Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)

Good news for digital nomads and remote workers who want to live in Thailand legally! Thailand has just announced the new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), aimed specifically at digital nomads and remote workers.

This new visa is part of Thailand's efforts to boost tourism and attract more visitors.

Here's everything you need to know about the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).

What Is the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)?

The Thailand Cabinet recently announced several visa promotions to enhance the country's tourism, a key industry for Thailand. One of these promotions is the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), designed for long-term immigrant workers and digital nomads.

The DTV visa allows stays of up to 180 days with a visa issuance fee of 10,000 baht, valid for five years. DTV holders can extend their stay once for an additional 180 days with another 10,000 baht fee and may request to change the type of visa within the country, although this will terminate the DTV.

However, it is important to note that the DTV visa does NOT allow 'any' digital nomad to stay in Thailand for five years. It can be used within a five-year period for 180 days, and extended once for another 180 days, with a 10,000 baht filing fee each time.

Additional requirements will be released in the near future by the Thai government and are subject to change.

Benefits of the Destination Thailand Visa

With the Destination Thailand Visa, you are allowed to stay in Thailand for up to 180 days per visit, and the visa is valid for 5 years. It is a multiple-entry visa, allowing a period of stay up to 180 days per visit, on a multiple-entry basis within 5 years.

DTV holders can request to change the type of visa within the country, but this will terminate the DTV.

Requirements for the Destination Thailand Visa

To qualify for the DTV visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 20 years old
• Provide financial evidence of a supporter or guarantor with a credit limit of at least 500,000 baht
• There is also talk that this will be a 500,000 baht local balance requirement, similar to how marriage and retirement visas work. This would mean that the applicant may have to open a Thai bank account and deposit the funds to show proof of the 500,000 baht.
• Potential proof of valid employment with a registered company (expected to be released in early June)

The income requirement for this visa is much lower compared to other countries in Asia. For example, Malaysia requires an annual income of US$24,000, while Japan requires US$68,000 for a digital nomad visa.

Working in Thailand with the DTV

The specifics about working with the DTV visa are still unclear. However, it is expected that you can work online for your overseas clients while living in Thailand. You cannot work for a company in Thailand without a proper work permit.

Visa Fee

The fee for the Destination Thailand Visa is 10,000 baht.

Visa Extension Fee

The visa can be extended once for a maximum of 180 days with an additional fee of 10,000 baht.

How to Apply for the Destination Thailand Visa

The official application process for the DTV visa is yet to be confirmed. It is likely that you can apply directly at the immigration office in Thailand or through a Thailand consulate or embassy.

Additional Benefits

With the Destination Thailand Visa, you can bring your legal dependents, including:

• Your legal spouse
• Your children who are younger than 20 years old

Availability

More detailed information about the Destination Thailand Visa may start to become available between early June and late July 2024. Individuals who have opted in to receive updates will be notified via email as soon as new information is released.

Official Sources

Image Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), May 29th

Image Source: Thai Public Relations Department, June 5th