Destination Thailand Visa (DTV): The New Digital Nomad Visa in Thailand
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV): The New Digital Nomad Visa in Thailand
In July 2024, the Thai government finally released a new long-term Thai visa for digital nomads and other frequent visitors to the country: The Destination Thailand Visa, also known as the DTV. This visa is also available to visitors planning on participating in so-called “Thai Soft Power” activities as well as the dependents of DTV holders.
If you fall into any of these categories, the DTV is an option worth considering if you plan on spending a lot of time in the Kingdom. It has low barriers to entry, and it provides a convenient and flexible long-term visa that allows for smoother traveling.
This article will provide information on what the DTV enables you to do, who can apply for it, and how to obtain one. Additionally, we will address some common questions about this visa to help you determine if it is the right immigration solution for you.
What is the Destination Thailand Visa?
The DTV is a tourist visa in Thailand , meaning you cannot acquire a work permit and thus, cannot work for a Thai company. You are prohibited from other activities that require at least a non-immigrant visa such as adopting a child in Thailand domestically or working toward permanent residency in Thailand .
What the DTV does allow you to do is stay in Thailand for an extended period and travel freely in and out of the country while legally working online or engaging in cultural activities or medical procedures. Let’s take a look at the basic facts:
While holding a Destination Thailand Visa, you can leave and re-enter Thailand for an unlimited amount of time without having to apply for a re-entry permit like with other Thai tourist visas. However, each time you enter Thailand, you can only stay for 180 days, after which point you need only leave and return to reset your stay and get another 180 days.?
Alternatively, you may extend the DTV for another 180 days on top of your existing 180 stay once per entry. This enables you to stay in Thailand for nearly a year before having to depart and return.?
Who is Eligible for the DTV?
There are three categories of the Destination Thailand Visa, and which one you apply for depends on your plans in Thailand.
“Workcation” (Digital Nomads, Freelancers, Remote Workers)
As mentioned above, the main target of this visa is for those who work online and are not tied to a location. Whether you work remotely for a company back home, work for your own business online, or make a living as a freelancer or influencer, you can apply under this category.
At the time of this writing, no minimum income, employer, or social media follower requirements have been stated. However, be advised that whether or not you are approved for this visa will be at the discretion of a consular officer.
“Thai Soft Power Activities”
The government is also hoping to bring more people into the country to learn about and promote Thai culture and society. If you are enrolled in such a program, you may be eligible for a DTV in this category. Examples of soft power activities provided by the government:
Dependents of Primary DTV Holders
A key benefit of the Destination Thailand Visa is that it allows you to obtain dependent visas for your immediate family members, including your spouse and any dependent children. This will enable them to accompany you without the need for separate visa arrangements. There is no limit to the number of dependents you can bring, but each one requires a separate application and visa fee.
The DTV Visa Application Process
Applying for a Destination Thailand Visa is done in a way similar to the standard Thai tourist visa application. There are a few key differences, however.
How to Qualify for the Destination Thailand Visa
You must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the DTV:
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When you are sure of your eligibility, you can begin the DTV visa application process.
Required Documents for Thailand’s Digital Nomad Visa
You will need to collect and prepare these documents to include in your DTV application. Some documents will be different depending on your purpose of visit, so take note.
Acceptable evidence that proves your purpose of visit includes:
Once you have these documents collected and prepared correctly, you can submit them to an embassy or consulate.
Where to Apply for the DTV
You cannot apply for this visa from within Thailand as you can with most other Thai visas. You will need to travel to a Thai embassy or consulate or apply online via the e-Visa website, but in either case, you must be outside of Thailand.
The good news is that if you are already in Thailand, you can travel to nearby countries to complete the application such as Cambodia, Malaysia, or Laos. Instead of traveling all the way back to your home country, you can take a quick trip across the border and spend a few days waiting for your DTV to be processed.
However, remember that approval for this visa is at the discretion of the consular officer. This means that you may experience better odds of approval if you apply from your home country or the country where your employment is based.
DTV Visa Extensions
When you get your DTV and enter Thailand, you will have 180 days before you must leave again, but you can get an additional 180 days by extending the visa. You can do this once per entry, so with an extension, you can stay in Thailand for about a year without having to leave again.
To extend your DTV, you will need to go in person to Thai Immigration at Chaeng Wattana. You’ll also need to pay the extension fee of 1,900 THB AND provide proof of purpose again (employment contract, acceptance letter, freelancer portfolio, etc.).
Note, however, that you do not need to provide proof of purpose when entering the country. So, if you don’t want to go through the trouble of showing proof again and again, you can just leave the country and return to reset your stay limit.
Tax Rules for DTV Holders
Anyone who stays in Thailand for over 180 days out of a calendar year is considered a tax resident by the Thai Revenue Department. Tax residents are liable to pay Thai taxes on all foreign income. These rules apply to DTV holders.
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.
Alternative Long-Term Thai Visas
If your goal is to work for a Thai company or relax in Thailand long term and the Destination Thailand Visa doesn’t seem like a good fit for you, here are a couple visas that could meet your needs better.
The Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR Visa ) is designed for professionals working in Thailand, and even has a special category just for remote workers. The LTR provides an uninterrupted 10-year stay in Thailand for only 50,000 THB and has many other important perks for professionals such as complete tax exemption for all your foreign-earned income.
The Thailand Elite Visa , on the other hand, is geared more toward long-term tourists, offering stays of 5-20 years. It also provides a flexible multi-entry visa and only requires you to leave the country once a year or file an extension at the immigration office for an additional year. What sets it apart most is the hassle-free application and the huge selection of VIP benefits and luxury perks it provides. If you’re just looking to relax in Thailand with maximum comfort, this is the ideal option.
Get Professional Assistance with Your DTV Application
If you’re interested in securing a Destination Thailand Visa or an alternative long-term visa for an extended stay in Thailand, contact Siam Legal . We’re a full-service law firm and visa consultancy with over 20 years of experience helping clients from across the world secure their Thai visas. Our knowledgeable consultants will provide actionable advice and help you decide on the right immigration solution for you.
Siam Legal’s bilingual Thai visa team will expertly walk you through the application process for the DTV or another Thai visa you are interested in and examine your application materials to prevent mistakes that could cause a delay or a denial. This will ensure you get your visa swiftly and successfully so you can focus on preparing for an unforgettable stay in the Land of Smiles.