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Can I apply for a tourist visa in Thailand multiple times a year to stay long-term while freelancing?

Thai Visa Regulations Tourist Visa DTV Visa Tax Residency in Thailand Freelancing in Thailand Immigration Advice Visa Exemption for Germans

September 25, 2024

2 days ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello guys,

I have a question. I plan on living in Thailand and pay taxes there. I work as a freelancer and have a German ID but live in Spain at the moment. Right now I can't fulfill all requests for the DTV visa. Is it possible to apply for a tourist visa and after 60/90 days I leave the country and return after a few days with a new tourist visa ti stay again 60/90 days. Of course I have to be aware of being more than 180 days per year in Thailand to pay taxes there. Would that be a problem? Is it possible to apply for more than one tourist visa per year? Or will they stop me from entering again? 

I plan on applying for the DTV as soon as possible so that would only be a solution for a limited time. 

I plan on taking my wife with me so we would be two person every time. 

Thank you for your advice and tips

David

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The post raises concerns about living in Thailand as a freelancer on a tourist visa while also dealing with tax obligations. The user, David, is considering applying for a tourist visa, staying for 60/90 days, leaving, then re-entering for another stay, and is aware of the 180-day tax residency rule. Comments suggest that while it is technically possible to re-enter Thailand multiple times as a tourist, there are risks involved, such as the potential for denial of entry if immigration perceives the intent to reside without the proper visa. Some urge David to pursue the Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) to legitimize his freelancing intentions in Thailand, emphasizing potential tax implications depending on his residency status.

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.

Titiya **************

U dont have to pay tax in Thailand, ur income n work is from outside country. The thai government just want you to spend your money in Thailand to run Economy. Just out the country every 180 day. Then no need to be headaches with tax.

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Paul *******

Find an agent to help you, or move around SE Asia for a few months while awaiting eligibility to apply for the DTV.

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Cissi *********

Here is an important note: The DTV is designed to make it possible to freelance and work remotely while in Thailand... Arriving to Thailand on a tourist visa or visa exemption is NOT. You can not do your freelance work if you enter that way, meaning you will not have an income to pay tax on!

You can not continue freelancing while in Thailand unless you get the DTV!

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Paul *******

@Cissi ********

I'm not sure about that. Both visa classes state "employment prohibited" on them, meaning no employment in Thailand. You can, certainly in practice anyway, work remotely on ANY visa or visa exemption.

Not sure where you're getting the idea you absolutely need a DTV to work remotely here. Ideally, you should, particularly if your intention is to spend an extended time in the country or even (sort of) live here.

If the authorities were actually hunting down those working remotely and fining the ones on tourist visas or exemptions (despite the fact the DTV has the same conditions on the visa), no one would dare come here as a tourist and send an email and this would greatly affect Thailand's reputation.

In short: the authorities don't care about remote workers unless they're taking away local jobs or people are doing something illegal or immoral, even if it doesn't involve Thailand directly (such as selling sexual services, selling weapons or running an online casino). They've essentially said: we are OK with remote workers / digital nomads. If you come for a short time, no need to do anything. If you come for an extended period, please get a DTV.

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Cissi *********

I might have misunderstood this... to me it seemed to be a legal gray area and that the DTV was designed as a solution. Thank you for clarifying things! 😊

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Paul *******

@Cissi ********

I think it works like this:

In a sense, it remains a grey area, but the Thai authorities have finally decided - you don't need a work permit to work remotely and they've created a visa called the DTV to allow remote work.

However, if you're only coming to Thailand for 2 weeks and wish to work remotely, then you can and don't need to go through the rigamorale of applying for a DTV as your stay is too short to make it worthwhile.

That is, unless you wish to come and go frequently, then it might be worth it.

However, for an actual "digital nomad" who is jumping between countries and doing a little bit of remote work in between, that's fine to do on a visa exempt or tourist entry as you'll be moving on to the next country afterwards anyway and have no intention of residing in Thailand.

The DTV was basically designed, in part, to provide a pathway for longer term residence to remote workers.

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Paul *******

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Wannikea *********

Nobody knows what will happen come tax time. It will certainly be a registration shltshow when/if it does happen. I personally am in no hurry to get a tax ID number until instructed to do so. My 2 cents.

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Paul *******

@Wannikea ********

Ditto.

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Paul *******

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Kevin ********

I'd suggest getting the DTV for you and your wife as soon as possible before they make it more difficult. It's like a 5 year freedom card! It can only get more restrictive from here.

With regards to paying taxes in Thailand, most expats who live here full time and pay no taxes to Thailand unless they are working for a Thai company. So, I wouldn't worry about taxation at all. If the gov't decides to start taxing those over 180 days/year, there will be many ways to avoid paying tax in Thailand while continuing to pay tax in your home country.

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Paul *******

Fully agree. Great comment.

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Paul *******

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Helen ********

as a German citizen you can enter Thailand as visa exempt, you don't need a tourist visa. This gives you 60 with one 30 day extension. There is no maximum times per year, currently, so you can do this until the immigration officer you stand in front of thinks you are trying to live in Thailand without the proper visa and denies entry. Previously you could enter 2 times/year at a land boarder but according to some it's no longer enforced... you'd have to test that yourself. There has never been an official limit on entries by air.

It's not the smartest idea since you rolling the dice on if you will be allowed back or not because it entirely depends on the officer you are standing in front of. You'll get responses from people who have said they've done it for years with no issues but it's a risk every time you bounce. What would happen if one of you gets in but the other doesn't? Most people suggest that on the 3rd entry you'd get questioned and cautioned.

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Gerry ********

I hate to sound like the bad guy, but what you're trying to do sounds a LOT like tax evasion. We'd all be doing it if it was easy and/or legal, but it isn't.

You say you're currently living in Spain. If your business transactions are being paid into a Spanish bank account, then you will never escape Spain tax residency.

If you genuinely want to float around the world, then your best bet is something like

@Jarek ***********

suggested.

To really do it properly, you'll also need to cut ties with Spain and Germany, since if there's any significant ties: financial, dependent family, or habitual abode, they'll still hold on to you as a tax resident.

I think you'll need professional advice for this, since the consequences for getting it wrong could be disastrous.

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Tommy **********

Yes, Spanish Tax is crazy high.

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David ****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tommy *********

hahaha German is worse

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David ****

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Kevin ********

Sent you a message.

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John *********

Why are you so eager to pay taxes here?

Come twice a year for

*****

days. No issues no problems no paperwork no headaches.

You’ve expressed interest in Vietnam. This is easy.

Thailand VN Spain. Rinse and repeat. Pay your taxes in Europe.

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John **********

*****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

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Paul *******

Great advice.

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Paul *******

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Roberto *********

You cannot work in Thailand whilst on a DTV

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John **********

@Roberto ********

checkout these guys:

*****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

I don’t pay tax anywhere and it’s legal.

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David ****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

how much costs the webinar ?

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John **********

webinar is free. They also have group webinars for free where you can ask questions. I signed up with them in June and they have proven to be excellent.

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David ****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

I registered for the webinar and the website said confirmed but I don't get an email to enter the webinar any advice :)?

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John **********

I’m just out having bbq ostrich at a Japanese restaurant in Da Nang; when I get back to hotel I’ll have a look for you and give you a shout on here.

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David ****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

thanks :)

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David ****

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Roberto *********

@John *********

Why do I need to check this out? No relevance to me! I think you've tagged the wrong person! 😂

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John **********

@Roberto ********

sorry,I meant to tag Gerry. 🙈😁Just letting people know there’s a way to not pay tax if you’re happy being a ‘true’ nomad and it’s legit. Apologies for tagging you.

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John **********

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David ****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Roberto ********

I don't wanna work in Thailand I'm a freelancer with only foreign income and just wanna pay taxes there. That's what DTV is for ;)

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Gerry ********

where is your business based? It can't be based in Thailand, therefore you cannot escape tax residency elsewhere. You are always a tax resident of at least one jurisdiction. Becoming tax resident in Thailand does not end your tax residency elsewhere.

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Roberto *********

Wrong. Most DTV holders won't pay tax in Thailand

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Roberto *********

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