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Can I qualify for a digital nomad visa in Thailand with rental income from properties in the UK?

Nov 19, 2025
5 months ago
John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
DTVs, I am retired as such from employment, but have a portfolio of 10 rental properties, I run them myself, and as far as the UK is concerned it's investment income of course taxable, I can show accounts for many years if needed..income gross 60k net @ 45k, will that be covered under freelance, anybody any the wiser, cheers in advance
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TLDR : Answer Summary
This post discusses the eligibility for a Thai DTV visa considering the user's status as a retired property owner with rental income in the UK. The user shares their concerns about whether their investment income will qualify under freelance criteria, while commenters provide insights and personal experiences regarding their own successful DTV applications based on similar financial situations. They emphasize the importance of documentation, such as tax returns, and shared tips for managing properties remotely.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Trapper *******
Speaking from limited experience, but figured I'd chime in as my scenario is similar...

~50 years old

~$60k/yr passive income

I qualify for Non-O, but I find it hard to justify stuffing $25k (USD) in a Thai account. Worst "investment" ever?

Throw 90 day reporting in there and still needing to leave the country every ~180 day to avoid any "potential" tax hurdles...

I just opted to get a DTV (took 24 hours online and it was done).

I will vacation somewhere else every June/July to avoid the 180 consecutive day tax issues.

I will renew/extend the DTV every year.

I will reevaluate the pros and cons of the Non-O and DTV every 5 years moving forward.

The banking scenario seems to be my biggest hurdle...
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John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Trapper ******
we're did you apply to get it done in 24 hours, wowThat could have been an option in Vietnam but unsure if I can get the supporting docs they would require. .....If I get the dreaded 7 days, I may leave country to try DTV
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Trapper *******
@John ********
I'm from the U.S., so my path was:

Https://
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Create an account

From the dashboard, select "apply for new visa".

enter your territory of passport, current location, "apply at" location, document type, visa type, purpose and number of entries.

For me it was;

U.S.

U.S.

Thai Consulate, Los Angeles

Ordinary Passport / Travel Document

DTV

Workcation

Multiple

Select, "Next" and proceed to upload your passport, photo and fill out your personal info.

Triple check everything to make sure it's correct!!!

For occupation, I used "Freelance".

Entered annual income range.

For supporting docs, you'll need to upload a cover letter explaining how you are a Freelancer and you'll want to upload a few bank statements and your last tax filings.

Ok, well.... It was a lot easier than this walkthrough makes it sound ๐Ÿ˜‚
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John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Trapper ******
yes I am already registered just wondered which country...cheers
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John *********
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John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Trapper ******
totally agree, but after the fiasco with bangkok bank earlier this year (ongoing) and now these mysterious accounts are funded and withdrawn by agents to a couple of other bank accounts...but the DTV looks a very attractive, cost effective proposition
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Trapper *******
@John ********
when I refer to the banking hurdle, I really mean, Can I live long term in Thailand without a Thai bank account. Cash, credit cards, withdrawal fees etc... if it's feasible, why not!

Another thing I'm testing out is an app called Moreta. Basically SE Asia PayPal that allows you do pay via QR code in Cambodia, Vietnam, TH etc.

Only limitations that I know of is that it only works on "Business" QR codes, no personal ones.... Still gotta pay my local Yฤy in cash for my Mango Sticky Rice ๐Ÿ˜‰
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John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Trapper ******
I can't really answer that, I use wise for things like pay rent (but now own) I guess i use my GF if I need banking things funding her through wise...I bring cash and guess not as long term as you..I do believe wise do a card but think it's limited...not sure mate
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John *********
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Keith *****************
Easy
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Phil ******
@John ********
old enough for Non O based on retirement?
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John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Phil *****
yes mate, that's now becoming plan B as this DTV would be getting me 5 years
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Phil ******
@John ********
yeh but no bank account with dtv....bank account with Non O
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John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Phil *****
just a minefield isn't it, everytime you think that's the one lol, my girl can continue with the bank along with wise
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Phil ******
@John ********
that's great. Watch thess utube videos. This guy had an education visa. He holidayed in Vietnam. Look how immi bloody treated him.
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John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Phil *****
I'm not that chap lol, but he seems happy enough back home
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Phil ******
@John ********
no I'm not suggesting you are. Hes left a condo full of stuff, a valid visa but immigration couldn't care less. Hes banned from entering thailand too. Not sure how lkng
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Phil ******
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Philip *****
I own 9 properties (residential & commercial) in the UK, which are held within my limited company. Iโ€™m 46 and Iโ€™m slowly offloading them to DCA into the global stock market as itโ€™s more tax efficient. The investments will still be held within my limited company. The plan is once Iโ€™m 50 I can apply for an LTR visa.
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John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Philip ****
thanks Phil, but yours is limited company and wouldn't expect you to have a problem, mine are simply investment properties
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John *********
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Mark *********
Me to - Same situation, had no issues
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John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mark ********
does that mean you have done it mark, where did you apply and how long did it take
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Mark *********
@John ********
- was in UK and it took about 10 days. They came back for an up to date photo and I had cut off the top line of the management company statement, wanted that resent
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John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mark ********
I don't have a management company, I do it myself, my tenants know to contact me via social media (well versed lol) and I have trades men who I trust and they me
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Mark *********
@John ********
- they will accept, front page of lease and bank statements. I decided to put management company in place due to all the new requirements in Wales including the fact you must be within 100 miles of the property
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John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mark ********
thanks, I will not resident here, more like 6 n 6...never heard the 100 mile rule, but it makes sense
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Mark *********
@John ********
- Wales only
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Mark *********
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Frankie *****
Great that you are invested in Thailand. Walk the talk as they say ..

in btw, am slowly building my portfolio . Property slowdown is a bit challenging
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John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Frankie ****
is that you building portfolio in Thailand or home country
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Frankie *****
@John ********
in BKK . Already invested in SG
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Frankie *****
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James **********
@Frankie ****
The biggest crash is here now hold on tight itโ€™s going to be rough
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James **********
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Tim ********
I got DTV for my UK rentals, I'm also retired. Took 10 days to get approved. Had to send tax return to the Thai embassy
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James ******
@Tim *******
What advantage do you feel you have with the DTV over Non O based on retirement? The only one I see is that there is no need to tie up 800k. BUT then there are perks you won't have, such as Thai bank account, ability for Thai bill pay, no boarder crossing for 12 months instead of every 6 (DTV), domestic flight discounts, ability to buy vehicles, and there's likely more. Please feel free to add to or correct all of the above. Thank you.
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Tim ********
@James *****
no advantage it was right for me at the time. I will be switching to O visa next year as I intend living in Thailand. You can own condo and cars, bike etc with DTV. I also have a bank account but I do own a Condo and car in my name.
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John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tim *******
I also bought a condo, but, on an exemption stamp
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John *********
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John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tim *******
brilliant, did you do that from the uk
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Tim ********
@John ********
yes it was relatively easy, they asked for tax return after I completed information online at the London Thai embassy. I sent the same day. Whole process start to finish 10 days.
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Tim ********
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Andi ***********
Similar DTVERS have been approved in the UK. Essential to show how you manage the properties online. Check the main DTV group on FB for tips from such applicants.
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John *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andi **********
joined the group thanks
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John *********
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