Thailand has long been a haven for digital nomads, and now they’re officially invited to make it their base.
The eagerly awaited digital nomad visa is set to roll out in the coming weeks, offering individuals the opportunity to work remotely in Thailand for up to one year at a time.
Dubbed the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), it caters not only to digital nomads and remote workers but also to those eager to immerse themselves in Thai culture, whether by learning muay Thai (Thai boxing) or mastering Thai cuisine, as highlighted by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Chai Wacharonke during the May announcement.
This multiple-entry visa is valid for five years and allows stays of up to 180 days, extendable for an additional 180 days.
Previously, most European tourists were limited to a 30-day visa exemption, extendable for another 30 days, but they were not permitted to work during their stay.
Who qualifies for Thailand’s digital nomad visa, and what’s the cost? According to the government spokesperson, the visa caters not only to freelancers and remote workers but also to those engaging in cultural activities within the country.
This includes individuals taking Thai cooking classes, practicing muay Thai, participating in sports training, attending music festivals, seminars, or seeking medical treatment. Moreover, spouses and dependent children of DTV holders are covered by the visa.
The application fee for Thailand’s digital nomad visa is 10,000 Thai baht (€252), and it’s expected to be available from late June or early July.
Thailand broadens visa-on-arrival to 36 countries Thailand saw a decline of 11 places in the World Economic Forum’s latest travel and tourism development ranking due to inadequate infrastructure and services.
Nevertheless, alongside the DTV announcement, the country unveiled plans to enhance tourism.
Starting this month, its visa extension program now encompasses 93 countries and territories, up from 57, allowing for 60-day stays for tourism and short-term business engagements, up from the previous 30 days.
New additions include Albania, Croatia, Kosovo, Morocco, and others.
Furthermore, 31 more countries are now eligible for a 15-day tourism visa on arrival at Thai airports, up from 19 previously.
Foreign students now have a one-year post-graduation stay to seek employment, whereas previously, they were required to leave immediately.
For those over 50 seeking retirement in sunny locales, the previous insurance requirement of 3 million THB (€75,550) has been reduced to just 440,000 THB (€11,000).
