Last updated: October 2026

What's new in 2026?

  • From August 31, 2026, applicants for a DTV visa in Thailand must provide proof of permanent residence. This replaces the previous requirement of a general document confirming current whereabouts, such as a hotel booking. Applications submitted before this date will be processed according to the old regulations.
  • From August 31, 2026, Thailand will require all DTV applicants to submit a certificate of good criminal record issued by the competent authority of their home country.
  • Thai language schools are not permitted as a soft power activity under the DTV (German Tourism Association). Applicants wishing to learn Thai should instead apply for a Non-Immigrant ED visa.

    • The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), which was officially introduced in July 2024, is a special type of tourist visa designed for people who want to work and travel in Thailand, often referred to as a "workation".

    The so-called "Digital Nomad Visa" (DTV) allows remote workers, freelancers, and other eligible individuals to stay in Thailand for an extended period under a flexible long-term agreement. It is also available to those wishing to participate in approved cultural or professional activities in the country.

    Official visa regulations

    The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) allows for a long-term stay in Thailand with flexible entry requirements. The most important details of the visa are listed below:

  • Validity period: 5 years (multiple entries)
  • Length of stay per entry: 180 days
  • Extension of stay: A second extension of 180 days can be applied for at a local immigration office (fee: 1,900 THB), however, approval is at the discretion of the authority and not automatic.
  • Application procedure: Available through a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate or through the official Thai e-Visa portal (applications must be submitted from outside Thailand).
  • Minimum age: 20 years for the main applicant
  • Family consideration: Spouses and unmarried children under 20 years of age can apply as dependents.

    • It is important to note that the DTV visa is a special type of tourist visa. Holders are therefore not permitted to apply for a Thai work permit, work for companies registered in Thailand, or perform freelance work for Thai clients.

    Who is eligible to apply for a Thailand DTV visa?

    To apply for a Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), you must belong to one of the following categories and provide the relevant documents that confirm your purpose of stay:

    1. Remote work (digital nomads and freelancers)

    This category is aimed at people who work remotely for foreign companies or who work as self-employed professionals with clients outside of Thailand.

  • Remote employees of foreign companies
  • Freelancer with an international client base
  • Digital nomads who work online

    • Please note that when reviewing your application, the Thai authorities may assess whether your employer or source of income is considered legitimate.

    2. Thai soft power activities

    This category applies to individuals planning to participate in approved cultural, educational, or professional activities in Thailand.

    These activities may include the following:

  • Music or cultural festivals

    • In most cases, the activity or program should have a minimum duration of 6 months to support your application.

    Note: Language courses, including Thai language courses, are not permitted in this category. Applicants wishing to learn Thai should apply for a Non-Immigrant ED visa instead.

    3. Relatives of DTV holders

    Spouses and dependent children of DTV holders can apply in this category.

  • The person entitled to maintenance must be the legal spouse or an unmarried child under 20 years of age.
  • Each dependent must submit a separate application and pay the corresponding visa fee. This application can only be submitted after the primary applicant's DTV has been approved.

    • There is no fixed upper limit for the number of family members, provided that all kinship relationships are fulfilled and properly documented.

    What financial requirements will a DTV have in 2026?

    To apply for a Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), you must provide proof of sufficient financial resources.

  • Minimum financial requirement: At least 500,000 THB or equivalent, held in a savings account for at least 3 months.
  • Acceptable proof: An official bank statement from the last 3-6 months
  • Not accepted: Cryptocurrency holdings or investment/brokerage statements
  • Visa fee: 10,000 THB (usually equivalent to 400 to 500 USD, depending on the embassy/consulate)

    • Is the DTV the cheapest long-term visa for Thailand?

    Compared to other long-term visa options in Thailand, the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is one of the more cost-effective options in terms of application costs.

    General requirements (for all applicants)

    Regardless of your category, all applicants must submit the following documents:

  • Identity documents: Page with personal data in the passport and a passport photo (white background)
  • Proof of permanent residence: Official documents confirming your permanent residence
  • Certificate of good criminal record: A police clearance certificate or equivalent document issued by the competent authority
  • Financial proof: Proof of savings of at least 500,000 THB in the last 3 months through an official bank statement (statements from cryptocurrency and investment accounts are not accepted as financial proof).
  • Visa fee: 10,000 THB (or equivalent in local currency, depending on the embassy or consulate)

    • Note: The exact document requirements, including the validity period of bank statements, accepted proof formats for teleworking, and standards for financial documentation, may vary depending on the embassy or consulate. Applicants should inquire about the specific requirements at the Thai embassy or consulate handling their application.

    Specific documents by category

    In addition to the general requirements, you must submit documents that prove your purpose of stay:

    1. Workation (remote work)

  • Employment certificate or employment contract
  • Letter from the employer confirming remote work status and salary
  • Personal tax returns (optional, but recommended)
  • Charter of Incorporation
  • Professional portfolio or work record
  • Supporting materials such as invoices, LinkedIn profiles, or screenshots of the platform
  • Confirmation of participation (e.g., a letter of enrollment or admission)
  • Copy of the institution's commercial register entry

    • In most cases, the job should last at least 6 months to support your application.

    3. Relatives

  • Proof of kinship, such as: marriage certificate, birth certificate, adoption certificate

    • How long can you stay in Thailand with a DTV (District Tourist License)?

    The DTV allows a stay of up to 180 days per entry.

    Since this is a multiple-entry visa, you can enter and leave Thailand as often as you like during its five-year validity period. A second extension of 180 days can be applied for at the local immigration office; however, approval is at the discretion of the office and is not automatic.

    What's the easiest way to get a DTV?

    You can apply for the DTV through the Thailand e-Visa Portal by submitting your application online from your country of residence or from another country, provided that the Thai embassy or consulate there accepts applications from non-residents.

    Processing requirements and document standards may vary depending on the embassy handling your application. If you are currently in Thailand and are considering a change of country, our advisors can identify the most suitable and efficient consular options for your nationality.

    Learn more about switching from a tourist visa to a DTV visa.

    Important tax information

  • Tax residency: If you spend 180 days or more in Thailand within a calendar year, you may be considered a tax resident. In this case, your foreign income transferred to Thailand is subject to Thai income tax. Double taxation agreements (DTAs) may reduce or eliminate your tax liability depending on your country of origin.
  • Alternative options: If the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) does not meet your requirements, you can consider other long-term visa options: The Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa: Offers a 10-year stay with additional tax benefits for qualified applicants. Thailand Privilege Visa: Offers VIP long-term stay options with fewer documentation requirements and additional lifestyle benefits.

    • Professional support

    Do you need assistance with your application for a Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)? Siam Legal International will guide you through the entire process. As a full-service law firm and immigration consultancy with over 20 years of experience, the firm has advised clients from all over the world on all aspects of Thai immigration law.

    The immigration team will review your documents, organize your application, and guide you through every step of the process to improve your chances of approval. This includes support with the DTV (Delegated Tourism Voucher) as well as other Thai visa options, depending on your situation.

    To learn more about Siam Legal's services and fees, please visit their DTV Visa Services page.

    Next steps: Check out the FAQs about the DTV visa for Thailand or find out how to apply for a DTV in 2026.

    More pages on the topic of Thailand visas