Work Remotely in Thailand with a Thailand Digital Nomad Visa

If you’re a digital nomad planning to stay in Thailand, you can keep working for your overseas employer while living here. You can earn a living without securing local employment or applying for a Thai work permit. However, you need a specific Thailand Digital Nomad Visa to stay legally in the country and enjoy this privilege. 

Continue reading to learn more about the different visas and which one you should acquire to fulfill your needs as a digital nomad. 

Thailand Digital Nomad Visa

Thailand offers several visas that make remote work and freelancing easier. If you want to live here as a digital nomad, it’s best to get a visa that lets you stay for longer stretches without breaks.  Three visas are well-suited for this purpose:

Thailand Privilege Visa

Issued after joining the prestigious Thailand Privilege program, the Thailand Privilege Visa is valid for 5 to 20 years and includes 5 membership packages. This premium tourist visa is notable for having a streamlined application, lower entry requirements, a one-time membership fee with no annual payments, and free assistance from a government-authorized visa agent in obtaining your visa. It also provides many free benefits, including:

• A 5-year multiple-entry visa renewable for the full duration of your membership.
• Up to 1 year of continuous stay in Thailand.
• Unlimited access to the premium lane upon arrival at airports for immigration fast-tracking services.
• Special assistance from an Elite Personal Liaison in opening a Thai bank account and completing your 90-day reporting requirements.
• Discounts and special deals at shopping venues and high-end restaurants.
• Certain memberships allow you to bring members of your immediate family.
• And many more.

The Thailand Privilege Points system lets you personalize your membership to better match your plans and preferences. Each year, you earn points (the amount varying based on your membership), which you can spend on securing exclusive VIP perks of your choice, such as:

• Free domestic flights
• Access to exclusive premium lounges
• Complimentary golf course sessions
• Dental and healthcare packages
• The opportunity to rent out certain co-working spaces
• And more

While you aren’t permitted to work in Thailand while on a Thailand Privilege Visa, there are no limitations against working remotely from the country for a foreign company. 

Thailand LTR Visa (Long-Term Resident Visa)

Valid for up to 10 years, the Thailand LTR Visa offers unparalleled flexibility and convenience, making it perfect for high-income earners. You can get the visa through four categories, each created for a different purpose and built around what you need most. Each one comes with its own set of perks to match your lifestyle or goals in Thailand. Securing this type of Thailand digital nomad visa also opens the doors to the following benefits:

• A 5-year multiple-entry visa renewable once up to 10 years
• Complimentary access to the premium lane at airports to streamline immigration clearance.
• Extending the deadline for reporting to immigration from every 90 days to once every year.
• Swifter work permit and immigration services at the One Stop Service Center.
• Ability to work legally for a local Thai company.
• Finding a job is easier as you won’t be subjected to foreign employee quota regulations. 
• You can bring as many members of your immediate family with you to Thailand.

As a remote worker, you should set your sights on the Work-from-Thailand Professionals category. This stream comes with the exclusive benefit of exempting you from being taxed on your foreign income, allowing you to save money and time during tax season. This will be in effect the moment you’ve been issued the LTR Visa. 

DTV Visa Thailand (Destination Thailand Visa)

As a Thailand Digital Nomad Visa, the DTV Visa Thailand can be an ideal option if flexible travel is what you need. You need to have a reason for wanting to visit Thailand to qualify, one of which is for remote work. Upon receiving the visa, you’ll enjoy the following benefits:

• A 5-year multiple-entry visa.
• Up to 180 days in Thailand (extendable up to another 180 days per entry).
• Easy to get through the nearest Royal Thai Consulate or Embassy, or via the Thai government’s e-visa website.
• You can bring your spouse and child(ren) with you to Thailand. 

The DTV has the shortest validity period, but it’s also the most affordable. It’s a good fit if you plan to visit Thailand multiple times throughout the year without needing a long-term stay. With a stay permit valid for 180 days (with the possibility to extend), there’s less commitment involved, and you can conveniently travel in and out of Thailand throughout the period. 

Applying for a Tourist Visa or Visa Exemption 

While it might seem cheaper, using a standard Thai Tourist Visa or Thai visa exemption for remote work isn’t a good idea. These visas don’t allow you to work, and if you’re caught, you risk being blacklisted and denied entry in the future.

Both options are also not optimal for long-term stay in the country. Holding a tourist visa only gives you up to 60 days (with the possibility to extend for another 30 days on top). Living in Thailand under a visa exemption is also valid for 60 days, and there are plans later this year to lower the visa-free period to 30 days.  If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the DTV offers a budget-friendly alternative to the long-term visa. 

Making visa runs to neighboring countries to reset the stay limit is also not advisable. Returning to Thailand involves the need to explain to the border officers your purpose for being in the country, and being on a tourist visa or visa-exempted may result in them denying your entry. This is why getting a Thailand Digital Nomad Visa is the best option.  

Contact Siam Legal for Professional Assistance

For a smoother experience applying for the Thailand Digital Nomad Visa of your choice, reach out to Siam Legal for help with the process. We are a full-service law firm and visa consultancy with over 20 years of experience helping foreigners with their immigration needs in Thailand. Without the right support, one mistake in your application can lead to rejection, wasted money, and delays that could stop you from entering the country.

With Siam Legal, your application will be handled by experts. Our visa consultants will answer your questions, help prepare your documents, and guide you through every step to boost your chances of approval. You can focus on what matters, whether that’s your move, your work, or your plans in Thailand, while we handle the visa for you.

Contact Siam Legal to enjoy working while in Thailand without any disruptions.

Category: Travel to Thailand