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Answereda year ago

Can I open a Thai bank account and become a tax resident with a DTV visa?

David ******
asked Jul 28, 2025
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Hi everyone,

I just got my DTV and I’m planning to move to Bangkok this September. I had two quick questions as I’m considering staying in Thailand for several years:

1. Is it possible to open a Thai bank account with the DTV? Any advice or recommended banks?

2. Is it true that you can become a Thai tax resident after staying more than 180 days in a calendar year? How does it work exactly in practice?

Thanks a lot for your help!
Answer summary
The conversation discusses two main questions about moving to Thailand with a DTV visa. Firstly, many contributors agree that opening a Thai bank account with a DTV visa is quite challenging, with most banks requiring extensive proof of residency and additional requirements. Secondly, it's confirmed that individuals staying in Thailand for more than 180 days in a calendar year can indeed become tax residents, although the specifics of tax obligations may vary based on personal circumstances and tax treaties with other countries.
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David ******
David ******
OP
Okay, thanks a lot guys! So, to sum up: it's difficult to open a bank account, and I will indeed become a Thai tax resident if I stay more than 180 days in the country. That's the information I needed — thanks!
Oli *******
Oli *******
Are you guys, telling him that he has to pay taxes after 180 days, sure about that?

I think it's not approved it's just theory. Not even Thai government really knows how it works...
Angelo ***********
Angelo ***********
@Oli ******
"Tax Residency" has nothing to do with actually paying taxes. It is simple the point of residence where you would be taxed if you had to pay taxes.

I am tax resident of Thailand. But have no taxable income. So: I do not pay taxes here.

And I am no longer a tax resident of Germany: so I do not file income tax declarations there.

And not that is not a theory (correct word would be hypothesis, btw): it is law, since a half a century or longer.
Pete *******
Pete *******
@Oli ******
no we are not. What we are saying is that after 180 days you automatically become Thai tax resident. If you bring in assessable income whilst tax resident above minimum thresholds you are obligated to file a Thai tax return. This may or may not lead to a Thai tax bill depending on personal financial circumstances.
Lee ***********
Lee ***********
First advice David is research a lot and read back or use the search, tons of information covered many times.
Benjamin *********
Benjamin *********
No , yes
Richard *******
Richard *******
I would like to know what I need to do to get DTV Visa David,?
chippe******
chippe******
Congratulations mate - which country /embassy were you approved from?
David ******
David ******
OP
chipped-wood I'm French and I currently live in Canada
Wannikea *********
Wannikea *********
Only funds brought into Thailand are possibly assessable. Thailand also has dual tax agreements with many nations, which lowers your liability.
Angelo ***********
Angelo ***********
@Wannikea ********
But that has nothing to do with the term "tax resident". Especially as he is in most cases no longer a tax resident in his home country, when he is one in Thailand. There are only two countries as exceptions: USA and Ethopia. And one kind of silly exception, but worth noting: in many countries the amount of days to become a tax resident is 185. So technically one could for example be a ta resident in Thailand (180 days) *AND* Germany (185 days).
Toni *******
Toni *******
1. With luck, yes, but not easy anymore.

2. Yes, you do have to make the report but that doesnt necessarily mean you have to pay taxes. If your country has a DTA with Thailand, then you either pay the difference or dont pay at all. Its only about money brought to Thailand, I dont know if they are bothered (or even can?) to track ATM withdrawals or so, i dont think so
Pete *******
Pete *******
1) Banks will not now open accounts on tourist visas.

2) Correct, 180 days inside the Kingdom in a calendar year and you automatically become tax resident. How does that work? If you bring in assessable income in a year you are tax resident above minimum thresholds you are obligated to file a tax return. Whether you actually need to pay Thai tax will depend on your personal financial circumstances.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
No, you cannot open a bank account.

You become a tax person after 180 days that’s how it works

But remember something the other people refuse to realize this is a tourist visa and that’s why it’s a tourist. It’s not a residence visa it doesn’t mean you can stay here for five years in a row. They have the right to stop you with the border and tell you’ve been spending too long in Thailand it’s happened to other people so try to plan accordingly and remember that this is not like your residence. That’s why you can’t get a bank account or national ID card this is not a residence visa.
James ********
James ********
Congratulations 👏👏👏

PRINT OUT THE EMAIL THAT HAS YOUR DTV VISA.

That's what you should do... print it out.

You may have to show PROOF of your DTV Visa to airline staff on check-in for your flight ✈️ to Thailand...even to the connecting airline staff. Or to the land border crossing entry Thai Immigration Officer.

Upon arrival into Thailand, show the DTV visa to the Thai Immigration Officer and look at the STAMP placed in your passport to be sure you are STAMPED in for 180 days.
Bob *********
Bob *********
1 it's very hard now. You will visit many bank branches with the proof of address from immigration before you can buy the life insurance policy and verify the KYC info

2. It true, but only if you have a bank account in the country. Might be best to open a wise account (NFC with virtual card as many Starbucks are cashless here) and a schwab investor checking account (refunds atm fees) so you can look poor and not worth taxing
John **********
John **********
@Bob ********
taking money out of an ATM or buying things on a card, even carrying money into Thailand in your pocket all counts. What matters for tax purposes is the source of that money ie if its income it's potentially liable to thai tax
Pete *******
Pete *******
@Bob ********
having a Thai bank account is irrelevant to having a Thai tax liability.
James ********
James ********
@Bob ********
wise advice ✅
Jef ********
Jef ********
1. Probably not mate , not impossible but 90% not.

2. Yes that’s true , but like the other comment here , everyone’s circumstances are different. Depending on where you are from they will probably have a tax treaty with Thailand meaning if you pay tax in your own country you won’t pay it in Thailand.

I’d advice you to speak to a proper tax advisor about your circumstances 👌🫡
Angelo ***********
Angelo ***********
@Jef *******
If he is a tax resident of Thailand, he is in 99% of all cases not a tax resident of his home country. Double tax treaties are completely irrelevant. He only pays his taxes *here*.
Anna *********
Anna *********
Probably not and yes but how it works is different for everyone

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