Thailand's nomad visa for remote workers and freelancers: Decoded

Thailand's Destination Thailand Visa draws 35,000+ applicants in a year, offering a five-year stay option for digital nomads, remote workers and wellness tourists

Last year, Thailand launched the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) programme, which has since drawn over 35,000 applicants, according to official data. The visa targets remote workers and digital nomads by offering a low-cost, long-stay alternative that ties into the government’s wider efforts to lift tourism and economic activity.

 

The DTV is a five-year, multiple-entry visa that allows each stay to last up to 180 days. To apply, individuals must show financial reserves of 500,000 baht (roughly Rs 13.3 lakh) and pay a one-time application fee of 10,000 baht (around Rs 26,673).

 

The relatively modest financial bar, combined with Thailand’s existing appeal among budget-conscious travellers and remote professionals, has set the programme apart from pricier options elsewhere in Southeast Asia.

 

Eligibility spans beyond tech workers

 

While the DTV supports traditional categories like freelancers, self-employed professionals, and remote employees, it also opens the door to a broader range of travellers. Applicants can qualify through Thai soft power activities like Muay Thai training, culinary courses, or wellness tourism, making the programme accessible beyond the usual digital nomad crowd.

 

Children under 20 and spouses can be included in the visa application, which has helped attract applicants looking for extended family stays or a base in Asia.

 

Who can apply and what you can do

 

According to the Thai embassy in India, to be eligible, applicants must:

 

• Be at least 20 years old

• Have 500,000 baht (about Rs 13.3 lakh) in personal funds

• Pay the visa fee

• Show proof of employment with a registered company or provide a portfolio if self-employed

 

Permitted activities under the DTV include:

 

• Muay Thai and Thai cuisine courses

• Attending seminars and educational events

• Participation in art and music festivals

• Collaboration with Thai or international talent

• Receiving medical treatment

• Spectating or joining sporting events

 

What the DTV offers and what it doesn’t

 

The DTV comes with several upsides. According to the Thai embassy:

 

• Remote work rights for overseas clients

• Visa extension for up to 180 days for an added 10,000 baht

• Tax exemption on foreign income (for stays under 180 days)

• Eligibility for nationals from 93 countries

• Dependants can accompany the primary visa holder

 

However, there are some key restrictions:

 

• DTV holders are not allowed to work for a Thai company unless they obtain a separate work permit

• switching to another visa type will lead to automatic cancellation of the DTV

 

Documents required for dependants

 

To apply for the DTV as a spouse or child of a primary visa holder, the following documents are needed:

 

• Passport valid for at least six months

• Recent photo (within six months)

• Proof of current residence, such as a bank statement or utility bill

• Bank statement showing at least 500,000 baht or equivalent in INR

• Relationship proof (birth certificate, marriage certificate or adoption document)

• Personal details of the primary visa holder, including passport and DTV approval

• Visa fee of Rs 34,500

• Employment contract or professional portfolio indicating remote worker, freelancer or foreign talent status

 

The visa allows multiple entries over five years.

 

Red tape and banking trouble

 

Though the visa has generated strong interest, it hasn’t been without snags. Because the DTV is classified as a long-term tourist visa, some holders have reported difficulty in opening bank accounts.

 

According to the South China Morning Post, Thai banks have demanded additional documentation from DTV holders, leading to processing delays and inconvenience—particularly for those who rely on local accounts to manage day-to-day expenses.

 

Tourism hopes tempered by economic headwinds

 

Thailand’s economy has come under pressure, even as new visa categories like the DTV attempt to inject momentum. The World Bank this month trimmed its growth forecast for 2025 to 1.8 per cent, citing weaker exports, domestic political uncertainty, and a soft tourism recovery.

 

Visitor numbers have also been revised down. Thailand now expects to receive 35.5 million tourists in 2025, compared to the earlier projection of 39 million. Officials say arrivals from China have dipped sharply, in part due to safety concerns linked to scam operations and abduction reports, as well as broader economic tightening across the region.

 

Along with Thailand, several countries offer digital nomad or remote work visas similar to DTV. These visas are meant for foreigners who wish to live in a country while working remotely for a non-local employer or as freelancers. Here are some examples:

 

1. Portugal – D7 and Digital Nomad Visa

 

D7 Visa: For those with passive income, but often used by remote workers.

Digital Nomad Visa (launched 2022): For remote workers earning at least €3,040/month (about Rs 3 lakh) (4x Portuguese minimum wage).

 

2. Spain – Digital Nomad Visa

 

• Requires income of at least €2,334/month (about Rs 2.34 lakh).

• Valid for up to 5 years.

• Available to non-EU nationals working remotely for non-Spanish companies.

 

3. Estonia – Digital Nomad Visa

 

• One of the first to offer such a visa (2020).

• Requires proof of €3,504 monthly income (about Rs 3.52 lakh).

• Allows stays up to 1 year.

 

4. Croatia – Digital Nomad Residence Permit

 

• Valid up to 1 year.

• No income tax on foreign income.

• Minimum monthly income: about €2,300 (about Rs 2.31 lakh).

 

5. Greece – Digital Nomad Visa

 

• Minimum income: €3,500/month (about Rs 3.52 lakh).

• Visa valid for 1 year, renewable for 2 more.

• No Greek taxes if staying less than 183 days/year.

 

6. Indonesia (Bali) – Second Home Visa

 

• Initially targeted retirees and investors, now expanded.

• Remote work permitted if not employed by Indonesian entity.

 

7. UAE – Virtual Working Programme (Dubai)

 

• One-year remote work visa.

• Requires proof of $5,000 monthly income (about Rs 4.32 lakh).

• Includes residency ID, banking access.

 

8. Barbados – Welcome Stamp

 

• One-year visa for remote workers.

• Must earn at least $50,000/year (about Rs 43 lakh).

 

9. Georgia – Remotely from Georgia

 

• Open to nationals from 95 countries.

• Income requirement: $2,000/month (about Rs 1.72 lakh).

• Allows 180-day stay or more.

 

10. Mauritius – Premium Visa

 

• Valid for 1 year, renewable.

• No local income tax if income is from abroad.