Digital nomads & soft power
DTV: the 5-year visa, prepared from Koh Samui
Remote workers, freelancers, Muay Thai students and wellness travellers — the DTV is Thailand's most flexible long-stay option since 2024.
The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), launched in July 2024, is a 5-year multiple-entry visa allowing stays of up to 180 days per entry, extendable once per entry. It targets remote workers, freelancers and participants in Thai soft-power activities (Muay Thai, cooking, wellness, medical stays), and requires proof of at least 500,000 THB in funds.
Two doors into the DTV
The 'workation' track covers remote employees and freelancers working for clients or employers outside Thailand — a contract or portfolio is required.
The 'soft power' track covers enrolment in Thai activities: Muay Thai camps, Thai cooking schools, wellness and medical programs. Koh Samui's gyms and wellness centres make this track especially practical for island residents.
What the application requires
Applications are filed at a Thai embassy or consulate outside Thailand (e-visa). A typical file includes:
- Passport valid 6+ months
- Bank statements showing 500,000 THB (or equivalent) for the last 3 months
- Employment contract, client contracts or portfolio (workation track)
- Enrolment letter from the Thai school, gym or clinic (soft-power track)
- Proof of accommodation and photo
How we help from Koh Samui
We check your eligibility honestly before you spend anything, assemble the file to embassy standards, connect you with eligible Samui schools and camps for the soft-power track, and plan the embassy trip (Malaysia, Laos, Vietnam…) with the current acceptance practices of each post.
Already in Thailand on a tourist entry? We map the cleanest route to a DTV without risking your immigration record.
Key facts
- Validity
- 5 years, multiple entry
- Stay per entry
- 180 days, extendable once (+180 days)
- Proof of funds
- 500,000 THB minimum
- Government fee
- 10,000 THB (approx., varies by embassy)
- Eligible profiles
- Remote workers, freelancers, soft-power activities
- Where to apply
- Thai embassies/consulates abroad (e-visa)
Fees shown are official Thai government fees, paid directly to Immigration. Our assistance fees are communicated privately after reviewing your case.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for the DTV while inside Thailand?
No — the DTV is issued by Thai embassies and consulates abroad, via e-visa. We plan the most reliable nearby embassy run and prepare the complete file before you fly.
Does the DTV allow me to work for Thai companies?
No. The DTV covers remote work for foreign employers/clients and soft-power activities. Working for a Thai employer requires a different visa and a work permit.
Can my spouse and children join me?
Yes, spouses and dependent children can obtain DTV dependent visas with the same 5-year validity.
Is a Muay Thai camp on Koh Samui enough for the DTV?
Enrolment in a recognised Thai gym or school is the core of the soft-power track. We work with eligible Samui establishments and verify their documentation meets embassy expectations.
Other visa services
Last updated: 2026-08-16