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Should I rent a long-term apartment before applying for a DTV visa in Thailand?

DTV Visa Visa Application Process Long-Term Rentals in Thailand Accommodation Requirements Airbnb Proof of Accommodation

Sep 22, 2025

4 days ago

Billy *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Should you rent a long term apartment BEFORE applying DTV? Is a 1 month ABNB sus?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The conversation explores whether it's necessary to rent a long-term apartment before applying for a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand. While some users share that they successfully applied for the DTV without a long-term rental, indicating that temporary accommodations such as hotels or Airbnb could suffice, others note that different embassies may have varying requirements. Several expats emphasize the importance of being cautious and having proof of accommodation ready, while others express concern about committing to long-term rentals without first experiencing the location.

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जगद्गुरु *****************

I found a flat for sale for 60,000 Baht, so I hope to get the title transferred before applying for DTV.

4 days ago

Henrik *****

No.

Nomads are known to change locations frequently.

4 days ago

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

I can’t answer for embassies in every country but I applied from India and didn’t book anything before applying, just mentioned a hotel I “intend” to stay at during my application process.

They asked me for additional documents which was proof of accommodation, at which point I booked a hotel for 1 month from Agoda using the “book now pay later” option. Sent them the booking confirmation receipt I got from Agoda. Along with this, I attached an “explanation note” which stated that this would be my base accommodation for the first month while I look for long term rentals as I didn’t wanna book a long term condo without physically checking it out.

I got approved the same day. If I have to be honest, I personally think I wouldn’t have had an issue getting approved even showing a booking for like a week, but since it was a refundable/pay later booking I had nothing to lose, so just went ahead with the 1 month booking.

4 days ago

Elías ********

Some specific Embassies in South East Asia (Malaysia? Vietnam?) reportedly demand you to have a lease, which is, in my opinion, ridiculous. I applied in my home country Korea and they wouldn't ask anything like that. They did wanted to see real plane tickets, tho. I also showed my hotel/Airbnb bookings for the first days. I've been so far 1 year in Thailand and I still DON'T have a lease. I change cities every here and then.

4 days ago

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

@Elías *******

Vietnam you do not need a lease

3 days ago

Billy *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Elías *******

It is ridiculous since they say its a long term tourist visa not a residency permit (not that I care about thai bank account, but thats the whole reason you cant have one) so how can they expect you to get a 12 month lease? I also like traveling around between bangkok, Koh Samui/Phangan/Tao

4 days ago

Elías ********

@Billy ********

it's ridiculous because one of the categories is remote work (the so-called digital nomads). I can work literally from anywhere, I don't yet want to live on a single place, so yes, it doesn't make sense. Most of the embassies don't have such requirement, tho.

4 days ago

Reply to

Elías ********

Phil ******

@Bi***

12-months is fine. But this visa attracts no bank account

4 days ago

Billy *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Im afraid of getting a 12 month lease at 160k Baht/mo and not getting approved, and maybe I dont want a 12 month lease at all. I like traveling around thailand month to month...

4 days ago

Billy *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

150+ SQM 2BR apartments in central areas of bangkok are about 150K Baht all the way up to 300. I like newer.

4 days ago

Toni *******

@Billy ********

whats the problem? Rent a 3000thb room from somewhere. You never have to go there really, get a lease for 1month, or more if you feel insecure... you can search the group what kind of rentals approved applicants had, and from which embassies... the search tool is really helpfull

3 days ago

Reply to

Toni *******

Phil ******

@Billy ********

we are paying ฿4000pm for our lease. 11th floor aircon and 4 BTS stations from Asoke. So where the hell did ฿160k come from?

Oh BTW we travel in Thailand Singapore Indonesia and Australia no problems but the dtv won't get you a bank account and that's bad

4 days ago

Reply to

Phil ******

Stacey *********

We have just got a 6 month rental in chiang mai, move in nxt Monday then will be getting ready to do our dtv soft power.... Going Vietnam.

4 days ago

Marie ************

I’m wondering about this too. I don’t want to commit to rent in a place I might not be able to live in.

4 days ago

Billy *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Exactly, what if it's not approved and you signed a lease? The place I want it $160K baht/month