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Should I choose the DTV visa or a retirement visa for living in Thailand after 50?
DTV VisaRetirement VisaThai ImmigrationVisa TypesVisa Agent AdviceWorking in ThailandLiving in Thailand
Sep 16, 2024
2 years ago
Alice ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI called an agent yesterday to assist with the DTV Visa. I told them we were both over 50 both with internet jobs. They told me not to go with the DTV visa to go with the retirement Visa. They said it would be cheaper for us. What do you all think about it. We want to retire there. Thanks for your input. Have a great evening
TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster is considering whether to apply for a DTV visa or a retirement visa to live in Thailand. After discussing with an agent, they were advised that the retirement visa would be cheaper, but commenters pointed out that the DTV visa allows for remote work, unlike the retirement visa. The conversation also touches on concerns about visa agents giving potentially biased advice for their financial gain and the complexities involved in each visa type. Many contributors emphasized the need to do thorough research and possibly handle applications independently to avoid agent fees.
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
Frankie *******
Wish to apply for a retirement visa.who can I see
Galenus ******
@Frankie ******
immigration or embassy if outside ThailandFrankie *******
@Galenus *****
no I can go to bangkok n see a visa office for them to applyReply to
Frankie *******
Reply
Mar *****
Yeah be careful...
They're looking after there best interests which are necessarily the same as yours ...
🤔🤑🫡
They're looking after there best interests which are necessarily the same as yours ...
🤔🤑🫡
Joe *****
I did learn something useful about DTV visa. It is not recommended for soft power (volunteer,cooking,martial arts,education) by most thai agencies that assist with immigration because the guidelines are very obscure for that particular option. As far as income goes they are very strict. You must show the 500k thb and show a history if where it came from. The application packages are very thick...it's not a super easy visa to get if u r faking any portion of it...
Upasaka ********
@Joe ****
I know lots of people that I’ve got it now and all they had to share with bank statements for six months and an invitation letter. So far everyone I spoke to didn’t use an visa agency either.Reply to
Upasaka ********
Reply
Chang ******
If you have
Some agents ask you more than
*****
0 thb go with retirement visa not even use the agent at all. its so easy to apply so 🤷Some agents ask you more than
*****
to *****
thb so. You can save if you do it yourself .Graham *******
DTV is a new visa, they are making up the requirements as they go along. I have 12-month extension of stay and I am not planning on changing. If you are planning to retire in Thailand, make yourself fully aware of recent income tax changes and the new draft proposl to tax global income.
Kevin ******
Be prepared to spend $3000 usd for the application
Alice ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI am still stateside trying to determine which Visa would be beneficial to us. Seems like the retirement Visa however the DTV Visa fits us as well. We will do this before we leave the United States
Alice ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kevin *****
that would be for the agent to do the paperwork correct? Or just the retirement application?Kevin ******
@Alice *******
No. I did the application myself through the Thai Ambasy website. Remember, you need 2 types of health insurance, one from your country, and 2nd Thai one. I am 60, so the Canadian health insurance was $2000. Application fees is $325. Add the Thai insurance, police check, health doctor letter. The list and cost are longAlice ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kevin *****
thanks kevin. We have foreign Tricare and it seems it was approved as insurance in Thailand. I understand that if you're in Thailand you did not need a police report. Please correct me if I'm wrong
No worries about a health check we're both Old mean and ornery and would most likely live 100-plus years 😂
Kevin ******
Are you currently in thailand and applying for the visa from inside Thailand?
Kevin ******
@Alice *******
for the O non migrant 1 year retirement visa you need to apply to the Ambasy in your country, and not while in Thailand. They require 2 health insurance as I mentioned. I also have AxA thai insurance, but had to get one from Canada at $2k. Does not mater how healthy you are, one of the documents required is health check for 4 types of diseases listed in the embassy health report/document. As I said, not easy at all.Reply to
Kevin ******
Reply
Kevin ******
Retirement visa is not that easy folks.
Alfred ***********
See most comments I've read say retirement and I'd have to agree with most people here
Alice ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Alfred **********
thank youReply to
Alice ********
Reply
Alfred ***********
I'm on no 0 retirement so no sure looking into LTR visa. I'm not sure you should work and live here more than 180 days. As far as I know you'd be liable for taxes. I'd be worried if you didn't have a work permit and you were rated on youight never be allowed back in the country. I'm sure other here would have more ideas. I'm over 50 but retired here early on my own income. Everybody has a different situation. Just be careful is all I'm saying
Mac *********
do you want/need to mess with the long visa process and deposit 800,000+ in a bank here?
Nigel **************
@Mac ********
exactly! Not needed for a 90 day stayGraham ******
@Mac ********
deposit 800k for 5 to 6 months if you start sending 65k a month from the beginning ;)Mac *********
@Graham *****
? Stating anything as fact in Whyland is unwise, but I believe you have to deposit 12 months' worth of 65k before you can transfer to the monthly method, meaning the 800k is tied up.Graham ******
@Mac ********
The 800k is tied up for 5-6 months from 2 months prior to the application for the first 12 month extension then 400k for the rest of that extension while the 65k monthly deposits run in parallel "from the beginning"Mac *********
@Graham *****
As I mentioned, it’s unwise to make absolute statements since there are about 30 variations of the same thing available online. Personally, I would recommend depositing the 800k and leaving it until you’ve made 12 installments of 65k. However, I just bring in money whenever I need it. Taking it out and putting it back seems like a hassle. It all comes down to personal preferences.Reply to
Mac *********
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Andy **********
I replied to this comment, you don't say anything about "tax status" you might have been thinking that in your own mind, but how is anyone supposed to know that, I see others had the same reaction to your comment as I did, so it is you that didn't explain yourself, as to what you were actually talking about. 🤷🙆🤦
Lincoln *******
I wouldn't be working with an agent suggesting you break the law by working on a retirement visa...
David ********
@Lincoln ******
...Many do.... thousands? But it may be the least of your troubles. Visa agents often bend the law daily in Thailand that's what they do.Phil ******
@David *******
no not bend but find the loopholesGraham ******
@Phil *****
a bribe to overlook the lawful requirements is a loophole?Phil ******
@Graham *****
no a long time ago from Sunbelt Asia arranged a Non b visa and also helped with work permit. He did explain to me there are loopholes in visa laws here and this is why agents flourish.Nothing has changed. So friends have sort agent help in Pattaya last year for non o based on retirement and they still have NON O based on retirement.
Look at some companies that advertise these services. I'm not saying right or wrong as I've never accessed these services and do it myself. Just making a comment to my friend David's post. There's lots of companies like Cambodia inter travel tik tok and mots that have operated for years.
Reply to
Phil ******
Reply
Lincoln *******
@David *******
money talks i guessDavid ********
@Alice *******
...perhaps you did not tell the visa agent you wanted to work in Thailand. Tell him that and the answer will be almost impossible...you can't work in Thailand. If you do you are likely to get deported...think again.Alice ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@David *******
yes I did inquire about the DTV Visa and I also gave my living situations. Having the ability to work online as well. I will try this phase of by myself with my husband as an add along ..or my husband as an author with me following him..thanks so very muchReply to
Alice ********
Reply
Kevin ********
Do it yourself.fck agents.their called agents for a reason.
Galenus ******
Here's a lot of nonsense.
Let's get straight:
1. DTA visa is a multiple entry visa. Latest after 6 months you have to leave and enter again.
2. A "retirement" visa is for the whole year, no need to leave.
4. In either way you have to do your 90 days.
5. And in either way you have to pay income tax if you stay for more than 180 days per year in Thailand.
Let's get straight:
1. DTA visa is a multiple entry visa. Latest after 6 months you have to leave and enter again.
2. A "retirement" visa is for the whole year, no need to leave.
4. In either way you have to do your 90 days.
5. And in either way you have to pay income tax if you stay for more than 180 days per year in Thailand.
Andi ***********
@Galenus *****
1. You can stay 12 months on a DTV via an extension at immigration.Galenus ******
@Andi **********
yes, there might even be some stupid people to do so? You?Graham ******
@Galenus *****
So people on rolling 12 months Extensions of Stay are stupid people?Galenus ******
@Graham *****
you think so? Then it is.Andi ***********
@Galenus *****
Not me. I love to travel so would never stay one year in one place without overseas trips.Reply to
Andi ***********
Reply
Daniel **********
Helloooooo Everyone 👋 !!!!! , I am also planning to retire to Thailand , but I also have an offer for a JOB there , so , it sounds complicated , Right? , well , it isn't ,..... I am NOT GOING to explain it all here now , but please pleeeaaaase educate yourselves with REAL INFO , this is actually the best and TOP of the LINE Immigration and general Law Office in Pattaya "MAGNA CARTA LAW OFFICE" , they also have Office in Bangkok , I contacted them and they are HELPING ME GREATLY 👍👍👍, hope it helps with your questions
Daniel **********
Helloooooo Everyone 👋 !!!!! , I am also planning to retire to Thailand , but I also have an offer for a JOB there , so , it sounds complicated , Right? , well , it isn't ,..... I am NOT GOING to explain it all here now , but please pleeeaaaase educate yourselves with REAL INFO , this is actually the best and TOP of the LINE Immigration and general Law Office in Pattaya , they also have Office in Bangkok , I contacted them and they are HELPING ME GREATLY 👍👍👍, hope it helps with your questions
Norbert **********
The DTV visa is cheaper and you on the save side with internet work,retirement visa ,they make more commission
Will **********
I recommend retirement VISA. even this VISA it is can to secret remote work in Thailand and no one knows , you have internet job.
Neil ******
@Will *********
maybe not a good idea to suggest illegal work. Sometimes the immigration officers ask questions when entering. And just generally perpetuating lawlessness doesn’t help the development of the country and contributes to the corruption when people get in trouble.Ivan ************
@Ne**
DTV is "employment prohibited" and no work permit, just like retirement visa.Neil ******
@Ivan ***********
DTV was specifically created to allow people to work in Thailand with foreign based work. MFA said they do not need a work permit to do that on DTV. I don't like the whole DTV thing, but it is what it is.Ivan ************
@Ne**
@An**
right, but it's exactly the same on the retirement visa. People say you can't work on retirement because it says "employment prohibited" and you can't get a work permit. But this is EXACTLY the same as on the DTV. They have already explicitly stated that a work permit cannot be obtained for remote work, and is not necessary.
I get the DTV was specifically for remote work, but it seems on the framework remote work may never have been prohibited, just work in Thailand.
What do you have that remote working is explicitly illegal on a retirement visa, other than these two things which are the same for the DTV? I totally accept it's less of grey area with the DTV as that's the point of the visa, but I'm beginning to suspect that "work" and "employment" as understood in Thailand do not cover remote work.
Neil ******
@Ivan ***********
The definition of ‘employer’ and ‘employee’ and ‘work’according to the Labour Protection Act B.E. 2541 (1998)
(Labour Protection Act), and the Foreigners’ Working
Management Emergency Decree, B.E. 2560 (2017)
(Foreigners Working Decree) are broad and do not differentiate
amongst employers based in Thailand or overseas.
DTV and LTR are both granted an exemption from the Decree. Retirement visa does not have such an exemption.
Ivan ************
@Ne**
There is no reference to an exemption in the Royal Gazette posting for the DTV. The only reference is to the Immigration Act BE 2522, there is no reference to the Labour Protection Act or the Foreigners Working Decree.**************************************************
*****
.pdfIndeed, Section 7 says "Aliens and their legal spouses who have been granted a special tourist visa (Destination Thailand Visa: DTV) and wish to work in the Kingdom, upon receiving permission to stay in the Kingdom, must apply and change the visa type to a temporary resident for work first, and then apply for a work permit in accordance with the law on the management of alien employment." (Google Translate)
So this is EXPLICITLY saying that what people are going to be doing on the DTV is not "work in the Kingdom", and that if they actually want to do this they have to change visa to one allowing work and also get a work permit.
I understand you can read the labour laws and come to the conclusion that it covers remote work because it doesn't explicitly say it doesn't. Every indication though is the Thai government does not interpret it that way as they DIDN'T see the need for an exemption.
Unless there's an exemption somewhere else that I'm missing, but my reading of the DTV it seems pretty clear they are saying remote work is NOT "work in the Kingdom" covered by those laws.
Neil ******
@Ivan ***********
the exemption is in the specifically referred to as a "special case" multiple times in that very announcement from the Ministry of Interior.Andi ***********
@Ivan ***********
"work" and "employment" as understood in Thailand do not cover remote work." Thai lawyer told me the same thing.Neil ******
@Andi **********
read what I wrote. Work under the Decree doesn't state "in Thailand". It's all work. And, if you don't believe me, you can check the briefs written by the biggest law firms. I have also written one.Andi ***********
@Neil *****
I understand what you saying but there are other interpretations by big law firms.Neil ******
@Andi **********
incorrect interpretations, because they are adding in the phrase "in Thailand" with the thought that it is implied. The law does not imply anything. It is as written. I don't know if you are new here, but for many years people have been playing mental gymnastics to try and justify remote work as legal. When LTR was released, BOI and MFA finally told us, at that time, only LTR holders could work remotely. They didn't wrongfully interpret that.Andi ***********
@Neil *****
What is the penalty for remote work with a non thai company on a retirement visa?Neil ******
@Andi **********
criminal punishment is incarceration up to 5 years and/or fine up to 100k thb. Illegal workers are usually just deported from what I have seen. I've seen a small fine as well. Never seen incarceration, but I also don't know every single case that ever takes place. I only see some of what is reported in the news. Also, the news media doesn't report every single incident involving foreigners in the country, although it does tend to seem like it sometimes.Andi ***********
@Ivan ***********
That Employment Prohibited statement relates to employment in Thailand and with Thai businesses. You can work online with non Thai clients.Reply to
Andi ***********
Reply
Nigel ********
Depends on your finance's
Andy **********
A DTV is a tourist visa, not a residency visa. Let's see how many of these 5 year visas get canceled after 3 years when someone has spent 1080 days out of 1095 living in Thailand on a tourist bia with a fake dental appointment.
Norbert **********
@Andy *********
they never cancel a existing visa ,if they change law!!!Graham ******
@Norbert *********
A Visa can be revokedNorbert **********
@Graham *****
yes by a unlawful action!!!Andy **********
@Norbert *********
An unlawful action will include using a tourist visa as a way of living in Thailand. You keep replying to the wrong comment.Reply to
Andy **********
Reply
Andy **********
@Norbert *********
All countries can cancel a visa if it's misused. This is a tourist visa. Eg UK 5 year multi entry allows 6 month visits back to back. But if you are caught using the visa to live innthe UK, you will be deported. Self entitled people like you will get the visa canceled.Norbert **********
@Andy *********
unlawful use was not the question!!!Ivan ************
@An**
MFA have stated it's fine and expected to leave and come right back with no minimum time out, that this is an accepted use of the visa. Elite is also technically a tourist visa but it's promoted as residency and some people live here for decades on it.Reply to
Ivan ************
Reply
Michael ********
Agent is saying that because he wants the business. Read up on dtv and apply yourselves
Alessandra ************
Francesco
Jacques *****
How much do agents make for a retirement Visa?
Graham ******
@Jacques ****
It's all profit minus the 2000B fee for the VisaJacques *****
@Graham *****
so how much do they chargeAndi ***********
@Jacques ****
varies depends on area, if you need money to be shown in bank account etc. Bangkok around 50,000 THB for first retirement visa Inc bank account . Pattaya around 25, 000 .Jacques *****
@Andi **********
$1500 usd? Lmao. I will do all my work myself at that price. LmaoAndi ***********
@Jacques ****
yeah, the agent does everything, funds the bank account, paperwork etc. Bangkok you can get visa same day. Many use as they don't want to bring the 800, 000 THB needed into Thailand. You can do yourself, for sure.Jacques *****
@Andi **********
im capable of walking in with $24,000 usd. No problem.Reply to
Jacques *****
Reply
Luke **********
If you want to retire there why do dtv when you have to leave after 180 days 🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️
Andi ***********
@Luke *********
you do not have to leave after 180 days, you can extend another 180. Can stay a year without leaving.Luke **********
@Andi **********
he wants to retire there , you can’t extend every year 🙄🙄Mike ********
@Luke *********
he would be begging to leave right nowAndi ***********
@Luke *********
The OP has online work and interested in the DTV. Their agent told them to do the retirement visa. DTV allows remote work, retirement visa does not. You can not extend every year but leaving once a year to a nearby country and returning for another 180 day stamp is no big deal.Reply to
Andi ***********
Reply
Jim ********
Willem **********
Question, I am 63, want to go to Thailand for like 6 months then return to Holland, stay there for a month and then return to Thailand for 6 months….
Any solutions?
Any solutions?
Ara *********
@Willem *********
6 months a year ...in the m9ment you get 60 days at entry ...prolong for a month with immigtation...exit thailand after your 90 days and repeat....😉✔️😎Nigel **************
@Willem *********
retirement Non O visaGraham ******
@Nigel *************
Non-OA is probably better for two stays of 6 months (no Thai bank account needed)Reply to
Graham ******
Reply
Colin *********
@Willem *********
ask in your own post, not in someone else's post which is a subject completely unrelated to what you're askingWillem **********
@Colin ********
so sorry!!Colin *********
@Willem *********
no problem, just suggested what a Moderator might tell you.Reply to
Colin *********
Reply
Rob *************
Reply to
Rob *************
Reply
Darin ********
I live in lsan with my Thai wife and l have stayed on retirement visa. Best way to go for over 50 years old.
David *****
Just forget about agents, biggest bunch of scammers in the country.
Christopher *********
Gold You don't know how this visa works. Bad info
Nigel **************
Cannot work on a Non O retirement visa
Ivan ************
@Ni***
DTV is stamped "employment prohibited" as well. It does seem this means local employment.Nigel **************
@Ivan ***********
yeah. Has to be remote workingIvan ************
@Ni***
right, but people say working on retirement visa isn't allowed because it's stamped "employment prohibited" and you can't get a work permit. So what's the difference with the DTV?Reply to
Ivan ************
Reply
Darin ********
@Nigel *************
you can work online for overseas workGary ********
@Darin *******
you absolutely can't work remotely on retirement visaNigel **************
@Darin *******
you cannot do that on a Non O visa. People are doing it yes but it's illegalColin *********
@Darin *******
are you 100% sure that you can LEGALLY do that, or are you just assuming that because you've heard reports that some do it? I think you'll find it's not legal.Reply to
Colin *********
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Stefani ********
The rules are changing constantly. If you get the DTV, you are guaranteed five years.
Steve *******
@Stefani *******
TBF the rules aren't changing constantly and there's nothing stopping them pulling the DTV. In fact it's probably more likely they'd pull the DTV rather than change the 'retirement visa'Stefani ********
@Steve ******
five years ago my husband and I arrived on a retirement visa. Two days after we arrived, the rules changed. We were able to stay the full year of the visa, but not able to renew it.I feel confident that if you get the DTV visa, you can stay for the entire five years, minus the 180 day thing, but that’s easy enough like the old visa runs 
Graham ******
@Stefani *******
why couldn't you get the extension (not renew)?Brenda *********
@Stefani *******
why couldn’t y’all renew it?Stefani ********
@Brenda ********
the type of retirement visa that we originally got did not require health insurance. My husband is in his late 80s and it is virtually impossible to get health insurance.Steve *******
@Stefani *******
A Non Imm O('retirement visa') doesn't require health insurance nor does the subsequent 1 year extentionReply to
Steve *******
Reply
Ben *****
Depends on your financial situation, but if you're over 50 I would just go the retirement visa route which is pretty painless through an agent.
Andy ************
@Ben ****
Just an expensive rip-off scam through an agentReply to
Andy ************
Reply
Brandon ************
Agents don't make money on DTV because it's not done in Thailand. Of course they tell you the option where they get paid is better.
Maksym ***********
@Brandon ***********
why they can't get money for document work? Also, there are agents that got money for DTV, but they give documents and help with transfers 😁Graham ******
@Maksym **********
Document work brings in less money than greasing the wheelsReply to
Graham ******
Reply
Andy ************
The agent is full of bs, because agents can't get the DTV. Don't be scammed
Graeme ******
An agent will advise you to go for a retirement visa whether that is the best option or not. An agent cannt help with a DTV so will not make any money from you. A DTV can only be applied for outside of thailand so.no agent can help.
Alice ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Graeme *****
gotchaMichael ***********
@Graeme *****
BingoJoseph ****
@Graeme *****
Exactly.AND that agent is also probably trying to set himself up for recurring fees every year. Some people don't want to lock up the 800k and that's fine if they'd prefer the lower but recurring fees. But in the event the agent is pushing that, doubly sleazy.
Reply to
Joseph ****
Reply
Simon *********
I do worry about some agents motives, do they actually suggest the best solution for you, or just the solution that potentially makes them most money.
Andy **********
@Simon ********
they need to give advice for a visa, that is suitable for your circumstances, but it may not necessarily be the best option, because they are after all, running a business, you need to do your homework, and make the decision yourself, as to what is best for you, that's my experience with agents anyway.Reply to
Andy **********
Reply
Neil ******
Agents can't process DTV. It has to be done through a consulate. The agent is probably trying to make money. If you don't work and don't want to worry about having to leave the country every year, get a retirement visa. If you earn active income from work outside of Thailand, you need DTV.
Alice ********
ORIGINAL POSTERSo it looks like the retirement visa for us will be the best choice. However I am inclined to apply for the DTV so we could work if we choose to we have the availability to do this with both of our jobs. Or we can totally retire ❣️ once again thank you so very much for taking the time out of your day to enlighten me. Have a wonderful evening
Andi ***********
@Alice *******
DTV gives you great flexibility with the option to work or not work.Alice ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andi **********
thank you so very much ❣️Reply to
Alice ********
Reply
Alice ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Neil *****
thank you so very much for your answer I appreciate the time you took to enlighten meTHAI ******************************
@Neil *****
We are not sure why people keep saying this.We have DTV specific services which may involve prescreening documents, helping you meet a soft power requirement, and even doing the visa run with you, and coordination between departments.
It depends on the situation but there are services agents can offer to increase the chance of success.
Our fees are fully refundable as long as you do not provide us false information. If application fails due to our error we also refund the consulate fee as well.
Chang ******
@THAI *****************************
that's nice to hear 😀Neil ******
@THAI *****************************
what I said was not false. You cannot process someone’s DTV application through a foreign consulate.THAI ******************************
We can submit the application on our client’s behalf, and follow up with the consulate team to ensure everything is in order.
Alternatively, we can contact the bordering consulate and help arrange a visa run.
If we determine that there’s a high chance of the application not being approved due to the client's situation, we inform them and provide a refund.
In both cases, our goal is to assist the client in obtaining the DTV successfully.
Alternatively, we can contact the bordering consulate and help arrange a visa run.
If we determine that there’s a high chance of the application not being approved due to the client's situation, we inform them and provide a refund.
In both cases, our goal is to assist the client in obtaining the DTV successfully.
Reply to
THAI ******************************
Reply
Karim ***************
@Neil *****
100% this…John ********
@Neil *****
ExactlyReply to
John ********
Reply
Simon *********
You definitely cannot work remotely on a retirement visa, you can on a DTV.
You just need to leave the country every 180, but you can return immediately.
You just need to leave the country every 180, but you can return immediately.
John ********
@Simon ********
People need to do their homework before commenting. With the DTV you do NOT have to leave after 180 days. You go to an immigration department and get it extended for another 180 days, then after 360 days you have to leave for 5 days, which adds up to one calendar year, then you can enter again and go through the same process and for another four years.Todd *********
@John *******
yes - on that basis you could stay 5 full years. Need to exit once every 360 days. That’s it. And no rules against returning same day.Todd *********
@John *******
Ironic; as you would want to apply that first sentence to yourself… You obviously don’t need to leave for 5 days lol.
John ********
@Todd ********
Thankyou warrior.Todd *********
@John *******
ironic again, but ur welcome. One would hate to see idiots telling everyone what to do whilst failing miserably themselves. Just saving you some public humiliation 😂.Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
Steve *******
@John *******
You dont need to leave for 5 days. It's a multi-entry visa, you can come and go as you like for the duration of the visa with each entry getting you stamped in for 180 daysJohn ********
@Steve ******
Ok, so on that basis you can stay for a full five years? Just do a border bounce on day 360 each year. Which would be good, unless you came across an IO., who wouldn't let you in because you were returning on the same day as you left.Steve *******
@John *******
There's no law/rule saying you can't return on the same day especially if you have a valid multi-entry visaChris *******
@John *******
no it doesn't work like that.A multi entry visa allows unlimited entries.
You can bounce in and out 10x a year and come back and get 6 mths each time.
for some it's a great visa.
Nom *******
@Steve ******
do you understand the tax liability?If you are in Thailand over 180days 'in a tax year' you are liable to pay tax?
Steve *******
@Nom ******
That makes no difference being able to enter the country.Nom *******
@Steve ******
you are a tax resident if you return in a tax yearSteve *******
@Nom ******
It makes NO difference to the visa and the fact that you DON'T need to stay out of the Country for 5 days. You'll be here 360 days and tax resident anyway.Nom *******
@Steve ******
you could spend eg 185 days in DubaiTodd *********
@Nom ******
if tax applies to your circumstances yes. Personally, I won’t ever be paying any tax in thailandReply to
Todd *********
Reply
Danny *******
@John *******
don't actually have to leave for 5 days. No restriction on the calendar year, just 180 days per entry (plus 1 extension per entry if wanted), unlimited entries over the 5 year validity.Reply to
Danny *******
Reply
Todd *********
@Simon ********
many do, but legally speaking, you cannot. However, nobody knows if you are working externally…Simon *********
@Todd ********
tbh you can say that about any Thai visa. Why not be totally legal when the DTV is easy to get and quite cheap?Todd *********
@Simon ********
the answer to ‘why not’?Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
Gordon ************
@Todd ********
You’re always there Toddy Boy, I like your style 👍Todd *********
@Gordon ***********
here to help 😂Gordon ************
@Todd ********
It would be rude not too. Sir, I salute you 👍👍👍Reply to
Gordon ************
Reply
Mark ******
@Simon ********
you can extend for a further 180 days inside Thailand. You do not need to leaveReply to
Mark ******
Reply
Jen **********
dont think you can work if on a retirement visa
Chris *******
@Jen *********
you can't work in Thailand on a DTV either, you have to remote work offshore. As many retirees do in the privacy of there own home.
Chris *******
@Shawn ******
what's your point?Shawn *******
@Chris ******
I thought you mentioned you can’t work on the DTV.Chris *******
Reply to
Chris *******
Reply
Galenus ******
DTV: you want to leave after 180 days? So, living half a year in and a half a year out? If not, go for retirement
Andy **********
@Galenus *****
with the DTV visa, you enter Thailand and get stamped in for 180 days, then you either border bounce or do an extension, you can only extend each stamp once, and then you need to leave Thailand and come back, just rinse and repeat for 5 years, apart from doing a border bounce, you can stay in Thailand the whole year, it's not 6 months in, 6 months out.Upasaka ********
@Andy *********
Yes you can but if you are in Thailand for more than 180 days, you will then have to report taxes even if you are in a double treaty, you will still have to register and do some paperwork I believe, Unless you only stay in Thailand for 180 days or less per calendar year. This will also apply to retirees and pretty much everybody, However, how this is enforced will be another storyAndy **********
@Upasaka *******
yes I understand, but are you aware there is nothing new about the need to complete a Thai tax return?? after spending more than 180 days in Thailand?? That has always been the case for a long time, the Thai government just amended various rules regulations and laws, regarding tax reporting, mainly from what I can gather, it is aimed at wealthy Thai people, one example was if money was kept outside of Thailand, until the following tax year, there was no tax due, now it is irrelevant of when it is brought in, the tax will still be due, to sum it up in my opinion, all the expats that are not working, such as retirees, have never done a tax return, and will continue to not do one, unless forced to do so, by making it a visa requirement, or maybe the banks get involved.Reply to
Andy **********
Reply
Galenus ******
@Andy *********
it is actually, if you don't want to pay income tax.Galenus ******
@Andy *********
as I said, it's about income tax!!!! If you want to avoid paying taxes then it's exactly what I. Said: 180 days, 180 days out. Too difficult to understand????Jared *********
@Galenus *****
how is the tax situation different if they get the retirement visa??? Considering that is what the original post was asking about dtv vs retirement visa...Alice ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jared ********
I come from the United States and I believe we have a tax treaty. If I pay tax in the US I don't pay tax in Thailand. That's the way I understand it. But to make sure if I get the DTV Visa I will leave after 179 days and return to Thailand anytime thereafter ❣️Jared *********
@Alice *******
I'm also from USA and basically calling out his commentary lolGreta *****
@Jared ********
Don't worry about him. He's just boredReply to
Greta *****
Reply
Chris *******
@Galenus *****
DTV Is a multi entry visa, he only needs to bounce out and get another 180 days.. can do that as many times as he'd like.He will also be able to extend it in country but will have to shows funds and qualify...
Easier to just bounce in and out.
Galenus ******
@Chris ******
well, I was pointing to the tax rules. If you stay longer than 180 days u are to pay income taxJared *********
@Galenus *****
that is the same if they stay on the retirement visa... 😅😅 stay longer than 180 days on any visa (except one special ltr Visa I forgot the name)Chris *******
@Galenus *****
no thats not necessarily true either.This has not been tested yet as to what effect it will have.
Too many variables such as DTAs with different countries.
It remains to be seen in the 2025 tax season how and if it will effect AND if it gets implemented at all.
At this point it's a voluntary registration for a tax number, if they'll even give you one.
Galenus ******
@Chris ******
actually it's very clear and published already. But u can believe and do what you want. Not my business.Chris *******
@Galenus *****
well your wrong.Published and implemented are 2 different things.
Man you are wrong alot.
Galenus ******
@Chris ******
and you should see a doctor?Reply to
Galenus ******
Reply
Tim *******
@Galenus *****
you just need to leave not leave for 180 days you can leave for 1 day according to the rules. (ie there is no limit on how long you need to stay out)Thaimer ******
@Galenus *****
nah. You can extend it or just exit Thailand and return for new 180 daysBrenda *********
@Galenus *****
what agent did you talk to? Il be doing the same soon.Mark ******
@Brenda ********
why would you need an agent? Do it alone and save moneyBrenda *********
@Mark *****
cause after being on this group it now sounds so complicated, lol! I have been there 3 separate times but just 2 weeks at a time.Mark ******
@Brenda ********
not complicated at all. Go to immi, ask for list of docs required. Prepare docs, and submit!!Reply to
Mark ******
Reply
Greta *****
@Brenda ********
I would highly recommend to NOT use the same agent..Reply to
Greta *****
Reply
Graham ******
@Galenus *****
it could be half a hour outGalenus ******
@Graham *****
yes, but then you're taxableGreta *****
@Galenus *****
How much bullshit can you spread in one post??Galenus ******
@Greta ****
stay in your gutter, pleaseGreta *****
@Galenus *****
Rich, coming from someone who is spreading shit everywhere...I wonder how they haven't kicked you out from the group yet for misleading people .KO ********
and ‘he’ is a top contributor…. Ffs. Thank goodness for the block button.
Colin *********
@Greta ****
it's a bit like saying that an Australian can't get the Aged Pension while living overseas isn't it?Reply to
Colin *********
Reply
Mark ******
@Galenus *****
isn't DTV extendable to a further 180 days, after the first 180?John ********
@Mark *****
Correct, Galenus Gold is wrong in his comment.Galenus ******
@John *******
No, he's notGreta *****
@Galenus *****
Yes he is! And he's also talking about himself as third party which is weird by itself...Mikki ***********
@Kace ******
maybe a left woke Democrat. BTW JFK , MLK and Malcom X were all conservative Democrats...very different than todayReply to
Mikki ***********
Reply
Neil ******
@Mark *****
it is.Reply to
Neil ******
Reply
What are the best practices for applying for a DTV visa in Thailand, and should I use a visa agency?
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