Destination Thailand Visa (DTV): Key Facts

Table of Contents

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.

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

Benefits and Duration of the DTV

ThThe 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 in the country for another 180 days. The fee is likely 1,900 THB, though some official documents have mentioned a fee of 10,000 THB.
Do a “border run” (briefly leave and re-enter the country) to get a new 180-day stay. This option is free.

You are free to travel, exit, and re-enter Thailand as often as you like during the 5-year validity of your visa. After a continuous stay in Thailand for 360 days, you must leave the country for at least a short period before returning.

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
- 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
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

For a complete list of required documents and additional information, please visit the website of the specific Royal Thai embassy or consulate where you plan to apply. It is advisable to contact the consulate in advance to clarify all details and possible changes in the requirements.

Some consulates may require additional documents or impose specific conditions for visa applications. For example, consulates operating with the e-visa system typically require proof of residency or a long-term visa in the country where the application is being submitted, as well as evidence of residence in that country at the time of the application.

Examples of Additional Requirements:

Royal Thai Embassy in Moscow
For digital nomads, remote workers, and freelancers (Workcation subcategory), the embassy requires the submission of an income statement (Form 2-NDFL), a Russian tax return document proving income. This is currently the only consulate known to require proof of income, despite the official DTV rules not imposing such requirements.
Royal 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, such as a rental agreement. There is some ambiguity regarding whether the embassy requires an employment contract or proof of employment solely from an employer in Malaysia.
- 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.

These requirements may vary depending on the consulate and the applicant’s specific situation. Therefore, it is important to check the latest information on the official websites of the embassies and consulates.

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.

RW4U Interview on 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 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.

Essential Long-Term Visa Options in Thailand

 Thailand`s LTR Visa explained

Thailand’s Startup Visa (SMART S): Key Facts and Procedures

Personal Income Tax in Thailand