Thailand Introduces Visa for Digital Nomads with Stay Up to 5 Years

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Thailand has finally introduced a visa for digital nomads and remote workers dubbed the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), which allows long-term stays of up to five years.

However, the new visa will cover multiple entries into the country, with digital nomads able to stay for 180 consecutive days, or about six months at a time, for up to five years. Visa holders will have to leave and re-enter the country at the end of each 180 days to comply with the legal requirements.

Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Chai Wacharonke, said that the DTV is aimed at digital nomads, remote workers, and freelancers, as well as those who want to learn the country’s traditional boxing, Muay Thai, and Thai cuisine.

The government has not yet announced new qualifications for multiple entry. However, travelers will need to make a visa appointment at the Thai Embassy or apply online at the official Thai e-visa website to obtain the new visa. It is also stated that only citizens of certain countries can apply for a visa online. The cost of the new visa is 10,000 baht or about Rp4.5 million.

Thailand is a popular destination for digital nomads because of its stunning nature, tropical climate, vibrant nightlife, delicious street food, and relatively low cost of living.

In addition to the capital Bangkok and the popular mountain city of Chiang Mai, popular bases for digital nomads include the islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Samui and Hua Hin, a resort town just a few hours south of Bangkok.

Apart from extending the validity of the digital nomad visa, the government increased the number of countries eligible for visa-free entry from 57 to 93 and extended the stay limit for eligible tourists from 30 to 60 days. It has also introduced more lenient visa rules for retirees and postgraduate students. 

Thailand recorded 14.3 million foreign tourist visits from January to May 26 this year and is targeting 40 million foreign visitors in 2024.

EURONEWS | REUTERS | CONDE NEST TRAVELLER

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