In 2024, the Thai government introduced the digital nomad visa. It is issued to individuals who work remotely for a foreign company or conduct business abroad. It is ideal for IT specialists, business owners (including sole proprietors), accountants, translators, freelancers, and other professionals who are not tied to an office.
To apply, you must prove your remote employment and that you have sufficient funds to support yourself in Thailand. Your spouse and children under 20 can relocate with you. The visa is valid for 5 years but only allows stays of up to 180 days at a time. Regular extensions require leaving Thailand for at least one day and returning. For this reason, many digital nomads choose not to reside in Thailand, preferring countries that offer stable, long-term residency.
What does a digital nomad visa in Thailand provide?
Digital Nomad Visa Thailand (originally known as the Visa Destination Thailand or DVT) is a five-year, multiple-entry visa that allows foreigners to:
- live in Thailand;
- enter and return to the country multiple times without obtaining additional permits;
- relocate to Thailand with their family (spouse and children under 20).
The DVT is not a traditional Thai residence permit for digital nomads. Although the visa is valid for 5 years, you can only stay in the country continuously for six months. After six months, you can extend your stay for an additional 180 days by contacting the Immigration Bureau. Then, you must leave the country and return (take a «visa run»). Compared to other countries that have developed programs for remote workers, Thailand significantly lags behind. For example, Spain offers a 3-year residence permit without such complications—you can live peacefully and make long-term plans in a comfortable country.
Requirements for obtaining a Digital Nomad Visa in Thailand
A Digital Nomad Visa is issued to foreigners who:
- Work remotely for a foreign company, freelance with foreign clients, or conduct business abroad.
- Have sufficient funds to support themselves in Thailand—at least THB 500,000 (approximately USD 15,372).
- Rent accommodation in the country for at least 6 months.
In addition to digital nomads, the visa is also issued to individuals moving to Thailand under the «Soft Power» program. Activities may include culinary courses, Muay Thai classes, participation in educational, cultural, and sporting events, and medical treatment.
What documents are required?
To apply for a digital nomad visa in Thailand, you must submit the following:
- a completed application in English;
- a passport valid for at least 6 months;
- one 4 x 6 cm photo taken within the last 6 months;
- a bank statement showing a balance of at least USD 15,372 for the last three months;
- an employment contract, customer contracts, company registration certificate, or other proof of employment;
- a residential lease agreement for at least 6 months or a property title deed;
- proof of salary or income for the last 6 months.
If you are moving with a minor, you must also provide their notarized birth certificate. If the child is immigrating only with their mother, father, or another relative, the other parent’s consent to the move is also required.
How to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa to Thailand
Applying for a Thai digital nomad visa involves 4 steps:
- Document preparation.
Gather the necessary documents and prepare them according to the current requirements. Pay special attention to financial statements. Bank statements must be from the last 3 months, and proof of salary/income must be from the last 6 months. All documents must be translated into English and notarized. - Visa application.
You can apply online through the visa portal, thaievisa.go.th, or in person at a Thai embassy/consulate. When submitting your application, you must pay a government fee of THB 10,000 (approximately USD 310). If you submit your application online, you can track its processing status in your personal account on the portal. The authorities will make a decision within 10 business days. - Obtaining a visa.
If you applied at an embassy/consulate, you must visit the government agency again to obtain your visa. Those who applied online can simply print a copy of the confirmation letter from their personal account. - Entering Thailand and registration.
Upon arrival, you must contact the Immigration Bureau and provide the authorities with information about your place of residence in Thailand. This procedure must be repeated every 90 days.
Taxes in Thailand for remote workers
Digital nomads who reside in Thailand for more than 180 days during the tax year become tax residents of the country. This means they are liable to pay income tax on any worldwide income remitted to Thailand. Thailand has a progressive tax rate (for convenience, we have indicated the amounts in Thai baht and US dollars):
| Income amount, ฿ | Income amount, $ | Tax rate, % |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 150 000 | 4 610 | 0 |
| 150 000–300 000 | 4 610–9 200 | 5 |
| 300 000–500 000 | 9 200–15 370 | 10 |
| 500 000–750 000 | 15 370–23 055 | 15 |
| 750 000–1 000 000 | 23 055–30 740 | 20 |
| 1 000 000–2 000 000 | 30 740–61 485 | 25 |
| 2 000 000–4 000 000 | 61 485–122 970 | 30 |
| More than 4 000 000 | 122 970 | 35 |
People who want to minimize their financial burden usually choose countries with more lenient tax policies. For instance, the United Arab Emirates does not impose a personal income tax.
What other options are available to freelancers who want to legally reside in Thailand?
Those who want to live there permanently can choose other immigration routes. One option is to launch a startup under the «Smart Visa» program. The program provides a visa for up to two years, eliminating the need for a work permit. One mandatory requirement is a three-month deposit of at least USD 18,450 in a Thai or foreign bank account.
You can also obtain a Thai residence permit through one of the standard routes, such as having relatives in Thailand who are Thai citizens or hold residence permits. In this case, you will be issued a 1-year visa with the opportunity to extend.
Wealthy foreigners can obtain a long-term residence permit (Long-Term Resident). To do so, you must pay a membership fee to Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd.:
| Membership fee, ฿ | Membership fee, $ | Residence permit validity, in years |
|---|---|---|
| 650 000 | 20 000 | 5 |
| 900 000 | 27 670 | 5 |
| 1 500 000 | 46 120 | 10 |
| 2 500 000 | 76 857 | 15 |
You earn privilege points for each year of residence in Thailand with this card:
- 20 points for investments of USD 27,670 or more;
- 35 points for investments of USD 46,120 or more;
- 55 points for investments of USD 76,857 or more.
Investments of USD 20,000 or more do not earn points. You can exchange them for discounts on goods and services from partner companies, vacations at premium country clubs, spa visits, and more.
In other words, investing is an easy way to legalize your status in Thailand. However, keep in mind that renewing your status will require further investment. For comparison, some countries currently grant immediate citizenship in exchange for investments of USD 130,000 or more.
If Thailand isn’t the right choice for you: Where else can a digital nomad move?
Today, digital nomads have many options for relocation because over 50 countries offer residence permits to remote workers. Each country has its own unique terms, income requirements, and residency period.
Among European countries, digital nomads often choose Spain. To qualify for a Digital Nomad Visa under Spain’s program, a monthly income of at least EUR 2,368 is sufficient. The entire family can move at once, including spouses, children, and parents. Decisions on annual visas take only 10 days, and upon arrival, applicants can obtain a three-year residence permit. One advantage is that freelancers can sign contracts with Spanish companies and clients.
If you’re interested in Asian countries, consider the UAE. To move to Dubai, a digital nomad must prove an income of at least USD 3,500. The Remote Work Visa is valid for one year and can be renewed an unlimited number of times. The UAE has no income tax, modern and comfortable housing, and a high standard of safety and quality of life, making it a popular choice among remote workers.
To save time reviewing the terms and conditions of each Digital Nomad program and ensure you make the right choice, consult experienced immigration lawyers. iWorld immigration specialists can help you choose the right country, select a program that suits your goals and capabilities, prepare your documents, and support you every step of the way. Take the first step toward a new life: sign up for a free consultation today.
