New retirement plan? 5-year luxury Thai visa packs now US$20,000
Thailand's among others looking to woo expats with the Elite Ultimate Privilege Membership visa
The Elite Ultimate Privilege Membership, as it's officially known, might be the most luxurious visa in the world. For US$60,000, plus a US$600 annual fee, you can get a renewable 5 year multiple entry visa to Thailand, for up to 20 years, with extendable 1-year length of stay per entry. Renewing it will be a snap too, with the package including immigration concierge services to handle the running around for you.
Naturally it skips you past the queues, with "expedited immigration formalities" plus limousine transfers from airports or to airports on select international flights in the region. Other practical, and less practical, benefits include free annual health check ups, "facilitation in driver's licence and work permit processing", and a whole lot of complimentary spa session, rounds of golf and discounts.
If the Elite Ultimate Privilege Membership Visa is a bit rich for you, try on the Elite Easy Access Membership instead ("MOST POPULAR"), for a 5 year visa that includes expedited immigration procedures, hotel - airport limo transfers, and other discount, for about US$20,000.
You can apply, and check out the other immigration packages, at Thailand Elite for a look at all 6 packages available
Thailand certainly isn't the only country with deluxe immigration arrangements for those who are willing to put a pile of money into the local economy, but it's probably one of the most affordable and luxurious ones in the world right now. If you want to retire in sunny and business-friendly Cyprus, for example, you can get an expedited visa by dropping €300,000 on a property.
Australia has similar arrangements, but with much heftier prices which need to be invested in local businesses or organisations. The Investor Stream visa is for cheapskates who only want to invest $1.5 million, and carries a range of language and age restrictions and points tests.
The Significant and Premium Investor Australian visas, meanwhile, are for people who want to show their commitment to Australian values in the form of $5 million and $15 million investments respectively, and do away with many of the age, language and points test requirements, as well as many other restrictions, for an easier path to Australian permanent residency.
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