This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

Can I apply for a DTV visa in Thailand without meeting the lump sum requirement?

Nov 30, 2025
a day ago
I am sure this has been asked but I am asking again....I am a veteran and I am in country right now. I want to apply for the DTV visa as I don't meet the age requirement for the retirement visa. I don't have a lump sum in the bank but I can provide everything else including proof of monthly income. Has anyone here gone through this process in country?
2,714
views
2
likes
58
all likes
14
replies
0
images
11
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The individual is seeking to apply for a DTV visa while currently in Thailand but lacks the necessary lump sum of 500,000 baht in the bank. Most comments indicate that without this amount, the individual would not qualify for the DTV visa, as they are unable to apply from within Thailand. Some suggest alternative options, such as applying for an Education Visa as a temporary solution or utilizing veteran benefits for tuition and visa help.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
John *******
You have to exit the country and apply elsewhere and the 500k is a firm requirement.
Brennen ****
Dude use your GI bill at Payap university in chiang mai. They’ll give you an ED visa and open a bank account for you. You’ll also collect the ~$2,000+ per month housing allowance.
Anonymous ******************
Nope
Marianne ********
Well, for the DTV you need a sum equalling to 500k baht in a bank account in your name for 3 months prior to your application.

No lump sum, no visa.

Income does not matter, the lump sum does.

Your best bet is probably a Education Visa, and actually go to school to learn the Thai language.
Andrew ********
There are forms to only use monthly income to add up 6 months of the saving requirements - im in the same boat as you i converted to ed visa in a week being here - i would recommend getting the ed visa thai courses thai boxing cooking or self defense. The schools will do the paper work for you in all total can cost around 1300USD including in country conversion but you need 21 days on your visa at least - or you can have the school start paper work goto Vietnam and the packet sent to you there and you apply at thai embassy there saving you
*****
baht for conversion. The student visa is 1 year but you have to extend every 3 months ( 1900 baht ) and 90 day report

Example i am 41 I will do 3 years of ed visa then convert to DTV after that expires I will apply retirement
Nongnuch ********
@Andrew *******
Good Luck. Three years of ED-visa? Be prepared to speak fluent Thai with those guys at the Immigration counters. If you fail, they will revoke your visa😎🤓
Andrew ********
@Nongnuch *******
im taking thai to learn the language that's the point i can already speak german and rusty with Arabic - and if you show you are learning and have an understanding of the language at conversational level you will be fine. Im actually here to do as I said im here for - 2 years will be in thai language with a total of 3 consecutive years on non-o visa holds weight when staying here. I have no exit and entry stamps on my ed visa that will raise questions
Nongnuch ********
@Andrew *******
Guten Abend, do you already phoot phasa Thai dai mai?
Nongnuch ********
Pete *******
Being a veteran is irrelevant. If you cannot meet the financial requirements then you don’t qualify for the visa.
Anonymous ******************
If you’re American, where are you in Thailand? We have VFWs around the country. You can connect with a local Post and they may be able to advise you.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Anonymous participant 713 Im in hua hin right now
Robert *******
being a veteran is not listed as requirement.

If you do not have the lump sum in the bank, it is useless to apply.

You can NOT apply in country, you have to apply for this visa outside Thailand.
Will ************
You must leave Thailand to apply and 500k baht equivalent is the minimum starting point.