What is the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)?
The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is a new visa that allows foreigners to stay in Thailand for both work and tourism purposes. The official announcement was published in the Royal Gazette on July 15, 2024. DTV is designed for digital nomads, freelancers, and tourists interested in extended stays for various purposes. Information on the DTV is widely available on Thai embassy and consulate websites, as well as through the official e-visa system.
Key Benefits of the DTV
• 5-Year Validity: Multiple-entry visa valid for five years.
• Flexible Stays: Each entry allows a stay of up to 180 days.
• Option to extend for an additional 180 days (fee: likely 1,900 THB).
• Alternatively, re-enter for a new 180-day period without fees.
• Travel Freedom: Unlimited entries and exits during the visa’s validity.
• Requirement: Leave Thailand briefly after 360 consecutive days.This flexibility allows you to manage your travel and stay in Thailand conveniently without worrying about overstaying.
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.
General Requirements for DTV Application
To apply for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), you will need:
- Proof of Financial Stability:
- A minimum of 500,000 THB (approximately $13,850) in your bank account.
- Provide bank statements.
- Note: Requirements may vary by consulate, for example:
- Washington D.C. Embassy: at least $16,000.
- Phnom Penh Embassy: at least $15,000.
- Please check with your specific consulate for current requirements.
- Evidence of Purpose of Visit:
- For Workcation (digital nomads, remote workers, foreign talents, or freelancers):
- One of the following documents:
- Employment contract
- Employment certificate
- Professional portfolio
- One of the following documents:
- For Thai Soft Power Activities:
- A letter of acceptance from the institute or company organizing the activities, or an appointment letter from a hospital/medical center.
- For Family Members:
- Documents proving the relationship to the DTV holder, such as:
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Adoption certificate
- Documents proving the relationship to the DTV holder, such as:
- For Workcation (digital nomads, remote workers, foreign talents, or freelancers):
- Standard Documents:
- Passport or travel document
- Completed visa application form
- Recent photograph
- Document indicating your current residence or stay in the country (e.g., driving license, bank statement, or proof of stay)
Additional Requirements from Various Consulates
Some Royal Thai embassies and consulates may require additional documents or impose specific conditions for visa applications. For example, consulates using the e-visa system often ask for proof of residency or a long-term visa in the applicant’s country of residence, along with evidence of residence at the time of application.
Examples of Additional Requirements:
Royal Thai Embassy in Moscow: For digital nomads, remote workers, and freelancers (Workcation subcategory), this embassy requires the submission of an income statement (Form 2-NDFL), a Russian tax return, to verify income. It is currently the only consulate known to request a tax return, despite the official DTV rules not requiring it.
Royal Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur: Applicants in the Workcation subcategory must submit:
- Proof of prolonged residence in Thailand for at least six months, such as a rental or lease agreement.
- A foreign employment contract or employment certificate authenticated by the embassy of the country where the employer is based.
- A copy of the company’s registration or business license, authenticated by the embassy where the company is located.
As the specific requirements can vary by consulate and individual circumstances, always check the consulate’s official website for the latest information.
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, the fees may vary depending on the location, as each consulate sets its own fees in different currencies. For example, 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. Notably, the visa fee in New Zealand is a record high at 2,000 NZD, approximately 42,550 THB!
The extension of stay within Thailand will likely cost the standard 1,900 THB. However, some official documents previously mentioned a fee of 10,000 baht.
Working in Thailand for DTV Holders
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.
Tax Implications for DTV Visa Holders
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 Requirement for DTV Holders
DTV holders must report their address to immigration every 90 days as required by Section 37 of the Immigration Act.
Interview with the Deputy Director-General of the Consular Department, Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Video blogger Chris Parker (Retired Working For You or RW4U) conducted an interview on YouTube with Mr. Naruchai Ninnad, Deputy Director-General of the Consular Department of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, regarding the DTV.
Mr. Ninnad clarified several questions that many people had:
- A 5-year multiple-entry visa, with no limit on the number of entries.
- Each entry allows a stay of 180 days, which can be extended for an additional 180 days without leaving the country.
- Every new entry grants another 180 days of stay, which can also be extended for another 180 days.
- There is no fee for the new 180 days upon entry.
- The extension at the immigration office is likely to cost 1900 baht.
- Upon extension, DTV holders may be required to provide proof of the grounds for visa issuance (e.g., present a portfolio).
Evaluating the DTV Visa: How It Outshines Traditional Thai Visas
Let’s reflect on how the introduction of the DTV may affect other visas and which ones may lose value.
Startup Visa (SMART-S) – With the arrival of the DTV, this visa has become less relevant for many applicants, although it may still be useful for specific types of startups.
Thailand Privilege – The five-year Gold Card visa has lost its appeal for some due to its cost (900,000 THB). However, the Thailand Privilege program remains attractive to wealthy individuals because of its ease of application and simplicity. It will likely stay relevant, especially if the DTV comes with additional requirements or hurdles.
LTR Work-From-Thailand category – The DTV presents serious competition for this category. However, tax benefits and common misunderstandings about what qualifies as foreign income may help maintain the appeal of LTR Work-From-Thailand. Other LTR categories will continue to be in demand.
Education Visas – The impact of the DTV on education visas will vary depending on individual circumstances, but many will likely switch to the DTV. This shift could negatively affect the “visa mills” that rely on education visas for profit.
Retirement, Family, and Guardian Visas – The impact of the DTV on these visas will depend on the personal situation of each applicant. Some might find the DTV a more convenient option, but these visas will still be relevant for many.
Tourist Visas and Visa/Border Runs – Standard tourist visas have lost much of their value due to the extended visa-free regime. Many who rely on visa or border runs are likely to switch to the DTV, which could negatively affect businesses related to such practices.
Conclusion
The DTV greatly simplifies the process for digital nomads and long-term visitors to stay in Thailand, making it a compelling alternative to traditional visas.
For more details or to apply, visit the official e-visa system website or contact your nearest Thai embassy or consulate.
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