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Can I provide consulting services to Thai clients while on a DTV visa in Thailand?
DTV visaWorking in ThailandVisa regulationsDigital nomadConsulting in ThailandThai client billingFreelancing rules
Jun 4, 2025
a year ago
Paul **********
ORIGINAL POSTERI have a DTV visa. (Digital nomad). My work is around the world. I understand with this visa that means I cannot be an employee of any Thai companies. However, If undertaking my own work am I permitted to provide my services to a Thai client and bill them from my home country? Is that acceptable with this kind of visa? Typically consulting assignments are short term.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The consensus among commenters is that holding a DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) does not permit you to provide services to Thai clients. Engaging with Thai clients, regardless of your billing address, is considered illegal under this visa type. You cannot work for Thai companies or bill them for services, even if the work is done from abroad.
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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Neil *********
No as has been said you are not able to deal with thai companies full stop. Where you bill them from is irrelevant. Its illegal to work here on a dtv that's the important part the billing has no relevance whatsoever unfortunately
Jack ********
Thousands of people come into Thailand every day for business meetings, factory visits and IT projects for example to give training. Lots of western people but loads of Japanese and other Asians . Many do it visa exempt or with a business visa. But I would say what some small business billing Thai companies directly would require you to have a work permit. Definitely not allowed on a DTV regardless of where the billing is done from.
Dennis ************
No you can't.... when you apply they check your bankaccount if any money comes from Thailand. You could use a middle man of course.
Davis ******
@Dennis ***********
That is 100% complete and utter rubbish. Why would you make up something like this?Dennis ************
@Davis *****
wich part?Davis ******
@Dennis ***********
checking the bank account for money coming from Thailand. He already has a DTV anywayDennis ************
@Davis *****
ohh yes... i mean they check your account when you apply for DTV bcs your not to earn money from Thailand.Reply to
Dennis ************
Reply
Brandon ************
You cannot have Thai clients. If you are in Thailand and providing services to a Thai client, you are illegally working in Thailand.
Paul **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Brandon ***********
So would need to apply for a short term business visa then?Travis *******
@Paul *********
there are no short term business Visa's, only long term that require investment. Work permits need to be sponsored by a Thai company as previously mentioned.Davis ******
@Travis ******
there are 90 day Non IM B visas specifically for conducting short term business in Thailand and they don’t require a WPTravis *******
@Davis *****
If you read the fine print, non IM B is for visiting businesses, it is not a work permit allowing you to work freely in Thailand. To work under that, you need a work permit which requires sponsorship from a Thai company. I just signed the mountain of paperwork for a work visa just so I can interface with the factory we want to work with here. When I called immigration to ask if I could attend meetings regularly under the DTV I was told absolutely not, and that I would need a work or business visa. I work remotely from Thailand, and past contracting factory work here we don't do business. But that's enough for them to want you on a different visa.
He wants to work in Thailand, even if his business is based elsewhere that business is being conducted here. Pretty clear grounds to either avoid and stay on the DTV, or change over to an appropriate business/work visa.
Reply to
Travis *******
Reply
Brandon ************
@Paul *********
unless there's a Thai company willing to sponsor you for a work permit, you won't be able to do anything with Thai clients. Switching to a work visa would also cancel your DTV.Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
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