Launched in July 2024, the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is expected to make Thailand a digital nomad capital of Asia. DTV allows eligible digital nomads and remote workers to live and work in Thailand for up to 180 consecutive days, with the option to extend it within a five-year validity period. But how easy is it to obtain this visa?
Carmelito Bauer talked to Euro News about the details that aren’t listed anywhere online, explaining how you can potentially mess up your visa process—and how to improve your chances of success.
First Things First: Documents Needed to Apply for the DT Visa
The Thai government aims to attract remote workers, digital nomads and freelancers who can enrich the country’s tech ecosystem while boosting the local economy.
To ensure you’re a good fit, the government requires you to produce the following documents:
- A copy of a valid passport
- A recent photograph
- A document proving your current location or home address
- Proof of at least $15,108 in funds in your bank account
- Professional portfolio (depending on your business activities)
- An employment contract (if applicable)
- Proof of visa fee payment (ranging between €276 and €350, depending on the country you’re applying from)
Additional documents may be required depending on the embassy or consulate you apply through.
So far, so good. Most digital nomads can easily produce these documents and meet these requirements. Now, let’s dive into the experience of a European newbie digital nomad to help boost your chances of getting this visa.
Bauer’s Insider Tips for Success on Your Thai Visa Application
To secure his visa, Bauer had to return to his home country, Germany, as applying within the Thai territory is not allowed.
Based on his own experience and that of his friends, applying from nearby Asian countries might actually reduce your chances of success.
“I would probably recommend that,” he says. “Apparently, some of the nearby countries [to Thailand] are more complicated in terms of what they want to see, how long you have to wait, and all that.”
His case was special because he wasn’t a digital nomad at the time of applying, so he had a permanent home address. But what about digital nomads who live from Airbnb to Airbnb?
In that case, he says, “I heard people were actually showing their hotel booking,” and it seems to work.
Probably the requirement that raises more questions among readers is the “professional portfolio.” Some nomads can even have one ready and updated, while others may not know how to put this document together.
Bauer’s insider tip is to use an “enhanced” version of your CV to convince Thai authorities.
“I just used my CV that I used before for job applications. I made sure that it’s very clear that it says it’s all remote work, and just changed the [title] ‘resume’ or ‘CV’ to ‘freelance portfolio’.”
Do your best to provide all required documents. However, if you happen to miss one, don’t worry too much—it doesn’t necessarily mean your application will be rejected. Authorities will notify you, allowing you to complete your missing documents.
Finally, remember that even if you are granted the DTV, you will still be considered a “tourist.” This means you cannot open a bank account, apply for residency, or start a business in your own name, concludes Bauer.