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

DTV visaNon-O retirement visaVisa application processImmigration rulesDigital nomadRemote workThailand visa typesExpat advice
Aug 16, 2024
3 months ago
Lena *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
We've decided to come in on DTV instead of going full Non O retirement. Husband sent application in on Monday (Australia, Canberra). They've asked for just one more thing: Letter from client saying they're fine with him being virtual. He's a business consultant.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion revolves around the advantages of obtaining a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) versus the Non-O Retirement Visa for expats considering long-term stays in Thailand. Many participants highlight that the DTV visa offers a cost-effective and flexible option, allowing remote work without the restrictions of a traditional retirement visa. Although the DTV is often described as a long-term tourist visa, users debate its suitability for retirees, particularly those interested in remote work or those who travel frequently. Some participants express concerns over visa extension procedures and requirements, emphasizing the importance of the documentation needed for application and ongoing residency.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Mike ******
Dtv is a tourist visa...non o visa is a long term visa
3 months ago
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Mike ******
You cannot work with a tourist visa
3 months ago
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Mike ******
Dtv is a tourist visa
3 months ago
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Mike ******
First you had 3 entry tourist visa..then metv.

Now d tourist visa
3 months ago
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Mike ******
Yes
3 months ago
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Ivan ************
@Mi**
 DTV is actually a longer visa than the Non-O retirement is (5 years multi-entry vs 90 days). If someone comes and goes, it makes sense to me why they'd pick it. Come and go as you like and no need to be back in Thailand on a specific date to do your renewal. If you leave twice a year, no need to deal with immigration in-country at all, you're good for the five years with just the visa.

DTV also very explicitly allows remote work, and it sounds like OP's husband will be doing that. Non O is more of a grey area (DTV is stamped employment prohibited just the same- but it seems this means for a Thai company, not remote).

Someone who is totally retired and wants to stay put and doesn't want to have to leave Thailand might be better off with Non O.
3 months ago
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Jim ********
@Ivan ***********
 Agree šŸ’Æ%. I'll be switching from non-O retirement to DTV early next year. I'm in and out of Thailand several times a year. Financially the DTV is cheaper and the HUGE bonus, is no trips to immigration every year with 15,000 documents to prove I'm worthy of another year!
3 months ago
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Mike ******
Dtv is just a tourist visa and nothing more
3 months ago
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Luit *****************
@Mike *****
 What is your definition of a tourist? DTV is official meant for workcation, to me this does not sound like tourist.

Does 5 years and 180 days per stay sound as tourist to you?
3 months ago
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Peter *********
@Mike *****
 a tourist is a person on vacation. What tourists fit the requirements of the DTV? I can't imagine that many "tourists " holidaying for up to 5 yrs here. It's a Destination Thailand Visa for no reasons of tourism.
3 months ago
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Andi ***********
@Mike *****
 More then tourist visa as you can openly work online. Those on retirement visas have to hide the fact they work online.
3 months ago
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Andi ***********
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Mike ******
You also visit the parks at thai prices
3 months ago
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Mike ******
Cost about 40 pounds a year
3 months ago
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Mike ******
@Ivan ***********
 thank you for your message.

.I am happy to pay 1900bt per year for extension of stay within thailand

.
3 months ago
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Jim ********
@Mike *****
 You never leave Thailand so the DTV isn't a fit for you. For other retirees it most certainly is
3 months ago
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Mike ******
@Jim *******
 never a good idea to change from a non o to a tourist visa
3 months ago
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Jim ********
@Mike *****
 It's a great idea actually, when you look at savings and convenience. And the DTV is no ordinary tourist visa. Five years for 10,000 baht! And no annual trips to immigration! šŸ‘šŸ‘
3 months ago
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Jim ********
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Brian ********
I have an Elite Visa, so the DTV isn't for me. That said, it's only a little over a month old. No one has gotten an extension or done a border run yet. Will they ask about the soft category and why you need the extension or to enter back into the country? Will you need to do another cooking class? Find another medical issue? These questions won't be answered for a while. I'd take the sit back and wait option myself.
3 months ago
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Alexander ****
Why one would do an elite when thereā€™s a dtv? ā€¦
3 months ago
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Brian ********
@Alexander ***
 we know the Elite is secure. The DTV hasn't been around enough for anyone to know how it will work in the long run.
3 months ago
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Alexander ****
5 years is a very long time. Enough time to get a work permit to work or start a business or whatever you wanna do after 5 years. Then you donā€™t need a dtv anymore
3 months ago
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Alexander ****
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Lena *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brian *******
 I prefer the Elite over retirement Non O for the longer term. With two of us it's a lot of money right now. Might not be a problem in a while but right now it's tight for cashflow.
3 months ago
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Brian ********
@Lena ******
 I got in before the price hike last year.
3 months ago
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Lena *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brian *******
 Very smart. We wish we'd done it.
3 months ago
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Lena *******
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John *******
@Brian *******
 From the interview with MoFA, the extension process would require to show paperwork. However, for re-entry, you wouldnā€™t.
3 months ago
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Brian ********
@John ******
 then again, the re-entry is up to the officer giving the stamp, so...we'll know in a few months.
3 months ago
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John *******
@Brian *******
 in the interview he said you donā€™t need to show anything during the reentry. Very different process. Immigration officer is supposed to move people through within 45 seconds, you are not submitting a form, payment, etc. also, renter can happen at any point, while extension is at 180 days. My first re-entry will be 3 5 weeks after first entry. I receive another 180 day stamp then.
3 months ago
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John *******
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Sammi ******
Proof of confirmation to attend the activity...how rigorous is this? Do language classes qualify?
3 months ago
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Andi ***********
@Sammi *****
 language course don't qualify. Each embassy differs in their approval, some one month of activity is suffice others 3-6 months. Proof of payment , letter of acceptance for the activity.
3 months ago
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Sammi ******
@Andi **********
 that seems strange (though I believe you), because aren't other cultural activities included for the DTV covered by other visas?
3 months ago
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Andi ***********
@Sammi *****
 It is strange language courses not inc.

Attending a music festival not covered by other visas I think. I imagine Inc language courses would see even more applicants.
3 months ago
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Sammi ******
@Andi **********
 where did you see that about language courses? Without actually applying for the DTV, I could only find this on the Embassy's site ("activities such as...":
3 months ago
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Christopher *********
@Sammi *****
 I can confirm from Thai embassy in Jakarta language courses are not accepted.
3 months ago
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Andi ***********
@Sammi *****
 I know via Thai immigration lawyers, multiple postings on FB, London and Tokyo embassies and a Language centre in Bangkok. There is no success post of someone accepted for a Thai course. Also the activities they listed are not the same as a language course.
3 months ago
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Sammi ******
@Andi **********
 it seems to me that the DTV is going to be rorted for sure...
3 months ago
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Sammi ******
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Alexander ****
No one will do retirement visa anymore lol
3 months ago
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Lena *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Alexander ***
 If we decide it's our long term place then we'll have to.
3 months ago
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Alexander ****
why work when you are 60?
3 months ago
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Luit *****************
@Alexander ***
 because in a lot of countries you are not retired at 60
3 months ago
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Luit *****************
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Jim ********
@Lena ******
 It may be possible to do back to back DTVs. In which case the traditional retirement visas will become extinct
3 months ago
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Luit *****************
@Jim *******
 as long as you are remote worker this might be possible to get back to back DTV.

But when you really retire it might be more difficult.

We will see what happens in 5 years.

For now I got DTV, I am 64 and can work remotely.
3 months ago
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Jim ********
@Luit ****************
 Let's be realistic. Anyone can be a friggin digital nomad!
3 months ago
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Luit *****************
@Jim *******
 That depends on what they require to prove this.

I needed a letter from my boss that I am allowed to do my job remotely.

Freelancers already are asked for letters from clients that they can work remotely.
3 months ago
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Jim ********
@Luit ****************
 I have my own registered business, so my business writes me a letter and provides a payslip
3 months ago
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Jim ********
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Mike ******
Dtv is just a long term tourist visa

.not suitable for retirement
3 months ago
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Jim ********
@Mike *****
 It's very suitable for retirees who are regular travellers. For those who just want to sit back and stay in Thailand forever perhaps not, but for me it's ideal. I'll be switching from non-O to DTV early next year
3 months ago
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Lena *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yep a trial.
3 months ago
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Mark ********
@Mike *****
 It would be suitable if they're coming to Thailand for a trial period, or they're only snow-bird retirees, but otherwise, not great as a long-term option (nor is it meant to be).
3 months ago
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John *******
@Mark *******
 - For me it is the perfect visa (for now). I am not yet 50, so retirement options are not available. I tried the LTR visa process. While the company I work for has over a billion in annual revenue, it is not ā€œprivateā€ nor ā€œpublicly tradedā€, so BOI denied on that basis. I have been with the same Thai partner for 9+ years, but same-sex, so marriage is not yet gone through/recognized. I often travel internationally (every 3months) for work.
3 months ago
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Mike ******
For most countries
3 months ago
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Mark ********
@Mike *****
 I agree. Why bother with all the hassle of a DTV if they only want a trial period, and if they want to retire here (and are over 50), a retirement visa makes vastly more sense (and more security long-term). Arguably, the only real disadvantage of having a retirement visa over a DTV is if that person is still working (remotely), but the reality is that if someone is working remotely, the chances of there being an actual problem with immigration are next to zero (if that). I think that I saw something about those on DTV being exempt from Thai tax if they have foreign income, but I don't know if that is a universal exemption or for non-tax residents only
3 months ago
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Lena *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mark *******
 We are working too. So it's legal. There are many factors.
3 months ago
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Markus *****
@Mark *******
 I would argue that having to deal with an extension every year is a disadvantage. You have to by physically in Thailand during a particular window every year or your visa will lapse. Also, you have to pay for that extension. Where as pay once and don't worry about it for several years. I travel a lot so leaving every six months is no problem. However, someone not leaving the country often, then I guess you are right and the retirement visa is advantageous as you can just stay in country indefinitely.
3 months ago
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Markus *****
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Mike ******
60 day plus 30 day cost 1900bt
3 months ago
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Mike ******
@Mark *******
 you can come to Thailand now for 3 months without any visa
3 months ago
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Mike ******
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Mike ******
I renew one time a year

.takes about 1 hour at phuket immigration
3 months ago
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Mike ******
The extension of stay based on retirement cost 1900bt per year.

You do not have to leave thailand.

Saving money
3 months ago
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Lena *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mike *****
 We're trying out things and we don't see it as long term.
3 months ago
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Helen ********
@Andy ***********
 no, you just go through the process for the next extension.
3 months ago
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Andy ************
@Helen *******
 Wrong. You're only allowed one extension per entry stamp, so you have to leave at the end of the extension
3 months ago
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Helen ********
@Andy ***********
 yes, you are wrong. You don't have to leave, you apply for a new extension.
3 months ago
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Ivan ************
@He***
 you cannot stay longer than 360 days continually on the DTV. It's one extension only per entry. You can come straight back but you do need to leave at least once every 360 days.
3 months ago
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Helen ********
@Ivan ***********
 yes, correct. My comment regarding applying for the extension is to the person talking about having to leave on the Non O. He has since deleted his comment
3 months ago
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Ivan ************
@He***
 gotcha, thanks for the clarification
3 months ago
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Marianne ********
@Andy ***********
 for retirement, you can extend every year without having to leave the country.

The DVT visa gives you one extension and then you need to leave and re enter.
3 months ago
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Marianne ********
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Andi ***********
@Mike *****
 Great point!
3 months ago
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Andi ***********
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Ling *****
I am retired and don't fit into any of the categories so I miss out. It's a pity as I really would like to obtain this visa. I have the financials, any ideas?
3 months ago
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Peter *********
@Ling ****
 thai cooking and muay thai requires 12 mths enrolment proof and medical requires 12 months on going treatment. That's from thai consulate Sydney.
3 months ago
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Kylie ********
Anyone know the requirements from Canberra?
3 months ago
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Ling *****
@Peter ********
 thanks for the heads up because that's where I will be applying from
3 months ago
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Ling *****
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Evan ********
@Ling ****
 maybe any of the soft power options could surely work šŸ¤”šŸ‘šŸ˜„ eg; medical appointment
3 months ago
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Ling *****
@Evan *******
 I don't have any medical issues and don't need any cultural courses as I am well versed in Thai culture.
3 months ago
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Garrett ***********
@Ling ****
 Doesn't sound like you want it bad enough
3 months ago
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Ling *****
@Garrett **********
 I'm here on a METV right now. I come to Thailand about 5 months a year, I do want it. I am old so muay Thai or cooking classes are out. I am hearing you and I think I need to get creative between now and next year.
3 months ago
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Chris *******
@Ling ****
 it doesn't matter if you actually do the selected courses.

Only that you are enrolled.

Once the visa is granted, it doesn't matter what you do.
3 months ago
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Garrett ***********
@Ling ****
 Old people can't cook? Beside, for the visa you don't actually need to do anything , it's not an ED visa. You don't habe to go to class. Just demonstrate an intention to study.
3 months ago
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Ling *****
@Garrett **********
 I can already cook Thai. I think between now and next year several creative solutions may arise. šŸ˜‰
3 months ago
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Evan ********
@Ling ****
 maybe a wellness medical appointment?
3 months ago
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Evan ********
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Andi ***********
@Ling ****
 Choose to do a cultural activity. if you have a medical/dental appointment/treatment that can be used.
3 months ago
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Andi ***********
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Jim ********
The swing from non-O retirement to DTV continues unabated! Good to see people waking up to the best visa ever!
3 months ago
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Todd *********
The DTV works out to being basically a 6 year residency visa with a different name. Quite amazing. So it will make sense for many retirees
3 months ago
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Pertti *************
@Todd ********
 it's really tourist visa not 6 year residency visa. Retirement visa is non immigrantšŸ‘
3 months ago
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Todd *********
@Pertti ************
 itā€™s called a tourist visa, but functionally, itā€™s definitely a residency visa.

And everything in Thailand is non-immigrant
3 months ago
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John *******
@Pertti ************
 - operationally, what is the difference?
3 months ago
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Pertti *************
@John ******
 if you want live here, integrate to thai and apply pr, citizenship then route is non-immigrant. I have 3y plan to apply citizenship. There's many benefits go non immigrant route. I came here non o but changed it to IB visa.
3 months ago
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Todd *********
@Pertti ************
 what are the ā€˜many benefitsā€™ you see?
3 months ago
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Todd *********
@John ******
 nothing at all. Which is the amazing part
3 months ago
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Todd *********
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David ************
@Todd ********
 how do you calculate 6yrs?
3 months ago
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David ************
Ah I see, so that last exit/entry if timed right can give you and extra 180+180. Good to know šŸ‘thx
3 months ago
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Todd *********
@David ***********
 I ā€˜believeā€™ so. But I guess we wonā€™t know for sure for about 5 years :)
3 months ago
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Andy ************
@Todd ********
 That's going to be a waiting game. It might operate like the OX visa, where you're only stamped in up until the expiry date of the actual visa. Chances are the MFA haven't even thought about this yet. See what happens in five years, there may be another 4-5 changes of government before then šŸ˜†
3 months ago
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Andy ************
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Todd *********
@David ***********
 similar to how the METV works.If you left Thailand and returned near the end of your 5 year visa, you would be stamped back in for 180 days. And each entry can be extended in country for 180 more for 10k baht. Pretty amazing
3 months ago
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Ivan ************
@To**
 I don't think this is true. The wording in the gazette announcement specifically said the permission to stay granted would not extend beyond the end of the visa. They changed other visas to work this way too, used be you could get 6 years out of the 5 year Elite this way but now they will only stamp up to the end date of the visa in your last year.
3 months ago
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Todd *********
@Ivan ***********
 to me, This makes the most sense, but this visa is already so interestingly crazy, nothing would surprise me now.
3 months ago
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Todd *********
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Lena *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Todd ********
 Yes. And for those of us who need to be a bit thoughtful about where money goes, it's great not to put 2x800k down that is hard to move out.
3 months ago
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Todd *********
@Lena ******
 the 800k never made any sense to me at all. But LTR visa is brilliant, the 65k method is great if your embassy allows it, and using an agent makes even more sense than the 800k deposit. But DTV is a surely a welcome addition to the Thai visa options!!!! Easy, flexible and cheap
3 months ago
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Andy ************
@Todd ********
 The agents will be packing shit now! The Golden Era is over for them! šŸ˜‚
3 months ago
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Todd *********
@Andy ***********
 I donā€™t really see how this affects agents much. But time will tell for sure
3 months ago
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Andy ************
@Todd ********
 With retirees switching to DTV, there's no more bribes required for immigration officers to ignore the absence of the 800k. In fact, for regular travellers such as myself, no need to visit immigration ever again! It's a dream visa. I know two retirees already have made the switch, and at least another six waiting in the wings
3 months ago
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Andy ************
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Evan ********
Yeah it makes much more sense than O based on retirement and all that entails.
3 months ago
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Mike ******
@Evan *******
 takes 1 hour to renew an extension
3 months ago
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Mike ******
So will need to leave and return thailand
3 months ago
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Mike ******
Even the lady fill the form in .
3 months ago
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Mike ******
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Lena *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Well we actually got Non O 3 month visas first. Then we looked at the retirement circus and decided we'd go in on this and be a bit more flexible.
3 months ago
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Helen ********
@Lena ******
 we switched as well. We actually had approved Non O's but hadn't entered on them yet. When we looked into it, the DTV makes more sense for us. We contacted the Thai Consulate we were dealing with and they said apply, if the DTV is approved they would cancel the Non O's. We lost the Non O fee, but we think it was worth it. My husband was approved in 2 hours, my dependant was just over a day.
3 months ago
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Lena *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Helen *******
 Very quick
3 months ago
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Lena *******
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Andi ***********
More retirees going for the DTV now. much more cost effective. Your husband should be ok, it is the norm for remote work confirmation,
3 months ago
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Trevor *******
@Andi **********
 is it easier too get do you have too have money in thai bank and use thai health insurance
3 months ago
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Andi ***********
@Trevor ******
 you need to show a balance of 500k THB in any bank. No health insurance needed. Choose from 3 options remote work, medical or cultural activity *soft power option. If you have all the info requested then you get approved. Each embassy has different rules of approval though.
3 months ago
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Trevor *******
@Andi **********
 ok iā€™m coming there in september not looking too finish work here in australia until end of next year itā€™s not as easy as i thought it would be too stay in thailand might need a agent too do the work
3 months ago
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Trevor *******
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