Immigration to Thailand Made Easy

  Written by: Adv. Tamir Hodorov   Date:

how to move to Thailand easily and smoothly

Thailand phuket and Ko Phi Phi

Immigration to Thailand Made Easy

On July 15, 2024, Thailand introduced a new type of visa designed for digital nomads (people who can work remotely), freelancers, and others in similar categories.

The visa is called the DTV – Destination Thailand Visa.

Duration of Stay
The visa is valid for up to 5 years.

Each stay in Thailand can last up to 180 days, with the option to extend for another 180 days per entry. This means that once a year, you must leave the country and re-enter.

 

Remote Workers ("Digital Nomads")

If you work remotely for a company outside Thailand, you can apply for this visa and live in Thailand.
You cannot work directly for Thai employers under this visa.

Freelancers
If you are a freelancer and can work remotely for clients outside Thailand, you are also eligible for the DTV visa.

Dependent Visa: Spouses and Children
Spouses and children of digital nomads or freelancers can apply for a dependent visa, which is linked to the main DTV holder.

Opening a Company in Hong Kong
To qualify for the DTV visa, you can establish a company outside Thailand in your name, and then sign an employment contract between yourself and that company.

In this way, you become a “remote employee” of your own foreign company.

The most convenient country for setting up a company is Hong Kong. The process there is relatively simple—no local partner, local director, or minimum capital deposit is required.

Additionally, Hong Kong taxes only income earned within its borders, meaning 0% tax on profits made outside Hong Kong.
If your clients are based outside both Thailand and Hong Kong, your Hong Kong company’s income will be tax-free in Hong Kong, and you can live in Thailand under the DTV visa — minimizing your overall tax burden.

Proof of Financial Stability
Thailand requires DTV visa applicants to demonstrate they can support themselves financially during their stay — paying for housing, living expenses, and health insurance — so they won’t need to work illegally.

You must show financial stability, specifically:

  • At least 500,000 Thai Baht (approx. USD 14,000) in liquid assets in your bank account.
  • This amount must have been maintained for at least 3 consecutive months before applying (i.e., bank statements must show the balance didn’t drop below 500,000 THB during that period).

For dependents (spouse and children), each person does not need to show 500,000 THB, as long as the main applicant can demonstrate sufficient funds to cover the family’s stay (180 days per entry).

Application Fee
The application fee is 10,000 Thai Baht, payable in local currency (converted at the current exchange rate at the Thai embassy in your country).

Additional Requirements for the DTV Visa
The additional requirements are minimal:

  • A passport valid for at least 6 months
  • Remote workers: an employment contract or letter of employment from a non-Thai company
  • Freelancers: proof of ongoing income from foreign clients, such as service contracts, invoices, or a portfolio
  • Health insurance covering the entire stay, with a minimum coverage of USD 50,000
  • Proof of accommodation in Thailand (hotel booking, rental contract, or invitation letter from a Thai resident)
  • Completed visa application form
  • Recent photos
  • Payment of the visa fee

Questions & Answers - DTV Visa

Who is eligible?

  • Digital nomads / remote workers
  • Freelancers / contractors / online professionals
  • Spouses and dependents of DTV holders

 What is the duration and stay limits?

  • Validity: 5 years, multiple entries
  • Each stay: up to 180 days
  • Extension: additional 180 days per entry (max 360 days total per entry cycle)

 Financial requirement

  • Minimum: 500,000 THB (≈ 14,000 USD or 50,000 ILS)
  • Must be in the applicant’s account for at least 3 months before applying
  • Bank statements for the last 3 months must be provided

Remote work

  • The applicant must work for a foreign company or clients (outside Thailand)
  • The work must be online / remote
  • Proof of income required: contracts, invoices, or employment verification letter

Family members

  • Dependents (spouse and children) can obtain dependent visas
  • No need for each to show 500,000 THB if the main applicant has sufficient funds