If you are a digital nomad, you can apply for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), which lets you live and work in Thailand for up to six months at a time. destinations for remote workers.
Thailand, with a score of 2.42, ranks 31st of the Digital Nomad Visa Index by VisaGuide destinations for remote workers.
Thailand: Quick facts
Thai Destination Visa: Requirements for Digital Nomads
As a digital nomad, you can apply for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) if you meet the following criteria:
- You are a remote worker.
- You work remotely for a foreign company, or
- You work independently with clients outside of Thailand.
- You have enough money to cover your expenses during your stay in Thailand.
Aside from digital nomads, you can also apply for this visa if you will participate in Muay Thai courses, Thai cooking classes, sport training, seminars, or music festivals, as well as for medical treatment.
This visa is relatively new so there may be changes in the future. For the most up-to-date information, please contact the Thai embassy.
How to Apply for the Thailand Digital Nomad Visa?
You can apply for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) visa in person or online.
Applying Online
If you are eligible to apply online, you can do it through the official website of the Thai e-Visa. You have to create an account, fill out the application form, and then attach electronic copies of the required documents.
The documents should be in JPG, or JPEG format and the maximum size is 3 MB. Once you are done uploading the documents, you will have to confirm your application by clicking on “Accept & Confirm” and “Submit” and you are done.
You will later receive a confirmation email after your application has been approved.
E-Visa applicants are not required to submit supporting documents in person at the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate.
Applying in Person
If an online application is not available in your country, you should apply in person at the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your place of residence. See the list of diplomatic and consular offices of Thailand around the world to determine where to apply.
What Documents Do I Need for the Thailand Digital Nomad Visa?
To apply for the Destination Thailand visa (DTV), you need the following documents:
- You need to have a passport with a validity of at least 6 months after your departure date. Include a copy of your passport bio page as well.
- Submit a photo that you have taken recently within the last 6 months. Make sure it conforms to the visa requirements.
- Document indicating current location. This includes any official document that can prove where you are currently residing such as a driving license, bank statement, or proof of stay.
- Proof of financial funds. You need to provide a copy of the bank statement showing that you have at least 500,000 THB (15,000 USD).
- Proof of employment. Include a work contract, employment certificate, or professional portfolio to prove your status as a digital nomad, remote worker, or freelancer.
Additional Documents
- Thai soft power-related activities (Muaythai, Thai culinary training, and medical treatment):
- Letter of acceptance from the institute or company organizing the activities, letter of appointment from hospital/medical center.
- Dependents of DTV visa holders:
- Personal information of the DTV visa holder. This includes a valid government-issued ID card, Passport biodata page and the DTV visa approval of the DTV visa holder
- Children under 20:
- A copy of their birth certificate including the parent’s information.
- A copy of the passports or IDs of the parents or legal guardian.
How Much Does the Thailand Digital Nomad Visa Cost?
The fees associated with the application for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) are:
| Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) | THB 50,000 (USD 1,500) |
| Digital Work Permit | THB 15,000 (USD 450) |
| Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for Dependants | THB 50,000 per person (USD 1,500) |
How Long Is the Thailand Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) Valid For?
The Destination Thailand (DTV) visa is issued for a period of 5 years. During this time you are allowed to enter and leave Thailand more than once since the DTV is also a multiple-entry visa. However, you are allowed 180 days per entry, so make sure to not overstay.
Living Costs for Digital Nomads in Thailand
Thailand is considered as an affordable country, compared to other countries in Southeast Asia like Singapore or Brunei. As a digital nomad living alone, you would need around $1,100 to $2,000 per month to cover all your living expenses. You would spend less or more depending on your lifestyle preferences.
See the examples below to have a general idea of living costs in Thailand.
| Accommodation (Rent): | |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | From $270 to $745 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of Centre | From $135 to $480 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | From $520 to $2,230 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of Centre | From $300 to $1,490 |
| Groceries | |
| Milk | $1.81 |
| Rice | $1.28 |
| Eggs | $2.12 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2.88 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1.27 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $1.57 |
| Potato (1kg) | $1.51 |
| Utilities (Monthly) | |
| Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage (85m2 apartment) | From $45 to $150 |
| Transportation | |
| Local transport | $0.30 – $1.49 |
| Taxi 1km | $0.89 – $1.64 |
| Gasoline (1l) | $1.04 – $1.34 |
Best Places for Digital Nomads in Thailand
The best places digital nomads will love in Thailand include:
- Bangkok – for digital nomads who like big metropolitan cities with co-working spaces. This city also has high-speed internet perfect for working from anywhere.
- Chiang Mai – for digital nomads who are food lovers. This town is known as a center of Thai handicrafts, its beautiful waterfalls and elephants.
- Phuket – for digital nomads who are looking to mix work and relaxation, and prefer a beach lifestyle. This island is known for its white sand beaches and beautiful temples.
- Koh Samui – for digital nomads who want to live among nature. This island has beautiful beaches, waterfalls and temples.
- Hua Hin – for digital nomads who want to live in a coastal town with a peaceful vibe. This part is known for its beautiful beaches, good infrastructure and pleasant climate.