Thailand has introduced the Destination Thailand Visa for foreigners who wish to stay in the country for an extended period. Applicants must meet specific requirements to be eligible for this visa.
The goal of the Destination Thailand Visa is to attract more foreginers and encourage them to stay longer. This visa grants foreigners a five-year stay, which is significantly longer than the standard tourist visa. With the new visa, foreigners will be allowed to stay in Thailand for up to 180 days per entry.
Some Thai embassies have already begun accepting applications for this visa, though it is still new, and not all embassies are processing applications yet.
Destination Thailand Visa Key Points
Destination Thailand visa is designed for those foreigners who want to stay for longer time in Thailand, specifically digital nomads, remote workers or those who will learn Thai language.
– Valid for 5 years
– Grants a 180-day stay with each visit
– Multiple-entry visa
– Can be extended once each year
– Family members are eligible to apply
– Minimum age requirement is 20 years
– Can be applied for online or through the embassy
Destination Thailand Visa Requirements
Thailand is a very beautiful country let undetected the eligibility requirements for this term visa:
- Income requirement: A person should have $14.720 in Bank account, bank statement, Bank balance, payslips can be presented as a proof.
- Proof of Purpose: when you are applying for destination Thailand visa you need to submit a proof of your visit purpose, for example if you are working remotely for a company you can submit employment contracts, if you are working independently you can submit partnership agreement or business ownership documents.
- If you are going for short term Thai courses you should present your admission confirmation from the related institute. If your depends also want apply with you than it’s necessary to present documents to prove the relationship between you.
- Age: to apply for destination Thailand
- Valid Passport
- Current Address
- An address in Thailand
How to apply for destination Thailand visa?
To apply for destination Thailand visa you will need to contact the embassy of Thailand in your country. You can apply online but this will also redirect to the embassy in some steps.
Destination Thailand visa is a new type of visa there is no detailed information on the internet, you will need to contact the Thai embassy.
As per Thailand Embassy in Islamabad Pakistan they mentioned in announcement that those who wish to apply for destination Thailand visa should contact the embassy directly.
This visa may have different requirements in different countries, the visa fee may also change from to other country. In some countries this fee is $270 in Pakistan it’s $465.
Destination Thailand Visa Processing Time
The processing time depends on the country from which you apply. In some countries, it may take only two weeks, while in others it could take around one month.
According to Thai authorities, they have already started receiving applications for the Destination Thailand Visa, and the process is underway.
If you are applying from a country with a large population and where many people wish to travel abroad, the visa process may take a bit longer.
To expedite the process, try to submit verifiable documents. If your documents have a QR code, verification will be quicker, and your application will be reviewed more swiftly.
Destination Thailand visa fee
The requirements vary by country, as different Thai embassies may request different fees and documents.
For example, in some countries, the Destination Thailand Visa fee is 10,000 Thai Baht, which is around $270. However, in Pakistan, the Thai embassy charges a $465 visa fee.
It’s essential to contact the Thai embassy in your country for guidance on the specific local requirements.
Can I extend the Destination Thailand Visa?
Yes, it is possible to extend the Destination Thailand Visa once. Some sources suggest that this visa can be extended one time during its 5-year validity, while others mention that it could be extended annually.
However, it’s more likely that it can only be extended once during the 5 years. If it were renewable each year, it would effectively function as a 5-year stay visa.
Although this is not entirely a digital nomad visa, it is more like a long-term tourist visa. It does not lead to permanent residency or tax residency status.
Destination Thailand Visa tax
The Destination Thailand Visa does not impose taxes on its holders. Freelancers, digital nomads, and remote workers who hold this visa are not considered tax residents.
Therefore, they are not required to pay any income tax. If you choose to stay in Thailand for up to one year with the Destination Thailand Visa, you will not be subject to income tax during that period.
This is a significant advantage of the Destination Visa. Most other visas that grant stays of more than six months typically impose income taxes on digital nomads and remote workers, but fortunately, Thailand does not impose any income tax on this visa.
Destination Thailand Visa Benefits
The Destination Thailand Visa offers the advantage of long-term stays, granting up to five years of residency in the country. This extended duration makes it highly attractive for digital nomads, remote workers, and individuals looking for a more permanent base in Southeast Asia.
Unlike standard tourist visas that require frequent renewals or visa runs, this visa provides stability, allowing holders to settle into life in Thailand without the hassle of frequent reapplications or periodic exits from the country.
Another major benefit of the Destination Thailand Visa is its tax exemption. Holders of this visa are not considered tax residents, meaning they are not required to pay any local income tax during their stay.
This is a significant financial advantage for digital nomads and freelancers, as they can keep their earnings intact without worrying about taxation by Thai authorities. It contrasts with other countries that impose taxes on foreign residents after a certain period, making Thailand an appealing destination for remote workers seeking to minimise their tax obligations.
The visa’s flexibility in terms of extensions is also a key benefit. Although it is initially valid for five years, the Destination Thailand Visa can be extended once within its validity period.
Read more: Colombia digital nomad visa guide
This means that visa holders can potentially extend their stay beyond the five-year mark without needing to reapply for a new visa. This flexibility provides peace of mind for those looking to make Thailand their long-term home or base of operations, as they don’t have to constantly navigate the uncertainty of visa renewals.
Finally, the Destination Thailand Visa does not require local sponsorship or employment, which is often a prerequisite for long-term stays in many countries. This is particularly advantageous for digital nomads and remote workers who earn their income from clients or businesses located outside of Thailand.
Without the need for a local sponsor, visa holders enjoy greater independence and can focus on their remote work while benefiting from Thailand’s affordable living costs, rich cultural heritage, and beautiful surroundings. This makes Thailand an ideal choice for those seeking a balanced lifestyle between work and leisure.
