In 2024, the Thai government introduced the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV Visa Thailand) to attract more tourists and boost the economy. This is good news for foreigners seeking a straightforward long-term stay. With this long-term visa, you can stay in Thailand easily and affordably, without having to deal with strict entry requirements and high fees.

Please read on to learn more about the DTV visa, its benefits, and how to apply.

What is a Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)?

The visa, also known as the Thailand Digital Nomad Visa (DTV), is a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 5 years and allows you to stay for up to 180 consecutive days per entry. The DTV also offers the following advantages:

  • The possibility to enter and leave Thailand without a re-entry permit.
  • As the primary visa holder, you can apply for DTV visas for your dependent children and spouse.
  • Optimized application process with minimal requirements
  • At only 10,000 Baht, it is significantly cheaper than other long-term visa options.
  • You can extend your stay of 180 days once per entry by another 180 days (this will cost you 1,900 Baht).

    • Since the DTV is classified as a tourist visa, you are subject to the same restrictions as other foreigners, such as the inability to work for a Thai company or to apply for permanent residency in Thailand.

    DTV eligibility requirements

    Although there are not many entry requirements for obtaining a DTV subscription, you still need to meet some conditions to receive a DTV subscription in 2025:

  • You must be at least 20 years old.
  • You must be able to pay the visa fee of 10,000 Baht.
  • You must have at least 500,000 Baht in your bank account (you can prove this with bank statements, pay slips or sponsorship letters).
  • You need a valid foreign passport (with a remaining validity of at least 6 months).
  • You must be able to provide a passport photo of yourself (taken within the last 6 months).
  • You must not have committed any overstaying offenses in connection with your visits to Thailand in the past.
  • You may be required to provide proof of your current whereabouts.

    • The DTV program is only available to foreigners with a specific background or reason for traveling to Thailand. You can only apply if you fall into one of the following categories:

    Working holiday

    One way to obtain the visa is to work as a digital nomad or remote employee for an international company. With the DTV visa, you can work remotely for this company and earn income while staying in Thailand. Freelancers with international clients also meet these criteria. To apply, you will need a letter of reference or proof of employment with a foreign company.

    Thai soft power activities

    You are also eligible for the DTV if you participate in one of Thailand's soft power activities. These are cultural and entertainment activities designed to strengthen the Thai economy and promote awareness of Thai culture. Currently, you can participate in the following activities:

  • Treatment in Thai medical centers and hospitals

    • To apply, you must provide proof of your participation in a Thai soft power activity or a medical certificate stating that you will be receiving treatment in a Thai medical facility or hospital.

    Depending on a DTV holder

    As a member of the immediate family of a DTV holder, you may be eligible to apply for a visa. Currently, you are only eligible in this category if you are the spouse or an unmarried child under 20 years of age. There is no limit to the number of immediate family members the DTV holder can bring with them. You must also provide proof of your relationship to the DTV holder.

    How to apply for a DTV license in 2025

    You can obtain a DTV license in two ways: in person or online. However, applications can only be submitted from outside Thailand, and depending on your country of residence, you may be required to provide proof of residency. Regardless of the method chosen, you will receive an electronic DTV stamp, not a physical one.

    If you are submitting your application in person, you must do so at a Thai consulate or embassy. To avoid complications or delays, it is recommended that you make an appointment with the relevant embassy or consulate in advance. If you are currently in Thailand, you can travel to one of the neighboring countries (e.g., Cambodia or Laos) and submit your application there.

    You can also apply for the DTV online via the Thai e-Visa website. While you should expect longer waiting times, you will receive your visa without having to make an appointment or travel to the embassy and wait in line.

    IMPORTANT: Thai embassies in some countries ONLY accept online applications. Therefore, please call before your trip.

    What changes were made to the DTV in 2025?

    In order to increase the number of applicants for the DTV visa, the Thai government has made some updates to the DTV program.

    Online help for your DTV application

    The Thai e-Visa system is now used by all Thai consulates and embassies worldwide. You can now apply online from any country with a Thai embassy and receive professional support regardless of your location, as visa agencies in Thailand are now connected to the e-Visa system. However, if you are not applying from your home country, you may be required to provide proof of residence.

    Restrictions on soft power activities in Thailand

    The Thai government has clarified the eligibility criteria for eligible soft power activities. Participation in such activities must last at least six months. Attending a language school does not meet this requirement, as language courses are not considered soft power activities.

    Financial requirements

    Thai embassies worldwide have made changes and clarifications to the DTV applications, which are being processed in their host countries.

  • The payment of the application fee of 10,000 baht and a minimum balance of 500,000 baht in your bank account are considered absolute minimum requirements to meet your financial obligations. Some embassies charge higher visa fees and/or require a higher account balance than 500,000 baht due to varying economic conditions and exchange rates.
  • The Thai government stated that it will only accept liquid assets to meet the financial requirements. This means that applicants cannot present stocks, bonds, cryptocurrencies, or other illiquid assets worth 500,000 THB; it must be cash held in a bank account.

    • Alternatives to the DTV

    If you're looking for an even more flexible immigration solution with numerous additional benefits, you should consider the Thailand Elite Visa. The new Thailand Privilege Bronze membership costs 650,000 baht and is valid for 5 years – making it the most affordable of all Thailand Elite Visa packages.

    Contact Siam Legal for assistance with DTV.

    If you want to obtain your DTV quickly and easily, contact our Thai visa advisors at Siam Legal. With over 20 years of experience in Thailand as a full-service law firm and visa consultancy, our team has the necessary expertise and experience to ensure a smooth visa application process. We will assist you in compiling your required documents and submit your application on your behalf, allowing you to focus on planning your trip to Thailand.

    Thanks to the expanded e-visa system, our team can help you no matter where in the world you are applying from, and we offer unlimited support until you receive your visa.

    Contact Siam Legal today to secure a fast and easy way to a long-term stay in Thailand without having to worry about entry problems affecting your trip.