How to get Thailand's Destination Thailand Visa: A step-by-step guide
A digital nomad demonstrates how he got his DTV Visa in just ten days
HAVE YOU HEARD about Thailand's new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) that dropped in July ‘24? It’s crazy good! It offers remote workers like me an opportunity to stay longer in one of the world's most beautiful (and one of my favourite) countries.
With the DTV, digital nomads can live and work in Thailand for up to six months at a time, with multiple entries over five years.
Here's how you can get it, based on guidance from my friend Luke Poulson, Partnerships Ops Manager at the insure-tech company SafetyWing, who landed his DTV in just ten days straight.
What is the Thai DTV Visa?
The DTV is designed for digital nomads, freelancers, and remote workers who want to make Thailand a base. It’s also ideal if you wanna study Thai language, sharpen your muay Thai skills, or learn to cook Thai food.
Unlike traditional visas, the DTV gives you multiple entries and extended stays, catering specifically to the needs of modern professionals like me and Luke who love being nomadic but want extended periods of time in Thailand.
How to apply for the Thai DTV Visa
Step 1: Prep your documents
Before starting your application, gather all necessary documents. You'll need:
A valid passport
A recent photograph (here’s a handy how-to)
Proof of income (minimum 500,000 THB / $15,000 USD)
Employment contract and/or portfolio
A letter from your company detailing your role and income (if you’re a freelancer, this can be a letter you write to your Embassy yourself detailing the work you do)
Tips: Ensure photos are in JPEG format. And merge all supporting documents into single PDF files where possible because it will only let you upload one doc per request. Eg, for proof of income, combine all your bank statements or savings account details into one.
Step 2: Create an account on the E-Visa website
Visit the official Thai e-visa website. Create an account and log in.
Tip: Be prepared to navigate a challenging CAPTCHA here!
Step 3: Start a new application
From your dashboard, start a new application:
Select your country and the consulate.
Choose the DTV and specify the purpose of your visit (Luke chose "Workation").
Fill out your personal information, including your permanent address (outside Thailand), occupation, and company details.
Step 4: Upload your photo and supporting documents
Upload a recent photo taken within the last six months. Follow the guidelines strictly to avoid rejection.
Tip: Again, merge all supporting documents into single files where possible to streamline the process.
Step 5: Pay the Visa fee
Once all documents are uploaded, pay the visa fee (around 10,000 THB / $300 USD) and you’re golden.
Tip: You may need to log out and back in to find the payment link. Ensure you complete this step, as your application won't progress without payment.
What to expect during the Thai DTV Visa application process
Luke's experience highlighted some quirks:
Initial expectations: Luke anticipated a more demanding process similar to long-term tourist visas, with worries about vague paperwork descriptions and potential rejections, but this didn’t happen!
Actual process: The application process was relatively straightforward. The biggest surprise was the need to re-upload a clearer photograph (iPhone pics are fine, just don’t take a photo of a photo).
Response time: The Thai Visa agency responded quickly for additional documents. The overall process took about ten working days from start to finish.
Benefits of the Thai DTV Visa
With the Thai DTV Visa, you can:
Stay in Thailand for up to six months at a time, with multiple entries.
Work legally for companies outside of Thailand.
Bring your legally-married spouse and/or unmarried children under 20 (they will each need to submit their own DTV application).
Avoid frequent visa runs or extensions.
Invest more of your time in exploring Thai culture, language, and its wonderful community.
Potential challenges
Luke pointed out that while the DTV Visa opens many doors, there is potential for it to lead to an influx of nomads or high-earning remote professionals that could drive up rent prices and impact local culture. And being mindful and respectful of Thailand’s cultural nuances is obviously really important.
With that said, if you’re ready, you can visit the official Thai e-visa website to start your DTV application now.
Destination Thailand Visa alternatives
If the DTV doesn't suit you, consider these other two long-term visa alternatives:
Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa
The Thai LTR Visa allows you to stay in Thailand for an entire 10 years without needing to leave. Additionally, the Work-From-Thailand category exempts you from being taxed on foreign income from your employment, making it a convenient and uninterrupted option for remote work.
Thailand Elite Visa
The Thailand Elite Visa is a long-term tourist visa with four exclusive membership packages, offering stays from 5 to 20 years. Though more costly than the DTV, the Elite Visa application is simpler, with no age, financial, or employment requirements—just a one-time payment. You can also include family members beyond just your spouse and children.
The Elite Visa provides special privileges and VIP services. Benefits include access to a personal assistant, fast-track immigration lanes at airports, and discounts at leading restaurants. Additionally, the Privilege Points system allows you to earn and spend points on various perks, offering flexibility in choosing the benefits you value most.
Disclaimer: I wrote this post on 6 August 2024. Some of this could be out of date by the time you read it so you should defo do your own research—and I’m defo not giving professional advice 🙂
A quick word about Luke’s company SafetyWing and how it can help you
The internet has freed people to choose where they live, work, and build communities. But national infrastructure hasn’t kept pace with the changing needs of nomads and remote workers.
SafetyWing’s products—designed by fully remote teams—include health and insurance for remote companies and remote workers worldwide, as a replacement for national welfare systems. I use their travel insurance. It gives me affordable worldwide coverage I can turn on and off when I choose. You can get it here.
Thanks, see you soon
—Harrison
