Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)

What You Need to Know About the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)

A long-stay visa designed for digital nomads, remote workers, and location-independent professionals

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An Overview of the DTV

Designed for digital nomads, remote workers, and long-term visitors, the DTV is valid for five years and allows multiple entries. Each entry permits a stay of up to 180 days. The visa allows remote work for overseas employers but does not permit employment with Thai companies.

Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) | Thaiger

What is a Destination Thailand Visa?

Thailand’s Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is designed for remote workers and long-term visitors seeking extended stays for work or cultural immersion. Unlike standard tourist visas, the DTV is valid for five years and allows multiple entries, with each stay lasting up to 180 days.

Holders may work remotely for overseas employers and may apply to extend each stay for a further 180 days, subject to immigration approval.

The visa is well-suited to digital nomads, freelancers, and long-term visitors interested in cultural activities such as Muay Thai training or Thai cooking courses. Eligible applicants may also bring immediate family members, including a spouse and dependent children under 20, provided they meet the relevant visa requirements.

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What Are The Eligibility Criteria?

To be eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), applicants must meet the criteria below. Requirements are subject to change, and this page is updated when official guidance changes.

Age Limit

Applicants must be at least 20 years old.

Visa Fee

The DTV costs 10,000 Thai baht. Each stay may be extended once for up to 180 days, subject to approval and an additional fee.

Finance

Applicants must show proof of sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay. Current guidance suggests having at least 500,000 Thai baht in savings, though requirements may vary by embassy.

Application

Applications must be submitted outside Thailand through a Royal Thai Embassy, Consulate, or the official Thai e-Visa system. Required documents vary by location but typically include proof of finances and remote work or long-term activity.

Health Insurance

Health insurance requirements for the DTV may vary. Applicants are strongly advised to have valid health insurance covering their stay in Thailand.

Other Important Information

Before applying for your DTV, it is important to understand the points below.

Working in Thailand under a DTV visa

While the DTV is designed for remote workers and digital nomads, it only permits remote work for overseas employers. It does not allow employment with Thai companies or income-generating activities involving Thai clients.

The visa may also be used by long-term visitors participating in approved cultural or educational activities in Thailand. However, these activities do not grant work rights or exemptions from Thai labour laws.

Additional benefits

The DTV offers flexibility beyond extended stays, including multiple entries over its five-year validity, allowing holders to travel in and out of Thailand without reapplying for a visa.

Eligible applicants may also apply to bring immediate family members, such as a spouse and dependent children under 20, provided they meet the relevant visa requirements.

Potential Downsides

The DTV is not a work permit. While it allows remote work for overseas companies, holders cannot legally work for Thai businesses or take on projects involving Thai clients.

If a visa holder later decides to pursue local employment, education, or another long-term activity requiring a different visa type, they must apply for the appropriate visa, and their DTV status may no longer apply.

Customer Ratings





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Customer Reviews

2/6/2024

This website is a lifesaver! I had so many questions about the DTV visa, and the staff responded to my inquiries almost instantly. They were incredibly helpful and informative, putting my mind at ease.

Sarah Wilberg




2/6/2024

I am really impressed by the fast and friendly communication with the staff here! They were super patient with all my questions

John Lake




10/6/2024

Big thanks to the team for the quick response and clear explanation

Anya Stuate




7/6/2024

They were super helpful in clarifying the difference between the DTV and other Thai visas.

David Johnson




9/5/2024

I had a minor concern about the DTV income threshold, and they addressed it right away. Great service!

Emily Oflane




9/6/2024

Really appreciate the website’s commitment to clear communication. The staff answered all my questions promptly and professionally, making it easy to understand the DTV program.

Lala Kim




11/6/2024

I wasn’t sure if the DTV visa was right for me, but the staff helped me understand the benefits and eligibility criteria in no time.

Ben Cela




13/6/2021

Just a quick shout-out to the fantastic staff here! Their quick responses and clear explanations have made a huge difference in navigating the DTV visa process.

Daniel Role




How The Thaiger Helps You Navigate the DTV Process

The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is now available through official Thai government channels. The Thaiger provides guidance and up-to-date information to help readers understand the process and prepare their applications correctly.

Guidance for applying for the DTV

Our team helps expats and long-term visitors understand DTV requirements, eligibility criteria, and key steps involved in the application process before applying through official channels.

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Contact us for professional support in obtaining your Thailand Destination Visa

Key Features:
 
 

    • Comprehensive application support
    • Guidance on completing the DTV visa application
    • Assistance in gathering required documents, including financial proof
    • Seamless submission process
    • Managing the submission of your application to Thai authorities
    • Continuous tracking and updates on your visa status
    • Interview and Requirements Navigation
    • Preparing for any necessary interviews with immigration officials
    • Advising on meeting the financial and health insurance requirements
    • Post-approval assistance
    • Support with post-visa approval steps, including long-term stay planning

Note: Visa applications must be submitted directly through Royal Thai Embassies, Consulates, or the official Thai e-Visa system.

Thailand’s DTV visa lets you redesign your life for up to five years.

Unlike retirement extensions, the DTV offers the advantage of multiple entries throughout its five-year validity. No need for a separate re-entry permit!

Enjoy the flexibility to travel in and out of Thailand as you explore new destinations or visit family, all under the convenience of a single DTV visa.

Destination Thailand Visa Requirements

Thailand’s Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is designed for remote workers and long-term visitors seeking extended stays in Thailand.

1. Age: Applicants must be at least 20 years old.

2. Finances: Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay in Thailand. This is typically shown through a bank statement indicating funds of around 500,000 Thai baht or proof of regular income from overseas sources, depending on embassy requirements.

3. Employment: The DTV is intended for remote workers and freelancers working for overseas employers or clients. Applicants are generally expected to provide evidence of remote employment or overseas income. Employment with Thai companies is not permitted under this visa.

If you have any questions regarding the above, please join and ask our Thaiger Talk forums.

Get clear, up-to-date information on the Destination Thailand Visa with The Thaiger

Related Services for Future Destination Thailand Visa Holders

The Thaiger offers numerous services so you can have a nice and relaxing life in Thailand. We are here to provide you. Please check the information below for related services to support your life in Thailand.

Health Insurance

Shield yourself from the unexpected in the circumstance of any health issues or illnesses. Check out what health insurance covers and how it prevents you from having to pay the entire cost of medical care if you get injured or sick.

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Motoring Insurance

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Personal Accident Insurance

Personal Accident Insurance provides financial protection against unforeseen injuries, disabilities, or death from accidents, ensuring peace of mind for you and your family.

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Other Common Visa Types for Thailand

Below are some of the most common alternative visa types for staying in Thailand for the purpose of retirement, working, business, studying, staying with Thai family/Spouse or long term Visas.


Tourism

Visitors from many countries can enter Thailand under the visa exemption scheme, currently allowing stays of up to 60 days, with a possible extension at a local immigration office. Tourist visas are also available for longer stays.

Thai Family/Spouse

Foreigners married to Thai nationals or supporting Thai family members typically apply for a Non-Immigrant O visa. Extensions of stay are available through local immigration offices, subject to eligibility and documentation.

Employment Visa

Foreigners working for Thai companies must obtain a Non-Immigrant B visa and a valid work permit. This visa category is also used by foreigners starting or managing a business in Thailand. Extensions of stay are granted annually through Thai immigration.

Education Visa

Foreigners studying at recognised schools, universities, or language institutes typically apply for a Non-Immigrant ED visa. Extensions of stay depend on the course and institution.

Thailand Privilege Visa

Formerly known as the Thailand Elite Visa, this long-term residency programme offers stays of 5, 10, or 20 years through a paid membership. It is suited to foreigners seeking long-term residence without work rights.

Other Visa

Looking for other visa types not listed above? We’ve got you. Thailand offers a range of additional visa categories depending on purpose and nationality. Applicants should consult official embassy or immigration sources for the most suitable option.

Other Services

If you need to extend your stay in Thailand, 90-day reporting, cancellation, change the type of Visa, or even a visa run while in Thailand, we are always ready to help. Let us help make your stay in the Land of Smiles more convenient.

Alternative to Destination Thailand Visa: Thailand Privilege Visa

The Thailand Privilege Visa is a long-term residency programme allowing eligible foreigners to stay in Thailand for 5, 10, or 20 years through a paid membership. It is often chosen by retirees, frequent visitors, and those seeking long-term residence without the need for regular visa extensions.

Membership benefits vary by package but may include airport assistance services, access to designated fast-track lanes at participating airports, and lifestyle privileges such as golf, spa, or travel-related benefits. Family privileges depend on the specific membership tier.

For those seeking long-term residence in Thailand with added lifestyle privileges, the Thailand Privilege Visa is one option to consider.

If you plan to live in Thailand as a digital nomad working for overseas clients, you can read our guide to Thailand for digital nomads for further context.

Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) | Thaiger

Frequently Asked Questions About Destination Thailand Visa

Thailand launched the DTV visa to attract remote workers and revive tourism, hoping to benefit from the growing trend of location-independent work while positioning itself as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Destination Thailand Visa is a multiple-entry visa, meaning you can visit Thailand as many times as you want within the validity period of the visa (typically 5 years).

Yes, you can change your visa from a Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) to another type, but be aware of DTV cancellations and the new visa type of application from the beginning.

No, generally, you cannot be employed by a Thai citizen while holding a Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). The DTV visa is designed for long-term stays for purposes like retirement, volunteering, or remote work for a company outside of Thailand. Working for a Thai citizen or company within Thailand would violate the terms of the DTV.

A digital nomad is a remote worker who embraces a lifestyle of mobility and flexibility, often moving from one location to another while staying connected and performing their job duties digitally. This lifestyle allows digital nomads to work from various places around the world while maintaining their professional responsibilities.

Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai is like a cozy area in the mountains of Northern Thailand. This calls for all digital nomads looking for peace and a splash of local culture. And if there was only one place to pick for digital nomads in Thailand, Chiang Mai would be the one for many remote workers out there.

In general, digital nomads and freelancers are required to pay taxes on income earned from foreign sources, unless it is covered under a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) or taxes have already been paid in their home country. This rule applies even if nomads have been granted a visa through the Privilege program, provided they reside in Thailand for more than 180 days.

To qualify, you must be earning at least $80,000 per year. With these stricter requirements, Thailand aims to attract wealthier, highly-skilled professionals to the country. Both the LTR Visa and the Smart Visa share many of the same requirements and both permit digital nomads to work legally in Thailand.

Step 1: Assess your current situation. Determine your current skills, work situation, and financial status to understand what changes need to be made.

Step 2: Learn new skills or improve existing Ones. Identify the skills required for remote work and either learn new ones or enhance the ones you already possess.

Step 3: Find online work or create your own online business. Search for remote job opportunities or consider starting your own online business to generate income.

Step 4: Make money online. Start earning through your chosen remote job or online business, ensuring you have a stable income stream.

Step 5: Plan your digital nomad lifestyle. Organize your travel, accommodation, and work setup to support a flexible, location-independent lifestyle. Make sure to consider visa requirements, internet connectivity, and living costs in different destinations.

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