Latest news with #DestinationThailandVisa
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Business Standard
21-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Thailand's nomad visa for remote workers and freelancers: Decoded
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 • 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.
Time Out
18-07-2025
- Time Out
Bangkok ranked best city in the world for digital nomads
Bangkok just snagged another crown, and this one's for the laptop-and-a-backpack crowd. Yep, a massive new survey from Hotelwithtub has named the Big Mango the number one destination in the world for digital nomads. The ranking wasn't just a vibe check; it analysed data from over 1,300 cities, focusing on key factors like affordability (for solo travellers and families), safety, quality of life, and online buzz. Basically, what many of us have known for years is now official: for a perfect blend of work, culture, and chaos, Bangkok is the place to be. The capital earned a final weighted score of 91 out of 100, landing in first place with strong marks across the board. Feedback from nomads gave it an impressive rating of 4.55 out of 5. It stood out particularly in affordability, with solo remote workers able to live comfortably on around B50,000 per month. It also scored well for its solid infrastructure, efficient public transport and abundance of coworking spaces – from sleek downtown towers to cosy garden cafes. Other standouts included safety, connectivity, and return rate, suggesting that many nomads not only love their first visit but often come back for more. With over 23 million visitors each year, the metropolis remains one of the most visited and internationally connected cities in Asia. And it's not just Bangkok flying the flag – Thailand is the most represented country in the ranking, with seven cities making an appearance: Bangkok (No. 1), Nakhon Ratchasima (No. 5), Koh Phangan (No. 13), Chiang Mai (No. 26), Koh Lanta (No. 45), Phuket (No. 59), and Krabi (No. 93). For those considering a longer stay, the country recently introduced the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), designed for remote workers and freelancers. The visa allows stays of up to 180 days per entry, with the option to extend for another 180 days. It's valid for five years and provides multiple entries.
South China Morning Post
13-07-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Thailand's DTV digital nomad visa proves a runaway success, 1 year on
When Tim Grassin sold his fintech start-up in the Philippines , he mapped out his next move the way any good analyst would: with a spreadsheet. After comparing the region's top destinations for remote workers, the French-Canadian entrepreneur landed on the Thai capital. 'Bangkok won,' he told This Week in Asia. Drawn by its affordable healthcare, robust infrastructure and vibrant lifestyle, Grassin settled in the city in 2023 and eventually qualified for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) – a long-stay scheme introduced a year ago to lure digital nomads and revive Thailand 's post-pandemic economy. Since its launch on July 15 last year, the DTV has attracted more than 35,000 applicants, according to official figures – a rare policy success for a government struggling to kick-start economic growth amid political and external headwinds. A tourist area in Bangkok. The Thai capital offers everything from high-speed internet to relaxing corners. Photo: Sam Tsang Across Bangkok and beyond, this new class of long-stay foreigner permit is reshaping communities once geared solely towards tourists, clustering instead around co-working spaces, Thai boxing gyms, wellness centres and local cafes.
Time Out
08-07-2025
- Business
- Time Out
Digital nomad visas: the countries where you can live and work remotely
As of June 1 last year Thailand has been offering a 'Destination Thailand Visa' which enables remote workers to live there for up to five years – a huge jump from the previous limit of 60 days. To apply, you'll need to be either self-employed or work for a company based outside of Thailand, must be at least 20 years old, and if you're based in the US, the UK, Brazil, Australia or (most of) Europe, you can apply online. One caveat is that you need to leave and re-enter the country every 180 days (and pay $270 each time - the cost of the application fee).
IOL News
24-06-2025
- IOL News
From Zoom to zooming around: top digital nomad hotspots for 2025
This shift has given rise to a lifestyle known as digital nomadism, where individuals can work from anywhere in the world while exploring new cultures and environments. The Covid-19 pandemic has reshaped the way we operate, with scores of people embracing the freedom of remote work . Although the concept of digital nomadism gained traction in the 2010s, its roots can be traced back to the early 2000s and even earlier. The term itself emerged in the 1990s, referring to those who leveraged technology to work remotely while travelling. Today, the digital nomad lifestyle is more popular than ever, and numerous destinations around the globe cater to this growing community. Here are some of the best places for digital nomads to consider. A European gem: Portugal Portugal has become a favourite for digital nomads, known for its affordability, vibrant culture and beautiful scenery. Cities like Lisbon and Porto offer a relaxed lifestyle, great food and warm weather. The cost of living is lower compared to many Western European countries, especially for those earning in stronger currencies. The government encourages remote work with a specific digital nomad visa (D8) and other options that facilitate long-term stays. With a robust internet infrastructure, digital nomads can stay connected while enjoying Portugal's stunning landscapes. A tropical paradise: Thailand Thailand blends affordability with a rich culture and reliable internet. Cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok are popular among digital nomads seeking both city life and tranquil beaches. The cost of living is significantly lower than in many Western countries, making it easy for nomads to manage their budgets. With a vibrant expat community, Thailand offers numerous coworking spaces and social events for networking. Additionally, the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) allows for extended stays, providing more opportunities to explore this beautiful country.
