Destination Thailand Visa (DTV): Key Facts

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DTV Officially Launched

Great news for digital nomads, remote workers, and long-term tourists! Thailand has officially launched the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). The official announcement was published in the Royal Gazette on July 15.

Information on the DTV is currently available on some Thai embassy and consulate websites, as well as through the official e-visa system. It is expected to be widely accessible on all Thai consulate and embassy websites soon.

New Visa Measures July 2024 4 — Thai MFA Infographics on DTV

Key Information

The DTV is a new visa that allows foreigners to stay in Thailand for both work and tourism purposes. It’s ideal for digital nomads, freelancers, and anyone interested in extended stays for various activities. This visa provides the flexibility to live and work in Thailand, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a longer-term stay.

Key Benefits and Duration

The DTV is a multiple-entry visa valid for 5 years from the date of issue. Each time you enter Thailand, you can stay for up to 180 days. After 180 days, you have two options:

Extend your stay within the country for an additional 180 days by paying 10,000 THB.
Do a border run (briefly leave and re-enter the country) to reset your stay for another 180 days.

You are free to travel, exit, and re-enter Thailand as often as you like during the 5-year visa period. After staying in Thailand continuously for 360 days, you must leave the country for at least one day before returning.

This flexibility allows you to manage your travel and stay in Thailand conveniently without worrying about overstaying.ess as often as you like during the 5-year validity of your visa.

Who Can Apply?

The DTV is available for:

Workcation:
- Digital nomads, remote workers, foreign talents and freelancers.
Thai Soft Power Activities:
- Participants in activities such as Muay Thai, cooking classes, sports training, medical treatment, seminars, or music festivals.
Family Members:
- Main applicants must be aged 20 and above.
- Spouses and children (under 20) of DTV holders can also apply.

Visa Requirements

To apply for the DTV, you need to:

Demonstrate Proof of Funds:
- At least 500,000 THB (approximately $13,850) in your bank account.
- Provide bank statements.
- Note: Some consulates have different requirements:
  - Washington D.C. Embassy: at least $16,000.
  - Phnom Penh Embassy: at least $15,000.
- Check with your specific consulate for current requirements.
Provide Evidence of Your Reason for Visiting:
- Workcation:
  - Submit an employment contract, employment certificate, or professional portfolio showcasing digital nomad, remote worker, foreign talent, or freelancer status.
- Thai Soft Power Activities:
  - Include a letter of acceptance from the institute or company organizing the activities, or an appointment letter from a hospital/medical center.
- Family Members:
  - Provide proof of relationship to the DTV holder (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate, certificate of adoption).
Submit Other Required Documents:
- Passport or travel documents.
- Completed visa application form.
- Recent photograph.
- Document indicating current location (e.g., driving license, bank statement, or proof of stay).

For a detailed list of required documents and additional information, please visit the website of the specific Royal Thai embassy or consulate where you plan to apply.

The Thai Embassy in Moscow, in addition to other documents for obtaining a DTV, requires digital nomads, remote workers, and freelancers (Workcation subcategory) to provide an income statement (Form 2-NDFL), a Russian tax return document proving income.

The official DTV rules do not impose income requirements, and as we know, currently this is the only consulate requiring proof of income.

Some embassies/consulates require residence status in the country of application. For example, the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington requires non-US citizens to provide additional documents:

Residence Documentation:
- A copy of the permanent resident alien card or a valid US visa (at least 6 months validity).
Proof of Employment:
- A letter confirming position and work status, hand-signed by the authorized HR Department or Manager (pay stubs not accepted).
For Students:
- A letter proving full-time student status (I-20).
For Self-employed Individuals:
- A business license or business registration indicating the applicant’s name.

Additional Requirements at the Roayal Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur

On July 23, 2024, the Royal Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur announced that DTV applications are now being accepted.

Visa applicants from the Workcation subcategory must provide proof of “prolonged residence” in Thailand as an additional requirement (see item 5).

There is some ambiguity in item 7 — does the embassy require an employment contract or proof of employment solely from an employer in Malaysia?

Application Process and Costs

You can apply for the DTV at Thai Embassies or Consulates worldwide, or online via the Thai e-visa system, depending on your passport and location.

The initial visa fee is 10,000 THB. However, fees may vary by location, as each consulate applies its own fees in different currencies (e.g., USD 400 in the US and Cambodia, GBP 300 in the UK, EUR 350 in EU countries such as Germany, France, and Belgium, USD 350 in Russia, MYR 1,600 in Malaysia, USD 340 in Vietnam, CAD 650 in Canada, HKD 3,000 in Hong Kong, and IDR 5,600,000 in Indonesia, etc.).

Extending your stay within Thailand costs 10,000 THB.

Working in Thailand

DTV holders are allowed to work for overseas companies without needing a work permit, as this aligns with the eligibility provisions and nature of the visa. Under Thai law, obtaining a work permit is only available if working for a Thai employer.

If DTV holders wish to work for a Thai employer, they must first switch to another suitable visa (typically a non-immigrant B visa) and then obtain a work permit.

Taxation

Currently, there is no information indicating special tax treatment for DTV holders. Standard Thai taxation rules will apply. We recommend consulting with a tax professional for specific advice on your situation.

90 Days Reporting

DTV holders must report their address to immigration every 90 days as required by Section 37 of the Immigration Act.

Evaluating the DTV Visa: How It Outshines Traditional Thai Visas

Let’s reflect on which visas have lost value with the introduction of the DTV:

Startup Visa (SMART-S) – has largely become redundant, with DTV offering a more attractive alternative for most potential applicants.

Thailand Privilege – has significantly lost its appeal, especially for 5-year memberships.

LTR Work-From-Thailand category – The DTV visa has become a serious competitor. Tax benefits and common misunderstandings about what constitutes foreign income may help maintain the appeal of LTR Work-From-Thailand. Other LTR categories will continue to be attractive.

Education Visas – impact varies by situation, but many will likely prefer to switch to DTV. This will adversely affect the “visa mills” business.

Retirement, Family, and Guardian Visas – impact depends on individual circumstances, but many may want to transition to DTV.

Tourist Visas and Visa/Border Runs – Standard tourist visas have largely lost relevance due to the new extended visa-free regime. Many who rely on visa/border runs will likely prefer to switch to DTV, impacting related businesses.

Conclusion

The DTV significantly simplifies the process for digital nomads and long-term visitors to stay in Thailand, making it a compelling choice over traditional visas.

For more details or to apply, visit the official e-visa system website or contact your nearest Thai embassy or consulate.

Stay tuned for updates on the DTV program as we continue to monitor any changes or new developments.

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