Mark Friedman: So it’s official. The Destination Thailand Visa, or DTV Visa, is now available. Let’s dive right into this compelling new way to work from Thailand, or immerse yourself in Thai culture for more than a holiday. Here are the highlights. The DTV visa is available to anyone over 20. It allows you to work remotely from Thailand, whether you’re employed by an overseas company, or you’re self employed as a freelancer or consultant.
It’s also for folks who want to get to know the kingdom as more than a tourist, such as enrolling in a Muay Thai academy, or Thai cooking school, or attending myriad cultural events. You can also use your extended stay to receive wellness or medical treatments. The visa stamp is good for five years at a cost of just 10,000 Thai baht or about 275.
This is a multiple entry visa, and you can enter and leave the kingdom as you please, making this a great visa. If you’re making Thailand your Southeast Asia travel base. And like a U.S. or U.K. tourist visa, you can stay in the kingdom for up to six months at a time. You can also extend your stay one time for up to another six months by paying an additional fee of 10,000 Thai Baht.
Like all Thailand long term stay visas, you’ll need to show financial viability. For the DTV visa, it’s proof of 500,000 Thai Baht in available funds in a foreign bank account, and by payslips or a sponsorship letter. Doing the math, this is the equivalent of about 13,600. Unlike similar visa programs in other countries, there are no proof of insurance requirements.
Now you can include your spouse and children on your visa and prove up those relationships through a marriage certificate, birth certificate or certificate of adoption. Finally, applications and supporting documents can be submitted online through your home country’s Royal Thai Embassy or consulate. At bottom, this is a terrific visa program offering folks under 50 an inexpensive long term stay opportunity.
It may also be the solution if you’re considering Thailand as a more permanent home, but want to experience the kingdom before making that commitment. I want to mention two thoughts to keep in mind as you explore the DTV opportunity. First, flipping your laptop open and working remotely is just fine.
But if your earnings come from within the kingdom, you’ll need a different visa and a work permit. Penalties are quite substantial, so please consult with someone if you think there are economic opportunities here that you’d like to pursue. Second, if you extend your stay beyond six months, You’ll be considered tax domiciled in Thailand and may be subject to paying tax on your income.
So, keep track of the time you spend here and consult a good tax attorney if you decide to extend your stay beyond 180 days. If you’re interested in learning more about the DTV visa program and how to get started on your application, I’ve included a link below. You can always reach out to us at hello@btisolutions.co
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