Thailand offers two long stay options for foreigners with means: the Privilege Card membership and the Long Term Resident visa. They serve different needs.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
Thailand provides two distinct routes for a longer stay. The Thailand Privilege Card is a paid membership that grants multi year stay privileges and concierge services. The Long Term Resident visa, known as the LTR, is a government visa for selected categories of applicant. Neither is permanent residence and neither is citizenship.
The Privilege Card is operated by the Thailand Privilege Card Company Limited, a state enterprise linked to the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The LTR visa is issued by the Thailand Board of Investment, the BOI. The figures below are indicative and current as of the date shown.
The Privilege Card offers tiers that vary by price and length of validity. A member pays a membership fee and receives stay privileges for the term of the tier. The LTR visa targets defined groups, which have included wealthy global citizens, wealthy pensioners, professionals working remotely for foreign employers, and highly skilled professionals. Each LTR category sets its own income, asset, or employment conditions, which the BOI enforces.
Privilege Card processing is usually faster because it does not require income or asset verification. The LTR visa requires documentation of income, assets, or qualifications and takes longer to assess. Confirm current processing times with the relevant authority.
The table shows indicative Privilege Card tiers and the LTR government fee. Treat membership prices as indicative, since tiers and promotions change. The authorities publish the binding amounts.
The Privilege Card grants the right to stay for the membership term plus services such as fast track airport handling, but it gives no work rights and no tax exemption. The LTR visa can include a work permit and certain tax treatment for eligible categories, along with a longer validity. Neither route is citizenship, and neither is automatic permanent residence.
| Option | Indicative amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Privilege Card, entry tier | From 650,000 THB | Promotional entry tier. Validity set by tier |
| Privilege Card, higher tiers | 900,000 to 5,000,000 THB | Validity from 5 to 20 years by tier |
| LTR visa government fee | 50,000 THB | Per the BOI. Category conditions apply |
Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), with the Thailand Privilege Card Company Limited publishes the binding detail. Verify before you act.
No. It is a paid membership that grants stay privileges for the tier term. It is not permanent residence and not citizenship. Confirm the current terms with the operator.
The LTR visa targets defined categories with income, asset, or employment conditions. The Thailand Board of Investment sets and enforces the criteria. Confirm your eligibility with the BOI.
The Privilege Card gives no work rights. The LTR visa can include a work permit for eligible categories. Confirm the current rules with the BOI.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
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