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Can I live in Thailand for 5 years on a DTV visa if I leave every 180 days?
DTV visaThailand immigrationvisa regulationslong-term stayvisa extensionfinancial requirementsexpat living
Apr 15, 2025
a year ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERAre you allowed to live in Thailand for 5 years with a DTV visa if you leave Thailand every 180 days?
TLDR : Answer Summary
Yes, it is technically possible to live in Thailand for up to 5 years on a DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) by leaving the country every 180 days to re-enter. The DTV visa allows for unlimited re-entries with the provision of continuous financial support, usually requiring at least 500,000 baht in a bank account. However, the process involves submitting documentation each time to prove compliance with visa requirements, and there are concerns about how strict the immigration authorities may become over time. It is also noted that remaining in Thailand for more than 180 days in a calendar year might necessitate tax registration.
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.
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Al**
Just remember after 6 months in a calendar year you become a Thai tax resident. Something to keep in mind.
George’s *******************************
reading
แดนนี่ ***********
So far yes that’s the idea lol. I leave and come back no questions asked either
Oswald *******
Yes
Anonymous ******************
We have to pay visa fee (10.000bth) every 180 days if we want extend or just one time at the first application?
Thanks
Thanks
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 513 not true
James ********
Anonymous participant 513 false news. The 180 day extension of stay if done at your local Thai Immigration office is 1900 Thai baht.
If you leave Thailand and reenter Thailand, you will be stamped in for 180 days.
If you leave Thailand and reenter Thailand, you will be stamped in for 180 days.
Reply to
James ********
Reply
Andrew ********
Amazing questions
Colin *******
Thai law says an individual becomes tax resident in Thailand if they are in Thailand for more than 180 days each calendar year.
Anonymous ******************
@Colin ******
yes correct and will be taxedBrian ********
@Colin ******
a little off topic - but as staying within the law is a visa requirement, if the authorities fancy cutting down numbers, they will have the days in country on their system - being unable to provide a TIN on request - might be grounds for refusal at the border. Easy win.Peter *********
@Colin ******
This post is nothing to do with tax Colin.James ********
@Peter ********
correct ✅Colin *******
@Peter ********
it certainly does if you have a DTV (earning from remote working) & stay in Thailand for more than 180 days.Christopher ********
@Colin ******
nobody was asking about taxes. Your comment was not a value add it was like a take away from the subject.Peter *********
@Colin ******
Err, the question is can you live here for 5 years on a DTV. The word tax is not mentioned at all.Damien ***********
@Peter ********
say Peter… can I be in your next film? lol but yeah you’re rightReply to
Damien ***********
Reply
Paul *******
In theory yes, but it remains to be seen.
Dom ********
If ur intention is to stay inside Thailand for that time then I recommend an ed visa. Benefit of having a dtv is you can leave and enter as you wish
Eric *******
@Dom *******
Ed visa will cost you wayyyyyyyy more and have to study bc immigration can question you in ThaiDom ********
@Eric ******
if ur attending regularly it shouldn’t cost you any more than if you’re buying lessons for your dtv, and yeah but if you don’t want to attend then neither of the visas are right for youEric *******
@Dom *******
I paid under 400$ for 5 years (dtv visa fee)What’s the cheapest you found a school for 5 years total ?
Dom ********
@Eric ******
I didn’t look for the cheapest lol I pay for Muay Thai training with good gyms and respected trainers, but if you found 5 years worth of training for something for $400 then good for youEric *******
Aaron *********
@Eric ******
and a PHD can take longer than five yearsReply to
Aaron *********
Reply
Peter *********
Yes no pompem.
Anna *********
yes
Anonymous ******************
For now, most definitely yes. But let’s see how things are in another year from now..
Anonymous ******************
As long as you continue to meet the criteria you can be checked each 180 days, the DTV is 180 days and always discretion of the immigration when you extend and you can be asked to show proof of ongoing activities and funds available
Milo *********
In theory, yes. In reality, it probably isn't a bad idea to think about ways to save up for an elite visa, just in case the DTV program gets cancelled.
Tim ***********
@Milo ********
they will cancel it for sure oneday but I guess all existing visa holders are allowed to keep the visa and can use it for the remaining timeReply to
Tim ***********
Reply
Bob **********
Yes I can see wanting bank statements and some documentation of what your doing the soft power well you may have to continue classes I can’t see letting someone taking a cooking class exiting and entering Thailand for five years
Bob **********
Just look at what people had to show to extend in Thailand ,the reason there is a financial requirement is because they want to know how you can live for 5 years without the cash,and why don’t you show me the LAW that says you don’t need it
Brian ********
@Bob *********
I have to agree with you. All it takes is an IO to question you sticking to the terms of the visa…. They can deny entry with a valid visa - if they see fit. Good luck to anyone who isn’t happy with that and tries western style ‘show me the rule’ attitude. 😂. I think we all know how that turns out.
I’m here on medical DTV, treatments nearly over, my long term angle will be recuperating and always have a follow up appt booked. Took photos of all my receipts and can evidence treatments etc.
Will also be concious of tax implications too, last thing you want is an IO querying tax registration and payments. Unlikely - but being prepared and since staying within the law is a visa requirement.
Reply to
Brian ********
Reply
Asso ******
@Bob *********
Show me the law/rule/regulation that states that the 500k must stay in the account for the entire 5 year period, or even for the first 180 day period. And if there is no rule (which I believe there is not) then they have no right to ask for that statement. People usually do not carry 6 months bank statements with them when travelling. As to the activity that was the basis for the visa, I think that is a reasonable thing to ask...Anonymous ******************
every 180 days nees bank statements or only for apply visa? Mean 500,000 need to be all the 5 years on the bank and don't touch it?
Anonymous ******************
@Bob *********
every 180 days bank statements or only for apply visa? Mean 500,000 ned to be all the 5 years on the bank and don't touch it?Jack ********
@Bob *********
don’t assume anything boy. Your opinion is worthless at this pointUrs ********
@Jack *******
Nice Flag in your profile.Anonymous ******************
@Jack *******
Better being cautious... Something you'll learn with the time.Bob **********
@Jack *******
as well as yours we’ll see and I could care less been here a long time nowReply to
Bob **********
Reply
Kenan ******
Yes, you can technically extend your stay in Thailand every 6 months with a DTV visa for 1,900 baht, but the process is quite burdensome. Each time you extend, you’ll need to re-justify your situation by submitting all the required documents again.
This includes proving you have at least 500,000 baht in your bank account continuously for over 6 months — meaning your balance must never drop below that threshold. You’ll also need to explain the reason for your DTV. For example, if you’re an entrepreneur, you’ll have to resubmit your company documents, prove you have active clients, etc.
So honestly, the easiest option is to simply leave the country, like to Malaysia. A round-trip flight can cost around 1,500 baht, and depending on your location, the flight is only about 30 to 45 minutes.
This includes proving you have at least 500,000 baht in your bank account continuously for over 6 months — meaning your balance must never drop below that threshold. You’ll also need to explain the reason for your DTV. For example, if you’re an entrepreneur, you’ll have to resubmit your company documents, prove you have active clients, etc.
So honestly, the easiest option is to simply leave the country, like to Malaysia. A round-trip flight can cost around 1,500 baht, and depending on your location, the flight is only about 30 to 45 minutes.
James ********
@Kenan *****
VERY helpful answer and good advice ✅Don ******
@Kenan *****
Please note! You can extend your term by 6 months only once during the 5 years.Peter *********
@Don *****
Wrong it's after every entry.Don ******
@Peter ********
yes can’tStephen ********
@Peter ********
yes, correct. Technically, you only need to leave 4 times in the 5 years.Reply to
Stephen ********
Reply
Greg ********
@Kenan *****
The 500k is for 30 days prior to extension according to multiple reports in here.Anonymous ******************
@Kenan *****
you can only extend once per entry so max is 180+180 extension then you MUST leave and re enter.Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Tommy ********
For now
Peter ***********
@Tommy *******
People have been forecasting doom since day one, but the DTV is still flying off the shelves. If in doubt, people can just use an agency to border bounce, pay a couple of thousand baht, and wizzo, you're back in again. This is Thailand. It's a doddle!Tommy ********
@Peter **********
It’s not a year old yet. Any changes will come after. There have been more rejections than you think. Only 20,000 DTV visas approved as of February. Nothing compared to the number of tourists that enter each day, or the amount of work permits approved for expats
Peter ***********
@Tommy *******
Not every tourist wants a DTV! The DTV is for those who want to stay long term, such as retirees. I don't know of one retiree who has been knocked back. Those that are being knocked back just go shopping to another embassy. Many long-term stayers simple use the "soft power" option to get their visa. It is really very easy to get. The biggest problem always seems to be the money in the bank, but most of the old farts have sizeable superannuation funds which pull it up. It's a fabulous visa that's open to anyone, as it should be. The Thai government want people here longer and spending money, and it seems to be working!Anonymous ******************
@Tommy *******
exactly, anyone that has at least 5 + years of experience living out here should know how things can change..Peter ***********
Anonymous participant 575 I've lived in Thailand for 12 years. Nothing significant has changed for non-O visas/extensions. It's still the same clunky bureaucratic system requiring annual visits with bank account statements and international transfers every year. Now the DTV has changed the landscape, and it seems many retirees see as the easy option. It's a brilliant visa which anyone can get, as it should be
Paul ********
@Peter **********
They have stopped allowing the affidavit of income letter for many countries, that meant you didn't have to move 800K to Thailand to get a non-o retirement visa. That was significant and less than 12 years ago. I believe that change was a few years ago for UK, USA and Oz and this year for Canadians.Peter ***********
@Paul *******
Actually you're wrong. The affidavit is still allowed by immigration. Some embassies are not issuing them, but that is absolutely NOTHING to do with immigration!Paul ********
@Peter **********
I was just replying to your words: "Nothing significant has changed for non-O visas/extensions.". Over and out chief.Peter ***********
@Paul *******
From the immigration perspective nothing has changed. Just a few countries (3 out of 199) no longer issue embassy affidavits. If you think that's significant, that's your prerogative! 😂Reply to
Peter ***********
Reply
Anonymous ******************
On re entry you may have to show you still qualify for the dtv
Stephen ********
Anonymous participant 628 My wife and I, both have legitimate dtv. I mean in a way of, we do have the funds and own two companies in the uk. We applied in the uk, and were both accepted the next day. We spend about 6 months a year in phuket, we've both been out individually twice in the last 7 months and not had any problems getting instantly stamped back in for the 180 days. I think, some who are getting stopped at customs, are of a certain type. The ones who used agents, or have applied in different countries for some reason, like they are likely using false documents or similar in certain countries to obtain these visas.
Mark **********
@Stephen *******
was application in the UK reasonably straight forward? This visa is an option for me and my wife in a couple of years (if its still going) as online teachers.Stephen ********
@Mark *********
we found it really easy, forwarding company registrations, tax returns, proof of funds.George’s *******************************
@Mark *********
Was for me. If you have all the correct criteria in place. Was not. And should not be a problem…Reply to
George’s *******************************
Reply
Dave **********
@Stephen *******
phuket...worst place in Thailand. Ruined by Ruskie mafioso and now the benidorm loutsStephen ********
@Dave *********
Phuket is the only place what has everything,, so with out doubt, one of the best places to live or spend long visits. Nowhere else comes close. Loads of super super wealthy Russians here, if im honest the only real effect they've had is sending the property prices through the roof. Don't believe all the social media pages either. We live here from Oct to end of April. Live in Rawia and own a bar in Bangla road and its a 1000 times safer and less troublesome here than virtually anywhere in the uk, where I spend the summers.Yeah, you get the odd braw, with 5000 bars in Patong, I'd say that's obvious. Its always happened, right back to the start. We just never plastered it all over the Internet for those hissy fit fairies to get all worried about it now🙄
Dave **********
@Stephen *******
anyone who wants to mingle with arro..gant, rude Ruskies needs treatment. But each to their own. They love Putin but don't live in Russia.. says a lot. And BTW its not media hype. I've good Thai friends in Phuket who know more about it than a farang .Stephen ********
@Dave *********
If im honest, when living here you have to mingle with everyone, as that's what's here. Its not like a lot of places there is all sorts here. I'd say, 9 out of 10 people couldnt reliably identify a russian national. The last two i thought would be Russian who came in our bar, were not when i inquired. Anyway there are 2 or 3 groups/nationalies who are seen as worse and far more disliked here. The media hype for say,, Patong is all trouble all the time is exactly that. As I said, it's not without some problems. Our business has been running 18 years, own property, own vehicles, have owned two other businesses here as well over the years. Do you honestly think I don't know any Thai' or other business owners. 😂Dave **********
@Stephen *******
enjoy your day. We'll beg to differReply to
Dave **********
Reply
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 628 ok so you sign up for a cooking class to get the dtv and then enter again in 1 years time claiming you’re still doing said cooking class and see what happens
Peter ***********
Anonymous participant 628 A friend of mine got the DTV with five dental appointments, which he cancelled as soon as he got here. He's been out and back in three times without a problem! Best visa ever. Everyone's getting them now, even retirees!
Anonymous ******************
@Peter ********
until gets stopped 😂Peter ***********
Anonymous participant 721 It's not going to stop - the government love this visa. It's getting thousands of people long-term in the country bumping up the economy
Urs ********
@Peter ********
not a big benefit for the country at all.Peter ***********
@Urs *******
20,000 long term stayers in Thailand will add a fair chunk to the economy. That was the whole idea behind the DTV - get people in for a long termUrs ********
@Peter ********
All these long term stayers on a DTV visa come to Thailand because it's cheap to live. A lot cheaper than in their country. I doubt they spend a lot of money. And they manage that their taxable income is very low. Thailand benefits much more from retirees and their pensions.Peter ***********
@Urs *******
Yes but the criteria for retirees is more challenging. The DTV is very easy to getUrs ********
@Peter ********
not really challenging. I do my retirement visa extension in 30 minutes at our immigration office. House rental contract and 800,000 Baht in a Thai Bank account is all I have to provide, plus the application Form.Anonymous ******************
@Peter **********
and idiots like that are the very reason why immigration will eventually make it difficult for people in the future..Andrew ********
Anonymous participant 575 how are they idiots when they are doing something legal ??? Immigration officers make the choice to let them in or not ground or air
Peter ***********
Anonymous participant 575 You do realise agencies have been paying "tea money" to immigration officers for decades? In order to make the process smooth for their customers? What makes you think that will change?
Paul *******
@Peter **********
It's becoming more difficult. It used to be possible to live in Thailand on visa exemptions, now you have to pay a visa run agency to do that, but without making pre-arrangements life is becoming more difficult for individuals who choose not to get a proper visa.Peter ***********
@Paul ******
Can't compare a DTV 5-year real visa to a free entry stamp! Come on! They're worlds apart. I know retirees already have done ***
/4 bounces with no problems at all! If someone meets the very easy criteria of the DTV why should they be stopped from entering? They've got a five year visa!Paul *******
@Peter **********
Immigration is already stopping people though. That level of entitlement won't get you across the border. Many DTV holders have been asked to step aside and provide certain documents in order to pass the borders. Some have been asked for employment contracts, details of a soft power activity, accommodation/lodging booking and/or made to sign a form.Peter ***********
@Paul ******
There's probably been a few, but not many. Easy to make another few dental appointments before bouncing! Just apply common sense, or use a border run agency! 👍😆Andrew ********
@Peter ********
until you get an immigration officer who cares or makes an issuePeter ***********
@Andrew *******
Haha, I think you mean "IF". Then it's a case of using an agency border bounce company, pay the 2000 baht, and back in you come! Best visa ever!Jack ********
@Andrew *******
stop with the scare tactics boyAndrew ********
@Jack *******
it's not a scare tactic it's just being honest. It all depends on what officer you get and what mood they are in. Tourist on visa exempt get in with out needing proof of return trip or onward travel ... some have been stopped. You been on my nuts since I proved you wrong on DTV not my fault you are a moron.... BOY
Paul *******
@Andrew *******
If you're on a visa exemption you'll need proof of outbound travel, which is checked by your airline.Damien ***********
@Paul ******
no you don’t and I never have.Paul *******
@Damien **********
Yes you do and its a requirement to enter Thailand on visa exempt.Damien ***********
@Paul ******
I mean you can keep replying to me and I can only continue to share my experience every time I’ve entered on visa exemption. It’s whatever dudePaul *******
@Damien **********
You're talking nonsense. The AIRLINE checks your ticket. Period.Damien ***********
@Paul ******
haha you literally just tell them when you depart. They don’t actually search some database. Now if you’re abusing visa exemption, you need to show proof of onward travel
Paul *******
@Damien **********
No. On a visa exemption you have to show proof of outbound travel to the airline. They can usually see it already if you've booked an onward or round-trip ticket with their airline.Andrew ********
@Paul ******
doesn't always happen that's the point I'm makingPaul *******
@Andrew *******
It does, most of the time. Immigration usually doesn't ask, the airlines do. It's their job.Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Jack ********
Anonymous participant 628 no precedent for this. Stop making things up
Anonymous ******************
@Jack *******
it's true extension or entry always discretion immigration officerReply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Dany ********
pretty much yes… but not sure how strict immigration will get in the future
Andrew ********
The DTV is valid for 5 years unlimited entry 180 days at a time with a 90 day check in. 500k baht in an account or assets and must have a reason .. learning/ working / medical the working part is remove workers proof of employment or are an investor in thai economy
Ray *****
@Andrew *******
which part of a DTV has got to do with investing in a Thai company?Anonymous ******************
A lot of know it alls and dumbasses on here. Thats for sure
Jack ********
Anonymous participant 279 which one are you?
Reply to
Jack ********
Reply
Andrew ********
@Ray ****
that's one part of it and i didn't say in company i said in the economy this also where the elite visa comes into play but you actually have to pay 25,000 USD for it and it's non-refubdableJack ********
@Andrew *******
absolutely nothing to down with ‘investing’. I can’t believe the admins let you on here just dreaming things up and telling lies left and rightColin *******
@Jack *******
get a life Jack. You seem a nitpicking, miserable bloke.Raul *********
@Jack *******
tell him how it is because this guy is spreading misinformationAndrew ********
@Jack *******
i have a friend that got a DTV cause he invests in markets I can't beleive you are that blind it even talks about it they also have a separate visa for this alone who have alot of assets in THAILAND can't beleive you are in here telling one person they don't know anything when I have seen it with my own two eyes ... its a way for the DTV one of MANY ... investment alone doesn't cut it cause it doesn't qualify the 500k liquid assets. . But he has well over that in a bank he reason for it is like anything "self employed digital nomad" so you may want to JOG ON with thatJack ********
@Andrew *******
I would suggest you enroll in an English class and get an ED visa. Your English and spelling is on a third grade level. Until then stop making up lies about the DTV visa boyColin **********
@Jack *******
Well done for pulling people up when they just make stuff up or make unnecessary assumptions. It just complicates something that is relatively straightforwardReply to
Colin **********
Reply
Jack ********
@Ray ****
none. Ignore this idiotReply to
Jack ********
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