Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) – a Game Changer for Digital Nomads?

The new DTV Visa allows remote workers and participants in cultural activities to stay in Thailand for up to 180 days per entry, with a 5-year validity.

As of July 15, 2024, the Thai government has officially launched the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), aimed at individuals seeking to combine work and travel (“workcation”) in Thailand. This innovative visa allows holders to stay in Thailand for up to 180 days per entry and is valid for a total of five years.

The DTV offers a cost-effective and convenient option for freelancers, digital nomads, and remote workers. Apart from workcation seekers, the DTV Visa also caters to individuals interested in participating in “Thai Soft Power” activities. This includes Thai boxing (Muay Thai) courses, Thai cooking classes, sports training, medical treatments, short-term educational courses, seminars, and artistic or musical festivals.

How Much Does a Destination Thailand Visa Cost?

The Destination Thailand Visa is priced at 10,000 THB, making it more affordable compared to similar visas in Southeast Asia. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support their stay in Thailand.

How Long Can You Stay in Thailand on the DTV?

The DTV is a five-year multiple-entry visa, allowing holders to stay in Thailand for up to 180 days per entry. After reaching this limit, the stay can be extended once per entry for another 180 days at the Immigration Office in Thailand, allowing for a total stay of 360 days. After the expiration of such 360 stay, an extension is not possible, but it is possible to leave and re-enter the country to reset your stay period. Following this additional period of 180 days, an extension at the Immigration Office in Thailand is possible again, and so forth. This allows practically for an uninterrupted stay, expect the necessity to do the aforementioned “visa-runs” every 360 days.

The Destination Thailand Visa allows for multiple re-entries without additional fees. The extension at the Immigration Office comes with an official fee of THB 10,000.

Please note that according to Thai tax laws, everybody who stays in Thailand for more than 180 days per year becomes a Tax resident in Thailand.

Who Can Apply for a Destination Thailand Visa?

The DTV Visa is open to the following categories:

• Workcation seekers include digital nomads, remote workers, and freelancers.
• Participants in Thai Soft Power activities, such as Muay Thai courses, cooking classes, sports training, medical treatments, seminars, and music festivals, are also eligible.
• Additionally, the spouses and dependent children of DTV holders can apply for this visa.

What are the Requirements for a Destination Thailand Visa?

Applicants must meet specific requirements depending on their category (workcation, soft power activity, or dependent). Required documents include a passport or travel document, a passport photograph, and a document showing your current location. You must provide evidence of financial assets, with a minimum of 500,000 THB in bank statements, payslips, or a sponsorship letter. Additionally, you must provide proof of the purpose of your visit.

For workcation seekers, this includes an employment contract, an employment certificate, or a professional portfolio for freelancers. Holders of a DT visa in this category are not required to apply for a work permit for their workcation activities.

For participants in Thai Soft Power activities, confirmation of participation in an activity or a letter of appointment from a hospital or medical center is required. Dependents must provide proof of relationship, such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or adoption certificate.

The introduction of the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) represents a step in making Thailand an accessible and attractive destination for digital nomads and those interested in engaging with the country’s rich cultural and recreational offerings.

If you would like to know more about this and other visa options in Thailand, please contact us at [email protected].

Andreas Seela

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Andreas, Associate at FRANK Legal & Tax, is a licensed German lawyer with expertise in corporate/commercial, real estate, and tax law, and has been living and working in Thailand since 2023.