A marriage visa in Thailand, commonly referred to as a Non-Immigrant O visa, allows any Foreigner who is legally married to a Thai National, and meets certain financial and administrative conditions, to obtain a visa to stay in Thailand legally.

Thai Marriage Visa Benefits

Holding a Thai marriage visa provides several advantages over other long-term visas in Thailand as follows:

• You are granted a 1-year extended stay in Thailand upon getting a marriage visa, renewable annually.

• You are allowed to reside in Thailand for an entire year without needing any kind of re-entry permit when flying in and out of the country.

• You are given the opportunity to apply for a Thai work permit and work in the country for a Thai company.

• It simplifies your job hunt in Thailand, as your employer only needs to worry about getting you a work permit, and not a visa.

Thai Marriage Visa Requirements

The Thai Marriage Visa requirements set by the Thai Immigration Bureau are as follows:

• You must be married to a Thai national.

• Proof of marriage documents are required. This can be procured through a Marriage Certificate (Kor Ror 3) or a Marriage Registration (Kor Ror 2).*

• You will have to provide proof of residency in Thailand (this can either be your address or your spouse’s).

• You will need a deposit of at least 400,000 THB in a Thai bank account and maintain it for at least 2 months. The following documents can be procured as evidence that this security deposit has been made: 

  • An updated bankbook or passbook

  • A letter from the bank verifying that the amount from overseas has been transferred.

• Have a monthly income of 40,000 THB, verified via a letter or affidavit from the foreign embassy representing your nationality.

• Present supplementary documentation (only when applicable):

  • For some countries, an Affirmation of Freedom to Marry document is needed, obtainable from the foreign embassy representing your nationality in Thailand. This is only required if you are converting from a tourist visa to a non-immigrant O visa. 

  • English-translated versions of the required documents verified by a consulate notary or embassy, in case the original documents are not in English.

*NOTE: If you and your Thai partner got married overseas, you will need to provide a Kor Ror 22 (Registration of Family Status) document.

It is crucial to emphasize that all the documents must be in English or Thai. If they are in another language, it is necessary to have them translated by an authorized translator and then legalized by the Embassy or consulate before submission.

Acquiring a Marriage Visa Thailand

Once all conditions are met and the required documentation has been prepared, the application process can begin in earnest.

You will need to go through these steps:

1. First, you will need to acquire a 90-day visa Thailand either by applying for it via the nearest Royal Thai Consulate or Thai Embassy.

2. Then, you will need to gather the required documents to convert your 90-day non-immigrant visa into a 1-year Thai marriage visa.

3. Wait until there are 30 days remaining on your non-immigrant visa and then submit all necessary documents and a visa extension request to the Thai Immigration Bureau.

4. If successful, you have extended your 90-day non-immigrant visa and transformed it into a 1-year Thai marriage visa.

Thai Marriage Visa Conditions

1. 90-Day Notification

Thailand Marriage Visa holders are obligated to report their current residence or address to the immigration office every 90 days. This can be done in person at the immigration office, by mail, or with the help of an agent. If you leave Thailand before the 90-day reporting deadline, the reporting period will start again from day one upon your return.

2. Re-entry Permit

If you’re on a single-entry visa and plan on leaving and entering Thailand throughout the year of your Thailand Marriage Visa’s validity, it is essential to secure a multiple-entry permit to prevent your visa from getting canceled. However, if you intend to stay in Thailand for the entirety of the visa period, obtaining such a permit is not required.

In cases where you need to leave the country immediately, you can secure a re-entry permit either from the nearest immigration office or at an international airport before your departure.

3. Thailand Marriage Visa Renewal

The Thailand Marriage Visa has a one-year validity and can be extended by submitting the same documentation used in the initial application. It’s important to be aware that the funds in your bank account must be at least 3 months old before renewing the visa.

If a divorce occurs, the validity of your marriage visa will be revoked, necessitating immediate departure from the country. However, in certain circumstances, you might be permitted to remain until the expiration of your existing Marriage Visa.

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A Thailand Visa is often known aRetirement s an “Extension of Stay based on Retirement.” This is because the Thailand Retirement Visa is an extension of a non-immigrant O visa Thailand or a non-immigrant OA visa Thailand, rather than something that you could apply for independently. It is a long-stay visa allowing you to reside in the Land of Smiles legally while enjoying some convenient advantages.

The Retirement Visa Thailand includes these benefits:

• Up to at least 1 year of uninterrupted stay in Thailand

• Allows you to acquire a re-entry permit to enter and exit the country

• The visa is renewable on an annual basis

• You can renew your visa in Thailand without having to leave the country

Applying for a Retirement Visa Thailand

You will have to apply to acquire a Thailand Retirement Visa. As an applicant, you have the choice to apply either inside Thailand or from abroad.

You will need to meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Must be at least 50 years old 

• Must hold a valid foreign passport

• Must provide proof of residence in Thailand by presenting a 6-month lease or more (you can prove this by showing your rental contract and recent bills)

• Must be able to meet ONE of these financial requirements:

  • Have 800,000 THB as a security deposit for at least 2 months before applying for the visa

  • Monthly income of at least 65,000 THB

  • Combination of both a monthly income of 65,000 THB and a security deposit of 800,000 THB

• Must be able to provide the following documentation:

  • Proof of security deposit (bank book or passbook)

    • A letter from the bank must also be produced to state that the deposit was made no less than 2 months before the application

  • Letter from the embassy verifying your income of 65,000 THB

    • A letter from the embassy must be provided in case of using monthly income.

• Police Clearance Certificate

• Medical certificate

• Proof of health insurance Thailand (with a minimum coverage of $100,000 or the international equivalent)

• Supplementary documents (depending on nationality and current situation)

NOTE: If you’re applying from within Thailand, then you do not need to provide a police clearance, medical certificate, or proof of health insurance.

Once you have met the eligibility requirements and gathered all necessary documentation for the application, you will need to complete the following steps:

If inside Thailand:

1. Apply for a Thai Non-immigrant O Visa first

2. Remain in Thailand for 60 days (or the last 30 days of your Non-immigrant OA Visa)

3. Submit your documents to the Royal Thai Consulate or Embassy

If outside Thailand:

1. Apply for a 90-day non-immigrant O or OA visa with the nearest Thai embassy in your country of residence

2. With the non-immigrant O visa, book your flight to Thailand 

3. Remain in Thailand for at least 60 days before moving on to the next step 

4. Once you are on the last 30 days of your non-immigrant visa, you can apply to extend it via the Retirement Visa program

If applying as a tourist inside Thailand:

1. Ensure you have either a valid tourist visa or a visa exemption

2. Must have a Thai bank account

3. Head over to the Thai Immigration Office and apply for a non-immigrant O visa

4. On the last 30 days of your non-immigrant visa, apply for the 1-year extension into a Thai Retirement Visa

Applying for a Retirement Visa for your spouse

If your spouse is also looking to retire in Thailand and is not a Thai citizen, and they meet all the above eligibility requirements, they will be able to qualify for the Thai Retirement Visa.

If your spouse is below 50 years of age or does not qualify for the Retirement Visa, they can still join you on your journey by applying for a Thai Dependent Visa.

• This visa is renewable on an annual basis

• The visa will be canceled the moment you and your spouse have filed for a divorce

• The following requirements need to be met:

  • Your spouse will need a passport with a remaining validity of at least 6 months

  • You will need to provide proof of relationship documents (such as a marriage certificate)

  • You will need to demonstrate that you can support your spouse (this can be achieved by providing proof of financial documents)

After obtaining a Thai Retirement Visa

Holding a Thai Retirement Visa requires you to adhere to certain guidelines. These include, but are not limited to:

• Reporting to Immigration: As a Thai Retirement Visa holder, you still need to report to immigration every 90 days. This can be done at the Thai Immigration Office, online, or via mail. Alternatively, you can also leave the country to “reset the clock.” If you want to, you can also enlist a professional to handle the entire reporting procedure on your behalf for a few by providing them with power of attorney.

• Re-entry permits are required: You must possess a re-entry permit to fly out of the country without canceling your visa, obtainable either at the nearest immigration office or right before you fly out from an international airport in Thailand. If you will not be leaving Thailand at any time during your stay, then you don’t need a re-entry permit.

• Renewing your retirement visa: It is possible to renew your retirement visa every year, provided you have the appropriate funds in your bank account at least 3 months before the renewal process.

• Not permitted to work in Thailand: As a Retirement Visa holder, you cannot work in Thailand nor acquire a Thai work permit.

Also known as a Non-Immigrant B Visa, a Thailand Business Visa is an optimal choice if you’re looking to launch a business venture or startup in Thailand. For aspiring workers, a Thai Business Visa is also required to earn permission to work in Thailand.

There are two different categories that you can choose to apply for the visa:

Business Visa Thailand for Conducting Business

If you intend to visit Thailand to put a business plan into motion, then choose this particular option as a result. Holding this visa allows you to register a company in Thailand, regardless if it’s a startup or a firm.

Two visas fall under this criteria:

• 90 day non-immigrant visa Thailand single-entry: This enables you to stay for up to 90 cumulative days within Thailand, although you will be allowed only one entry into the country at a time.

• One-year non-immigrant visa Thailand multiple-entry: This visa allows you to enter and exit Thailand multiple times. If you opt for this route, you can upgrade it to a business visa once your work permit application has been successfully processed.

Business Visa Thailand for Employment

This is also known as a Thailand Work Visa. Set your sights on this category if you intend to visit Thailand primarily for work.

1. If you go down this path, you will first acquire a 90-day Non-Immigrant Visa sponsored by your employer under the designated employment category. 

2. Once you have received the 90-day visa, you must then apply for a work permit. 

3. When successful, your work permit allows you to extend your 90-day visa into a 1-year Non-Immigrant B visa, obtainable at the Thai Immigration Office.

Conditions of a Thailand Business Visa

To remain in Thailand without any issues, you will need to adhere to a set of rules while on a Thailand Business Visa.

• You have to apply for a re-entry permit every time you want to fly out of Thailand, if on a 90-day visa.

• You must report to the Thai immigration office every 90 days if you are holding a 1-year non-immigrant B visa.

• If you want to renew your visa, it must be done in Thailand.

• If you want to acquire a work permit to be able to work inside Thailand, you will first need to acquire a 90-day Non-Immigrant B Visa. You will have to complete the work permit application during these 90 days. 

Requirements of a Thai Business Visa

To apply for a Thai Business Visa, you need to submit a set of the following documents:

• Valid passport with no less than 6 months validity remaining on it

• Completed Non-Immigrant B Visa application form

• Recent passport-sized photograph in a 4 x 6 cm format (the photo must be taken no longer than 6 months ago)

• Proof of finances (20,000 THB if applying for it alone and 40,000 THB if you are traveling with family)

• Your travel itinerary 

There are other documents required for the application, depending on whether you are applying for employment purposes or to conduct business within the country. Because these documents are often difficult to acquire, it’s worth consulting us for details on what items you need and how to get them.

Any documents from corporations and businesses must be certified by the company’s Board of Directors or a Managing Director. You will also need to be physically present in the country you’re submitting your application in.

Please note that all documents you provide will need to be in either Thai or English; any documents in a different language will need to be translated and notarized.

How to apply for a Thai Business Visa

You will need to complete the following steps once all of your documents are in order:

1. Receive the employment invitation from the company you will be working for in Thailand. 

2. Gather all required documents as stated on the employment invitation and apply for a 90-day Non-Immigrant Visa.

3. Submit the documents to the nearest Royal Thai Consulate or Embassy. 

4. Pay the embassy or consulate fees (2,000 THB for a single-entry business visa and 5,000 THB for a multiple-entry business visa).*

5. Apply to extend your 90-day Non-Immigrant Visa into a 1-year Non-Immigrant Business (B) Visa.

6. Await the approval of your Thai Business Visa. It usually takes between 5 to 10 business days before you will receive the results (this varies depending on the location you’re applying in). 

*NOTE: You have several payment methods available to complete this stage of the application. These include:

• Cash

• Credit Card

• Bank Cheque

LTR Visa Thailand or the Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa is a 10-year visa aimed at attracting high-potential foreigners who wish to relocate to Thailand on a long-term basis. As a leading economy in the ASEAN region, Thailand seeks to attract these individuals to bolster the country’s standing and to stimulate overseas investment and economic development in the kingdom. The visa allows holders to live and legally work in Thailand for up to ten years and provides many benefits, including access to healthcare, education, tax incentives, and the ability to open a bank account.

Benefits of the LTR Visa

• Provides up to 10 years of uninterrupted stay in Thailand

• Provides a 5-year multiple-entry visa that’s renewable up to a maximum of 10 years

• Free access to immigration fast-tracking services upon arrival at Thai international airports

• Report to Thai Immigration every year (rather than the default 90-day reporting process that other visa holders are required to undergo)

• Tax exemption on foreign-sourced income*

• Holders of an LTR Visa in the Highly-Skilled Professionals category benefit from a flat income tax rate of 17%

• Facilitated work permit and immigration services at the One Stop Service Center

• The opportunity to legally work in Thailand for a Thai company

• Not considered as a foreigner under the employee quota regulations.

* Tax exemption only applies if the remitted income does not enter Thailand in the same year it was earned.

What are the Thailand LTR Visa Categories

The Thailand LTR Visa is offered to four categories of foreign individuals:

• Wealthy Global Citizens

• Wealthy Pensioners

• Work-From-Thailand Professionals

• Highly-Skilled Professionals

Thailand LTR Visa holders may also bring up to 4 family members; their legal spouse and children under the age of 20. Spouses and dependents will qualify for the same visa category as the LTR Visa holder.

How to Qualify for the LTR Visa Thailand

Each category has different eligibility requirements and applications are considered based on the set criteria for the category applied for. For each category, all requirements must be satisfied in order to qualify. Documents will need to be provided as evidence. Applicants for every category must also have health insurance with at least USD 50,000 coverage or at least USD 100,000 deposit in a Thai bank account.

Thai LTR Visa for Wealthy Global Citizens

For wealthy individuals holding at least USD 1 million in assets.

• Assets of a minimum of USD 1 million.

• An annual income of at least USD 80,000 for the past two years.

• Minimum investment of USD 500,000 in Thai government bonds, foreign direct investment, Thai property, or any combination.

Thai LTR Visa for Wealthy Pensioners

For retirees aged 50 years or older who have an annual pension or stable passive income.

• Passive income of at least USD 80,000 a year at the time of application.

• Applicants with a personal income ranging between USD 40,000 and USD 80,000 a year may also be eligible, granted they have a minimum investment of USD 250,000 in Thai government bonds, foreign direct investment, Thai property, or any combination.

• Income from employment will not be considered under this category.

Thai LTR Visa for Work-From-Thailand Professionals

For remote workers of well-established overseas companies.

• An annual income of at least USD 80,000 for the past two years.

• Applicants with an annual income ranging between USD 40,000 and USD 80,000 may also be eligible if they have a Master’s degree or above, own intellectual property, or have received Series A funding.

• Current employer must be a Public company listed on a stock exchange or a Private company that has been in operation for a minimum of three years with a combined revenue of at least USD 150 million in the past three years.

• Non-profit organizations and Government entities are not considered.

• The applicant must have at least 5 years of experience in the relevant fields of their current employment over the past 10 years.

Thai LTR Visa for Highly-Skilled Professionals

For professionals or experts in targeted industries working for Business entities, institutions, and government agencies in Thailand.

• Must already be holding a valid Non-Immigrant “B” Visa and Work Permit.

• An annual income of at least USD 80,000 for the past two years.

• Applicants with an annual income ranging between USD 40,000 and USD 80,000 may also be eligible if they have a Master’s degree or above in science and technology or special expertise relevant to the job assignment in Thailand.

• There are no minimum income requirements for applicants who intend to work in government higher educational institutions, research centers, specialized training centers or government agencies.

• Business must be in one of the targeted industries.

• The applicant must have at least 5 years of experience in the targeted industries or have a PhD in relevant fields or work for a Thai government agency.

LTR Visa Thailand for Spouses and Dependents

• Must be legal dependents of the applicant (spouses and children under 20 years of age)

• Same-sex marriage or partnerships are currently not currently recognized under Thai Law.

• Health insurance with at least USD 25,000 coverage.

• Children will only be eligible as dependents until 20 years of age.

Other Long-Term Resident Visa Conditions

The requirements for the LTR Visa Thailand established by the BOI are subject to change, therefore if you are interested in this visa, it is encouraged to research the most up-to-date information or contact us for a consultation.

Applicants for the LTR Visa Thailand must submit their application and supporting evidence to the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI). The 10-year LTR visa Thailand is divided into two terms of five years each. The initial permission to stay in the country will be granted for a period of five years, which may then be extended for an additional five years, for a total length of stay not exceeding ten years.

Thailand LTR Visa holders and their dependents (spouses and children) must report their residence status to their local Immigration if they reside in Thailand consecutively for 365 days (1 year).

Thailand LTR Visa holders under the “Highly-Skilled-Professionals” category can benefit from a discounted personal income tax rate of 17%. A digital work permit will be issued at the same time as the visa. Thai LTR Visa holders under the “Work-from-Thaialnd Professional” category can not obtain a work permit. Other LTR Visa holders and dependents may obtain a work permit after the issuance of their visa.

The processing time for a Thailand LTR Visa is dependent on the strength of the application and supporting documents. The typical processing time is between 4 to 8 weeks. It is advisable to submit all required documents during the initial application to avoid future delays. The BOI reserves the right to request further documents during the application process as needed.

How to Apply for an LTR Visa Thailand

We can assist with your Thailand LTR Visa application. First, we will review your documents in our initial consultation to determine your eligibility and the most suitable category for your application. After the consultation, we will gather all the necessary documents and prescreen them before the submission of the application. We will only submit your application if we are satisfied that your documents satisfy the criteria for your chosen category. Throughout the entire process, we will be in contact with government agencies and will inform you of any requests for additional documents.

If the application is approved, you will have 60 days to collect your visa. You can choose to collect your visa in Bangkok or at a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate overseas. If you choose to collect your visa in Bangkok we will accompany you to the BOI to receive your visa.

Should you be interested in applying for an LTR Visa Thailand, please do not hesitate to contact us.

In July of 2024, the Thai government launched a wave of measures designed to increase tourism and stimulate the economy, and one of the most significant was the introduction of the Destination Thailand Visa. Also known as the DTV (frequently misnamed as the DTV Visa), this new long-term Thai visa is aimed squarely at digital nomads and freelancers, but is also geared toward those hoping to take part in Thai cultural activities or undergo medical treatment as part of medical tourism.

If you fall into any of these categories, the DTV could be a good option if you plan on spending extended periods of time in the Land of Smiles. It has relatively few eligibility requirements and provides a convenient long-term visa that allows for flexible traveling.

This page will explain what the DTV allows you to do, who is eligible to apply for it, and how to get one for yourself. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions we get about this visa, so you can make an informed decision on if this immigration solution is right for you.

What is the Destination Thailand Visa?

This visa is a kind of tourist visa in Thailand. This means you cannot get a work permit to work for a Thai company, and you are prohibited from doing certain other things that require non-tourist visas, such as domestically adopting a child in Thailand or working toward permanent residency in Thailand.

However, the DTV still offers a long-term, flexible stay in Thailand and the freedom to engage in most other pursuits. Let’s take a look at the basic facts:

• Visa Duration: 5-years

• Visa Type: Multiple entry

• Length of Stay per Entry: 180 days

• Extendable: Yes, once per entry

• Obtainable From: A Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate or online through Thailand’s official e-visa website

• Option to Include Family: Yes

All of this means that if you hold a DTV, you can leave and re-enter Thailand as many times as you want without having to apply for a re-entry permit as other Thai tourist visas require. However, each time you enter Thailand, you can only stay for 180 days, after which point you need only leave and return to reset your stay and get another 180 days.

Alternatively, once per entry, you may extend the DTV to get another 180 days on top of your existing 180 stay. If you take this route, you are able to stay in Thailand for nearly a year before having to leave and return. Keep in mind, though, that this will cost an additional fee (see below).

The Destination Thailand Visa works this way because it is designed for digital nomads and online freelancers who want to spend extended periods of time in Thailand both working and enjoying the country. You can have a “workcation” in Thailand before moving on to your next location, and return whenever it strikes your fancy.

Who is Eligible for the DTV?

There are three categories of DTV, and which one applies to you will depend on your plans in Thailand.

Workcation (Digital Nomads, Freelancers, Remote Workers)

As mentioned above, the main target of this visa is for those who can work from anywhere in the world. Whether you work remotely for a foreign company or are in business for yourself as a freelancer or influencer, this visa is available to you.

The Thai government was quick to point out that “not just anyone” can get this visa as a digital nomad. However, at the time of this writing, no minimum income, employer, or social media follower requirements have been introduced.

Thai Soft Power Activities

These activities enhance the awareness and prestige of Thailand’s culture and economy, thereby improving the Kingdom’s standing in the international community. If you plan to engage in one of these activities long-term while in Thailand, you may be eligible to get a DTV to do so. As of the time of this writing, the acceptable soft power activities include:

• Muay Thai courses

• Thai cooking classes

• Sport training

• Medical treatment

• Seminars

• Music festivals

Dependents of Primary DTV Holders

Another significant advantage of the Destination Thailand Visa is the ability to get dependent visas for your family members so you can bring them along without having to worry about separate visa arrangements. There is no limit to how many dependents you can bring, but each incurs a visa fee, and you may only include immediate family members onto your DTV, meaning spouses and dependent children only.

How to Get a DTV

The process of applying for a Destination Thailand Visa is similar to the standard Thai tourist visa, but there are a few extra considerations and criteria that must be met to ensure a successful application.

How to Qualify for the Destination Thailand Visa

All applicants must meet basic criteria to be considered for this visa:

• You must be at least 20 years old

• You must not have a history of long visa overstays on record with Thai Immigration

• You must have at least 500,000 THB in liquid assets to prove that you can support yourself while in Thailand

  • Alternatively, Thai Immigration may allow a sponsor in Thailand to act as a guarantor if they have the required funds and agree to support you in writing

  • Also, note that the embassy you apply from may demand to see a higher amount in your bank account

For dependents of DTV holders:

• You must be a legal spouse of the DTV holder OR

• You must be a legally recognized dependent child of the DTV holder, younger than 20 years old, and unmarried

Once you are certain that you and any family you might bring qualify for the DTV, it’s time to collect some documentation for your application packet.

Required Documents for Thailand’s Destination Visa

The following is a list of all the documents you will need to include with your DTV application; however, note that each category of this visa has some additional documentation requirements.

• Passport or other travel document

• Passport-sized photograph

• A document indicating your current location

• Proof of payment of the visa fee (10,000 THB)

  • Note: Visa fees may vary from country to country

• Evidence of sufficient financial assets (500,000 THB) which can take the form of:

  • Bank statements

  • Payslips

  • Sponsorship letters

• Document proving purpose of visit (unique category requirements):

  • Workcation – An employment contract, employment certificate, or a professional portfolio of freelance work.

  • Thai Soft Power Activities – Proof of confirmation to attend the activity or a letter of appointment from a hospital/medical clinic

  • Dependent – Marriage certificate, birth certificate, adoption papers, or another official document proving their relationship to the primary DTV holder

Once you have these documents collected and prepared to Thai Immigration’s standards, you can begin the application process.

Where to Apply for the DTV

You have a couple of options when it comes to choosing a method of applying for the Destination Thailand Visa. First, like with other Thai tourist visas, you can apply in person at your local Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate. However, for the DTV, you must apply from the country where your employment is based.

As all embassies and consulates vary somewhat, it is recommended that you call ahead to confirm that you are able to apply for the DTV there, and how you should go about it. Also inquire about their DTV visa fee, as it may be different than the standard 10,000 THB.

You’ll likely have to make an appointment, arrive with all documents in hand, present them to the immigration officer, and then await your answer. If you are approved, you may get your visa the same day, or you might have to wait a few days depending on the embassy you applied through.

The other method is through the Thailand e-Visa website. You’ll need to navigate the website’s online application portal and upload or mail your documentation to be considered for approval. This method may take more time, but eliminates the need to travel anywhere to get your DTV. As with applying in person, though, this must be done from your country of employment.

Visa Extensions for the DTV

As mentioned above, you can renew your DTV to get an additional 180 days added to your 180-day stay limit. You can do this once per entry, meaning that with an extension you can stay in Thailand for nearly a whole year without having to leave again.

To extend your DTV, you will need to go in person to Thai Immigration at Chaeng Wattana. You’ll also need to pay the extension fee of 1,900 THB.

Destination Thailand Visa FAQ

Here are some questions that we often get regarding this exciting new visa option. Hopefully, the answers will help you decide if Thailand’s DTV is for you.

Can I work for a Thai company on a DTV?

No, your employer must be yourself or a foreign company.

Do I have to pay taxes on my foreign income as a DTV holder?

That depends. Anyone who stays in Thailand for over 180 days out of a calendar year is considered a tax resident by the Thai government. If you are a tax resident, you are liable to pay Thai taxes on your foreign income. You may be exempt from this if your foreign income is taxed by your home country, and that country has a Double Tax Agreement with Thailand, which prevents income from being taxed twice.

How much does the Destination Thailand Visa cost?

The initial visa fee is 10,000 THB for a Thai destination visa. But again, keep in mind that because you must apply for this visa from outside Thailand, the embassy or consulate you apply from may charge a different DTV visa fee.

You can extend the visa once per entry, with each extension costing an additional 1,900 THB.

Is it called the DTV Visa, Destination Thailand Visa, or the Digital Nomad Visa?

The Destination Thailand Visa is called the DTV for short. Many people also mislabel it as the “DTV Visa,” in the same way they say “ATM Machine” or “PIN Number,” but they are referring to the same thing. This visa is also sometimes referred to as the Thailand Digital Nomad Visa when comparing it to similar visas from neighboring countries in the SEA region. They are different names for the same visa.

Thailand SMART Visa Program

Thanks to the government’s incentives and the Smart Visa Thailand, working, investing, and starting business ventures in Thailand can be highly profitable. The Thailand Smart Visa Program provides you with the opportunity to put all these into motion.

Boosting Thailand’s economy and innovation remains a priority for the government, and attracting professionals from abroad is in direct service of this goal. This is where the SMART Visa program comes in. Launched on February 1, 2018, this program is designed to attract foreign professionals like yourself to Thailand, providing a pathway for you to secure employment, invest, or launch new businesses in targeted industries within the country.

The Thai SMART Visa is suitable for:

• Working professionals

• Investors

• Entrepreneurs

• Owners of a startup company

• Executives

Targeted industries are at the forefront of the SMART Visa program. If you’re involved in one of these sectors, the Thai SMART Visa will enable you to legally work, invest in, or otherwise contribute to these targeted industries. These usually consist of technological and scientific fields that together help to develop Thailand’s growing economy.

Targeted industries are condensed into the term: “S-Curve industries,” which include:

1. Automotives

2. Electronics

3. Tourism (affluent, medical, or wellness)

4. Agriculture and biotechnology

5. Future food

6. Automation and robotics

7. Transportation and logistics

8. Biofuels and biochemicals

9. Digital technologies

10. Medicine and medical hubs

11. National Defense

12. Aviation and aerospace

13. Management of Technological Innovation and Startup Ecosystem

14. Targeted technological development

15. International Business Center (IBC)

16. Alternative dispute resolution

17. Human resource development in science and technology

18. Environmental research

19. Renewable energy

The benefits of a SMART Visa Thailand

The SMART Visa allows experts like you to utilize your entire skill set in the Kingdom and share in its growth. Its benefits include:

• The ability to reside in Thailand for up to a total of 4 years (excluding applicants who applied through the Startup stream).

• Yearly reporting to the Thai Immigration Office instead of every 90 days as with other visas.

• The option to bring your family members to Thailand on a non-immigrant visa.

• The opportunity for you and your family members to work in any of the targeted industries without a work permit.

• A multi-entry visa, eliminates the need for a re-entry permit to fly into and out of the country.

Types of SMART Visa Thailand

To secure a SMART Visa, you will have to apply through a stream. There are a total of four different streams, each with unique eligibility conditions to fulfill:

SMART Talent (T) Visa

This choice is available to talented foreign working professionals wanting to continue working in a targeted industry in Thailand. If you’ve accumulated experience in “S-Curve industries”, you can apply for a SMART Visa through this stream.

Requirements:

• Must earn at least 100,000 THB (or the international equivalent) per month

  • Retired experts or startup company employees only need to have an income of 50,000 THB (or the international equivalent) per month.

• Must have work experience in a science and technology field related to a targeted industry. Your expertise here has to be endorsed by a government agency from the Strategic Talent Center (STC) network.

• Must have an employment or service contract* with a company in Thailand with a validity of 1 year remaining.

• Must be endorsed by one of the following government agencies:

  • National Innovation Agency

  • Digital Economy Promotion Agency

*NOTE: The contract must be with a Thai company. Remote workers or digital nomads are not eligible for a SMART Visa via this stream.

If you are working for either a government agency, a higher education institute, a specialized training institute, or dealing with Alternative Dispute Resolution, you do not have to meet the above requirements. Instead, you will have different requirements to fulfill:

• You must procure evidence that you are working for any of the above institutes/agencies (this can be a proof of employment document or an employment contract).

• If you are working for a government agency, the employing body must validate your expertise in any of the targeted industries.

• If you are working for a higher education or specialized training institution, your experience must be endorsed by the employing body within the Strategic Talent Center (STC) network.

• If you are delivering Alternative Dispute Resolution services, your level of expertise in this must be endorsed by an arbitration institute.

SMART Investor (I) Visa

If you’re an investor, you are also considered eligible for the SMART Visa program. Your investments, whether in shares, property, goods, services, or funds, help drive Thailand’s economy forward, making you a prime candidate for the SMART Visa.

Requirements:

• (If an individual investor) Must invest at least 20 million THB into technology-based companies or 5 million THB in a startup or accelerator/incubation program.

• (If investing through a capital venture) Must invest at least 20 million THB into technology-based companies.

• If you are investing in a technology-driven business, that company must manufacture or provide services in any of the targeted industries.

• The businesses you invest in must be endorsed by one of the following government agencies:

  • National Innovation Agency

  • Digital Economy Promotion Agency

  • Technology Development Agency

SMART Executive (E) Visa

This stream is geared towards anyone working in an executive position. You will be able to apply through this stream if you’re employed* in this capacity and you meet the following requirements below.

Requirements:

• Must hold an executive position (such as a Chairman or Managing Director) in a company.

• Must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher level education degree.

• Must have at least 10 years of work experience in a targeted industry.

• Must earn a minimum of 200,000 THB per month (or the international equivalent).

• Must have an employment contract with a company in Thailand that has 1 year of validity remaining.

• Your employer must be certified as a technology-based business that either manufactures or delivers services by one of the following government agencies:

  • National Innovation Agency

  • Digital Economy Promotion Agency

  • National Science and Technology Development Agency

*NOTE: Digital nomads or remote workers are not eligible to apply under this stream.

SMART Startup (S) Visa

This category is different as it gives you the option to reside in Thailand for 6 months, 1 year, or 2 years (depending on your situation) rather than the default 4-year duration. This is an ideal choice for you if you:

• Have created a startup or business in the country

• Have joined an accelerator or incubation program

• Plan to create your own business

Requirements (for 1-2 year visa):

• Must have at least 600,000 THB (or the international equivalent) in a Thai or foreign savings account that’s been maintained for at least 3 months.

  • If you’re being accompanied by any family members, each additional applicant needs to hold at least 180,000 THB (or the international equivalent) in their savings account, also maintained for a minimum of 3 months.

• Must be covered by health insurance for the entire length of your stay in Thailand.

• Must have set up a startup in a targeted industry endorsed by one of the following government agencies:

  • National Innovation Agency

  • Digital Economy Promotion Agency

It should be noted that this stream offers a visa lasting either 1 year or 2 years depending on your circumstances:

• If you hold no less than 25% of the company’s share or hold a position as a director in that company, you are eligible for a 2-year visa.

• If you are participating in an accelerator or incubation program, then you are eligible for a 1-year visa:

  • This program must be endorsed by a government agency such as the National Innovation Agency or the Digital Economy Promotion Agency.

  • If not currently participating in an accelerator or incubation program, you must receive joint venture funding with a public sector company or be endorsed by a relevant government body.

If you do not have a company but have plans to set one up, you are qualified for a 6-month visa. All other benefits apply, but the application requirements are different.

Requirements (for 6 months visa):

• You must have either:

  • An official plan to launch a tech startup company that has been endorsed by government organizations such as the National Innovation Agency.

  • Be actively engaged in startup activities (i.e.: Startup Camp) that have been endorsed by a government agency such as the National Innovation Agency or the Board of Investments (BOI).

• You must be covered by health insurance in Thailand for your entire stay.

Bringing your family to Thailand as a SMART Visa holder

Once you acquire a Thailand SMART Visa, you have the opportunity to bring your spouse and children to join you. To start, you must first successfully apply for a Thai SMART Visa through any of the four available streams, then once you have your visa in hand, you can begin the process of getting each family member a non-immigrant visa.

Requirements:

• You must already hold a SMART Visa.

• Each additional applicant must be an immediate family member, meaning only your spouse and legally recognized children are eligible.

• Children must be below the age of 20 to be eligible. If you applied through the “Talent” stream, however, your child might be considered if they are over 20 years old.

• Each family member must be considered a dependent (this excludes family members of a 6-month SMART Visa holder).

• If you applied for a SMART Visa under the “Startup” stream, your family member(s) need to demonstrate 180,000 THB (or the international equivalent) in their savings for 3 months.

• Health insurance is required and must cover each additional applicant for the entire duration of their stay.

How to Apply for a SMART Visa in Thailand

The Thailand SMART Visa costs 10,000 THB (or the international equivalent if applying abroad) per person, and you will have to pay the fee every year.

Before you can apply, you will need to be eligible for a certain stream and your qualifications must also be endorsed by a government agency, which differs depending on which stream you’ve chosen. For instance, if you apply for a SMART Visa through the “Talent” stream, you need to be endorsed either by the National Innovation Agency or the Digital Economy Promotion Agency.

The application journey consists of the following steps:

1. To begin, you must select a stream and create an account on the SMART Visa section of the Board of Investment website: https://smart-visa.boi.go.th/

2. You must complete the online application and provide a PDF version of all the required documents.

3. Your application will be transferred over to the One Stop Center for Visas and Work Permits (OSS) to be screened.

4. Within 30 days, the OSS will then notify you of the results. If successful, you will be issued a Letter of Qualification Endorsement.

5. You can then apply for the SMART Visa* via the following organizations:

   • Royal Thai Consulate or Thai Embassy (if abroad)

   • One-Stop Service Center for Visas and Work Permits (if in Thailand)

   • EEC Labour Administration Center in Chonburi (if in Thailand)

6. You will have to book an appointment to get your SMART Visa issued at your desired location.

*NOTE: You have 60 days from the date you receive the Letter of Qualification Endorsement to apply for a SMART Visa.

How to Affix the SMART Visa Thailand

Getting a Thai SMART Visa in person

If you are obtaining your visa in person, you will also need to present several documents before heading to the institution you’ve selected.

Required documents:

• Valid passport*

• Recent passport-sized photograph of the applicant**

• Letter of Qualification Endorsement

• Completed SMART Visa application form

• T.M. 6 Arrival Card

• Completed STM.6 Form (Criteria and Conditions Acknowledgement Form For The Temporary Stay Permit In The Kingdom)

• Two completed acknowledgment documents:

  • Acknowledgment Form of Penalties For a Visa Overstay

  • Acknowledgment Form of Practices For Recipients of SMART Visa

• Recent 90-day report receipt (only applicable to previous holders of a non-immigrant visa that has been previously extended)

• Work permit (only applicable if the applicant was a previous non-immigrant B visa holder)

*NOTE: You can photocopy your passport, but you also must include the page with your latest visa and all consular stamps issued in the past. Your passport also has to have 2-3 blank pages so the visa sticker can be affixed.

**NOTE: You will need to take the photo against a white background. You will also need to meet the dress code by wearing business attire with no glasses or headgear. Ensure your photo is no older than 6 months and its dimensions are 4 cm x 6 cm.

Prepare these documents and present them to either the One Stop Service Center or the EEC Labour Administration Center. There will be staff there who will be able to guide you in acquiring your SMART visa sticker.

Getting a Thai SMART Visa Overseas

If you’re applying overseas, you must select a Royal Thai Consulate or Embassy to affix your SMART Visa. To prevent complications, you should give yourself 1 month in advance to obtain the visa before flying into Thailand. You will need to pursue the following steps:

1. You need to inform the Board of Investment (BOI) of which location you’ve chosen. You can send this request via email at: smartvisa@boi.go.th

2. The SMART Visa unit at the Board of Investment (BOI) will coordinate with the Thai embassy in your country which will then send a notification to you via email. This process lasts 7-14 days.

3. Upon receiving the notification, you can book an appointment with the embassy to get your visa sticker. The embassy will inform you of the fees and documents you will need to send.

4. After receiving the visa, you can apply for a Certificate of Entry and book a flight to Thailand. The Certificate of Entry serves as proof that you are given the right to enter the country.

You should also be aware of any possible inaccuracies on your visa sticker and arrival stamp, as failure to do so may create issues such as being denied entry into Thailand. Upon arrival in Thailand, you can also send a copy of your arrival stamp and SMART Visa sticker to the Board of Investment (BOI) via email to receive a Notification Letter of Rights for SMART Visa Holders.

If you want to stay in Thailand for a long time or even forever without having to worry about your visa expiring, consider applying for Thai permanent residency. By becoming a permanent resident, you would no longer have to agonize over the visa runs, and owning properties or establishing a company in Thailand would become much simpler. In addition, if you are looking to one day become a Thai citizen through naturalization, having a permanent residency is a path that will help you achieve your goal.

The Annual Quota

It is important to note that there is an annual quota and a specific timeframe to apply for Thai PR. The quota is usually 100 persons of each nationality and 50 persons for stateless applicants. The application is inclined to open from October or November until the last day of December each year.

In 2022, the Immigration Bureau announced the timeframe for submission of application from October 17th – December 29th. Nonetheless, it is recommended for those interested to start preparing early in the year as there are many requirements to fulfill.

The applicant must possess the following qualifications:

1. The applicant must hold a passport with a Non-immigrant visa stamp and have permission to stay in the Kingdom for at least 3 consecutive years on an annual visa extension basis until the day of the submission.

2. The applicant who is at least 14 years of age must undergo a criminal background check through fingerprint and identity records.

3. The applicant must disclose information regarding income, assets, professional knowledge, and family status with a Thai national or other information as deemed appropriate.

4. The applicant must be able to speak and understand Thai to a certain extent.

Application Categories

The applicant must select one of these categories to apply for Thai PR based on his/her circumstance. 

1. Investment category

2. Business category

3. Work category

4. Humanity reasons category, including:

   1. Spouse providing patronage or being under the patronage of the spouse who is a Thai national or a Thai PR holder

   2. Child providing patronage or being under the patronage of parent(s) who is a Thai national or a Thai PR holder

   3. Father or mother providing patronage or being under the patronage of the child who is a Thai national or a Thai PR holder

   4. Expert

   5. Others, to be considered on a case-by-case basis

Criteria for an application filed under Investment Category

1. The applicant must have an investment in Thailand of at least 10 million Baht with evidence issued by a Thai commercial bank that the investment had been transferred to Thailand from abroad.

2. The investment must benefit the Thai economy by some means with proof of investment.

3. Once PR is obtained, the foreigner must present the proof of investment to the immigration committee or assigned officer within September of each year for 3 consecutive years.

Criteria for an application filed under Business Category

1. The applicant must hold an executive position in a company registered in Thailand with at least 10 million Baht in capital and is authorized as a signatory for at least 1 year until the submission date.

2. The applicant must earn at least 50,000 Bath/month for a minimum of 2 consecutive years until the submission date and must present evidence of income tax payment.

3. Such business must be of interest to the Thai economy with specific conditions applied. 

Criteria for an application filed under Work Category

1. The applicant must have permission to work in Thailand (Work Permit) for at least 3 years until the submission date.

2. The applicant must have been working in the company stated in the application for at least 1 year until the submission date.

3. The applicant must earn at least 80,000 Baht/month for a minimum of 2 consecutive years until the submission date or has been paying personal income tax of at least 100,000 Baht for a minimum of 2 consecutive years until the submission date.

Criteria for an application filed under the Category of Humanity Reasons

1. Spouse providing patronage or being under the patronage of the Thai spouse.

In case the person providing patronage works in Thailand:

• Must be legally married for at least 2 years and have a biological child. In case of infertility, medical evidence from the hospital must be presented. Without the evidence, they must have been legally married for at least 5 years until the submission date. 

• One party or both parties together must have adequate income to provide patronage of at least 30,000 Baht/month for a minimum of 2 consecutive years until the submission date and must present proof of tax payment.

In case the person providing patronage is an elderly:

• The applicant must be at least 50 years of age at the time of application submission.

• Must be legally married for at least 2 years until the submission date.

• The patronage provider must earn at least 65,000 Baht/month for a minimum of 2 consecutive years until the submission date.

2. Child providing patronage or being under the patronage of the Thai parent(s).

In case the child provides patronage to the Thai father or mother:

• The applicant is a biological child of the Thai parent(s).

• The father or mother must be at least 50 years old at the time of submission.

• The patronage provider must earn at least 30,000 Baht/month for a minimum of 2 consecutive years until the submission date with proof of tax payment.

In case the child requests to be under the patronage of the Thai parent(s):

• The father or mother must be the biological parent of the child and holds a birth certificate.

• The child must be single and under 20 years of age. If the child is over 20 years old on the date of submission, there must be a valid reason to be under the parent’s patronage, such as being an undergraduate student or is suffering from an illness while related evidence must be provided. 

• The patronage provider must earn at least 30,000 Baht/month for a minimum of 2 consecutive years until the submission date with proof of tax payment.

3. The father or mother providing the patronage or being under the patronage of the Thai child.

In case the father or mother provides patronage for a Thai child:

• The father or mother must be the biological parent of the child and holds a birth certificate.

• The child must be single and under 20 years of age. If the child is over 20 years old on the date of submission, there must be a valid reason to be under the parent’s patronage, such as being an undergraduate student or suffering from an illness while related evidence must be provided.

• The patronage provider must earn at least 30,000 Baht/month for a minimum of 2 consecutive years until the submission date with proof of tax payment.

In case the father or mother requests to be under the patronage of the Thai child:

• The applicant is a biological parent of the child.

• The father or mother must be at least 50 years old at the time of submission.

• The patronage provider must earn at least 30,000 Baht/month for a minimum of 2 consecutive years until the submission date with proof of tax payment.

4. The applicant who wishes to apply under the Expert Category must have the following qualifications:

• The applicant must have graduated with a bachelor’s degree at minimum and possesses abilities that are needed or deemed beneficial to the Kingdom.

• The applicant must provide certification from a related government authority.

• The applicant must provide a work certificate with proof of service of at least 3 consecutive years until the submission date.

5. The applicant who wishes to apply under a case-by-case category must have the following qualifications:

• The applicant must have produced benefits to Thailand, the Thai government or have been selected by a nationally recognized institution as having accomplished works that are of interest to the country with related evidence.

• Other qualifications as deemed appropriate by the Immigration Committee.

The process after application submission and the interview

Once the application is submitted, the officer will grant the applicant permission to stay in Thailand for 180 days each time until the result of the application is officially announced.

The applicant will be scheduled for an interview appointment where the applicant will have to showcase his/her Thai language proficiency. The application will be deemed canceled if the applicant fails to be present on the appointed date without a valid reason.

Once approved, the blue book of residency will be issued to the successful applicant where he/she can then register the place of residence in Thailand and proceed to apply for an alien book which is equivalent to a Thai ID card.

Application fee and related fees:

1. The application fee is 7,600 Baht (non-refundable)

2. If permanent residency is granted, the applicant must pay 191,400 Baht for the residence permit.

3. For the applicant who is a spouse, a parent, or a child under legal age (under 20 years old) of a Thai national or a Thai PR holder, he/she must pay 95,700 Baht for the residence permit, if granted. 

Locations to submit application:

In Bangkok: Sub-division 1, Immigration Division 1, The Government Complex, Building B, 2nd Floor, Counter D, 120 Moo 3, Chaengwattana Road, Thungsonghong Sub-District, Bangkok 10210

In other provinces: Local Immigration Office

The preparation process and required documents for Thailand permanent residency are complex but worth an effort as a successful applicant will gain many benefits which will make your life in Thailand much more convenient. Please contact us for inquiries or professional assistance.

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