In Thailand, the process of acquiring long-term residence visa can be quite complex, especially if you are looking for a retirement or business residency. It takes time, money and a lot of paperwork.

There are various visa options available for those with enough money to retire or who need to visit Thailand frequently as a businessman or investor. But most of these options have their own rules and requirements. You need to have health insurance, have enough cash in the bank, and you must pass a background check.

The best way to get around these restrictions is by joining a program such as Thailand Elite. This program allows you to obtain a long-term residence visa for up to 20 years and receive a number of VIP privileges including airport lounge access, concierge services, speedy immigration procedures, and other exclusive privileges.

You can choose the level of membership for your desired stay duration, from the cheapest option, which offers a five-year privilege entry visa for THB 600,000 including VAT (approximately USD 19,000) to the most expensive one, which provides a 20-year privilege entry visa for THB 2.14 million including VAT (approximately USD 68,000).

With its renowned tropical climate, excellent service standards, loyal tax regime and developed infrastructure, Thailand is a popular destination among both residents and non-residents alike. It is attracting a growing number of people from around the world, and has become a favored spot for those seeking a second home or an exotic retreat with an easy-going lifestyle.

If you are an entrepreneur or an affluent global citizen who is planning to settle in Thailand, you will find this program very attractive as it helps ease the burden of long-stay visas and gives you access to many privileges. This program also comes with no age limit and numerous perks, which make it ideal for people who want to spend a long time in Thailand without worrying about visa requirements.

For the quickest and easiest way to get your Elite visa, you can go online or by phone. Then, you can drop your passport off at an Elite visa agent. They will then handle everything else, including taking you to a special privilege passport lane, and affixing the visa onto your passport for you.

In order to complete the process, you will need a completed application form and a photocopy of every page of your passport. You will also need a duly filled out Personal Data Policy Form, a letter of approval from the Immigration Department and banking information so you can pay for your visa.

You will also need a copy of your bank statements, your tax returns and any other documents that will verify your identity. The process is done through a secure server, so you can rest assured that your sensitive personal information will not be shared with anyone.

Once you have completed your application, you will be given an Approval Letter that will allow you to visit the nearest Thailand embassy and affix your Elite visa to your passport. This will take about 30 days or so, depending on your nationality and your location.