In July 2024, Thailand rolled out a new visa called the “Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).” This visa is perfect for digital nomads, remote workers, and anyone planning to stay in Thailand for a long time. Plus, you can extend it for up to 5 years!
What’s the Destination Thailand (DTV ) Visa?
The “Destination Thailand Visa” is a cool initiative to bring long-term visitors to Thailand, especially digital nomads, retirees, and remote worker foreigners plan for;
- Long-Term Stay: Lets you stay longer than a regular tourist visa, often up to a year or more.
- Multiple Entries: Allows you to come and go as you please, giving you flexibility.
- Work Permits for Remote Work: Lets digital nomads legally work remotely while living in Thailand.
- Simplified Application Process: Makes it easier for qualified folks to get the visa.
- Health Insurance Requirement: Usually requires you to have health insurance to cover you during your stay.
- Financial Requirements: Might need to show proof of enough funds or a stable income to support yourself.
This visa is part of Thailand’s bigger plan to boost tourism and attract a variety of long-term visitors who help out the local economy.
Who can apply for a DTV Visa ?
- Digital Nomads: Folks who can work from anywhere in the world. They usually need to show proof of employment or freelance work, showing they have a steady income.
- Retirees: People over a certain age (often 50+) who can support themselves without working. They generally need to provide proof of retirement status and income.
- Affluent Individuals and Investors: Wealthy people who can show they have significant financial assets or investments in Thailand. This might include entrepreneurs and business owners.
- Skilled Professionals and Experts: Pros in certain industries or fields that Thailand wants to attract, like tech, education, or healthcare. They might need to prove their expertise and qualifications.
- Long-Term Tourists: Those who want to stay in Thailand for a long time for leisure and tourism, with proof they have enough money to cover their stay.
How does the DTV Visa work? And how long can I stay in Thailand?
The Destination Thailand Visa lets you enter multiple times and it’s valid for 5 years!
Once you have a DTV visa, Length of stay per entry is 180 days (6 months). When you’re close to your stay expiring, you’ve got two options:
- Extend your stay: Head to the immigration office to extend your stay for another 180 days. The extension fee is 1,900 THB. (Extendable once a year )
- Leave and return: As a digital nomad or remote worker, this is a great chance to travel to another country. When you come back to Thailand, you get another 180 days.
How to get a DTV visa and what documents you need?
You can only apply for this type of Visa outside of Thailand, and the easiest way to do it is online through the Thai E-visaofficial website.
Document Requirements;
- Passport page
- Visa photo (taken within the last 6 months)
- Document showing your current location or address registration
- Financial proof, at least 500,000 THB, like bank statements or bank confirmations
- For digital nomads, remote workers, and freelancers: employment contract, employment certificate, or professional portfolio
- Health insurance (might be required)
Just a heads-up: Every application needs approval, and the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate-General might ask for an interview or more documents. Applying for a visa doesn’t mean you’ll definitely get one, and remember, visa fees aren’t refundable.
What’s the cost of the DTV visa?
The Destination Thailand Visa costs 10,000 THB.
Do I pay Thai taxes on foreign income with a DTV Visa?
It depends on your stay. If you’re in Thailand for over 180 days a year, you’re considered a tax resident and must pay taxes on foreign income, even with a Destination Thailand Visa. Due to 2024 tax updates, all foreign income of tax residents is taxed. However, a Double Tax Agreement with your home country might exempt you from double taxation.
Like we said earlier, the DTV is perfect for digital nomads, freelancers, and remote workers. So, if you’re working remotely for a company abroad, or you’re your own boss as a freelancer or influencer, this visa is just what you need.
Once you get your long-stay visa, go ahead and apply for a driving license and open a Thai bank account to make your life in Thailand easier and more enjoyable.
Check out the video below to get the lowdown on this visa and have fun watching: