Tag Archive: visa

  1. Thailand Elite Visa Membership Packages Set to Transform

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    Thailand Elite Visa Membership Packages Set to Transform

    The current Thailand Elite Visa membership packages are due to be discontinued in their current form. To adapt to the global economic landscape, a new suite of offerings will be made in October 2023. This move reflects the intent to modernize and cater to a diverse client base, aligning with changes in the world economy. The packages in their old form were stopped on September 15, 2003.

    The End of the Old, the Dawn of the New

    The previous Thailand Elite Visa, which garnered much attention for its exclusivity and privileges, has been discontinued. In its place, Thailand now presents a revamped selection of Elite Visa programs, catering to a wider range of preferences and needs.

    Thailand Privilege Visa: GOLD Package

    The GOLD Package is designed for individuals seeking a 5-year stay in Thailand. It provides a 5-year multiple-entry visa at a cost of 900,000 Thai Baht, without any recurring annual fees. This visa option includes 20 privilege points annually, allowing holders to explore the country’s rich culture and landscapes.

    Thailand Privilege Visa: PLATINUM Package

    For those interested in an extended stay and additional benefits, the PLATINUM Package is a viable choice. It offers a 10-year membership with a 5-year multiple-entry visa, which can be renewed for an extra 5 years. The main applicant pays 1.5 million Thai Baht upfront, with no annual fees, while additional applicants can join at a cost of 1 million Thai Baht each. This package provides 35 privilege points per year, enhancing the Thai experience.

    Thailand Privilege Visa: DIAMOND Package

    The DIAMOND Package is tailored for long-term stays and premium advantages. With a 15-year membership that includes a 5-year multiple-entry visa, renewable twice during the 15-year period, this option offers in-depth exploration opportunities. The main applicant invests 2.5 million Thai Baht upfront, with no annual fees, and additional applicants can join for 1.5 million Thai Baht each. Holders of this package benefit from 55 privilege points per year.

    Thailand Privilege Visa: RESERVE Package

    The RESERVE Package stands out as the most exclusive option, extending for 20 years or more. It includes a 5-year multiple-entry visa, renewable three times within the initial 20-year membership, and an option to apply for another 5-year visa afterward. This package is available only by invitation and is priced at 5 million Thai Baht, without any annual fees. Holders receive 120 privilege points annually, offering access to Thailand’s finest experiences.

    Eligibility Criteria

    Before delving into the specifics of these Elite Visa programs, it’s crucial to understand the requirements for qualification. To be eligible for these programs, applicants must meet certain criteria:

    • Hold a foreign passport.
    • Complying with Thai immigration laws, which means having no record of overstaying in Thailand.
    • Please note that according to current information, these programs do not have an age limit.
    • Have no history of imprisonment in any country, except for offenses committed due to negligence.
    • Not have a bankruptcy record.
    • Not have a legal status as a person of unsound mind, incompetent, or quasi-incompetent.

    These new Thailand Elite Visa programs cater to a diverse and wealthy audience, whether you’re a traveler, an entrepreneur, or someone simply looking to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Thai culture. With multiple options to choose from, Thailand continues to welcome individuals from around the world, offering a chance to explore the country’s unique charm and opportunities.

    If you’re considering an extended stay in Thailand, these Elite Visa programs provide a gateway to the country’s rich culture and diverse landscapes. Stay tuned for further updates and insights into travel and business in Thailand.

    Disclaimer: Visa requirements and terms are subject to change. It is advisable to consult official sources or legal experts for the most up-to-date information.

    If you have any questions about the Thailand Elite Visa membership options, please contact us at [email protected]

    Andreas Seela

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    Andreas, Associate at FRANK Legal & Tax, is a licensed German lawyer with expertise in corporate/commercial, real estate, and tax law, and has been living and working in Thailand since 2023.

  2. Thailand Launches New Flexible Plus Program to Attract Wealthy Foreigners

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    The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently released the new “Flexible Plus Program” under the Thailand Privilege Card scheme. In our experience, this program is designed to attract high-income foreigners to stay and invest in Thailand by giving them a work permit and other privileges.

    The initiative offers valid card member privileges for at least ten years, and the minimum fee is one million baht. Under the program, they offer three types of cards which are:

    1. Elite Ultimate Privilege (EUP)
    2. Elite Superiority Extension (ESE)
    3. Elite Privilege Access (EPA)

    Members of this program must invest at least USD one million within a year of the approval of their membership. It should be noted that the investment options must be from one of the following categories:

    1. Real estate
    2. Stock in the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET)
    3. A Public Limited Company or Limited Company

    Moreover, this program also gives privileges to the cardholder by changing the type of visa from Privilege Entry (PE) to a Non-Immigrant (B). Including their spouse and children, the member can change their visa type to Non-Immigrant (B). The benefit of this is that a Non-Immigrant (B) visa allows cardholders to apply for a work permit lawfully.

    It should be noted that the program does not provide any benefits related to property ownership by foreigners.

    Any member who wishes to extend their “Flexible Plus Program” must show evidence of investments made every year to the TAT. Otherwise, the status will only be valid for five years.

    Please let us know if you have any questions by contacting us at [email protected]

    Fabian Doppler
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  3. FRANK Legal & Tax Successfully Obtained Business Visas For 12 Foreign Employees

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    In addition to offering legal and tax services, FRANK Legal & Tax also provides immigration services. Our immigration department recently facilitated the issuance of business visas and certificates of entry for a group of 12 foreign (Brazilian) engineers to come and provide services to their customers located in Thailand. The procurement of such visas can be a long and tedious process due to the numerous documents needed from each applicant before the visas and certificates of entry can be issued. The documents required for the issuance of business visas and certificates of entry must be submitted to the Embassy by post within 14 working days before the date of intended departure and are as follows:

    1. Proof or reservation of an Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) facility for 14 days from the date of arrival at the applicant’s own expense.
    2. Proof of flight booking
    3. Copy of health insurance
    4. Complete Declaration Form
    5. Completed Visa Application Form
    6. Copy of applicant’s passport valid for at least six months from the expected date of arrival in Thailand

    After all required documents are sent to the Embassy, the Embassy will contact applicants to apply for the appropriate visa at the Embassy by appointment, before obtaining a certificate of entry.

    Once applicants receive a certificate of entry, applicants will be required to obtain the following:
    1. A medical certificate with a laboratory result indicating that COVID-19 is not detected, using RT-PCR test, issued no more than 72 hours before travel.
    2. A Fit to Fly Health Certificate issued no more than 72 hours before the date of travel.

    Upon entry into the Kingdom of Thailand, the applicants will be subject to a state quarantine at a government-assigned Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) facility at their own expenses and are obliged to comply with the government’s disease prevention measures.

    The aforementioned immigration case is one of several immigration cases that FRANK Legal & Tax handles on a regular basis. We provide clients with the best service to ensure that their immigration process runs as smoothly as possible.

    If you have any questions regarding any immigration matters, please email us at [email protected] or call us at 02 117 9131-2.

  4. Visa amnesty to end on September 26th and another extension is unlikely

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    Visa amnesty for foreigners in Thailand, which has been extended since April of 2020, was further extended to September 26th, 2020. This extension was described as “final” by the Cabinet and another extension seems highly unlikely.  

    The visa amnesty, which was originally due to expire on July 31st was further extended until September 26th, 2020, allows foreigners to stay in Thailand without having to extend visas at an Immigration office. This applies to all foreigners whose visas did not expire before March 26th. 

    The automatic visa extension was published in the Royal Gazette and came into force from August 1st, 2020. 

     However, after September 26th, if the immigration does not extend the visa amnesty. Overstay fines and the 90-day report requirements will resume. Foreigners planning to continue staying in Thailand are advised to renew their visas and 90-day reports before September 26th.  

    Foreigners who are unable to extend their visas or are unable to leave due to flight restrictions, may ask their respective embassies for an official letter permitting them to continue staying in Thailand. If they are unable to obtain a formal letter from their embassy, they would be asked to leave the country.  

    Before the visa amnesty was granted, immigration officials often required foreigners to present as many as nine separate documents to extend their stay for up to 30 days. These included land title deeds, rental agreements, and even photographs of foreigners with their accommodations. 

    If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at [email protected] or call us at +66 (0)2 117 9131-2. 

  5. TM.30 Reporting Rule On Foreigners Eased

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    The Thai Immigration Bureau recently announced that starting from 30th June 2020, landlords will no longer need to file reports on their foreign guests every time they arrive at their properties. Landlords refer to Thai and foreign nationals who own property in Thailand, hotel managers and other accommodation operators.

    Previously, landlords needed to comply with section 38 of the Immigration Act, which states that property or hotel owners who take in foreign guests must notify officials within 24 hours. This is known as the TM30 rule.

    To end the requirement to file the reports again if they leave the premises temporarily only to return, or when they have multiple-entry visas or re-entry permits, the Immigration Bureau has now changed the reporting requirement to only when they arrive. The Immigration Bureau called the change “a move to end duplication”.

    The change followed intense complaints from landlords needing to file reports on their foreign guests every time they arrive at their properties, and foreigners unable to receive services at immigration offices without being able to prove that TM30s had been filed.

    Even though the Bureau has eased the TM30 reporting rule on foreigners, landlords must still report the arrivals of tenants within 24 hours or face a fine of up to 10,000 THB. The reports can be filed online at www.immigration.go.th or submitted in person or by mail to the immigration offices in their provinces, or the Immigration Division 1 Office at Government Complex on Chaengwattana Road in the case of Bangkok.

    If you have any question regarding the TM.30, feel free to contact us at [email protected] or call us at +66 (0)2 117 9131-2.

  6. Fabian Doppler interviewed on New Regulations for your Stay in Thailand

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    Fabian Doppler was recently interviewed by THAIZEIT.DE on issues relating to the crackdown on abusive “Visa Runs” by foreigners (which are now no longer tolerated even in case of entering the country by plane), the new regulations of tourist visa exemption and other advice in response reader’s queries. The article has been published HERE

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