Thailand | Immigration | Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)

1.   Purpose of visit

1.   For foreigners who wish to travel and work remotely in Thailand

1.1   Foreigners looking for an extended vacation and wishing to work remotely in Thailand e.g. digital nomads/remote workers/foreign talents/freelancers.

1.2   Foreigners interested in Thai soft power related activities e.g. Thai boxing (Muay Thai) and self-defense techniques, cooking classes, sports training sessions, medical treatments, educational seminars, and art & music exhibitions.

2.   Spouse and children under 20 years old of DTV visa holders

4.  Duration of stays

Stay up to 180 days per visit, with unlimited entries allowed within a

5-year period.

Once the expatriates reach the 180 days limit, they can apply for an extension of additional 180 days (subject to an extra fee). After extending the stay (totaling 360 days), they must exit Thailand and re-enter with their valid DTV Visa.

5.  Where to apply?

Royal Thai Embassy or Royal Thai Consulate-General in your area or https://www.thaievisa.go.th/

6.  Requested documents regarding the DTV Visa

1.   Biodata page of Passport or Travel Document

2.   Photograph taken within the last six months

3.   Document indicating current location e.g. driving license, bank statement, or proof of stay

4.   Financial evidence: amount of no less than 500,000 THB, e.g. bank statements, sponsorship letter

7.  Other supporting documents

Group 1: Foreign remote workers, digital nomads, and freelancers

Supporting documents: Employment contract/ employment certificate from your foreign company, or a professional portfolio showing your freelancer work, etc.

Group 2: Thai Soft Power activities

Supporting documents: Proof of confirmation to attend such activities in Thailand or an appointment from a hospital/medical center, etc.

Group 3: Dependent of Primary DTV Holder (Spouse and Child not over 20 years old)

Supporting documents: Marriage certificate, birth certificate, or certificate of adoption.

8.     Fee

The DTV fee is Baht 10,000 and may vary depending on the embassy in each country. We recommend checking with the Thai embassy where you will apply.  Visa extensions can be processed in Thailand with a fee payment

9.     Other points to note

1.    The DTV holders and their spouse can later convert their DTV visas to a Non-Immigration Business visa if they decide to work with a Thai company.

2.   DTV holders and their spouse who stay in Thailand for more than 90 days must report their place of residence to the immigration office every 90 days.

3.   This may give rise to Thai personal income tax obligation if DTV holders derive income from their duties in Thailand.  Tax exemption may be available. Detailed analysis of each case is recommended.

4.   More importantly, if expatriates are Thai tax resident i.e. stay 180 days or more in Thailand in each calendar year, their non-Thai source income would be subject to Thai personal income tax upon bringing it into Thailand.