DTV (Destination Thailand Visa)
Five years for remote workers, with 180-day stays.
By Shane RuddleRules as of October 2026- How long
- 5 years, up to 180 days per entry
- Money to show
- About ฿500,000 in savings
- Cost
- About ฿10,000 (set by each embassy)
- Can you work?
- Remote work for clients abroad only
For people working online there's the DTV, the Destination Thailand Visa. It lasts five years, with stays of up to 180 days per entry, and you need to show around ฿500,000 in savings.
It also covers people coming for 'soft power' activities such as Muay Thai, Thai cooking courses or medical treatment, and a spouse and children can come as dependants (check before applying).
"Understand what it is, though: it's essentially a long-term tourist visa. Even though it can last up to five years, you're still classed as a tourist, not an immigrant, so things like opening a bank account can be a problem, depending on the bank."
Who it suits
- Remote workers, freelancers and digital nomads
- Under-50s who want to spend long stretches here
- People doing a long course such as Muay Thai or Thai cooking
Watch out for
- You can't work for a Thai company or run a business here on a DTV
- Some banks won't open an account for you on a tourist-class visa
- Spend 180 days or more here in a year and you become tax resident, so foreign income you bring in can be taxable (check with an accountant)
What you'll need
- About ฿500,000 in savings, usually held for around 3 months (check before applying)
- Proof of remote work (an employment contract or your own company abroad), or enrolment in a qualifying activity
- Since 31 August 2026: proof you live in the country you apply from, and a criminal record certificate (check before applying)
- Passport with at least 6 months left
How it works from Pattaya
- 1Apply online through the official Thai e-Visa site from the country you live in
- 2Enter Thailand and stay up to 180 days
- 3Extend once for another 180 days at the immigration office in Jomtien, or leave and come back for a new 180 days
- 4Report your address every 90 days if you stay that long in one go
Visa rules in Thailand change often, so treat this as a guide, not a rulebook, and check the current requirements before you apply. Thai e-Visa (official)
Short answers
How much money do I need for the DTV?
Around ฿500,000 in savings (as of October 2026). Embassies usually want to see it held for a few months.
Can I work in Thailand on a DTV?
Only remotely, for clients or an employer outside Thailand. You can't work for a Thai company or run a business here.
What's the catch with the DTV?
It's essentially a long-term tourist visa. You're classed as a tourist, not an immigrant, so things like opening a bank account can be a problem, depending on the bank.
Read more
Visas in Pattaya: What 20 Years Here Has Taught Me
A Pattaya business owner's experience of Thai visas: the business visa, retirement visas, the DTV for remote workers, and the costly mistake of choosing the wrong one.
Pattaya for Digital Nomads and Remote Workers
A Pattaya business owner of 20 years on whether Pattaya suits remote workers: internet, cost of living, how it compares with Bangkok and Chiang Mai, where nomads base themselves, and making friends.
Banking and Money in Thailand: A Foreigner's Guide
A Pattaya business owner of 20 years on banking in Thailand as a foreigner: opening an account after the crackdown, which bank to try, sending money from home, transfer limits, QR payments and why you should still carry cash.
Ask Shane