The New Destination Thailand Visa: A 5-years Visa with a Doctor’s Appointment

The New Destination Thailand Visa: A 5-years Visa with a Doctor’s Appointment

The new Destination Thailand Visa, specifically tailored for “digital nomads” – people who work from anywhere – allows for a long-term stay to work and travel in Thailand. Interestingly, this visa is also suitable for those who wish to participate in certain activities or medical treatments in the Kingdom.

It has never been so easy to get a long-term visa for Thailand. But first a brief overview of the visa: 

The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) provides a five-year multiple-entry visa, allowing holders to stay for up to 180 days per entry, with the possibility of extending their stay for an additional 180 days. During their stay, DTV holders can fully enjoy their vacation and work remotely without falling under social security and work permit obligations. In addition, DTV holders may bring their spouse and children under 20 years old along with them. 

Digital nomads and travelers who want to do workcation in Thailand can continue to work for their employers or clients abroad. As long as they stay in Thailand for less than 180 days a year, they can bring the income earned abroad into Thailand tax-free. However, DTV holders are not allowed to work for Thai companies or clients. 

To qualify for the DTV for workcation purposes, applicants must provide one of the following:

a. For employed individuals, an official employment contract or employment certificate from overseas is required.

b. For self-employed individuals, a professional portfolio or your business registration in case you are freelancers.

The fact that digital nomads can now obtain a visa for Thailand is welcome news. What is really surprising, though, is that people who want to take part in Muay Thai courses, Thai cooking classes or events related to art and music in Thailand are also eligible to apply. 

The first applicants have already been issued the five-year visa in recent weeks. It is hard to believe that even a single doctor’s appointment or a cooking course registration was enough to obtain the full five-year stay permit. 

In view of the competition with the expensive Elite Visa, it is highly possible that the requirements will be tightened soon. 

Currently, the biggest hurdle is proof of 500,000 THB. However, financial proof can be provided in equivalent foreign currency (EUR 12,500) or even via a letter of sponsorship. It is quite possible that this will be tightened up and only deposits in Thai bank accounts will be accepted soon. This would represent a significant barrier. 

Anyone who wants to live in Thailand but does not want to be involved in the local economy is therefore advised to apply for a Destination Thailand Visa as soon as possible. 

Sanet Legal & Accountancy, the western-minded consulting law firm in Thailand offers comprehensive advice on investments in Thailand, and also provides support with questions regarding visas and work permits. Make an appointment here for a free initial consultation!