Ask question

Is the DTV a better long-term visa option compared to the retirement visa in Thailand?

DTV Visa Thailand Immigration Long-Term Visa Options Retirement Visa Visa Requirements Visa Extensions Expat Life in Thailand Visa Types

Oct 18, 2024

a day ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

It looks like DTV is worth considering as an alternative long-term visa that can be renewed every 180 days (or 6 months) and its requirements seem easier than retirement visa to meet - do you think so?

4,962

views

15

likes

140

all likes

53

replies

0

images

26

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) has emerged as a potential alternative to the traditional retirement visa in Thailand, particularly for those under 50. It can be renewed every 180 days, which is simpler than the retirement visa's requirements. However, the DTV has its drawbacks, such as the need for visa runs every six months and uncertainty regarding requirement changes from immigration authorities. Some community members believe it could be a more favorable option for younger expats and those not planning to work permanently. Others express concerns about the future of the DTV, citing a lack of clarity and potential changes from Thai immigration. Overall, individuals' specific circumstances, including age and financial status, greatly influence the choice between the DTV and retirement visa.

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.

Bryan ******

I feel this Visa will be short lived. Thailand will hopefully be cautious on the numbers and quality of candidates they allow in. Or the very reason people want to live there will be in question. Just my opinion.

Like

Reply

Pat *****

yes and if DTV stopped in 5y, what will be the conditions than to enter Thailand or to get a new non-o and extensions....

Like

Reply

Bryan ******

I agree. We don’t so much of an influx in people that prices begin to soar…..and the Thai people pay the ultimate price. It’s happening in other countries.

You want solid quality people …..not volume

And as far as border runs….im not a fan. Pay the money and get visas the right way. You’re cheating the Thai people of money. Or enjoy your 60 days and go home. And return next year to enjoy

Like

Reply

Divya **********

It’s already very controversial visa. We just need a couple of bad news of foreigners on DTV getting into conflict with a Thai for this visa to be scrapped off. In my opinion this visa will be discontinued by the mid quarter next year. Specially since this visa was also launched during the previous government, which has been replaced since with a new Prime Minister.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Divya **********

Reply

Jason ******

I'm retired at 53,so I can't show working online and no income ,only savings that I live on,so does that make DTV Vida impossible to get and retirement visa better option ?

Like

Reply

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

you can also get a DTV via medical treatment or cultural activity.

Like

Reply

Reply to

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

Reply

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

For those that plan to work online and 50 plus then DTV is the better option, i think.

Like

Reply

Oliver ********

DTV is better than retirement visa, except for people who never travel abroad.

Like

Reply

Baz *********

Depends entirely on your individual circumstances, age, financial situation, income from external sources outside Thailand (if any) so quite a range of things to consider.

Like

Reply

Steven *********

I don't even think there is a decision to make ...

I was ready to go down the hassle of a retirement visa .. then the DTV came up and blew the rest out the water .. even some in the Elite visa group are not happy about how good the new DTV is.

Like

Reply

Terary **********

You can bet Pattaya will have an added requirement of tea money.

Like

Reply

Chris *********

Yes I did myself so easy to do

Like

Reply

David ********

Who needs a bank account in Thailand. My account in Aus allows me to make 5 overseas withdrawals a month and the Thailand ATM fee is refunded to my account in Australia. I also receive 5.5% interest with some conditions which I always meet. The exchange rate is as good as you can get, and your money received is instant. Usually, Bt20,000 max at a time is very convenient.

Like

Reply

Al**

You just withdrawal using debit card at a local ATM in Thailand? Any idea what the conversion fee is?

Like

Reply

David ********

Yes, my super has been much better, but I'm talking about bank interest, which is instantly available.

Like

Reply

John *********

I get on average just over 10% for the last 10 years

Like

Reply

Richard *******

Wow, can you tell me which Australian bank account is that with?

Like

Reply

David ********

ING Australia but I think you have to be a resident of Australia. Its requirements are published on line.

Like

Reply

Paul *****

@Richard ******

yes..which bank?

Like

Reply

Reply to

Paul *****

Reply

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

No one can really answer this. The visa only started 3 months ago and Thai embassies have already started to tighten up the requirements a lot from when it was first released. No one, not even immigration, knows what will be required for the 6 month extension. They could require you to prove all over again the reason you got the visa in the first place, and at some point that could potentially also become a requirement to enter the country on the visa after the first time. No one really knows what the future holds because it's so new. So you can either roll the dice with the new visa and pay 10k baht for the chance along with constant border bounces, or go with the sure thing which is the retirement visa at 1900 baht per year (and no required border bounces either).

Like

Reply

Conny **********

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

not likely since it is a 5 year visa. They might stop issuing them. So that means 5 years ahead of time. You don't have that on the rest. Just look at what happened to non OA.

Like

Reply

Graham ******

@Conny *********

What happened to the Non-OA?

Like

Reply

Reply to

Graham ******

Reply

Chris *********

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

50k

I paid £300 and was easy to do.

There is a video on line with second in command of immigration and he explains everything about what’s happens at the end of the 6 months can extend or can leave and return.

Iv left the country twice already and it as been extended back to 6 months.

So easy.

Like

Reply

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

@Chris ********

first of all he's not in immigration, he's in the MFA and has absolutely no say about anything to do with immigration. Second of all, nothing he says matters and things can change any time like they already have at many embassies about applying for the visa.

Leaving the country is not an extension. You get an extension from the immigration office.

Like

Reply

Reply to

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

Reply

Martin *******

I thought the same. It's worth considering as an alternative option. The downside might be that it's more difficult to open bank accounts as it's considered a tourist visa.

Like

Reply

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

Very easy with an agent.

Like

Reply

Dieter *******

most agents can open for you. Around 4k

Like

Reply

Reply to

Dieter *******

Reply

Paul ********

Retirement visa renewal, don't have to leave the Country. May be a consideration for some,

Like

Reply

Kace *******

seems like it could easily be terminated after 6 months

Like

Reply

Leslie ********

yes could it could in Thailand nothing is set in concrete

Like

Reply

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

why do you think so?

Like

Reply

Rich ****

@Andi **********

If you are no longer attending classes or your job or medical treatment ends

Like

Reply

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

There is no minimum income requirement with the DTV. An online volunteer gained a DTV, people on low online incomes are approved. The key is having the 500K banked. Those not attending classes or medical treatment no idea how that will be treated,

Like

Reply

Micah ********

@Andi **********

Can you clarify? Meaning they volunteered in their home country online, or they were volunteering in Thailand?

Like

Reply

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

Volunteer in their home country. DTV is only for online work outside of Thailand.

Like

Reply

Micah ********

@Andi **********

Okay, that's how I understood it too. So I was hoping someone found a legal workaround. 😂

Like

Reply

Reply to

Micah ********

Reply

Paulie ********

Million % retirement 20k a year DTV is 12k for 5 years only down fall visa run every 6 month or let's hope no issues to get extension at immergration this won't be clear untill December/January as the visa was live from July.

Like

Reply

Greta *****

@Paulie *******

Retirement is 1900 Baht a year. No idea where you got 20k from...

Like

Reply

Tracey *******

Don’t you have to show money in the bank though? 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account?

Like

Reply

Greta *****

Yes you do so what's the problem with that? Does that cost you 20k per year?

Like

Reply

Tracey *******

Its a lot of money laying around stagnant in a bank account as you do have to show it every year. So yes it’s a problem if you haven’t got a spare £18,600.

Like

Reply

Graham ******

You don't have to show 800k every year, you can use the 65k international transfer per month for your 2nd extension and onwards

Like

Reply

Conny **********

then shows income or transfer of 65k THB per month...

Like

Reply

Reply to

Conny **********

Reply

Paulie ********

yes if donit yourself and have the 800k in 6 months before and after each year and only a singel entry so each time you leave re entry is what 2k? And a 1 year multi entry is 5k so....

Like

Reply

Greta *****

@Paulie *******

And what CAN'T you do it yourself? 🤔

Like

Reply

Paulie ********

can do everthing but for me the DTV wich i have is far better i turn 50 next year and I have DTV untill Sept 2029 no re entry visa to do nothing best visa i think personally

Like

Reply

Greta *****

@Paulie *******

Ok fair enough. May I ask on which path did you apply? Digital nomad or soft power?

Like

Reply

Paulie ********

soft power medical treatment.

Like

Reply

Greta *****

@Paulie *******

Does it have to be on going treatment or one off also acceptable? If you don't mind me asking

Like

Reply

Reply to

Greta *****

Reply

Pete *******

Excellent option for those under 50

Like

Reply

Steve *************

I’m over 50 and married to a Thai, and have just come and gone on the stamp on arrival as I am Australian, and that suits me well atm, as I work 2 months on then 2 months off. But I will certainly look at one early next year.👍

Like

Reply

David ************

or over 50

Like

Reply

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

Also for older as many 50 plus work online,

Like

Reply

Reply to

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

Reply

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

What are the experiences and processes for obtaining the Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand?

65 comments

5 days ago

What Will Happen to the DTV in Thailand After Five Years?

59 comments

a month ago

What are the eligibility requirements for the DTV visa for seniors in Thailand?

10 comments

a month ago

Should I choose the DTV visa or a retirement visa for living in Thailand after 50?

201 comments

a month ago

Can I apply for a DTV instead of a retirement visa if I am over 65?

16 comments

a month ago

What are the requirements to obtain a DTV through the medical appointment route while currently on a type O visa in Thailand?

7 comments

a month ago

What are the advantages of a marriage visa versus a DTV in Thailand?

9 comments

a month ago

Do you need to leave Thailand every 180 days on a DTV, and for how long?

23 comments

a month ago

What are the community's thoughts on the future of the Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand?

128 comments

2 months ago

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

14 comments

2 months ago

Should I switch from my NON O visa to the DTV visa?

31 comments

2 months ago

Is the DTV visa a better option than the Non-O retirement visa for expats in Thailand?

110 comments

2 months ago

What are the 90-day reporting requirements and application fee details for the DTV visa in Thailand?

9 comments

2 months ago

What are the key details of Thailand's DTV Visa regarding the 180-day rule, requirements, and re-entry process?

5 comments

3 months ago

What long-term visa options are available for those under 50 in Thailand?

37 comments

3 months ago

Is the DTV visa considered a resident visa or just a tourist visa in Thailand?

20 comments

3 months ago

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

12 comments

3 months ago

What are the key considerations and requirements for obtaining and maintaining a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand?

11 comments

3 months ago

What can I expect regarding the entry stamp for the new Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand?

174 comments

3 months ago

What are the key features and requirements of the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) compared to the Multiple Entry Tourist Visa (METV)?

187 comments

3 months ago

Is the new DVT visa a better option than a Non O retirement visa for staying in Thailand for 6 months?

9 comments

3 months ago

Can I extend my stay in Thailand with a DTV visa and how does it affect the NON-O visa for married expats?

16 comments

3 months ago

What are the key features and requirements of Thailand's new DTV - Destination Thailand Visa?

134 comments

3 months ago

What are the requirements and details for the Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand?

29 comments

3 months ago

What is the new DTV visa in Thailand and how will it affect existing visa types?

40 comments

5 months 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.