Can I get a one-year visa for Thailand as a digital nomad, or what are my options for staying longer than 90 days?

Jun 24, 2024
5 months ago
ReNisha ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I’m wanting to come to Thailand for a year , I will technically be a digital nomad , can I get a 1 year visa for travel ? Or how do I make it so that i stay longer than 90 days , I’ve already bought a 1 way ticket for march 2025
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TLDR : Answer Summary
If you're looking to stay in Thailand for a year as a digital nomad, a one-year tourist visa is currently not available. Your best option may be obtaining a multiple-entry tourist visa (METV). This visa allows stays of up to 90 days at a time, requiring you to exit the country and re-enter every 90 days to reset your stay. There is talk of a digital nomad visa expected to be introduced in the latter half of 2024, but its details remain uncertain. Additionally, some suggest exploring educational visas linked to language schools or martial arts like Muay Thai, as these can provide longer stays. It's essential to have a plan for exit flights or border runs to comply with Thai immigration rules.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Brian *******
I just got here, the did not check my return ticket at the airport. No questions at all. I hear ground crossings are a bit different.
Ron **********
Google LTV Thailand 2024
James *********
Can one even enter with a one-way ticket?
ReNisha ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James ********
I’ll buy a cheap throw away ticket closer to time
Mike ******
What's the schedule like if you get sponsored on the educational visa to learn Muay Thai?
Valentine ************
Muay thai visa
ReNisha ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Valentine ***********
yes that’s what I’m looking at
Manfred ******
That's.easy just deposit a million us dollars in bbk bank account then find woman in pattaya, marry her and transfer
*****
0 into her family bank account, you get visa for life.
Maurice *********
@Manfred *****
What a bargain 😉
ReNisha ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Manfred *****
lol I’m a woman and I don’t have 1 million usd so guess I’m screwed
Terary **********
I have gotten Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV) which can be stretched for 9 months (exit the country every 90 days). I have been here 10 years on different visa types, most are tourist visas.
ReNisha ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Terary *********
but if I get a multiple entry visa , I need to have an exit flight booked ?
Terary **********
@ReNisha *******
In the past I have used bus tickets, Hat Yai to Penang, $12, last I knew. However, my past two METV they were specific to ask for flight details so I bought check throw away ticket to Malaysia $50.
Marcus ************
Unfortunately, you’re better off spending your time in a country that doesn’t require people to jump through ridiculous hoops to stay a year.
Nongnuch ********
@ReNisha *******
there is a link on the Thai Embassy Washington DC website, which will open a pdf-document list when you click onto it. This list contains the requirements needed for every category of visa Thailand is offering. There are FIVE (5) different Non-imm-ED visa. You should read the requirements carefully. You must also be aware that the newly proposed "digital nomad" visa has not been introduced yet and that it maybe NEVER will materialize, like so many nice plans from the Thai government that have already gone into the bin. I include the requirements for the "multi entry 6-months Tourist Visa", with which you actually can stay for almost 9 months (as
@Brandon ***********
has already advised) It is the easiest solution. Because on Non-Imm-ED visa, you actually have to attend the school every day, and you can't take your dog to the classes! Your plans sound nice to you only, but not to those who know how difficult it will turn out. The sad fact is: What you WANT, is irrelevant. What you CAN GET, is a wholly different thing . . . . . . and bringing in a dog will further complicate everything!
Henrik *****
You are doing it the wrong way round.

Start out with exploring which visa, has conditions you can meet, then you find out, how long time you can stay in Thailand.

What you want, is not always what you can do.

Buying a 1-way ticket, can be a mistake, since it is more expensive than a return, and you may need a ticket out of Thailand, to prove the intention to leave Thailand according til the visa, you enter Thailand with
Bart **************
I'd hold off from getting any specific visas until the new plans materialize. They did announce new visas in the works for digital nomads.

Either way, even if you plan for the multiple entry tourist visa, you need to do it at the last minute. It could be a nice trick to get some extra time from it that other tourist visas don't offer, but you then need to head over right when it's valid for entering, which means you can't get it upfront except for a few days of slack that you may want.
Molly ********
1. people saying you won’t get in on a one way ticket, you will, i did :)

2. unless your going to qualify for the new digital nomad visa, you’re probably better off doing 90 days and then border runs on the re entry visa, 3. you’d probably be best off slow travelling if you have your dog, because then you can just have a week or 2 in neighbouring countries and come back with ease if you travel slowly close to the borders it’s just a bus ride :)
Michael ********
@Molly *******
just because you didnt need to show a ticket doesnt mean everyone will. I fly in about 20 times a year so i can give you a better average.

I get asked about 60 % of the time to show a return ticket or my visa.

Before covid was maybe 5 % but airlines are liable now so stricter at check in. Its an Iata requirement
Molly ********
yeah i’m just speaking from my experience, people advised me the same thing, but i have flew many times since and unless it asks me in the application to prove departure i haven’t ever needed it personally
Tom *********
Hey, we can help you with an ed visa. Feel free to message for details.
Monica *********************************
You have to take literally actions, if you want to stay for about 1 year.

Nothing more, nothing less.

So prepare yourself, in every way possible, how you want to do this for yourself.

I was In Thailand for 6 months, and i am just a couple of weeks back in my country.

😭😭 Nederland.

I miss Thailand so much.

If you want to stay longer..

You must do very good your homework.

Instead of bothering other people..

Fix your own stuff, in the deepest way of saying and thinking.

Period.

I can give you my advice..

I have done 3 Border Runs, over Land.

And in between, you can go to the immigration Office, to apply your Runs.

I had 1 visa stamp, when i was coming by plane, the first time.

30 days.

After that, i went several places, from Bangkok , To the all the west, and at last Chiang Mai and headed to Pai .

There i go to Immigration Office.

My 2th Stamp for 30 days ,was a fact.

Very easy.

After that 30 days. I must gp out of Thailand.

By land.. so i headed all the way back to Chaing Mai, ChaingRai, Chiang Kong, to Laos.

My Stamp 🙏

And toke the 2 day Boat..

(Most beautiful my whole life experience , btw!)

after 2 weeks.

I went back to Thailand.. back to Pai, where i rented long term house..

And after again 2 weeks. I get back to Chiang Mai.. And go to the immigration Office, in Chiang Mai, located at the Festival Mall

I hired a Visa Expertise Coach, who fixed all it, for me, for only 1000 bth extra.

After that. I did visit whole the Nord of Thailand.

And then i go back to Bangkok, to prepare myself, for my next Run to Cambodja.

So i did.

And stay there also 8 days.

And then came back the 3th time To Thailand.

And then i go do the south west.. And so was my 6 months.

Over Air, you can unlimited access to Thailand.

After all, i was told, i was lucky, they allowed me the 3rh time. Cause over land is just normally 2 Runs allowed, told me.

I did everything on my own. Solo.

Take your money with you. Don't bother other people, if you don't have money, stay home.

And just do it 🙏💪💜

Liv The Life and Enjoy the max
Darren ******
U will not get in on a one way ticket.

Book a bus from nong khai to Lao online to show Ur leaving within 30 days even if Ur not planning too
Gary *********
There are actually digital nomad visas, best to google this as I don’t know a great deal about it but know they exist in Thailand 👍🏻
Neil ******
@Gary ********
there is no “digital nomad” visa.
Gary *********
@Neil *****
I guess Google and the Thai embassy lied then 🤣
Neil ******
@Gary ********
yes. Websites seeking to make money off of traffic tend to misrepresent things.
Ivan ************
@Neil *****
the MFA has officially announced this, it's not just random websites. We need to see the ultimate details and requirements, but this is direct from the MFA:

*****************************************
อัลบั้มภาพ/New_Measures_as_of_29_May_2024_-_1955.pdf
Gary *********
@Neil *****
and the Thai embassy? They say there is a digital nomad visa too
Neil ******
@Gary ********
this website?
Ivan ************
Cabinet approval reported (in Thai, but note specific reference to "digital nomads"):

*****************************************************
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Ivan ************
@Neil *****
and more from the Thai government PR department, specifically stating it is a visa for "digital nomads":

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0

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4
Nongnuch ********
@Neil *****
this is not an official website, and this website is known for posting a load of BS. It contains a sh...load of wrong info
Gary *********
@Neil *****
I doubt it as that’s not the official website of the Thai embassy as it quite clearly states 🤣
Angelo ***********
@Gary ********
She is not a digital nomad. She is a tourist. And LTR visa are nearly impossible to get. The requirements are just "nonsense".
Gary *********
@Angelo **********
so saying she will technically be a digital nomad means she won’t be a digital nomad? Ok then 🤣🤣
Angelo ***********
@Gary ********
Visa vise not. As she obviously does not fulfill the requirements.
Ivan ************
@Ang***
the requirements aren't out yet so we don't know what they are. It's certainly not out of the question she'd qualify, the targeted groups seem quite broad, and if so it would be the obvious visa. Should be launched before she comes here so she'll know either way.
Gary *********
@Angelo **********
and you know this how exactly? Do you know the lady and know her qualifications?
Iliyan ***********
You can follow the group to see what's gonna happen with these new digital nomad visas around September/October (I honestly have my doubts about those). Until then 90 days tourist visa is your option. After you leave and reenter Thailand for another 90 then it's gonna be up to the immigration officer cause they might deny you. Best of luck 👑
Mitchell *******
As of right now, you cannot get a 1 year tourist visa.
@Brandon ***********
is right, a multi entry visa is your best bet. But that would also suggest to immigration that you need the multiple entries.

Also, you would definitely need a departing flight in order to get the visa.

You could also come in on the single entry tourist visa, extend, and then go travel to a different country, then return visa exempt. Your life would be easier if you are moving around Thailand, not staying at 1 address though.

But bottom line, whichever tourist visa you use, you will need to leave Thailand several times.
ReNisha ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mitchell ******
thank you I want to bring my dog so I want to minimize how many times I leave the country
Henrik *****
Bringing a dog will also make it harder ti find accommendation, most places doesn’t allow pets.
Brandon ************
@ReNisha *******
when we say leave the country, we're talking about border bounces. A drive to the border, out and back, and back home for dinner.
Mitchell *******
@ReNisha *******
, is there a quarantine period? Youan not be allowed to bring a dog on a tourist visa.
ReNisha ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mitchell ******
yes you can I read online that you could as long as they are microchipped and have shot records and health certificate
Neil ******
@ReNisha *******
you realize that you could end up in a situation where you are no longer allowed entry because an immigration officer believes you’re trying to live in Thailand on improper visas and your dog is stuck here without you? Importing your dog might even be further evidence to support that belief.

Also technically not legal to work without work permit or LTR visa.
Angelo ***********
@Neil *****
Not after one Tourist visa. Stop scare mongering. If you get denied entry then it is most likely a combination of reasons. And not just that you "were to often here". @ReNisha Nicole bringing your dog here might make "border bounces" more difficult. So check what country you want to bounce into - likely Laos? - and what requirements they have for your dog.
Neil ******
@Angelo **********
it’s not one tourist visa if she’s trying to be here for a year. You can coddle people all you want, but knowing the facts will allow them to make an informed decision. I’m not coddling anyone.
Angelo ***********
@Neil *****
Yes, and two or 4 or 5 or 10 tourist visas: are no problem, unless you make problems.
М. ****
3 months thailand then 3 vietnam and repeat is your only option:)
Brown ********
@М. ***
That's a option but it's not the only option. You shouldn't write shit like that and confuse people
ReNisha ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@М. ***
 What about the education visa ? I can sign up to learn the Thai language and stay for a year correct?
Love *********
@ReNisha *******
yes you can get an ED visa for a year. I’m in Chiang Mai. I attend TSL in Chiang Mai. It’s cost about $1300usd for the year. I have to get extension every 90 days. I am in hybrid class. I attend three days per week (two days online and go in for field trips on 3rd). day of week. You can start while in US. There’s a guy in my class from US who’s planning to come in August.
ReNisha ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Love ********
that’s good information thank you ! So if I wanted to leave the country on the weekends or take a vacation I can ? Or no ?
Love *********
@ReNisha *******
you have to apply for a re-entry permit if you plan to leave while on the visa.
ReNisha ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Love ********
thanks did you do your Ed once you got there or before ?
Love *********
@ReNisha *******
you can get 60 day e-visa if you apply up to 10 days before you leave then get 30day extension giving you 90 days to work on Ed visa
Love *********
@ReNisha *******
after I got here. I came in on 30 got extension and then did visa run to Cambodia.
ReNisha ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Love ********
when u do visa runs can u come back same day ? Or do u be gone a few days ?
Love *********
@ReNisha *******
some ppl come right back but I stayed in Cambodia for several days.
ReNisha ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Love ********
thank you I’m planning to bring my dog so I think border runs will get tricky for me , this might be a stretch but have u heard of any dog boarding places in Thailand. ?
Love *********
@ReNisha *******
No, I haven’t.
Love *********
@ReNisha *******
yes you can. I am on an ED visa I go to TSL in Chiang Mai. They completed and submitted my application for me. It has to be extended every 90 days. School for year cost about $1300 usd.
Henrik *****
The ED visa will tie you down to stay in 1 destination, and you can not travel around.
Monica *********************************
@ReNisha *******
Education Visa cost between the 40.000 en 50.0000 Bth.

I was also thinking about this and the High Officer From the Immigration Departement in District Pai/ Chiang Mai, give me slso thiis option.

You must find a good school, which will allow you wd a student and also be registered as legit.

Than if you are accepted, as a

student, after you pay. You can apply for the Student Visa.

Allows you, to study at your own tempo.

So that can also be an option.

Collect the money 💰
Angelo ***********
@ReNisha *******
Yes and no. A ED visa is initially only 3month. Most of the time the initial period can be extended by another 3 or 6 month with no problems. But after ward: you have to show progress in classes. And you have to attend the classes.

AND: if you are really studying, you can stay longer than a year ... there is no real limit, but in a simple language school, more than 3 years is rare. At an university you can study bachelor, master and then do a PhD. No problem.
Andy **********
@ReNisha *******
if you arrive on a 60 day tourist visa, and then apply for a one year ED visa at an informal school inside Thailand, they only usually give you one year from the last time you stamped in, so if you arrive on a 60 day tourist visa, you only actually get 10 months of an ED visa, you can apply before you arrive in Thailand on the E-visa site, or just apply when you arrive inside Thailand, it's best to contact a school in the area you want stay in, and get them to explain everything.
Wayne *********
М. ****
@Wayne ********
but if she does it that way will forget about tourist visas in the near future :)
Wayne *********
@М. ***
Why would they it's a legit visa. I know people who have done it
Henrik *****
@Wayne ********
But because a lot of people misused the ED visa in the past, the Immigration has tightened, and closed some of the loopholes, so you really need to attend classes full time, and show that you have learned something
Wayne *********
@Henrik ****
Where did I suggest anything about a ED visa I only discussed ME TR60. I didn't so why tell me about them. I simply replied yes to a question I did not suggest going that path.
Wayne *********
@М. ***
Nope, they can get TR60 multi entry which used smartly gives then nearly 9 months in Thailand. Stay 90 days leave for 24 hours come back do another 90 days leave and come back couple of days before visa expires will give them another 90 days, no need to do 3 months anywhere else
Amanda **********************
@Wayne ********
How do you do 90 days? Isn’t it only 60 days maximum per entry?
Graham ******
@Amanda *********************
60 days entry stamp then a single extension for 30 days
Wayne *********
@Amanda *********************
30 day extension go to immigration pay 1900baht
ReNisha ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Amanda *********************
I think u get a 30 day extension I was reading online
Amanda **********************
@ReNisha *******
but it’s only valid for 6 months from date of issue. So you can’t stay 9 months no matter what
Kevin ******
@Amanda *********************
you can almost get nine months
ReNisha ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kevin *****
9 months by leaving and coming back ? After 90days ?
Kevin ******
@ReNisha *******
yeah it is a bit of a process but go to a neighboring country and apply for a 60 day visa and then extend it another 30. You can do this process again. You could also look at a 6 month multi entry visa.
Angelo ***********
@Amanda *********************
You can. You leave 2 days before the 60 days are over. And come back in on the last day. You get another 60 days. Then you extend your stay for 30 days. I do not know where the 9month come from, but 7month are certainly doable. I think itis actually 90 days and not 60 ...
Wayne *********
@Angelo **********
3 x 90 is 270 days working on average 30 days a month is 9 months
Angelo ***********
@Wayne ********
Yes, but the visa is only valid 6 month. I have to read the visa rules again. Lol.
Wayne *********
@Angelo **********
6 months valid correct but can enter 3rd time the day before it expires and get 60 days plus 30 days extension
Wayne *********
@Amanda *********************
played smart apply smart you can get very close to 9 months few weeks short maybe. Get the visa a week or 2 at most before travel. Yes expires at 6 months but you can arrive a day before it expires and get another 90 days
Wayne *********
@Amanda *********************
few days short of 9 months that's all
ReNisha ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
ReNisha ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Wayne ********
thank you
Brandon ************
Just because you want to go for a year doesn't mean you can.

A multiple entry tourist visa can get about 9 months but you'll need to leave and return at least 2 times. And then after that you're probably not going to be allowed back in for a while.

You could also register with a school and study Thai language for a year.
Kathy ********
@Brandon ***********
how about retire in Thyland I like to go there the end of July stay for at least 3 month look around and found a suitable place .Where should I start
Brandon ************
@Kathy *******
start with your local Thai embassy to see what visa meets your purpose
Kathy ********
@Brandon ***********
thank you so much I am visiting my sister in Portugal I suppose if there is a Thai embassy they should be abble to give some information
ReNisha ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
thank you I do clearly understand that just because I want to come don’t mean I can which is why I’m here asking for help or options

I was looking at the education visa to learn the Thai language  I need to find more information out about that do you know if I have to apply for that in advance ? Or can I do it once I get there? Sounds like the education visa is the only way that I can stay for a year 
Jan *******
@ReNisha *******
Ever visited thai embassy website ? here in germany every information needed is available on it.
Angelo ***********
@Jan ******
That would be to easy. It is much more intellectually challenging to get 100 different FB informations, throw out the good ones, and go with the wrong ones, then hand in failed paper work, and finally tear out your hair and pay an agent 😛
ReNisha ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jan ******
yeah I don’t see much about the education visa on there
Jan *******
@ReNisha *******
Hmm - did you try to get in contact with the embassy in your country ?

i mean - isn’t it more reliable to get information at the embassy ?
Nongnuch ********
@Jan ******
the Thai embassy and the two Thai consulates in Germany DO NOT OFFER ANY consultation by phone. They wouldn't even pick up the phone. Your advice is worthless
Jan *******
@Nongnuch *******
In your country …. not in mine …

actually i was in - years ago - in contact via email and got a lot of help
Nongnuch ********
@Jan ******
yes, you can contact them by email and they will respond. Myself, I do so regularily. However in 99% attempts, THEY WON'T PICK UP THE PHONE
Brandon ************
@ReNisha *******
you can apply in advance if you register with a school and pay them and they send you documentation. Or you can arrive in Thailand as a tourist an convert to education visa, but you have to move quickly if you do. The process can take 1-2 months to get government approval and you still need to have 15-21 days left on your permission to stay in order to apply for the conversion at the immigration office.
ReNisha ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
John **********
@ReNisha *******
note that if you go down the education visa route you do actually need to study and attend classes or you won't get anywhere near a year out of it
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