Thailand's 5-Year Digital Nomad Visa
Many people have dubbed 2024 as the year of Digital Nomad Visas. Month after month, we've seen new digital nomad visa announcements worldwide, and I can hardly keep up.
But Thailand has pulled out all the stops to make itself as attractive as possible to digital nomads. The ‘Destination Thailand Visa’ (DTV), launched on June 1, enables remote workers to stay in the country for up to 5 years!! 😱
I was working from a remote island in Thailand just earlier this year
Here's everything you need to know about Thailand's new Digital Nomad Visa.
What Is the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)?
Thailand’s new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is a game-changing option for digital nomads. Launched in 2024 and active from July 15, the DTV is a five-year, multiple-entry visa that allows remote workers, freelancers, and online entrepreneurs to legally live in Thailand while working for non-Thai companies.
Each entry under the DTV allows you to stay in Thailand for up to 180 days. You can extend your stay once per entry for another 180 days, meaning you could potentially remain in the country for up to 360 consecutive days. After exiting and re-entering, the 180-day cycle resets, and you can repeat this process throughout the visa’s five-year validity.
Overview
Visa Duration: 5 years
Visa Type: Multiple entry
Length of Stay per Entry: 180 days
Obtainable From: A Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate or online through Thailand’s official e-visa website
Minimum Age for Primary Visa Holder: 20 years old
Option to Include Family: Yes
What Is the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)?
Thailand’s new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is a game-changing option for digital nomads. Launched in 2024 and active from July 15, the DTV is a five-year, multiple-entry visa that allows remote workers, freelancers, and online entrepreneurs to legally live in Thailand while working for non-Thai companies.
Each entry under the DTV allows you to stay in Thailand for up to 180 days. You can extend your stay once per entry for another 180 days, meaning you could potentially remain in the country for up to 360 consecutive days. After exiting and re-entering, the 180-day cycle resets, and you can repeat this process throughout the visa’s five-year validity.
Who is Eligible?
To apply for the Digital Nomad Visa, you need to:
Be employed by a company outside Thailand, or be a freelancer with clients based abroad.
Show proof of a minimum monthly income or sufficient savings to support your stay (amount of no less than 50,000 THB - differs by embassy).
Who Can Apply and What Are the Requirements?
To be eligible for the DTV, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Be at least 20 years old
Work remotely for a non-Thai employer or be self-employed serving international clients
Show proof of at least ฿500,000 (~USD $13,600) in bank savings or consistent income
Hold valid health insurance that covers their time in Thailand
Provide proof of accommodation and a valid passport
The application fee for the visa is around ฿10,000 (approximately $270–300 USD). It’s available to citizens of many countries, with specific application processes depending on your nationality.
Application Process
The application process is straightforward and can be completed online or in person.
You can visit the Royal Thai Embassy or the Royal Thai General Consulate in your country of employment (of which you must also be a resident).
You can also apply online through the Thai e-Visa portal. Keep in mind that while this is done online, your application will still go through your local embassy, so you must also do this from your country of residence.
What You Can—and Can’t—Do on the DTV
What you can do:
Live and work remotely from anywhere in Thailand
Engage in activities like learning Thai cooking, Muay Thai, wellness retreats, or cultural experiences
Include your spouse and children (under 20) as dependents under your visa
What you can’t do:
Work for or provide services to Thai companies or clients
Hold a local job or apply for a Thai work permit
Receive Thai-sourced income without triggering tax obligations or legal issues
This visa is intended solely for people earning income from outside of Thailand.
Benefits of Thailand’s 5-Year Digital Nomad Visa
Long stays with flexibility: Stay up to 180 days per entry, and extend once per entry, allowing for nearly a full year without needing to reapply.
Use it for five years: Multiple entries over five years give you unmatched freedom compared to typical tourist or education visas.
Family inclusion: Bring your spouse and children with you under the same visa program.
No local tax on foreign income: As long as your income is earned outside Thailand and not remitted into a Thai bank during the same year, you won’t be taxed locally.
No work permit needed: You can work remotely for foreign clients or companies without needing to apply for a Thai work permit.
How to Apply for the DTV
Ready to make Thailand your remote base? Here’s how to apply:
Ensure eligibility: Confirm you meet age, income, and employment criteria.
Gather required documents: This includes bank statements, proof of remote work or freelance contracts, accommodation booking, valid passport, and health insurance.
Apply through a Thai embassy or e-visa portal: Depending on your nationality, you may apply online or at your nearest Thai consulate.
Pay the visa fee: Expect to pay around ฿10,000 (USD $270–300).
Submit your TDAC (Thai Digital Arrival Card) before arrival. This is mandatory for all visitors starting May 2025.
Enter Thailand and activate your visa: At immigration, present your approved visa and TDAC confirmation.
Track your stay: Remember, you’re allowed 180 days per entry with the option to extend once. You can leave and re-enter to begin a new 180-day period.
Once you have your visa and are in Thailand, you can extend your stay by an additional 180 days, allowing you to stay in Thailand for nearly a year without having to leave and return.
Who can say no to working with this view?
Thailand's Digital Nomad Visa seems fairly straightforward to obtain and opens up a world of possibilities for remote workers.
With its beautiful landscapes, affordable living, vibrant culture, and delicious FOOD (!!), Thailand is amongst one of my favourites for remote work.
But first, you'll need a remote job!
And looking for a remote job can be hard, but you don't have to do it alone…
Join a supportive community of “Rebels” navigating the remote job search journey with you.
YES! TAKE ME THERE!
Stay rebellious,
Michelle
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