What is the 5 year visa for the digital nomad in Thailand?
The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is a great option for digital nomads, remote workers, and freelancers who want to stay in Thailand for a long time. This multiple-entry visa is valid for five years, allowing stays of up to 180 days per entry, with the option to extend.
While it does not serve as a work permit, it lets remote workers live in Thailand while working online. In this guide, we’ll cover the requirements, benefits, and application process to help you decide if the DTV Visa is the right choice for your digital nomad lifestyle.
Who is the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for?
The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is a great option for freelancers, remote workers, and entrepreneurs who want to live in Thailand while continuing their online work. This visa allows stays of up to 180 days per entry, with the option to extend once for another 180 days.
The DTV is also ideal for people interested in Thai cultural and wellness activities, including:
- Muay Thai training
- Thai cooking classes
- Sports programs
- Medical treatments
- Short-term educational courses and seminars
- Art, music, and cultural festivals
Since long-term stays require health coverage, having international health insurance like SafetyWing is highly recommended. It provides medical emergency and travel-related coverage while living abroad.
With its flexibility and convenience, the DTV Visa allows remote workers to enjoy Thailand’s culture and lifestyle while working online.
Key Features of the DTV Visa
Validity: 5 years with multiple entries.
Stay duration: Up to 180 days per entry, extendable once for another 180 days.
Cost: The application fee varies by country, ranging from 9,866 to 38,428 Thai baht. Additional fees may apply for extensions.
Eligibility:
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- Must be at least 20 years old.
- Must have at least 500,000 Thai baht in a bank account.
- Must provide proof of employment with a non-Thai company or a portfolio for freelancers.
The DTV Visa is a flexible and convenient option for those looking to live in Thailand while working remotely. However, if visa holders decide to work for a Thai company, they must apply for a different visa and work permit, which would cancel their DTV status.
By attracting skilled professionals and remote workers, this visa helps boost Thailand’s economy and strengthens its reputation as a top destination for work-life balance.
How to apply for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
Applying for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) must be done outside of Thailand at a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate. You cannot apply from inside Thailand, so it’s best to submit your application in your home country or country of residence for a better chance of approval. Each embassy may have different requirements and fees, so it’s important to check with them first.
Required documents
To apply for the DTV Visa, you must provide:
- Proof of financial stability: A bank balance of at least 500,000 Thai baht (about US$14,600) was maintained for at least three months.
- Employment verification: A Certificate of Employment for remote workers or a portfolio for freelancers.
- Travel records: Some embassies may request proof of previous international travel.
Health insurance requirement
Since long-term stays require health coverage, it is recommended to have medical insurance before applying. SafetyWing offers flexible nomad insurance designed for digital nomads, covering medical expenses while living in Thailand.
Having the right documents and health insurance will make the application process smoother and help ensure you meet Thailand’s visa requirements during your stay.
Advantages of the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) offers several benefits for digital nomads, remote workers, and freelancers who want to stay in Thailand for an extended period.
- Long-term stay: Stay in Thailand for up to 180 days per entry, with the option to extend once for another 180 days, allowing nearly a year-long stay before needing to exit and re-enter.
- Multiple entries: Enjoy flexible travel with multiple entries and exits over five years without frequent visa renewals.
- No Thai employer required: Work remotely for non-Thai companies or as a freelancer with international clients without needing a work permit.
- Supports work-life balance: Experience Thailand’s modern co-working spaces, affordable living, and vibrant culture while working remotely.
- Cultural & wellness activities: Participate in Muay Thai training, Thai cooking classes, sports programs, medical treatments, and cultural festivals under Thailand’s “Soft Power” initiative.
- Ideal for Workcations: A great option for those looking to combine work with travel, explore new opportunities, and immerse in Thailand’s lifestyle.
SafetyWing: Flexible health insurance for digital nomads
SafetyWing offers affordable and flexible travel medical insurance for digital nomads and remote workers. It covers over 180 countries, including Thailand, making it a great choice for people who travel often or live abroad for long periods. SafetyWing helps with medical emergencies, travel delays, and lost luggage, giving nomads peace of mind while working from different locations.
SafetyWing has two main plans to fit different needs:
The Essential plan (US$56 per month)
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- Covers medical emergencies, hospital stays, and unexpected illnesses or injuries.
- Does not cover routine checkups, preventive care, or non-emergency treatments.
- Good for basic health coverage while travelling.
The Complete plan (US$150.50 per month)
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- Covers routine healthcare, mental health support, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.
- Offers full health and travel coverage, ideal for long-term travellers.
- Great for nomads who want more medical benefits and travel protection.
Both plans allow easy online sign-up anytime, even if you’re already travelling. With 24/7 customer support and worldwide coverage, SafetyWing helps digital nomads stay protected wherever they go.
The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is a good choice for digital nomads, remote workers, and freelancers who want to stay in Thailand for a long time while working for non-Thai companies. It is valid for five years and allows multiple entries, with the option to extend each stay. This visa gives remote workers the freedom to enjoy Thailand’s culture, lifestyle, and work-friendly spaces.
To apply, they must meet financial requirements, show proof of employment, and apply from outside Thailand. Since health insurance is important for long-term stays, many digital nomads choose SafetyWing for affordable and flexible travel medical insurance. Learn more about why SafetyWing is a top choice for the digital nomad in this guide on The Thaiger.
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