How Much Does a 10-Year Visa to Thailand Cost in 2025–2026? Real Numbers and What You Actually Get
How Much Does a 10-Year Visa to Thailand Cost — and Why People Buy It
The question about a 10-year visa to Thailand usually doesn’t come from tourists. It comes from people who are already tired of visa runs, extensions, and constant exits from the country. When Thailand stops being a holiday destination and becomes part of everyday life, simplicity and stability start to matter.
The short answer is this: a 10-year visa to Thailand costs from THB 900,000. But behind this number is much more than just the right to stay in the country.
Let’s calmly and honestly break down what this visa is, what you are actually paying for, and who truly needs it.
What Kind of 10-Year Visa Is This?
This is not a “visa” in the traditional sense, but a government long-term residency program called Thailand Privilege (formerly known as Thailand Elite).
The program is officially administered by Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd., a state-controlled company. This is important: it is not a grey scheme or an agency workaround, but a fully legal, government-backed status.
In practice, you are purchasing the right to live in Thailand long-term without ongoing visa complications, along with a set of additional privileges.
The program is officially administered by Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd., a state-controlled company. This is important: it is not a grey scheme or an agency workaround, but a fully legal, government-backed status.
In practice, you are purchasing the right to live in Thailand long-term without ongoing visa complications, along with a set of additional privileges.
How Much Does the 10-Year Thailand Visa Cost?
For 2025–2026, the relevant option is Thailand Privilege Gold (previously Elite Superiority Extension).
Cost:
This is a one-time payment, with:
Cost:
- THB 900,000 for 10 years
- Approximately USD 23,000–25,000, depending on the exchange rate
This is a one-time payment, with:
- no annual fees
- no renewal costs
- no hidden visa-related charges
What You Get for This Price
At first glance, the amount may seem high. But once you understand what is included, the value becomes clearer.
1. Long-Term Legal Residence in Thailand
The visa provides:
Technically, the visa is issued as multiple 1-year entries, but it is automatically renewed as long as the program remains valid. For anyone planning to live in Thailand for years, this is the core benefit.
2. Zero Visa Stress
If you have ever:
then you already understand the value of Thailand Privilege status.
With a 10-year visa, Thailand stops feeling like a country with conditions and deadlines — it simply becomes where you live.
3. Fast Track Airport Services
Thailand Privilege members receive:
After a long flight, passing immigration in 10–15 minutes instead of standing in line makes a noticeable difference.
4. Immigration Support & Administration
The program includes:
While 90-day reporting is still required by law, it can be handled without visiting immigration offices personally.
5. Additional Benefits (Nice, but Not the Main Reason)
Depending on the year and package, benefits may include:
Realistically, most people choose Thailand Privilege for visa stability, not for bonuses. Everything else is secondary.
1. Long-Term Legal Residence in Thailand
The visa provides:
- continuous legal stay in Thailand
- no visa runs or extensions every 30–90 days
- unlimited exits and re-entries
- no income, age, or investment requirements
Technically, the visa is issued as multiple 1-year entries, but it is automatically renewed as long as the program remains valid. For anyone planning to live in Thailand for years, this is the core benefit.
2. Zero Visa Stress
If you have ever:
- waited in immigration queues
- depended on an officer’s discretion
- counted days until your next exit
- postponed travel due to visa issues
then you already understand the value of Thailand Privilege status.
With a 10-year visa, Thailand stops feeling like a country with conditions and deadlines — it simply becomes where you live.
3. Fast Track Airport Services
Thailand Privilege members receive:
- fast-track immigration clearance
- dedicated counters at major airports (Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai)
- personal airport assistance
After a long flight, passing immigration in 10–15 minutes instead of standing in line makes a noticeable difference.
4. Immigration Support & Administration
The program includes:
- assistance with 90-day reporting
- support when renewing or changing passports
- visa-related consultations
- access to a dedicated contact center
While 90-day reporting is still required by law, it can be handled without visiting immigration offices personally.
5. Additional Benefits (Nice, but Not the Main Reason)
Depending on the year and package, benefits may include:
- hospital discounts
- golf club privileges
- airport transfers
- partner offers
Realistically, most people choose Thailand Privilege for visa stability, not for bonuses. Everything else is secondary.
Is It Expensive? A Simple Breakdown
Let’s look at the numbers without emotion.
THB 900,000 over 10 years equals:
For comparison:
THB 900,000 over 10 years equals:
- THB 90,000 per year
- THB 7,500 per month
For comparison:
- visa runs can easily cost THB 40,000–60,000 per year
- agency-based visas often cost THB 30,000–50,000 per year
- lost time, stress, and uncertainty are not even included
Who the 10-Year Visa Is Actually For
This visa makes sense if you:
It is most commonly chosen by:
people aged 40+ choosing Thailand as a long-term base
- live or plan to live in Thailand long-term
- work remotely or earn income abroad
- want stability without visa risks
- plan to purchase property
- don’t want to depend on changing short-term visa rules
It is most commonly chosen by:
- entrepreneurs
- investors
- property owners
- families with children
people aged 40+ choosing Thailand as a long-term base
Who Does Not Need the Thailand Privilege Visa
It is probably not justified if:
In these cases, tourist or short-term visas are usually sufficient.
- you visit Thailand only 1–2 months per year
- Thailand is just a seasonal destination
- you are comfortable with visa runs and extensions
- your budget is very limited
In these cases, tourist or short-term visas are usually sufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you work with this visa?
Officially, no. It does not grant work authorization in Thailand. However, remote work for foreign companies is widely practiced.
Can you buy property with a Thailand Privilege visa?
Yes. The visa does not restrict freehold condominium ownership.
Is the payment refundable?
No. The fee is non-refundable.
Can the rules change?
Conditions may change for new applicants, but issued visas continue under the original terms.
Officially, no. It does not grant work authorization in Thailand. However, remote work for foreign companies is widely practiced.
Can you buy property with a Thailand Privilege visa?
Yes. The visa does not restrict freehold condominium ownership.
Is the payment refundable?
No. The fee is non-refundable.
Can the rules change?
Conditions may change for new applicants, but issued visas continue under the original terms.
Final Thoughts
A 10-year visa to Thailand costs THB 900,000, but this is not a fee for a stamp in your passport — it is the price of stability, freedom, and predictability for the next decade.
It is not mandatory. But for those who genuinely plan their life around Thailand, it remains one of the most comfortable and legally secure residency options available today.
If Thailand is not just a stopover but a home, the Thailand Privilege visa often becomes a logical next step.
It is not mandatory. But for those who genuinely plan their life around Thailand, it remains one of the most comfortable and legally secure residency options available today.
If Thailand is not just a stopover but a home, the Thailand Privilege visa often becomes a logical next step.