(Non-I ED) Student Visa, (Non-I O) Retirement Visa, DTV Visa
(DTV) Destination Thailand Visa
As of July 15, 2024, the Thai government confirmed that the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is live for people who want to work and travel (“workcation”) in Thailand. The DTV is valid for 5 years and allows stays of up to 180 days per entry.
Often described informally as a “digital nomad visa,” the DTV is positioned as a cost-effective and convenient option for freelancers, digital nomads, and remote workers who want a straightforward way to live in Thailand while working remotely.
Another way to qualify is through participation in “Thai Soft Power” activities. Eligibility may apply if you plan to attend Thai boxing or cooking classes, join sports training, undergo medical treatments, take short-term educational courses, participate in seminars, or attend artistic or musical festivals.
Destination Thailand Visa Basics
The DTV is designed for digital nomads and offers a long-term, flexible stay in Thailand with the ability to pursue other activities while working. Core details:
Visa duration: 5 years
Visa type: Multiple entry
Length of stay per entry: 180 days
Extendable: Yes, once per stay
Obtainable from: A Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate, or online through Thailand’s official e-visa website (cannot apply while in Thailand)
Minimum age (primary holder): 20 years old
Option to include family: Yes
Important: The DTV is a special kind of tourist visa. DTV holders are prohibited from obtaining a Thai work permit, working for companies in Thailand, or performing freelance work for Thai clients.
Who Is Eligible for the Thailand DTV Visa?
To apply, you must fall under one of these three categories:
Workcation (digital nomads, freelancers, remote workers)
The DTV is intended for people who work remotely for a foreign company or work independently as a freelancer.
The Thai government has stated that “not just anyone” can obtain a DTV as a digital nomad, but as of this writing has not specified minimum income, employer, or social media follower requirements. It is still unlikely you will qualify if Thai authorities do not consider your foreign employer “legitimate.”
Thai Soft Power activities
If you do not work online, you may still qualify if you plan to engage in “Thai Soft Power” activities, including:
• Muay Thai courses
• Thai cooking courses
• Sports training
• Medical treatment
• Seminars
• Music festivals
This category exists because these activities enhance the prestige of Thai culture and improve Thailand’s standing internationally. For the best chance of approval, the activity or course should have a duration of at least 6 months.
Dependent of Thailand DTV holders
The DTV allows dependents to join the primary visa holder. There is no limit to the number of dependents, but they must be a legal spouse or dependent children who are under 20 years old and unmarried. Each dependent must apply separately and pay a separate visa fee.
What Are the Requirements for a DTV?
Requirements differ by category (workcation, soft power activity, or dependent). Prepare documents before applying.
General documents
• Passport biodata page (or travel document)
• Passport-sized photo (white background)
• Proof of current location (passport stamp or residence permit)
• Proof of payment of the visa fee (varies by consulate; typically 400 to 500 USD)
• Evidence of sufficient financial assets (at least 500,000 THB), which may include:
– 6-month official bank statement (crypto or other investment statements are not accepted)
– Payslips
– Sponsorship letters
Documents proving the purpose of the visit
Employees:
• Certificate of Employment or Employment Contract
• Letter from employer confirming remote work status and ongoing salary
• Personal tax return and recent payslips (optional but recommended)
Business owners:
• Cover letter
• Certificate of Incorporation
• Corporate tax return
Freelancers:
• Professional portfolio or evidence of freelance work (such as invoices, screenshots of profiles on platforms like Fiverr, LinkedIn, or personal websites)
Thai Soft Power activities
• Proof of confirmation to attend cultural, educational, or professional development activities in Thailand
• Supporting documents such as a copy of the institution’s business registration
Important: the activity should be at least 6 months long; shorter programs increase the risk of denial.
Dependent
• Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, or certificate of adoption)
Note: There are no set criteria for exactly which documents you must show or how they must be prepared. Approval is solely at the discretion of the Thai embassy officer handling your case.
The Destination Thailand Visa Application Process
There are multiple ways to apply:
Apply in person at a Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate
You can apply at the nearest Royal Thai Embassy or Royal Thai General Consulate. Some embassies/consulates may not accept applications from non-residents who do not hold residence permits or long-term visas in that country. While not required, you typically have the best chance of approval by applying through the embassy in your home country or country of residence.
Because embassy requirements vary, an embassy may:
• charge different DTV fees
• require more than 500,000 THB in accounts
• request additional or different evidence of finances or employment
It is recommended to call ahead to confirm local requirements.
Apply online through the Thai e-Visa portal
You can also apply through Thailand’s e-Visa platform. Even though the submission is online, your application is processed by your local embassy, so you must apply from outside Thailand.
Important: You cannot apply for the DTV while you are in Thailand.
Extending the Destination Thailand Visa
After entering Thailand with a DTV, you can stay for 180 days before needing to leave and re-enter to refresh your stay. You can also extend your stay by an additional 180 days (allowing nearly a year in Thailand without leaving and returning). To extend, you must visit the immigration HQ in Bangkok, file the extension, and pay the DTV extension fee (1,900 THB).
Professional Assistance with a DTV Application
If you want a Destination Thailand Visa with a hassle-free process, Thai Voice Language School offers assistance as a full-service law firm and visa consultancy with many years of experience supporting clients with immigration solutions in Thailand.
Our team can guide you through a DTV application (or other Thai visa options) and help ensure the application is prepared properly so the process is quick and successful, allowing you to focus on your plans in Thailand.
Thailand DTV Visa FAQ
Is the DTV the cheapest long-term visa?
The DTV costs 10,000 THB. This is less than many comparable long-term visas in Southeast Asia and other Thai visa options. However, applicants must also show significant funds (500,000 THB or more), which can be a barrier even if the visa fee itself is lower.
How long can you stay in Thailand on a DTV?
The DTV is a 5-year multiple-entry visa. It allows up to 180 days per entry. After 180 days, you must leave Thailand and re-enter to continue staying legally. You can leave and re-enter as many times as you want during the visa’s validity. You can also extend the 180-day period by another 180 days (once per year) by paying an extension fee, allowing a stay of nearly one year before needing to leave and re-enter.
What is the easiest way to get a DTV in Thailand?
You cannot apply for the DTV while in Thailand. You must travel to another country and apply through a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate. If you are in Thailand and want to apply, DTV consultants can advise on the closest and easiest option based on nationality and circumstances to make the process as short and swift as possible.
Do you pay Thai taxes on foreign income as a DTV holder?
This depends on how long you stay. Under Thai tax law, staying in Thailand for over 180 days in a calendar year generally makes you a Thai tax resident. Tax residents are liable for Thai income tax on foreign income. However, tax on foreign income applies if you bring it into Thailand, and double-tax agreements may allow partial or full exemption. A Thai tax consultant can clarify obligations based on individual circumstances.