- What Is the Destination Thailand Visa?
- Key Benefits of the DTV
- Requirements and Eligibility
- How to Apply
- DTV Categories and What You Need
- Living in Thailand on the DTV
- Conclusion
Tourists always enjoyed Thailand. But these days, more individuals are not only visiting but also staying. The Thai government saw this and created a unique visa just for people who want to move to Thailand for a long time without having to deal with the typical visa problems.
The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is for digital nomads, remote workers, and anyone else who wishes to live here for a while without having to jump through hoops.
Here’s what you should know if you’re contemplating about moving to Thailand.
What Is the Destination Thailand Visa?
The DTV lets you stay in Thailand for up to 180 days per entry, with multiple entries allowed over a year. It’s designed for people who want to move to Thailand temporarily—live here, work remotely, study, whatever—without committing to a full work visa or retirement visa.
It’s flexible. You can use it if you’re:
- A digital nomad or freelancer working online
- Someone who just wants to live here long-term
- Taking a course—Muay Thai, cooking, Thai massage, anything
- Exploring the country while working remotely
If you’ve been dreaming about moving to Thailand to work from a beach café or just slow down for a few months, this visa makes it possible.
Key Benefits of the DTV
- You get 180 days per entry, and you can leave and come back multiple times in a year.
- It’s built for remote workers, freelancers, and people who travel a lot.
- The requirements are way easier than traditional long-term visas.
- You can join wellness programs, take classes, train Muay Thai—whatever.
- The application fee is reasonable, and you can do it all online.
If you’ve ever wanted to live near Phuket’s beaches or work remotely from Pattaya, the DTV makes it happen.
Requirements and Eligibility
To receive the DTV, you must:
- Be at least 20 years old
- Have a passport that is still good for at least six months.
- Have saved or earned 500,000 THB in the last six months
- Have health insurance that covers at least $50,000
- No history of crime
*Please make sure your country is eligible before you apply. Not every country is eligible.
How to Apply
- Get your documents—passport, proof of funds, insurance, plus anything specific to your category
- Apply online through Thailand’s e-Visa system or at a Thai consulate
- For the fees, the DTV visa application fee can range from ฿8,970 to ฿36,423 depending on where you apply.
- Wait 10–15 business days
- Enter Thailand and get 180 days on arrival
DTV Categories and What You Need
1. Remote Work (Digital Nomads, Freelancers, Remote Employees)
This one’s for people who want to move to Thailand and work online while they’re here.
Extra documents you’ll need:
- Proof of address
- Bank statements showing at least ฿500,000 for the past 3 months
- Income or salary slips from the last 6 months
- Employment contract or verification letter from your company
- Copy of your employer’s business registration (certified by your embassy)
- Portfolio showing your remote work experience
There’s an informal eligibility test you can take to see if you qualify.
2. Soft Power Activities (Thai Culture, Wellness, Education)
This is for people who want to move to Thailand to take part in Thai cultural or educational activities.
What counts:
- Muay Thai training
- Thai cooking classes
- Educational programs or seminars
- Sports training
- Medical or wellness treatments
- Art or music programs
Extra documents:
- Proof of address
- ฿500,000 in the bank for the past 3 months
- Salary slips for the last 6 months
- Acceptance letter from a Thai school, gym, hospital, or wellness center
You can also take an eligibility test before applying.
3. Dependents (Spouse and Kids Under 20)
If you’ve got a DTV, your family can move to Thailand with you under this category.
Extra documents:
- Proof of address
- ฿500,000 in savings for the past three months
- Copy of the main DTV holder’s visa
- Marriage certificate, birth certificate, or adoption papers
- Proof you’re staying in Thailand for at least six months (like a rental agreement)
- Six months of income records for the main visa holder
- ID and passport info for the main visa holder
For kids under 20:
- Birth certificate or adoption papers
- Parents’ marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Parents’ passports or IDs
- Notarized consent letter if the kid is traveling alone
Living in Thailand on the DTV
Once you’re approved, you can live and work remotely anywhere in Thailand. Popular spots include:
- Phuket—It’s the ultimate destination for digital nomads and long-term travelers, offering a perfect balance of beaches, coworking spaces, and vibrant local life. At Silqhaus, we are based right here in Phuket and specialize in helping you find the ideal long-term rental while handling all the management details, ensuring your move to Thailand is completely stress-free.
- Pattaya—Close to Bangkok, beach access, good nightlife, and cheaper than Phuket. Great if you want city perks without being stuck in traffic all day.
Both cities are affordable, well-connected, and full of expats—solid options if you’re planning to move to Thailand under the DTV.
Conclusion
The DTV is one of the best options Thailand’s rolled out for people who want to actually live here, not just visit. Whether you’re working remotely, learning Muay Thai, or moving your whole family, it gives you flexibility without the usual visa nightmare.
Just make sure your country qualifies and get your documents together for whichever category fits you. Once you’re approved, you’re free to settle in and enjoy what makes Thailand such a good place to live—especially with help from companies like Silqhaus to get you set up in your new place.