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Is the DTV visa more suitable than a retirement visa for long-term stays in Thailand?

Retirement Visa DTV Visa Immigration Visa Extension Remote Work Thailand Visa Regulations

Apr 10, 2025

4 days ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Morning everyone 🙏🙏🙏 I currently have a retirement visa and multiple entry visa for Thailand 🇹🇭 my partner is living in Thailand and I am in Australia, i heard that a new visa have come out DTV. 

I am working in Australia 🇦🇺 full time and have a government job so I can travel a bit if i need to, correct me if I am wrong the DTV is more suitable for people who wish to work remotely and stay longer in Thailand for what amount of time? 

So I am 55 have retirement visa and multiple entry visa so retirement visa would be more suitable for me or DTV? 

Thanks in advance

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A user currently holds a retirement visa and multiple entry visa for Thailand, while they are working in Australia. They inquire whether the new DTV visa, designed for remote workers seeking long-term residency, would be more beneficial than maintaining their current retirement visa status. Community responses emphasize that if the user already meets retirement visa requirements, switching to the DTV may not offer advantages. The DTV is indicated for those working remotely and allows residence for up to five years, with extensions possible, but requires specific employment documentation.

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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Tony **********

Why do you want to change visa type?

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David *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Tony *********

I was asking the question which one of these 2 visas was better for me I am at retirement age and four years and I travel to Thailand 3 to 4 times a year but have no intentions of working so did DTV I believe is more for people who live long-term and work remotely. I’m not working, so I’ll stick with the retirement Visa

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Tony **********

DTV is only good for 6 months stretches, retirement is indefinite stay. DTV is relatively new. Expect some changes in the coming years as they evaluate how is being used. It is still a tourist visa.

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Tony **********

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Anna *********

I'd stay on the retirement extensions, DTV could change and appears to be problematic when extending in country

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David *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

thanks

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David *******

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Wannikea *********

The visa also has the Thai soft power scheme which includes Muay Thai training, some cultural events, seminars, and medical treatment You may qualify under that category. One extension per entry is possible although the extension process is pretty much the same as the original application and even maybe more difficult because now you're dealing with immigration and not the MFA so the recommended route is to border bounce for another 180 days. Plenty of articles videos etc on the internet to explain the visa. Dedicated Facebook group Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) click to join

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

To qualify for a DTV you would need to show a contract or letter from your job that specifically states you are allowed to work internationality, and some embassies even require it to say you can work in Thailand remotely. If you cannot get that, you wouldn't be able to get a DTV.

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Alfred ***********

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

correct and I'd add you have to leave every 180 days and it only lasts for 5 years maximum. So if you want to retire here I'd stick to no O.

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Alfred ***********

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Derek *************

Be careful working with a retirement visa.

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Steve *******

@Derek ************

You don't actually need to be retired to qualify for a 'retirement visa'. You just can't work legally in Thailand.

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Kenneth *******

@Derek ************

where did he say he was going to work in Thailand 🇹🇭

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David *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Derek ************

I don’t have any plans working while on a retirement visa that is breaking the rules

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David *******

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Baz *********

I am not sure what you mean.?

If you already have a retirement visa for Thailand and I assume you have already met all the requirements for a retirement visa then there really wouldn't be any advantage in switching to the DTV.

And yes you are correct that the DTV is intended for people who wish to live in Thailand long term and work remotely but receive thier income from a source outside Thailand.

The DTV allows you to stay in Thailand up to 5 years at up to 180 days at a time.

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David *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

thanks i plan to live in Thailand 🇹🇭 from 6 to 9 months and 3 months back home in Australia 🇦🇺

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

David Vigar DTV suits you better as you want to work remotely

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David *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

unfortunately I can’t work remotely in my job lol 😜 just might have to stay with my retirement visa for now, but will be buying a house in a couple of years with my partner

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

David Vigar ok..your current visa is best.

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

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