Ask question

This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

Can I transition from a work visa to freelancing in Thailand with a DTV visa?

Thailand Work Visa Digital Nomad Visa (DTV)Freelancing in Thailand Visa Transition Remote Work Visa Expat Life in Thailand

Nov 30, 2025

a day ago

Jill *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thailand Work Visa to DTV Experience?

I was just curious if anyone has had any experience where they were working in Thailand through a work visa, and wanted to shift to freelancing for foreign clients while still staying in Thailand.

DTV (workation) seems like the way to go in this case but I'm wondering if they're looking for an existing history of freelance already in order to grant DTV in this case.

If my last freelance gig was from 5 years ago, is this still good enough? Or would it be better for me to return home first and get freelance gigs and then try to apply after a more recent history of freelance. Thanks for your opinions everyone :D

203

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The individual is inquiring about the possibility of shifting from a traditional work visa to a freelance setup in Thailand using the Digital Nomad Visa (DTV). They are specifically concerned about whether they need a recent history of freelance work to qualify for the DTV. A commenter clarified that a current remote work contract (freelance or permanent) is all that's necessary, and previous freelance experience is not a requirement.

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.

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted DTV Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Andi ***********

They are looking for a current remote work contract, freelance or permanent is fine. You do not need to have been a freelancer to get the DTV, just demonstrate how you will be working remotely in Thailand and with non-Thai clients/businesses.

a day ago

Reply to

Andi ***********

What are the requirements for applying for a DTV visa under the workation category in Thailand?

4 comments

5 days ago

Is it advisable to switch from a Thai marriage visa to a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) for remote work?

21 comments

20 days ago

Can I apply for a DTV visa in Thailand after holding a work permit for two years?

10 comments

20 days ago

How much freelance experience is required for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)?

2 comments

24 days ago

Can I apply for the DTV visa in Thailand if I earned income as a freelancer during my tourist visa stay?

3 comments

a month ago

Can a freelancer apply for a DTV visa in Thailand without a registered business?

15 comments

a month ago

What should I know when switching from a Non-B visa to a DTV visa in Thailand?

4 comments

2 months ago

What are the requirements for obtaining a Remote Worker DTV visa when starting a new company without any client history?

27 comments

6 months ago

Can a freelancer in the film production industry apply for a DTV in Thailand?

1 comments

8 months ago

How can I apply for a DTV visa in Thailand if I have a freelance contract and currently hold a business visa?

2 comments

9 months ago

Can I reside in Thailand as a digital nomad working as a private practice therapist on a DTV visa?

5 comments

9 months ago

How can I apply for a DTV visa in Thailand without a work permission letter from my employer?

14 comments

9 months ago

What do I need to know about obtaining a DTV visa in Thailand as a freelancer?

4 comments

10 months ago

Can I apply for a DTV visa in Thailand as a Singaporean with ongoing employment and freelance work?

1 comments

10 months ago

How Can I Explain My Freelance Work When Applying for a DTV Visa After Being on a Student Visa in Thailand?

10 comments

a year ago

Can I obtain a DTV visa in Thailand with a remote job and no formal contract?

2 comments

a year ago

Can someone apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Thailand after working remotely on a visa exemption?

15 comments

a year ago

Will applying for a DTV after working remotely on a tourist visa be an issue in Thailand?

6 comments

a year ago

What challenges might a new remote worker face when applying for a DTV in Thailand after holding an Ed visa?

12 comments

a year ago

What experiences have others had applying for a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand while transitioning to freelance work from the UK?

10 comments

a year ago

Can freelancers obtain a DTV visa in Thailand using only a portfolio?

3 comments

a year ago

What portfolio or proof of work documents are needed for a DTV freelance visa application in Thailand?

7 comments

a year ago

Can I switch from a work visa to a DTV visa while teaching online in Thailand?

19 comments

a year ago

Do I qualify for the DTV visa in Thailand while working in England on a 6-month contract?

12 comments

a year ago

What are the requirements for obtaining a DTV visa as a freelancer at the Thai embassy in Vientiane?

6 comments

a year ago

What is the best cannabis dispensary in Bangkok?

7 comments

a month ago

Where can I find the best cannabis dispensary in Chon Buri?

9 comments

a month ago

What are the best dispensaries in Phuket?

21 comments

a month ago

What is the best cannabis dispensary in Surat Thani?

16 comments

a month ago

Where can I find the best weed in Chiang Mai?

8 comments

a month ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.