Thailand Introduces Destination Thailand Visa for Digital Nomads & Remote Workers

Authorities in Thailand have announced the introduction of the new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) dedicated to digital nomads and remote workers.

The new changes come as part of efforts to boost the tourism sector, VisaGuide.World reports.

The DVS visa will be valid for a period of five years and permit internationals to stay in Thailand for more than 180 days within a year. In addition, holders of this visa can extend their stay once for a maximum of 180 days by paying an additional fee of 10,000 baht.

In order to qualify for the new visa, applicants must be at least 20 years old and prove financial reserves of $13,650 (500,000) baht throughout their stay in Thailand.

The new visa allows its holders to stay in Thailand and work remotely for companies or clients located in other countries. Applicants should be aware that working for a Thai company would require holding a work permit in the country.

The fee for the Destination Thailand Visa is 10,000 baht, however further details regarding the visa are yet to be announced.

However, the DTV visa is not the same as the Long Term Residence Visa (LTV) of Thailand, the “Work-from-Thailand” visa known as the digital nomad visa. The Digital Nomad Visa of Thailand requires applicants a minimum average income of $80,000 and health insurance.

In addition to that, internationals are also required to hold a valid employment contract with a company with a minimum combined revenue of $150 million for the last three years.

The Thailand digital nomad visa is highly selective and has stringent restrictions, in contrast to other accessible options. 

Last year, authorities in Thailand announced that from 2023 would start taxing all international income, especially income from crypto trading, of all those residing in the country for up to 180 days.

Visa Extension Stays for Remote Workers to Boost Tourism

Authorities in Thailand have taken several measures to help the country’s economy by making improvements in the tourism sector.

From January until May 26, this year, Thailand welcomed a total of 14.3 million tourists, according to a Reuters report. In addition, the country attempts to attract a total of 40 million internationals by the end of this year, with an expected revenue of ($95.73 billion) or 3.5 trillion baht.

Recently, authorities in Thailand decided to approve longer visa stays for remote workers, as well as tourists, postgraduate students and retirees in order to boost tourism.