Thailand Digital Nomad Visa: Eligibility, Requirements and Application Process
Thailand has long been a favorite destination for digital nomads, offering a mix of lush green forests in the north, stunning beaches in the south, delicious food, a reasonable cost of living, and a well-developed tourism infrastructure that makes it easy for foreign travelers to explore.
Now, Thailand is taking it a step further by introducing an official digital nomad visa, designed for remote workers and long-term visitors who want to work while enjoying the country’s vibrant culture and landscapes.
Let’s dive into the features of Thailand’s digital nomad visa, including eligibility, requirements, and how to apply.
Contents
- Thailand Digital Nomad Visa: Eligibility, Requirements and Application Process
- A Quick Summary of Thailand Digital Nomad Visa
- Thailand’s New Digital Nomad Visa: Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
- Thailand Digital Nomad Visa Duration
- Eligibility to Apply for DTV
- Requirements for Thailand Digital Nomad Visa (DTV)
- How to Apply for Thailand’s Digital Nomad Visa
- Thailand DTV Visa for Digital Nomads – Is it Worth Getting it?
- Attention Travelers: Thailand’s New Digital Arrival Card!
- Thailand Digital Nomad Visa Frequently Asked Questions
- Discussions about Thailand Digital Nomad Visa on Reddit
- Other Long-Term Visa options in Thailand for Remote Workers
- Thailand Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR)
- Thailand Smart Visa
A Quick Summary of Thailand Digital Nomad Visa
Eligibility:
- Age over 20 years old
- Remote workers and Individuals pursuing long-term activities like Thai cooking classes, music festivals, Muay Thai training, and medical treatments
- Spouses and children
Visa Duration:
- Valid for five years from the date of issuance
- Allows 360 consecutive days stay (180 days + extended 180 days) per entry
- Unlimited multiple entries during the validity period
Requirements:
- Savings of at least THB 500,000
- A foreign employment contract or a professional portfolio, a letter of acceptance from institute organizing activities, or a medical center appointment letter (depends on your purpose)
Thailand’s New Digital Nomad Visa: Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
On July 15, 2024, the Thai government launched a digital nomad visa to allow remote workers and long-term visitors to stay in Thailand while working remotely.
Officially named the “Destination Thailand Visa” (DTV), this visa enables eligible individuals to stay in Thailand for up to 360 consecutive days per entry (with an extension included).
Beyond remote workers, the DTV is also available to those engaging in activities such as Thai cooking classes, music festivals, Muay Thai training, sports programs, or even medical treatments, making it a versatile option for various long-term stays in Thailand.
Thailand Digital Nomad Visa Duration
- Valid for 5 years, with a maximum stay of 360 days per entry
The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) offers remarkable flexibility and convenience for long-term visitors and remote workers. It is valid for five years from the date of issuance, ensuring ample time to enjoy Thailand’s culture, landscapes, and lifestyle.
Each entry under the DTV allows for a 360-day consecutive stay, which is broken into an initial 180 days with the option to extend for another 180 days through Thailand’s Immigration Office. This structure provides digital nomads and long-term visitors with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the country without frequent renewals.
Moreover, the DTV permits unlimited multiple entries during its five-year validity period. This feature allows visa holders to travel in and out of Thailand as often as needed, making it ideal for those balancing a remote lifestyle with international commitments.
Upcoming Events: August & December 2025
Get 10% Discount with code TDNABM
Eligibility to Apply for DTV
- Over 20 years old, remote workers with foreign income, or participants in designated activities
The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is open to a diverse range of individuals, catering to various lifestyles and needs. To be eligible, applicants must be over 20 years old, ensuring the program is geared toward adults seeking long-term opportunities in Thailand.
While the visa is a great fit for remote workers who want to live and work in Thailand, its scope extends far beyond that. The DTV welcomes individuals pursuing long-term “Thai Soft Power Activities” such as Thai cooking classes, music festivals, Muay Thai training, sports programs, or undergoing medical treatments.
In addition to primary applicants, the visa also accommodates spouses and children of DTV holders. This inclusivity allows families to stay together while taking advantage of the benefits the program offers, making it an ideal choice for both individuals and families seeking a meaningful long-term stay in Thailand.
Requirements for Thailand Digital Nomad Visa (DTV)
- Proof of over THB 500K in savings, a proof of employement/contract
To apply, you need to show proof of savings of at least THB 500,000 (approximately USD 15,000) to demonstrate financial stability during your stay. You’ll also be required to provide documents verifying your current location and proof of employment. The overall requirements are relatively accessible for digital nomads, especially since there is no high monthly income threshold like in many other countries.
The required documents for a Digital Nomad (Workcation) Visa are as follows:
- Passport: Must be valid for at least six months and include two blank visa pages.
- Visa Application Form: Fully completed and signed (the signature must match the one on the passport)
- Photograph: Taken within the past six months
- Document Indicating Current Location
- Bank Statement: Proof of a balance of at least THB 500,000 for the last three months
- Proof of Employment:
- Company Employees: Certificate of employment
- Business Owners: Company registration documents
- Freelancers: Contracts with clients and/or a professional portfolio
How to Apply for Thailand’s Digital Nomad Visa
The application fee is approximately 400 USD but may vary slightly depending on the location of your application.
You can submit your application at a Thai embassy, consulate, or online through the Thai eVisa website.
Thailand DTV Visa for Digital Nomads – Is it Worth Getting it?
Thailand’s DTV is a great visa for digital nomads, it allows long term stay, and its flexibility is unparalleled, making it stand out from all other digital nomad visas in Asia—there’s simply no comparison.
The visa is valid for 5 years, which is quite a long duration. However, it’s important to note that each entry allows you to stay in Thailand for up to 180 days. This stay can be extended by another 180 days, meaning you can technically remain in Thailand for 360 days without leaving the country.
One of the great advantages is that once you leave Thailand, you can return and stay for another 180 days (plus the extendable 180 days), as long as your visa remains valid.
There is no strict income requirement; instead, you need to show savings of over THB 500,000 for the last 3 months. You may also be asked to provide proof of income along with proof of employment or a professional portfolio. However, compared to the typical income requirements for digital nomad visas in other Asian countries, the financial criteria are relatively attainable for many remote workers.
Thailand’s Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) should be a straightforward process, but if you’re uncertain about any part of it, you might consider using a legal service for support.
If you’re a remote worker looking to live in Thailand long-term, the DTV is definitely a worthwhile option to consider.
Attention Travelers: Thailand’s New Digital Arrival Card!
If you’re heading to Thailand, there’s a new step to know! Starting May 1, 2025, all visitors need to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arrival.
It’s simple — just fill it out within three days before your trip. Once you submit it, you’ll get a confirmation email to show at immigration with your passport.
Thailand Digital Nomad Visa Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Thailand offers a digital nomad visa known as the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). It is intended for remote workers, freelancers, and online business owners who earn income from outside Thailand and wish to live in the country temporarily.
The Destination Thailand Visa is valid for five years. Each entry allows a stay of up to 180 days, which can be extended once for an additional 180 days. This means you can stay up to 360 consecutive days per entry.
There is no specific monthly income requirement. However, applicants must show proof of at least 500,000 THB in savings. Remote workers also need to provide documentation such as employment letters or freelance contracts to verify they are earning income from abroad.
The application fee for the Destination Thailand Visa is 10,000 THB. This fee is required at the time of application, whether you apply online or through a Thai Embassy or Consulate. The fee is non-refundable, even if the visa is not granted.
Holders of the Destination Thailand Visa are not subject to Thai income tax, even if they stay up to one year. As long as the income is earned from outside Thailand, visa holders are not considered tax residents and are not required to engage with the Thai tax system.
Discussions about Thailand Digital Nomad Visa on Reddit
Will the new Thai ‘digital nomad visa’ allow continual stays? from r/digitalnomad
The Reddit thread discusses whether Thailand’s Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) permits long-term residence. Users clarify that while the visa allows a 180-day stay with one possible extension, continuous living would require leaving once a year. People also discuss visa requirements, embassy inconsistencies, and potential tax obligations for stays over 180 days.
Other Long-Term Visa options in Thailand for Remote Workers
In addition to the DTV, which is likely the most suitable option for the majority of digital nomads, Thailand offers several other visa types that allow foreigners to stay in the country for an extended period. These options cater to a variety of needs, including remote workers, retirees, investors and entrepreneurs.
Thailand Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR)
Thailand’s LTR visa permits a stay of up to 10 years and offers the flexibility of multiple entries. It is tailored for wealthy individuals, retirees, expert professionals in targeted industries, and remote workers employed by well-established overseas companies.
The Work-From-Thailand Professionals category of LTR requirements are as follows:
- Income Requirement: Annual income of at least 80,000 USD for the past two years.
- Health Insurance: Must have health insurance with a minimum coverage of 50,000 USD, or a minimum savings of 100,000 USD.
- Proof of Employment: Employed by a publicly listed company or a company that has been operating for at least three years with a total revenue of at least 1.5 million USD over the past three years.
- Work Experience: At least five years of professional experience in a field related to your current job within the past 10 years.
This visa is specifically designed for remote workers with a high income who are employed by well-established companies. It offers a unique opportunity for professionals meeting these criteria to live and work in Thailand.
Thailand Smart Visa
Thailand’s Smart Visa program is designed to attract highly skilled professionals, investors, senior executives, and startup entrepreneurs to work or invest in the country’s targeted industries. These industries include Next-Generation Automotive, Smart Electronics, Affluent, Medical and Wellness Tourism, Agriculture and Biotechnology, among others.
The Smart Visa offers privileges such as a maximum 4-year stay, exemption from work permit requirements, and additional privileges.
The Smart Visa is categorized into five types:
- Smart T (Talent): For highly skilled professionals with a minimum monthly salary of 100,000 Baht and an employment contract valid for at least one year in companies operating within the targeted industries.
- Smart I (Investor): For investors who make a minimum direct investment of 20 million Baht in technology-based companies within the targeted industries.
- Smart E (Executive): For senior executives holding at least a bachelor’s degree with 10 years of work experience, earning a minimum monthly salary of 200,000 Baht, and having an employment contract valid for at least one year in companies within the targeted industries.
- Smart S (Startup): For entrepreneurs intending to establish startups in the targeted industries, requiring a deposit of at least 600,000 Baht, participation in an endorsed incubation or accelerator program, and the establishment of a company within one year with at least 25% ownership.
- Smart O (Other): For spouses and children of Smart Visa holders, allowing them to reside and work in Thailand without the need for a work permit.
Each category has specific qualifications and criteria that applicants must meet to be eligible for the Smart Visa. Detailed information on the application process and requirements can be found on the official Smart Visa website.
As you see, this visa is tailored more for tech entrepreneurs who want to work in Thailand, rather than for digital nomads. However, if you’re an eligible digital nomad who has fallen in love with Thailand, it’s worth knowing that this opportunity exists.
