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Is it risky to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) after working during my tourist entry in Thailand?
Thailand Visa RegulationsDigital Nomad Visa (DTV)Tourist VisaVisa Application ProcessExpat GuidanceWorking on a Tourist Visa
Nov 10, 2025
6 months ago
Holly **********
ORIGINAL POSTERUK Visa free entry to DTV
Hi
I am flying to Thailand in January and plan to arrive using my 60 days free entry (tourist)
&& then flying out to apply for my DTV after the 60 days (might even extend to 90)
I have already asked if that’s ok and everyone replied yes, BUT when it comes to my application isn’t it going to flag that I have been working when I was in Thailand (on my tourist visa). As my invoices for my application will be within January-March
Will that show me breaking my tourist visa rules! ?
Hi
I am flying to Thailand in January and plan to arrive using my 60 days free entry (tourist)
&& then flying out to apply for my DTV after the 60 days (might even extend to 90)
I have already asked if that’s ok and everyone replied yes, BUT when it comes to my application isn’t it going to flag that I have been working when I was in Thailand (on my tourist visa). As my invoices for my application will be within January-March
Will that show me breaking my tourist visa rules! ?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user plans to enter Thailand on a tourist visa (60 days) and apply for a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) afterward. Concerns arise about potentially breaking tourist visa rules by working during this period and how it may impact the DTV application. Comments suggest various perspectives, including applying for the DTV before traveling, potential scrutiny of invoice dates, and the legality of working while on a tourist entry.
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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John *****
If you really need to leave the UK then Indonesia is an option (remote work is allowed there). I'm planning similar and will be careful not to spend too much time in Thailand before getting my DTV just in case of complications.
Tony ********
I do 6 month tourist visa before apply dtv and dtv approved
John **********
You aren't going to be on a tourist visa, you won't be on any visa, you are entering visa exempt. If you work in that period you will be doing so illegally, while it's unlikely to affect your DTV application you just can't tell. Why don't you just apply for the DTV before you travel then you will have no worries.
Holly **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
2 reasons really.1. I currently only have one client on a five hour a month contract && my partner hasn’t got any clients yet
2. I am moving my £11k from a help to buy isa to a saving account because the full amount need to be accessible and be in there for 3 months 
John **********
@Holly *********
I would suggest you remain where you are until you qualify for the visa in that caseReply to
John **********
Reply
Anonymous ******************
Hi! I think it would be easier and safer to apply for the DTV before leaving the UK.
Let's not forget that a visa is a privilege and not a right.
You can meet all the requirements and the Kingdom of Thailand denies you a DTV - which is its right. Check this group and you will see applications are being denied even when every requirement is met.
If that happens, what will you do? Border runs aren't a viable solution. ED visas are being scrutinized and despair can quickly push you into the arms of scammers.
If you intend to stay long-term in Thailand, save yourself some useless stress and get you DTV before leaving.
Let's not forget that a visa is a privilege and not a right.
You can meet all the requirements and the Kingdom of Thailand denies you a DTV - which is its right. Check this group and you will see applications are being denied even when every requirement is met.
If that happens, what will you do? Border runs aren't a viable solution. ED visas are being scrutinized and despair can quickly push you into the arms of scammers.
If you intend to stay long-term in Thailand, save yourself some useless stress and get you DTV before leaving.
Holly **********
ORIGINAL POSTERAnonymous participant 991
2 reasons really.
1. I currently only have one client on a five hour a month contract && my partner hasn’t got any clients yet
2. I am moving my £11k from a help to buy isa to a saving account because the full amount need to be accessible and be in there for 3 months 
2 reasons really.
1. I currently only have one client on a five hour a month contract && my partner hasn’t got any clients yet
2. I am moving my £11k from a help to buy isa to a saving account because the full amount need to be accessible and be in there for 3 months 
Anonymous ******************
@Holly *********
I understand. Good luck! I hope everything will work well for you.Reply to
Anonymous ******************
Reply
Daniel *********
It won’t matter but why don’t you just apply now and enter on the DTV in Jan and avoid the hassle?
Holly **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Daniel ********
2 reasons really.1. I currently only have one client on a five hour a month contract && my partner hasn’t got any clients yet
2. I am moving my £11k from a help to buy isa to a saving account because the full amount need to be accessible and be in there for 3 months 
Daniel *********
@Holly *********
1. That’s fair2. I showed them my Cash ISA account to get mine. As long as it isn’t an investment account then I think it should be fine. Just an FYI
Holly **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Daniel ********
ooo thanks for that!Reply to
Holly **********
Reply
Greg ********
I really do not think the MFA will be checking dates of invoices that closely. There would have been hundreds of applications rejected already if they had from Tourist and Ed visa holders. It is not their department.
John *********
This is exactly my game plan too!
60 days in Thailand in January and then onto Hanoi in Vietnam to get the DTV (hopefully)
60 days in Thailand in January and then onto Hanoi in Vietnam to get the DTV (hopefully)
Ian **********
It should not be an issue as the work you invoice for could have been carried out on your behalf while you were on 'holiday'.
John *********
As long as work work has no involvement with Thai persons of Thai Companies
Anonymous ******************
@John ********
incorrect, in country and remote work is not allowed on a Visa Exempt stamp.John *********
Anonymous participant 554 no ..many have successfully received a DTV, you could of created a company a while ago and received payments for invoices that were submitted before you even arrived on holiday in Thailand. It shows you have a genuine business with in & out flows that is not connected with any business with Thais or Thai companies. The main thing is you apply in the your chosen country for the DTV, stay there during the process and you have 500k or equivalent funds in your personal savings account and you can show transactional activity over a 3-6 month period approx.
As long as you meet all the DTV requirements you should have a successful outcome, but triple check everything is correct prior to submitting GL let us all know if you were approved
As long as you meet all the DTV requirements you should have a successful outcome, but triple check everything is correct prior to submitting GL let us all know if you were approved
Reply to
John *********
Reply
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