DTV Visa Thailand

In July of 2024, the Thai government launched a wave of measures designed to increase tourism and stimulate the economy, and one of the most significant was the introduction of the Destination Thailand Visa. Also known as the DTV (frequently misnamed as the DTV Visa), this new long-term Thai visa is aimed squarely at digital nomads and freelancers, but is also geared toward those hoping to take part in Thai cultural activities or undergo medical treatment as part of medical tourism.

If you fall into any of these categories, the DTV could be a good option if you plan on spending extended periods of time in the Land of Smiles. It has relatively few eligibility requirements and provides a convenient long-term visa that allows for flexible traveling.

This page will explain what the DTV allows you to do, who is eligible to apply for it, and how to get one for yourself. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions we get about this visa, so you can make an informed decision on if this immigration solution is right for you.

What is the Destination Thailand Visa?

This visa is a kind of tourist visa in Thailand. This means you cannot get a work permit to work for a Thai company, and you are prohibited from doing certain other things that require non-tourist visas, such as domestically adopting a child in Thailand or working toward permanent residency in Thailand.

However, the DTV still offers a long-term, flexible stay in Thailand and the freedom to engage in most other pursuits. Let’s take a look at the basic facts:

• Visa Duration: 5-years
• Visa Type: Multiple entry
• Length of Stay per Entry: 180 days
• Extendable: Yes, once per entry
• Obtainable From: A Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate or online through Thailand’s official e-visa website
• Option to Include Family: Yes

All of this means that if you hold a DTV, you can leave and re-enter Thailand as many times as you want without having to apply for a re-entry permit as other Thai tourist visas require. 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, once per entry, you may extend the DTV to get another 180 days on top of your existing 180 stay. If you take this route, you are able to stay in Thailand for nearly a year before having to leave and return. Keep in mind, though, that this will cost an additional fee (see below).

The Destination Thailand Visa works this way because it is designed for digital nomads and online freelancers who want to spend extended periods of time in Thailand both working and enjoying the country. You can have a "workcation" in Thailand before moving on to your next location, and return whenever it strikes your fancy.

Who is Eligible for the DTV?

There are three categories of DTV, and which one applies to you will depend on your plans in Thailand.

Workcation (Digital Nomads, Freelancers, Remote Workers)

As mentioned above, the main target of this visa is for those who can work from anywhere in the world. Whether you work remotely for a foreign company or are in business for yourself as a freelancer or influencer, this visa is available to you.

The Thai government was quick to point out that "not just anyone" can get this visa as a digital nomad. However, at the time of this writing, no minimum income, employer, or social media follower requirements have been introduced.

Thai Soft Power Activities

These activities enhance the awareness and prestige of Thailand’s culture and economy, thereby improving the Kingdom’s standing in the international community. If you plan to engage in one of these activities long-term while in Thailand, you may be eligible to get a DTV to do so. As of the time of this writing, the acceptable soft power activities include:

• Muay Thai courses
• Thai cooking classes
• Sport training
• Medical treatment
• Seminars
• Music festivals

Dependents of Primary DTV Holders

Another significant advantage of the Destination Thailand Visa is the ability to get dependent visas for your family members so you can bring them along without having to worry about separate visa arrangements. There is no limit to how many dependents you can bring, but each incurs a visa fee, and you may only include immediate family members onto your DTV, meaning spouses and dependent children only.

How to Get a DTV

The process of applying for a Destination Thailand Visa is similar to the standard Thai tourist visa, but there are a few extra considerations and criteria that must be met to ensure a successful application.

How to Qualify for the Destination Thailand Visa

All applicants must meet basic criteria to be considered for this visa:

• You must be at least 20 years old
• You must not have a history of long visa overstays on record with Thai Immigration
• You must have at least 500,000 THB in liquid assets to prove that you can support yourself while in Thailand
• Alternatively, Thai Immigration may allow a sponsor in Thailand to act as a guarantor if they have the required funds and agree to support you in writing
• Also, note that the embassy you apply from may demand to see a higher amount in your bank account

For dependents of DTV holders:

• You must be a legal spouse of the DTV holder OR
• You must be a legally recognized dependent child of the DTV holder, younger than 20 years old, and unmarried

Once you are certain that you and any family you might bring qualify for the DTV, it’s time to collect some documentation for your application packet.

Required Documents for Thailand’s Destination Visa

The following is a list of all the documents you will need to include with your DTV application; however, note that each category of this visa has some additional documentation requirements.

• Passport or other travel document
• Passport-sized photograph
• A document indicating your current location
• Proof of payment of the visa fee (10,000 THB)
• Note: Visa fees may vary from country to country
• Evidence of sufficient financial assets (500,000 THB) which can take the form of:
• Bank statements
• Payslips
• Sponsorship letters
• Document proving purpose of visit (unique category requirements):
• Workcation – An employment contract, employment certificate, or a professional portfolio of freelance work.
• Thai Soft Power Activities – Proof of confirmation to attend the activity or a letter of appointment from a hospital/medical clinic
• Dependent – Marriage certificate, birth certificate, adoption papers, or another official document proving their relationship to the primary DTV holder

Once you have these documents collected and prepared to Thai Immigration’s standards, you can begin the application process.

Where to Apply for the DTV

You have a couple of options when it comes to choosing a method of applying for the Destination Thailand Visa. First, like with other Thai tourist visas, you can apply in person at your local Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate. However, for the DTV, you must apply from the country where your employment is based.

As all embassies and consulates vary somewhat, it is recommended that you call ahead to confirm that you are able to apply for the DTV there, and how you should go about it. Also inquire about their DTV visa fee, as it may be different than the standard 10,000 THB.

You’ll likely have to make an appointment, arrive with all documents in hand, present them to the immigration officer, and then await your answer. If you are approved, you may get your visa the same day, or you might have to wait a few days depending on the embassy you applied through.

The other method is through the Thailand e-Visa website. You’ll need to navigate the website’s online application portal and upload or mail your documentation to be considered for approval. This method may take more time, but eliminates the need to travel anywhere to get your DTV. As with applying in person, though, this must be done from your country of employment.

Visa Extensions for the DTV

As mentioned above, you can renew your DTV to get an additional 180 days added to your 180-day stay limit. You can do this once per entry, meaning that with an extension you can stay in Thailand for nearly a whole 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.

Destination Thailand Visa FAQ

Here are some questions that we often get regarding this exciting new visa option. Hopefully, the answers will help you decide if Thailand’s DTV is for you.

Can I work for a Thai company on a DTV?

No, your employer must be yourself or a foreign company.

Do I have to pay taxes on my foreign income as a DTV holder?

That depends. Anyone who stays in Thailand for over 180 days out of a calendar year is considered a tax resident by the Thai government. If you are a tax resident, you are liable to pay Thai taxes on your foreign income. 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.

How much does the Destination Thailand Visa cost?

The initial visa fee is 10,000 THB for a Thai destination visa. But again, keep in mind that because you must apply for this visa from outside Thailand, the embassy or consulate you apply from may charge a different DTV visa fee.

You can extend the visa once per entry, with each extension costing an additional 1,900 THB.

Is it called the DTV Visa, Destination Thailand Visa, or the Digital Nomad Visa?

The Destination Thailand Visa is called the DTV for short. Many people also mislabel it as the "DTV Visa," in the same way they say "ATM Machine" or "PIN Number," but they are referring to the same thing. This visa is also sometimes referred to as the Thailand Digital Nomad Visa when comparing it to similar visas from neighboring countries in the SEA region. They are different names for the same visa.

Alternative Long-Term Thai Visas

If the Destination Thailand Visa doesn’t quite meet your needs, consider these other options for long-term stays in Thailand.

The Thailand LTR Visa

If you’d like a more permanent arrangement for working from the Kingdom remotely, consider Thailand’s Long-Term Resident Visa, AKA the LTR Visa Thailand. It has a category specifically for remote workers in Thailand and provides a 10-year stay with the same flexible multiple-entry visa, and you need not leave the country or extend your visa every year to stay legally.

Furthermore, as an LTR holder, your foreign income earned is completely exempt from Thai income tax. Also, as with the DTV, the LTR allows you to bring up to 4 immediate family members and provides several other attractive benefits.

The Thailand Elite Visa

This premium visa is available through the Thailand Privilege Program. There are 4 membership tiers, each providing a Thailand Elite Visa with stays from 5 to 20 years in the Kingdom. It is similar to the DTV in that you cannot work on this visa, but it also provides flexible travel arrangements and the freedom to come and go as you please.

What really sets the Thai Elite Visa apart, though, is the massive wealth of benefits and VIP privileges that it provides you. Access to luxury lounges and immigration fast-track at airports, discounts and special promotions at leading restaurants and retailers, a points system that lets you choose from a wide selection of free perks, and much more: the Thailand Elite Visa delivers everything you need to live a life of ease and comfort in the Kingdom.

Get Professional Assistance with Your DTV Application

If you’re looking to secure a Destination Thailand Visa for yourself or an alternative long-term visa in Thailand, contact us at Siam Legal. As a full-service law firm and visa consultancy with over 20 years of experience helping clients from across the world secure their Thai visas, we have the knowledge and expertise to find the ideal solution for you.

Siam Legal’s experienced and bilingual visa consultants will walk you through the application process for the DTV or another Thai visa of your choice and provide expert advice. This will ensure you get your visa swiftly and successfully so you can spend your time and energy on preparing for an exciting stay in the Land of Smiles.