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

Is it risky to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) after working during my tourist entry in Thailand?

Thailand Visa Regulations Digital Nomad Visa (DTV)Tourist Visa Visa Application Process Expat Guidance Working on a Tourist Visa

Nov 10, 2025

20 hours ago

Holly **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

UK 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! ?

1,770

views

likes

all likes

replies

images

users

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.

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

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.

17 hours ago

Tony ********

I do 6 month tourist visa before apply dtv and dtv approved

18 hours ago

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.

19 hours ago

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

18 hours ago

John **********

@Holly *********

I would suggest you remain where you are until you qualify for the visa in that case

17 hours ago

Reply to

John **********

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.

19 hours ago

Holly **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Anonymous 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

19 hours ago

Anonymous ******************

@Holly *********

I understand. Good luck! I hope everything will work well for you.

16 hours ago

Reply to

Anonymous ******************

Daniel *********

It won’t matter but why don’t you just apply now and enter on the DTV in Jan and avoid the hassle?

19 hours ago

Holly **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Daniel ********

19 hours ago

Daniel *********

@Holly *********

1. That’s fair

2. 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

15 hours ago

Holly **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Daniel ********

ooo thanks for that!

15 hours ago

Reply to

Holly **********

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.

19 hours ago

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)

19 hours ago

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'.

20 hours ago

John *********

As long as work work has no involvement with Thai persons of Thai Companies

20 hours ago

Anonymous ******************

@John ********

incorrect, in country and remote work is not allowed on a Visa Exempt stamp.

19 hours ago

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

18 hours ago

Reply to

John *********

Do I need a DTV visa to work remotely in Thailand for 2-3 months?

29 comments

2 days ago

Can I enter Thailand on a tourist visa while waiting for my DTV visa approval?

39 comments

10 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

13 days ago