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Can I apply for a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) while holding a retirement visa in Thailand?

Retirement Visa Digital Nomad Visa Visa Application Re-entry Permit Financial Requirements Thailand Immigration Expat Life

Apr 26, 2025

17 hours ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

I'm currently living in Bangkok on a yearly retirement visa. I'm heading back to the UK before my visa expires for a few weeks visit and am thinking about applying for a DTV whilst in London to return on, soft power Cooking. Is there likely to be an issue related to the fact that I have a retirement visa still or have been here for a number of years on different visas? all legitimate.  Any friendly advice welcome.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A user currently on a yearly retirement visa in Bangkok is considering applying for a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) while visiting the UK. They seek advice on potential issues due to their existing retirement visa and history of residing in Thailand. Comments from the community suggest that applying for the DTV should not pose a problem, especially since they are on an extension of stay. However, concerns about meeting financial requirements and the implications of switching visas were raised.

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Anthony ******

I think there is a problem with if you currently have a passport ongoing some one correct me if I'm wrong

16 hours ago

James ********

@Anthony *****

if he leaves Thailand WITHOUT a re-entry permit, his current one year extension of stay as a retired stamp in his passport is CANCELLED.

14 hours ago

Greg ********

@Anthony *****

Yes the retirement might need cancelling. For me to move from O Retirement to a B the O had to be cancelled first. Then Embassy woukd not accept the B application with my O still being valid. No idea if different for DTV. If you leave on O without re-entry permit though it is cancelled.

15 hours ago

Reply to

Greg ********

Ray *****

You are on an extension of stay. Therefore should be no issue applying for a DTV in London

17 hours ago

James ********

Do you have a re-entry permit in your passport?

Do you have or continue to meet in your Thai bank, the financial requirements for the One year extension of stay as retired ?

Why would you want to get the DTV visa, with the future uncertainty of its requirements for not only in country extensions, BUT possibly border bounce entries to gain a new 180 day stamp.....vs the known requirements for the current one year extension of stay as Retired ?

That which you now have is a known situation for you.

17 hours ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@James *******

because in theory it gives me a 5 year extension of stay each time not a 1 year. Yes I can meet all the retirement requirements. Leaving every 180 days is not an issue so it seems a sensible option.

17 hours ago

Luit *****************

Anonieme deelnemer Are you planning to do cooking classes for 5 years?

14 hours ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Luit ****************

no you can sign up to differing lengths to get the visa. I've seen a once a week 1 year one which you can defer some classes up to 2 years

14 hours ago

James ********

Anonymous participant as I have said... Good Luck 🍀 with your plan.

14 hours ago

Luit *****************

Anonieme deelnemer But when you want to stay 5 years on the visa, you need to go on with the activity after the initial classes.

14 hours ago

Reply to

Luit *****************

James ********

Anonymous participant Good Luck 🍀 with your plan.

The DTV visa is for max 5 years. It gives you 180 day stamp on arrival into Thailand and or 180 day extension of stay done with your local Thai Immigration office.

Doing so at the Thai Immigration office will require PROOF of your continued participation in the soft power activity you use to obtain the DTV visa.

Right now. .no such proof is being asked when departing and reentering Thailand to obtain a new 180 day stamp. BUT some have been asked questions about their soft power activities on reentry.

17 hours ago

Reply to

James ********

Greg ********

I cannot see any issue. There have been plenty of others moved from Retirement to DVT.

17 hours ago

Reply to

Greg ********

What is the process for obtaining a DTV visa while currently on a retirement visa in Thailand?

3 comments

11 days ago

Can I apply for a DTV while holding a valid Non-B visa in Thailand?