Thailand Elite & SMART Visa in Chiang Mai

Premium and investor visas for high-net-worth individuals seeking long-term residence in Thailand.

Overview

The Thailand Elite visa and SMART visa are premium long-stay visa programs for high-net-worth individuals, investors, executives, and skilled professionals. These visas offer the longest stay options in Thailand — up to 20 years with the Elite visa — along with VIP airport services and other exclusive benefits.

MJ & Co assists with applications for both programs. The Thailand Privilege Card (formerly Elite visa) offers membership tiers from 5 to 20 years, while the SMART visa targets investors, executives, startup founders, and highly skilled professionals in targeted industries.

Both programs provide a fast track to long-term residence without the financial reporting requirements of retirement or marriage visas. We help you choose the right program and tier for your situation and handle the full application process.

Elite & SMART Visa Requirements

  • Thailand Elite: Membership fee starting from 600,000 THB (5-year) to 2 million+ THB (20-year)
  • Thailand Elite: No criminal record, valid passport, not a citizen of certain restricted countries
  • SMART Visa: Qualification in a targeted industry (digital, biotech, EV, etc.)
  • SMART Visa: Minimum salary or investment thresholds depending on category
  • SMART Visa: Endorsement from a relevant Thai government agency (BOI, DEPA, etc.)
  • Valid passport with sufficient remaining validity
  • Background check clearance

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Thailand Elite visa cost?
Thailand Privilege (Elite) membership starts at 600,000 THB for a 5-year membership and goes up to over 2 million THB for 20-year memberships. Different tiers offer different benefits including airport transfers, annual health checks, and golf privileges.
What is the difference between Elite and SMART visa?
The Elite visa is a paid membership program open to anyone who meets financial requirements — no work or investment needed. The SMART visa is for qualified professionals and investors in targeted industries (tech, biotech, EV, etc.) and allows work authorization without a separate work permit.
Can I work on an Elite visa?
The Elite visa does not grant work permission. You can stay long-term and enjoy Thailand but cannot work for Thai companies. If you need to work, consider the SMART visa or a Non-B visa with work permit. Remote work for foreign employers is generally tolerated but not explicitly authorized.
How long does the Elite visa application take?
The Thailand Privilege (Elite) application typically takes 2-4 weeks for processing after submission and payment. The SMART visa can take longer due to agency endorsement requirements — usually 4-8 weeks.

Ready to Get Started with Your Elite & SMART Visa?

Chat with MJ & Co to discuss your case. We'll give you an honest assessment and a clear path forward.

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