Ask question

Can I apply for the DTV visa if I'm unemployed and will the application process take long?

DTV Visa Visa Application Process Thailand Embassy Unemployed Expat Financial Requirements Soft Power Activities Visa Rules Proof of Income

Jul 23, 2024

5 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi 

I’ve read about the DTV and I’m unemployed at the moment, can I still apply and how long does the application process take. I’m about to travel to Kuala Lumpar and want to apply there at the Thailand embassy

5,304

views

12

likes

168

all likes

82

replies

4

images

21

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The DTV visa can be applied for even if you are currently unemployed, but you must demonstrate financial stability, typically by showing at least 500,000 THB (about 11,000 USD) in savings. The application can be made at the Thai embassy in Kuala Lumpur or other neighboring countries, allowing for flexibility outside of your home country. The visa process timing can vary, depending on the specific embassy's procedures. Some options to fulfill the criteria include taking a short-term soft power activity, like a cooking class. However, there has been substantial debate regarding the requirements, with various interpretations of the rules circulating among expats.

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.

Matthew ********

I'm currently in thailand on tourist visa. Do you have to apply for DTV in your home country or could I apply in malaysia's thai embassy for example?

Like

Reply

Andi ***********

Matthew Kellie You can apply in Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam in person as a non resident.

Like

Reply

Addy *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Matthew *******

I have no idea, this visa is confusing

Like

Reply

Reply to

Addy *******

Reply

Paul *******

There are many options you can apply for.

Like

Reply

Sabine *********

I am in proces of appling. Its different in every country. I need to sent my register of Chamber of commerce + formal contract that i work for a company + a letter that the company allows me to work remote

Like

Reply

Ivan ************

what's the chamber of commerce register? Is this something the NL embassy asked for?

Like

Reply

Sabine *********

where you register a company. I needed to sent it to show i have my own business. It looks like every country handels the rules for the visa different

Like

Reply

Reply to

Sabine *********

Reply

Bob *********

Do you have a bank statement showing 400,000 baht (11,000 usd) and proof of being a freelancer?

Like

Reply

Lee ***********

its 500,000tb

Like

Reply

Addy *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Yh I have a lot more, worked for many years in London

Like

Reply

Reply to

Addy *******

Reply

Lee ***********

But, if your unemployed and apply on what basis! Then your unemployed in Thailand and can't work in Thailand. You need to sort out employment and cash flow.

Like

Reply

Ruby ***********

I would say come here first as Thailand has changed alot. Then decide if you want that kind of visa.

Like

Reply

Addy *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Ruby **********

thanks I’m already living in Thailand and about to go on my first visa run. So I was thinking of applying for the DTV at the Thai embassy in Kuala Lumpar

Like

Reply

Graham *******

why do you have o go on a visa run if you have a work permot as a teacher or don't you have a work permit?

Like

Reply

Addy *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I don't have a work permit, I don't work I'm living off savings

Like

Reply

Graham *******

Then you need documents to show the source of your saving. If you can show you earned those saving prior to 1st jan 2024 then if u bring them into Thailand, the capital is not taxable. Any income which is generated after 1st of jan and brought into Thailand is taxable. The most important thing to consider is how are you going to prove what you claim.

Like

Reply

Addy *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Ah ok, I don't think I'm eligible for the DTV visa, I'll be getting an ed visa here to let me stay and train. Thank you very much

Like

Reply

Graham *******

if u are resident for 180 days you need to file a Thai tax return, its not visa specific.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Graham *******

Reply

Colin *******

Best get in quick then 😉

Like

Reply

Graham *******

if this visa is badly run it will impact all other visa programs and the government will probably see the light and scrap the whole thing.

Like

Reply

Andy ************

It's going to make the non-O, OA retirement visas redundant. Next trip back to Australia I'll be getting the DTV. Five years for 10,000, multi-entry and 180 days each time you enter. Best visa ever this one!

Like

Reply

Graham *******

@Andy ***********

don't jump to quick I think this visa is fundamentally a mess!

Like

Reply

Andy ************

I'm on non-O extension, but when you look at the criteria of the DTV it's a no-brainer to switch. It actually pays for itself! No 65k bank transfers required, no annual visits to immigration, no re-entry permits required. It's an absolute beauty. I only bring in money from a closed superannuation account so I have zero tax to pay anyway.

Like

Reply

Graham *******

@Andy ***********

yes, I agree you can stay almost all year for 5 years with it. Makes the Elite visa and LTR mostly obsolete. Beware that the Gov realises this and makes changes like saying under 30 years only.

Like

Reply

Andy ************

There's no upper age limit. The government has been mulling this visa for over a month. They're looking for massive numbers of people who they hope will inject money into the Thai economy. The bigger spenders are those over 30! Most under-30's stay in cheap hostels, eat at 7-11, nurse one coffee an hour in coffee shops whilst playing on their computers and always travel by cheap bus - not exactly going to help the economy! 😆

Like

Reply

Graham *******

@Andy ***********

The biggest spender are 1m chinese, indians koreans russians and other assorted trailer trash with 2 kids. The digital knobsheads as I call them don't spend much, those going on these schools migh bring some money at the low end. I find the whole thing withnthese new visa's and tax regime very confusing. I think they are throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks.

Like

Reply

Andy ************

I think you're going to see a massive migration from non-O retirees and those married to a Thai, and an uptake in new applications. The wearisome conditions of these non-O visas are very outdated, and rather than trying to tinker with these, the MFA have given carte-blanche to those who are prepared to spend money in Thailand the opportunity to finally get a visa at a reasonable price with low entry requirements

Like

Reply

Ivan ************

they have talked about easing the requirements for retirees as well, that is meant to be coming in the next few months. Possibly a reduction of the O-A insurance requirement.

Like

Reply

Graham *******

@Ivan ***********

have not seen it from the horses mouth so ignore it.

Like

Reply

Graham *******

@Andy ***********

flood the country. Just as the Chinese now control Lao and Cambodia, so they will here also. Most countries are looking at mass tourism and the damage it has caused and are going up market.

Like

Reply

Andy ************

I don't know what the ultimate plan is, but there's nothing I can do about it except jump on the bandwagon which is what I'll be doing!

Like

Reply

Graham *******

@Andy ***********

make sure u have an off-ramp case the modify this failed program and remember if u are here 180 days you are tax resident and need to file a pit 90 tax return. (something the digital knobheads don't know yet)

Like

Reply

Andy ************

I've been a tax resident for years already. I only bring in money from a closed super account so I've never had to pay tax, and still won't. Thai Tax Office has already informed me that as I have no assessable income a tax return is not required. They won't even give me a tax ID number! 😆

Like

Reply

Graham *******

@Andy ***********

when did they inform you, post 1st jan 2024?

Like

Reply

Andy ************

Inform me of what?

Like

Reply

Graham *******

@Andy ***********

That you do not have to pay Thai income tax!

Like

Reply

Andy ************

Earlier this year. I wanted to make sure that my finances were structured correctly so I asked the question

Like

Reply

Graham *******

@Andy ***********

This might actually help you more than living in denial.

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

Like

Reply

Andy ************

Like

Reply

Andy ************

I see you perpetually post this nonsense! I go to the Tax Office and get my information from there. Savings accumulated prior to January 1 2024 and transferred into Thailand are exempt taxation. Further, can you show me in your wonderful video where is the part dealing with Australian Tax Residents? 😂😂😂

Like

Reply

Graham *******

@Andy ***********

Correct, saving remitted into Thailand are tax free if you can prove it was acquired before 1st jan 2024. All Carls vids are for people who are tax resident in Thailand, what Australia taxes is their business. If you are trying to claim all payments from a pension fund are tax free because you made the contributions prior to become resident I suspect you are wrong.

Like

Reply

Andy ************

Actually they are. I have a closed super fund. The amount has stayed constant since I retired. Any earnings go into a separate aggressive strategy fund. I only transfer funds from the closed account. So these are savings accumulated long before I became a tax resident. I am a tax resident of Australia which under the Australian DTA takes precedent over the Thailand tax residency.

Like

Reply

Graham *******

No it does not, if you are tax resident in Thailand and u transfer money into a Thai bank you pay full thai tax. you can claim a tax credit for taxes paid in Australia. Currently you are in a grey area as currently we will only be taxed on funds transferred into a Thai bank. There is a proposal to Tax the funds paid into foreign banks for people who are tax resident in Thailand. After 1st jan the profit of your reinvestment will be taxable if transferred.

Like

Reply

Andy ************

You're still struggling. The money I "remit" to Thailand are savings accumulated prior to becoming a tax resident, which means they are tax exempt. As a safety valve I retain Australian Tax Residency, which means I am treated as an Australian Tax Resident. It's really not that difficult!! 😂

Like

Reply

Graham *******

@Andy ***********

if you reside in Thailand for 180 days you are tax resident in Thailand, the fact that may well be also tax resident in Australia is irrelevant to Thailand. Saving earned before 2024 can be remitted tax free so long as you have satisfactory proof. If you invest the lump sum in Australia and gain profit, if that profit remains in Australia, it is not taxable in Thailand. If the profit is remitted to Thailand it is taxable in Thailand and the DTA will allow you any tax paid in Australia to be deducted from Thai tax. If the new proposal is adopted then even if you do not remit the profit to thailand but it remains in Australia it is still taxable in Thailand.

Like

Reply

Andy ************

You missed the dual tax residency clause in the DTA! And the "new proposal" is rubbish. It's never going to happen! 😆😂😆

Like

Reply

Graham *******

@Andy ***********

no and no and very probably, same as every other country in the OECD.

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

*****

05/new-overseas-income-rules

Like

Reply

Andy ************

This is me! "Deemed to be a resident solely of the contracting state in which the permanent home is available to the person"

Like

Reply

Andy ************

Oh Jesus! Now you've stooped to posting links to Bangkok Post. Is there no end to your naivety? Not the sharpest knife in the kitchen drawer are you? 😂😂😂. I won't be paying tax in Thailand. 100% guarantee!

Like

Reply

Andy ************

Why not? Get in while you can is my motto! Thailand has opened the doors for just about anyone willing to pay 10,000 baht, and had 500,000 savings, and wants to stay five years. It's a beauty

Like

Reply

Graham *******

@Andy ***********

Not arguing with you, I am in already with 12 month extension of stay which is fine, it's just the relevance of the Elite Visa and LTR visa I question, now they seem very expensive for nothing. Myself I will escape tax by being non-resident and transferring in a large sum every 4 years. They should just name these visa's the hoki-kokio visa.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Graham *******

Reply

Graham *******

this via is issued by the Thai government, they will have not consulted with anyone, so no one in Thailand will know what to do.

Like

Reply

Jeffrey **********

Go to cooking class or underwater basket weaving

Like

Reply

Randy ******

Jeffrey McCollum I love middle eastern food… Can i enroll in non Thai food cooking school? Never had the attraction for thai food

Like

Reply

Reply to

Randy ******

Reply

Frank-Steven ***********

You don't jave to have a job or work for the DTV ... that is only one of its two tracks. You can also book a recreation / soft power activity to qualify (at some consulates minimum length of bookings apply). BUT, you would still need to proof at least 500k THB in savings. Not sure if the monst fesable way if without a job.

Like

Reply

Ladiina ********

@Frank-Steven **********

i work remotely for company based in Europe and get paid in euro. However my boss is a resident from marriage.

Can he be my guarantor? Because i work, but i dont have that much money in my account 😅

Like

Reply

Steve *******

@Ladiina *******

You can't use a guarantor for the 500k Baht. You need to show it in your own bank account.

Like

Reply

Ivan ************

this depends on the consulate, no? As the MFA says a sponsorship letter is a possibility. I know some consulates aren't, and aren't accepting payslips either, but it's a theoretical option for the visa.

Like

Reply

Steve *******

@Ivan ***********

'Theoretical' being the operative word!

Like

Reply

Reply to

Steve *******

Reply

Frank-Steven ***********

@Ladiina *******

I am not aware of any shared experiences yet what consulates accepted as proof of financials by means of a guarantor. You will have to check with the consulate in your jurisdiction - or wait for shared experiences / reports to come in on that. You could (in theory!!!) also borrow the money, transfer it to your account and use that as proof. BUT: Some consulates anticipated that and are already asking for bank statements over a longer period of time.

Like

Reply

Brian ********

@Frank-Steven **********

save up the money. Honestly, if you don't have at least 500,000 baht as backup money you probably shouldn't consider moving overseas to begin with.

Like

Reply

Frank-Steven ***********

I certainly wouldn't. Then again, the realities in Thailand seem to be different. I met many people who had no clue how to cover the next month here. 😃

Like

Reply

Reply to

Frank-Steven ***********

Reply

Henrik *****

Nobody knows anything for certain yet, it is only a lot of guessing, not many real and PROVEN facts, so unless you need a visa right now, then wait and see.

Like

Reply

Graham *******

u need a 500k guarantor.

Like

Reply

Andy ************

Not if you've got the money yourself

Like

Reply

Daniel ******

does the guarantor need to be someone living in Thailand do you know?

Like

Reply

Graham *******

unknow. This is a new visa class and will take a while to fully evaluate.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Graham *******

Reply

Jon **********

Can sign up for a one day cooking class or one day sports event and use as evidence. I’m not 100% it will work but confident.

Like

Reply

Andi ***********

Cultural activity and medical purposes must be for a prolonged period. A day won't work, months will. Contact relevant embassy for minimum period reqd.

Like

Reply

Frank-Steven ***********

Might work, but likely not. Some consulates reported that at minimum 3 months of booked activity needed. Also, would need to present a confirmation with stamp / seal and signature.

Like

Reply

Colin *******

@Frank-Steven **********

can you state which consulate will accept a 3 month cooking course for. a 5 year visa, please.

Like

Reply

Frank-Steven ***********

Don't exactly recall right now. Might have been the London UK one as they have been the fastest to issue DTV thus far. Also not sure it was explicitly cooking class related. If I remember correctly, in that case that consulate even suggested could be 3 different activities of 1 months each. Anyways, consulates will handle these details differently, I expect. So there is no way around checking with the particular consulate in your jurisdiction - either by checking their website or by contacting them in advance.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Frank-Steven ***********

Reply

Jon **********

@Frank-Steven **********

yes for example Cambodia embassy can’t pay agent to do everything for old school

Visa. I’d assume in time we

Will see the easiest option.

Like

Reply

Jon **********

@Frank-Steven **********

yes will wait a month or so and see what people are saying. I’m sure the broke over 50s might ruin it for the under 50s

Like

Reply

Steve *******

I'm sure the broke under 50's will ruin it for everyone!

Like

Reply

Frank-Steven ***********

From how I know things Thailand, I would assume that exact requirements to qualify will vary significantly from consulate to consulate. So, yes, best to wait and see what consulate might be most lenient in that case. I also agree that the potential to misuse this open visa might lead to requirements being tightened up at some point. I am not a big fan of playing one (age) group against another. But, being 42, I am happy that finally not only 50+ years people have it easy to be staying in Thailand more long term now.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Frank-Steven ***********

Reply

Graham ******

An expensive throw of the dice

Like

Reply

Jon **********

do you pay upfront ? For the visa I’m not sure. But the cooking class will be cheap

Like

Reply

Todd *********

yes - apparently non-refundable fee.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Todd *********

Reply

John **********

Can you show money in the bank?

Have you signed up for and have documentation for one of the soft power options?

Like

Reply

Addy *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@John *********

Yh I have a couple years worth of savings, and a lot more then then 500k

Like

Reply

John **********

and the 2nd question?

Like

Reply

Reply to

John **********

Reply

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

Can I apply for a Thai soft Muay Thai visa online from Thailand as a British citizen?

9 comments

3 months ago

How long should money be in the bank when applying for a DTV from the UK?

9 comments

3 months ago

What are the requirements and application process for the Digital Nomad Visa in Thailand (DTV)?

22 comments

3 months ago

What is the best time to apply for a DTV visa before leaving Thailand?

20 comments

4 months ago

How can I apply for a DTV visa and who can assist me?

6 comments

4 months ago

What documents are needed for the DTV visa application at the Thai Consulate in Hanoi?

52 comments

4 months ago

How easy is it to obtain a DTV visa in Thailand from another country?

1 comments

4 months ago

What are the experiences of applying for a DTV visa in Thailand?

17 comments

4 months ago

What is the best way for a UK expat to obtain a DTV visa in Thailand?

48 comments

4 months ago

What is the process and requirements for obtaining a DTV visa from the UK?

5 comments

4 months ago

What is the experience of getting a DTV visa through online application?

19 comments

4 months ago

What is the process and requirements for obtaining a DTV visa in Thailand?

75 comments

4 months ago

Is it possible to apply for the DTV visa while traveling full time without residency?

20 comments

4 months ago

Can I apply for a DTV visa from the Thai e-visa portal in Hong Kong while working remotely for an Indian company?

26 comments

4 months ago

What are the requirements and steps for applying for a DTV visa for Thailand?

62 comments

4 months ago

What is the process to apply for a DTV visa in Thailand as a digital nomad?

5 comments

4 months ago

How long in advance can I apply for a DTV visa for Thailand?

7 comments

5 months ago

Can I obtain a DTV visa from a Thai Embassy outside my home country, like in Kuala Lumpur or Hanoi?

1 comments

5 months ago

What are the requirements and process for obtaining a DTV visa in Thailand?

60 comments

5 months ago

Can I apply for a Thai DTV visa outside my home country if I have a British passport?

3 comments

5 months ago

Where should I apply for a DTV visa – from my country of residence or can I apply from another country?

3 comments

5 months ago

What are the requirements for applying for a DTV visa in Malaysia?

58 comments

5 months ago

How can I apply for a DTV visa while already in Thailand, and what are the bank statement requirements?

31 comments

5 months ago

What are the requirements and details for the new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)?

503 comments

5 months ago

What are the latest updates on the Thai DTV visa application process and its requirements?

193 comments

5 months ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.