On July 15, 2024, the Thai government confirmed that the new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) was now in effect and available. This is a new long-stay digital nomad visa allowing you to remain in Thailand for the purpose of working remotely or partaking in a series of activities in the country. If you’re looking to make a living during your extended stay in Thailand, the DTV is a convenient option. 

DTV Quick Facts

• Fee: 10,000 baht (may vary from country to country)
• Validity: Up to 5 years
• Visa Type: Multiple Entry
• Stay Duration: 180 days per entry
• Extensions: Once per entry for an additional 180 days for a renewal fee of 1,900 baht
• Family Option: Yes

As a multiple-entry visa, the DTV allows you to come and go as you please from Thailand, but each time you enter, you are only able to stay for 180 days. This counter resets every time you leave Thailand, or you can file for an extension once per entry for an additional 180 days.

Who the DTV is for?

There are three categories of the Destination Thailand Visa, and which one you apply for depends on the purpose of your visit. 

• Workcation: This refers to those who work online for themselves or a foreign company, and want an extended stay in Thailand to both work and play, hence “workcation.” You qualify for this category if you are a:
  • Digital nomad
  • Freelancer
  • Remote worker
    
• Thai Soft Power Activities: This refers to activities that spread cultural awareness and raise the prestige of Thailand. If you want to do one of these activities for an extended time period in Thailand, the DTV will enable you to do so. “Thai soft power activities” include:
  • Muay Thai classes
  • Thai cooking lessons
  • Sports training 
  • Medical treatment
  • Seminars
  • Art and Music festivals
    
• DTV Holder Dependents: As a DTV holder, you can include immediate family members on your visa and bring them to Thailand as well. Eligible family members are:
  • Legally married spouses
  • Legally-recognized children who are unmarried and under 20 years old

DTV Visa Thailand Eligibility Requirements

As with all long-term Thai visas, there are several eligibility requirements you have to meet to ensure you are approved. These include:

• Be at least 20 years of age
• Possess at least 500,000 baht (may vary from country to country) in your bank account
• Able to pay the 10,000 baht visa fee for yourself and any family members
  • Note that your particular embassy may charge additional fees

In addition to these basic requirements, you must provide several documents as part of your application packet. 

Documents Required for the DTV Visa Application Process

All categories of DTV require a set of documents you must provide to Thai Immigration. Furthermore, each category has a unique requirement that you should take note of. The required documents for the DTV include:

• A valid passport or travel document
• A recent passport-sized photograph of yourself
• Proof of your current location
• Proof of sufficient finances (500,000 baht) in the form of bank statements, payslips, or a letter from a sponsor
  • Note that the country from which you apply may demand to see a higher amount than this.
• Unique documents based on category:
  • Workcation – An employment contract, certificate, or portfolio denoting your status as a digital nomad, freelancer, or remote worker
  • Thai Soft Power Activities – An official document confirming that you will be attending such an activity or will be undergoing medical treatment during your stay 
  • Dependent – Proof of your relationship with your spouse (shown by a marriage certificate) and children (shown through birth certificates, adoption papers, etc.)

How to apply for a DTV Visa?

If you want to apply for a DTV in person, you need to lodge your application either at a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in the country where your employment is based. Simply visit the location and submit all the required documents to them. An immigration officer will be appointed to help you through your application. Be sure to call ahead to confirm this is possible, however, as all embassies have different capacities, capabilities, visa fees, and schedules.

If you do not want to apply in person, you have the option to submit your application online through the Thai E-Visa website. Create a login, upload your documents, and follow the instructions provided. While requiring no travel, this method may take longer as mailing may be involved. Applying online must also be done while in your country of employment.

You CANNOT apply for the DTV from within Thailand.

Paying Taxes on a DTV Visa

Anyone who stays in Thailand for over 180 days out of a calendar year is considered by the government to be a Thai tax resident, regardless of nationality or visa held. According to 2024 updates to Thailand’s tax policy, if you meet this threshold while holding a DTV, you are liable to pay Thai taxes on your foreign income regardless of when it was earned or when/if it is brought into Thailand. 

You may be exempt from this if your foreign income is taxed by your home country, and that country has a Double Tax Agreement with Thailand, which prevents income from being taxed twice.

Alternatives to the Destination Thailand Visa

If the DTV does not align with your goals for Thailand, there are other avenues to consider if you plan on staying long-term. 

Thailand Elite Visa

The Thailand Elite Visa is a long-term tourist visa with options to stay in Thailand for 5-20 years with a selection of 4 packages to choose from. The Elite Visa is famous for its wide variety of VIP services and perks, with a specialized privilege points system enabling you to choose which benefits to leverage. If you are planning a life of leisure and want to maximize your enjoyment in the country with a wealth of free luxury perks, the Thailand Elite Visa is a worthwhile choice.

Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR Visa)

The Thai LTR Visa is another visa to consider. It also comes in 4 categories, with each allowing you to stay up to 10 years in the Land of Smiles. If you’d rather acquire a work permit and work for a Thai company while here, there’s an option for that. 

You also have the Work From Thailand Professionals stream which enables you to work remotely and earn foreign income that is exempt from Thai taxes. The LTR visa is also a multiple-entry visa, and there are no maximum stay durations so it’s even more convenient than the DTV in that regard.

Contact Siam Legal

If you need any help in applying for a DTV or any of the above alternatives, reach out to Siam Legal for more support. With over 20 years of expertise in helping foreigners with their immigration troubles, our lawyers have the skills and knowledge to aid you in acquiring a Destination Thailand Visa swiftly and successfully. 

We will also share in-depth information on the visa, provide advice on how to apply for it, and support you throughout your application from beginning to end. With our lawyers by your side, you will have peace of mind knowing that you can get your digital nomad visa with minimal hassle.

Contact Siam Legal today to get started on your DTV journey.