Thailand is a super popular destination for remote workers and you may want to follow suit. Here’s how to get a Thailand digital nomad visa.
December 13, 2024
By: Bobby Casey, Managing Director GWP
In early 2024, Thailand ranked third on the list of countries with the best digital nomad visas. Unsurprisingly, people are flocking to this Asian country to start new chapters in their lives, especially since the cost of living is low, the culture’s amazing, and the weather’s nice too.
Those thinking of packing up and becoming remote workers in Thailand may now be curious about the digital nomad visa. The good news is that it’s relatively easy to get, so it may be worth checking out.
In this article, we’ll explain the Thailand digital nomad visa in detail. Plus, we’ll show you how to apply for it so it’s less stressful for you.
What’s the Thailand Digital Nomad Visa?
The Thailand digital nomad visa is a 2024 implementation (as of July 15th), which may be surprising to most people. In many other countries, digital nomad visas have already existed for a while. However, Thailand has only just recently introduced theirs in order to attract more visitors since it’s intended for workcations.
This Thailand remote work visa (also known as the Destination Thailand Visa, or DTV) allows you to initially stay for 180 days. Once you’ve reached those 180 days, you can extend it once more for a maximum stay of 360 days in the country without having to leave.
After the 360 days are up, you must exit Thailand and re-enter to reset your stay clock. The visa is valid for five years and you can repeat the re-entry process during this period.
Thailand Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
Not everyone will qualify for a Thailand digital nomad visa, but as we’ve said earlier, it’s not difficult to meet the requirements.
First of all, you must be at least 20 years old, and you must have a valid passport or travel document. Also, you need to have a passport photo that was taken within the last six months.
To prove that you can support yourself while in Thailand, you must have evidence of financial assets of at least 500,000 THB (around $15,000); the exact amount will depend on which embassy or consulate you’re applying from. This money must have been available for at least three months prior and you can use bank statements and payslips as evidence. You can also use a sponsorship letter.
In addition, you need proof of your freelancer work; for example, you can provide a professional portfolio. Other acceptable forms of proof include employment contracts and employment certificates.
What’s great about this visa is that you can bring your family members over too, if you wish. They must be either your spouse or dependent children who are under 20 years old. Do note that each person must apply separately, which means they have to pay separate visa fees too.
Tax Implications of Getting a Thailand Digital Nomad Visa
There’s the concern of tax implications any time you move to another country, and this nation is no exception.
Thailand considers you a tax resident if you spend 180 days or more in the country within a calendar year. If this happens to you, then you’ll be taxed on your foreign-sourced income that’s remitted to Thailand. This means that you can be taxed on both business operations you conduct in the country and outside of it (if you send money over to your bank account in Thailand).
Not only your business operations are taxed either. For example, if you have pensions, investments, or rental incomes, these can be taxed as well if you’re considered a tax resident.
This may now have you curious about the income tax system in Thailand. The rates vary from 0% to 35%; some types of income are exempt (i.e. retirement, social security, etc.). There are also capital gains taxes, which range from 10% to 15%.
You may also be worried about double taxation. The good news is that Thailand has double taxation agreements with many countries, including the US and the UK.
Do note that if you’re an American, you’re obligated to file a federal tax return and pay US taxes in some cases, even if you’re not currently a US resident. While this may be disheartening, you may be glad to know that you can claim almost all the same tax breaks as you would if you were living in the US, as well as some additional ones like the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC).
How to Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa in Thailand
Now that you’ve learned more about the visa to be a digital nomad in Thailand, are you ready to apply for it? Then let’s go over the steps you need to take.
Prepare Your Documents
First, ensure that your passport is valid and has at least six months before its expiration date. You must also have recent passport-sized photos (taken within the last six months).
Next, get PDFs of or print bank statements proving financial stability. Again, this should be 500,000 THB or more.
You should also have evidence of remote work or freelance activities. You can use employment contracts or letters from clients.
Lastly, you’ll need proof of accommodation in Thailand. Lease agreements or hotel bookings are acceptable.
Submit Your Application
There are two options here, depending on your location.
The first option is to visit a Thai embassy or consulate in your home country or current country of residence. Bring all your documents and the staff will help you with the process.
For some people, you can apply online by using the Thai e-Visa portal. You’ll be held to the requirements of the embassy in your home country or current country of residence, as your online application will be submitted to them.
Either way, it’ll cost 10,000 THB (around $300).
Wait for Approval
The exact processing time for your application will depend on which embassy you use. But typically, you should expect it to take a few weeks.
Be on the lookout for communications, as you may need to provide additional documents. Any delays in your response can slow down your application processing.
Once approved, you can travel to Thailand and present your visa at immigration. You’ll receive a 180-day entry stamp in your passport.
Use the Thailand Digital Nomad Visa
If you’ve always wanted to go to Asia and wouldn’t mind a workcation, then a Thailand digital nomad visa may be in the cards. While it’s a very new visa, the requirements aren’t hard to meet, so you should take advantage now.
This visa is the perfect way to test the waters, as you can stay for up to five years. And because you can bring your family members, you won’t have to be alone either.
Want to protect your assets while working as a digital nomad in Thailand? Then contact us today. Global Wealth Protection can help minimize your tax obligations while overseas.
