Do we need to take classes continuously for the full 5 years on a DTV visa in Thailand?

DTV Visa Visa Rules Visa Extensions Education in Thailand Immigration Expat Living in Thailand

Aug 17, 2024

4 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Couple of questions regarding DTV. If we do it based on a class we would take in thailand, do we have to take the class for the entire 5 years and just keep "extending" the visa?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) allows multiple entries into Thailand for five years, with each entry granting a 180-day stay. Currently, it's unclear what, if any, documentation will be needed for extending the stay after the initial entry. Some believe proof of education or savings might be required, while others think just having the visa is sufficient for the entire duration. It's suggested to take a short course, which could fulfill any educational requirement. Changes in regulations are possible, so staying informed is important.

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Alexander ****

just do a 3-4 week course. then you get 5 years

4 months ago

Vincent *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Alexander ***

this was actually related to my question. I would also guess that I would need to sign up for another course at the 180 day extension also for the next 180 days?

4 months ago

Graham ******

@Vincent ********

as stated above, nobody knows the requirements for the extension yet

4 months ago

Alexander ****

no you don’t.

4 months ago

Reply to

Alexander ****

Stefani ********

I think a visa is a visa…once you have the DTV you are good for the five years…after that it is anyone’s guess

4 months ago

Luit *****************

@Stefani *******

After 5 years the visa is not valid anymore, it is as simple as that.

Still unclear is if the last entry can end after expiration date of the visa, and even might be extended. If both this options will be possible, then you can use almost 6 year, if not it is just 5 years, but who cares?

It is not that difficult to apply once in 5 years for a new visa.

4 months ago

Reply to

Luit *****************

Brandon ************

There's no such thing as "renewing" a visa. The DTV is a 5-year multiple entry visa. That means every time you enter Thailand you will receive a 180 day stamp as permission to stay in Thailand. That is why it's called "multiple entry." One time each entry you can apply for a 180-day extension.

No one knows what will be required to apply for an extension, because no one has done it yet. The immigration offices do not even know. It's possible they will ask for proof of 500,000 baht. It's possible they will ask for proof of a class. It's possible they won't ask for anything except the extension form filled out. No one knows.

Currently when you enter Thailand nothing is checked except that you have the visa. That could potentially change in the future if the new government decides to tighten things up since the DTV program was sponsored by the previous prime minister. Again, no one knows what will happen. It's possible they cancel the whole program altogether.

4 months ago

Luit *****************

@Brandon ***********

What do you mean by "sponsored by"? I think the government is not sponsoring, but we are sponsoring the government.

There might be a lot of people buying this visa who do now only profit from free exempt entries. Of course there will allways be people trying to get as many free exempt as possible, but well thinking people don't want the nuisance of having borderruns every time.

I think finacially for the government it would be best to limit visa exempts to just once a year.

For most tourists that would suffice and tourists that need more can buy multy entry tourist visa.

4 months ago

Vincent *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

sorry about the word renew I meant extend. I changed it. From what I've been reading nobody is sure about very much with this new visa. I guess we will have to see how things roll out over time. I was just thinking "man 5 years for a cooking class or muay thai class would be a long time". You'd be either huge from the cooking or ripped from the may thai. 😆

4 months ago

Damo ***********

@Vincent ********

Personally think by simply taking a cooking course, or attending a musical festival for a 5-year Visa is just taking the p1ss 100%. How long before it is shut down?

4 months ago

Henrik *****

Perhaps they mean you have to partipate as an artist, not just audience, to get DTV approved.

4 months ago

Declan **********

@Damo **********

I've been told by different IO I know that on re-entry and extensions you will need to provide both proof of funds and reason to be here and booking a course for a couple of days is unlikely to get you entry.

4 months ago

Reply to

Declan **********

Dennis ******

@Vincent ********

you could throw in a language class, as well. You should speak pretty good Thai after 5 years 🫢

4 months ago

Vincent *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Dennis *****

hopefully.

4 months ago