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Can DTV holders claim VAT refunds in Thailand?
DTV Holder BenefitsVAT Refund ThailandTourist Visa RegulationsThailand Taxation for ExpatsResidency and Tax Refunds
Mar 21, 2025
a year ago
Sun *****
ORIGINAL POSTERGood news for DTV holders! (maybe I am late 😅)
Despite there is a conflict taxation case for DTV holders,
DTV holders still can claim VAT refund within 60 days.
I did redeem VAT refund in February when I flew to Japan from Suvarnabhumi International Airport. (addition - I got Japan Visit Visa with the use of DTV)
Below is the proof to witness.
Despite there is a conflict taxation case for DTV holders,
DTV holders still can claim VAT refund within 60 days.
I did redeem VAT refund in February when I flew to Japan from Suvarnabhumi International Airport. (addition - I got Japan Visit Visa with the use of DTV)
Below is the proof to witness.
TLDR : Answer Summary
DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) holders in Thailand can claim a VAT refund within 60 days of their purchases, despite ongoing discussions around taxation for such visa holders. A community member shared their experience successfully claiming a VAT refund when departing to Japan. Comments from other users support this by noting that the DTV is classified as a tourist visa, which allows for VAT claims. However, there are concerns about customs officers' discretion regarding residency status and eligibility for refunds based on time spent in Thailand.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Paul *******
From my own experience and what I've been told, it's up to the customs officer to determine whether you're a resident or not. They're not going to take your visa into account, like they used to. The form does not specify anything other than "residency", which is loosely defined.
Since the DTV is new, you can probably get a tax refund on it especially if you've only spent a short time in Thailand so far. Whether this holds true in 18 months time if you've spent 99% of that time in Thailand, remains to be seen.
Since the DTV is new, you can probably get a tax refund on it especially if you've only spent a short time in Thailand so far. Whether this holds true in 18 months time if you've spent 99% of that time in Thailand, remains to be seen.
Anonymous ******************
It makes sense as a tourist visa.
Paul *******
I tried on a marriage visa and it was surprisingly accepted. It's hard to say...just keep trying on any visa until they say no. You've got nothing to lose.
Sun *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul ******
Yeah ... Just asking is nothing to lose 😁Reply to
Sun *****
Reply
Paul *******
Not quite. It depends how long you've stayed in Thailand for. They're no longer basing it off your visa type per se but more on period of residency. Anyone on a DTV has only been here a maximum of 8 months so far (6 months + extension or in/out over that period).
As a foreigner, you may be able to get a tax refund regardless; they're not really scrutinizing your visa type so much (personal experience here). Only Thai citizens are definitely not eligible.
As a foreigner, you may be able to get a tax refund regardless; they're not really scrutinizing your visa type so much (personal experience here). Only Thai citizens are definitely not eligible.
Anonymous ******************
Which means this could change if longer period of residency right? I tried on a Non-B and they refused it.
Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Sun *****
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 284 I assumed this visa as long-term tourist workation visa 😅
Reply to
Sun *****
Reply
Greg ********
Good news for those making purchases. I always forget to claim. Only claimed twice that I can remember. Rimowa case in London and RM Williams boots in Melbourne.
Sun *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Greg *******
you shouldn't forget next time 😁Greg ********
@Sun ****
I have bought decent watches before and not claimed. Did not declare going into the next country either :-)Reply to
Greg ********
Reply
Jim ********
DTV is a tourist visa so VAT can be claimed back
Sun *****
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jim *******
I heard foreigners with any visa can claim VAT ... But that one not sure.Sun *****
ORIGINAL POSTERThank you for sharing 👍👍
Jim ********
@Sun ****
Those with non-immigrant visas cannotReply to
Jim ********
Reply
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