Thailand has introduced a new visa category, the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), to attract long-stay visitors, digital nomads, and remote workers seeking to combine work and leisure in Thailand.  The DTV is launched under the Notification of the Ministry of Interior Re: Permission for Foreigners to Stay in the Kingdom for Tourism and Remote Work as a Special Case dated 15 July 2024 and the Immigration Bureau Order No. 4/2568 Re: Updated Guidelines for Permitting Foreigners to Stay in the Kingdom for Tourism and Remote Work as a Special Case dated 13 January 2025.

The DTV is valid for 5 years allowing its holder to stay in Thailand of up to 180 days per entry with the possibility to extend for another period of 180 days.  The DTV is open to 3 categories of visitors:

1.   Long-term tourists;

2.   Remote workers, including:

•   Foreign talents: Individuals with high-level specialized professions, such as scientists, researchers, engineers, and corporate executives;

•   Digital nomads/freelancers: Such as bloggers, YouTubers, programmers, freelance writers, photographers, and video editors; and

•   Remote employees: Employees of foreign companies working from home (WFH), for example, accountants, customer service, customer support, IT support, and recruiters.

3.   Individuals engaging in other eligible activities, such as learning Muay Thai and self-defense, cooking classes, sports training and practice, medical treatment, training courses and seminars, and art and music exhibitions.

The key requirements and steps for obtaining the DTV include:

1.   Applying for and obtaining the DTV from a Royal Thai Embassy or a Thai Consulate abroad.

2.   Providing financial evidence or proof of financial support of no less than THB500,000.

3.   Presenting documentary evidence confirming employment or the intended activities.

4.   Paying a one-time fee of THB10,000 for DTV application.

The dependents of DTV holders, such as a lawful spouse or children under 20 years of age, may also apply for a corresponding visa to stay in Thailand.

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