring this visa is assets and income. In most cases, you must prove that:
your income over the last 2 years was greater than $80,000/year, you have significant investments in Thailand, and that you have either $50,000+ of health insurance coverage or savings of at least $100,000. The eligibility criteria are different from category to category, each having its own unique set of requirements that applicants must meet. For a full list of requirements, learn more about the Thai LTR visa here.
The advantages of an LTR visa include, but are not limited to:
- 5-year, multiple-entry visa that can be renewed once for a total duration of 10 years
- 90-day report requirement extended to 1-year report and exemption of re-entry permit
- The ability to work for a Thai company and obtain a work permit
- Exemption from 4:1 Thai to foreigner employment ratio requirement for your employer
Thailand Privilege Elite Visa
The Thailand Privilege program replaced the old Elite Visa program. Instead of mandating you to prove income or meet some other strict requirement, the new Thai Elite Visa (provided by a Thailand Privilege membership) only asks for one thing: money. Not a level of income or a set amount of assets in Thailand, but a large lump sum paid upfront when the visa is issued.
The cost of the Thailand Privilege Elite Visa, as well as its duration of validity and the extra perks you receive, are dependent on your level of membership. There are three tiers to choose from when you apply to Thailand Privilege: Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. There is also a fourth exclusive tier, Reserve, that is available only via invitation from the government.
Click a tier below for more detailed information.
Cost | Visa Validity | Able to add family members? | Transferable? | |
 Gold Membership | 900,000 THB | 5 years | ||
 Platinum Membership | 1,500,000 THB | 10 years | ||
 Diamond Membership | 2,500,000 THB | 15 years | ||
 Reserve Membership | 5,000,000 THB | 20 years |
As you can see, Thailand Privilege offers longer, more flexible stays than the LTR Visa, and with fewer prerequisites.
Note: As with all Thai visas, there are still some basic requirements that all applicants must meet such as passing a criminal background check. For more information on Thailand Privilege’s eligibility criteria and application process, click here.
Thailand Privilege Visa vs. LTR Visa:
A Comparison
Application Process
If speed is important to you, Thailand Privilege is going to be your visa of choice. The LTR Visa requires many more documents to be submitted, and thus more approval processes to be completed by various Thai agencies. This also means that there are more opportunities for errors, which leads to even more delays. And if you are planning to get a work permit in Thailand, you must do this at the time of acquiring your LTR visa, so there will be even more steps to the application process.
While the process of getting a Thailand Elite Visa is quicker and more streamlined, it is still governed by the Thai bureaucracy. So, if you want a fast and easy application experience, it is recommended to work with an authorized General Sales and Services Agent.
Upfront Price
As you can see in the chart above, the Thailand Elite Visa costs a hefty sum compared to the LTR Visa. This cost is offset by the much looser application requirements and extensive benefits system included in the program, but the fact remains that you need to make a high upfront payment of at least 900,000 THB. By contrast, the application fee for the LTR Visa is only around 50,000 THB.
Rights Granted
Both the LTR and Thailand Privilege visas allow for multiple entries, meaning there is no need for “border runs” to refresh your visa. However, the LTR Visa only requires you to report once a year to immigration, whereas the Thailand Privilege Visa still makes you report every 90 days. This may change, though, as the Thai government discussed changing the 90-day reporting period to once a year to match the LTR visa, but as of early 2024 this has not yet happened.
Because the Thailand Privilege Visa is technically a tourist visa, you cannot work for a Thai company with it, unlike with the LTR Visa. That being said, both visas provide tax exemptions for overseas income, so if you are planning on living off your foreign income or local investments while in Thailand, this lack of a work permit is no problem.
Benefits Provided
Besides the advantages mentioned above, the LTR Visa gives you access to fast-track service at some immigration and work permit facilitation services.
These benefits though, are dwarfed by those granted by a Thailand Privilege Membership, which include but are not limited to:
- Discounts on hotel stays, retail purchases, leisure activities, and much more.
- Access to VIP lounges and exclusive networking events.
- Concierge services and a dedicated assistance hotline.
- Free passes to country clubs and other leisure destinations.
- An annual allotment of points that can be spent on hundreds of available rewards and complimentary services.
Finding the Right Long-Term Thailand Visa for You
In general, if you are hoping to work while staying in Thailand and don’t have 900,000+ THB to drop on a visa, the LTR Visa is going to be better for you. If you aren’t planning on working for a Thai company and just want to enjoy the country, then Thailand Privilege offers the benefits and flexibility you want, if you can afford it of course. This decision is not one to be made lightly, however, so you should consult with Siam Legal, a government-authorized Thailand Privilege visa agent to get all the facts and make an informed decision.
Regardless of which visa you choose, our experienced Thai visa team will assist you with the application and ensure a smooth and stress-free experience with the maximum chance of approval from the government.
Call, email, or message us today and take the first step to a rewarding and convenient Thailand Privilege Membership.
