Can I use PEL bank statements to apply for a DTV visa in Thailand?

Question

Hey everyone!
I'm planning to apply for the DTV visa from France, but I'm a bit unsure about the financial requirements.

I have over €15,000 in a French savings account called a PEL (Plan Épargne Logement). It's a regulated savings account originally designed for housing, but the money is still mine and I can access it by closing the account early.

My PEL is reaching its 15-year limit on January 4th, 2027, after which it will automatically be converted into a regular savings account. I'm planning to fly to Thailand on January 15th.

My question is: would the Thai Embassy accept my PEL bank statements showing the required funds, along with an official bank document confirming the account's maturity date and that the funds can be withdrawn?

I would rather avoid closing my PEL early just for the visa application.

I've been trying to contact the Thai Embassy in Paris for two weeks with no response 😅

Has anyone applied for a DTV using a similar savings account rather than a regular checking account?

Thanks in advance!

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is inquiring about the acceptance of PEL (Plan Épargne Logement) bank statements as proof of financial funds for a DTV visa application to Thailand. Several community members advised that the Thai Embassy generally requires funds to be in accessible accounts, suggesting that the PEL, being a regulated savings account with restrictions, might not be accepted. They emphasize the importance of having immediately available funds and caution about the risks of rejection or loss of application fees.

Olivier ***** · Answer

I obtained my DTV visa in Paris at the end of September. I submitted bank statements showing funds held in a Livret A and an LEP (not a PEL). All of my accounts (my current account, Livret A, and LEP) were listed on the same statement.

As for a PEL, since it is a restricted (locked) account, I don’t think it will be accepted, even if you unlock it today. To qualify for the visa, the funds must have been in your account for three months prior to your application, so a departure in January seems difficult to achieve.

Henrik ***** · Answer

The 500.000 baht deposit is meant as a guarantee that the tourist immediately can pay any unforeseen economic expenses, ex. Fines, compensations, hospital bills before getting treatment and so on.

So most savings accounts can not be used since the money is not immediately available.

So you may have to move them, and then wait up to 3 months, before you can apply.

If applying without the economic requirements are met, then you risk rejection and loss of the 10.000 Baht visafee.

Most Embassies doesn’t reply to general questions by phone / mail here in the high season for visa applications, they instead use their time to process as many visa applications as possible.

Alastair ******************** · Answer

No, when you apply the funds must be accessible, such as a basic current account. When you will be singing your funds are not accessible. The DTV application does not account for what maybe in the future, it's about what you can show now. If I was you, delay your proposed date of travel and wait for the funds to be accessible.

Santi ******** · Answer

I am planning to apply from France too and I have a PEA, but I think the money must be immediatly available in the compte courant (no livret A, PEA, etc)

Alexis ******** · Answer

ça m'étonnerait qu'ils acceptent et ce serait jouer avec le feu et risquer de perdre 350€

Can I use PEL bank statements to apply for a DTV visa in Thailand?

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