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What are my options for obtaining a long-term visa in Thailand given my situation?

DTV Visa Flexible Stay in Thailand Workcation Remote Work Visa Long-Term Visa Options Soft Power Activities Retirement Visa Alternatives Pension Income for Visa

Mar 17, 2025

16 days ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

The DTV seems perfect for me and I intend to apply in about 6 months time. I could apply for a retirement visa but I don't want to have money tied up in a Thai bank. 

I do intend to spend 6 months a year in Thailand and 6 months in UK as I have joint custody of my daughter in UK. A 5 year visa would be ideal as my daughter would be 17 years old when the DTV expires.

I was thinking of the workcation route as I do accounts for a UK limited company however this is part-time and only pays £300 gross each month. Most of my monthly income is from a private pension. I'm concerned that this would not be accepted. Any views?

I have been told by my UK dentist that I need some work doing on my gums which makes soft power an option. What I don't understand with soft power is how any activity, muay Thai, cookery  dentistry could be dragged out fir 5 years.

Apologies that this post is so long-winded. 🙏

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is considering applying for a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand, which would allow them to spend half the year in Thailand and half in the UK due to joint custody of their daughter. They have concerns about the income requirements since their part-time work pays only £300 gross per month and most income comes from a private pension. The discussion includes insights on the DTV application process, options for proving employment, and the ambiguity surrounding the soft power activities allowed for the visa. Various comments suggest that it is possible to qualify without stringent income requirements, but there are no guarantees regarding the availability of the DTV in six months.

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.
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Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

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Matt *******

There’s no guarantee that the DTV will still be around in 6 months. They just flip flopped on extended visa on arrivals from 60 days back to 30. If you know you want to get one it’s better to get now even if it means wasting the first 5 or 6 months.

15 days ago

Luit *****************

@Matt ******

"extended visa on arrivals from 60 days back to 30"?

What are you talking about? What are extended visa on arrivals?

What has gone back form 60 to 30?

Why should DTV not be around in 6 months?

15 days ago

Matt *******

@Luit ****************

they announced they’re reversing the new visa on arrivals extension that gave most 60 instead of 30 days. This is Thailand they flip flop on things constantly. They may say ok we have enough DTV holders let’s axe it. You never know.

15 days ago

Luit *****************

@Matt ******

I still don't understand which new visa you are talking about, I don't know any visa on arrival of 60 days.

15 days ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Luit ****************

I think it's the visa exempt timescale that Matt is referring to. Saw a headline in the Bangkok Post today saying they were bringing it back to 30 days from 60. Hope it's not immediately because I'm flying in Wednesday for a 40 days stay.

15 days ago

Matt *******

@Luit ****************

it’s the visa exempt on arrival but honestly it doesn’t matter as it’s just an example

15 days ago

Reply to

Matt *******

Henrik *****

DTV does not make you eligable to get a Thai Bankaccount anyway, since it is a tourist visa.

Real longterm visa’s can make you eligable for Thai bankaccount, but there is no guarenty that the banks will let you open one.

16 days ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Henrik ****

I didn't ask about opening a bank account 😁. Thanks anyway

15 days ago

Reply to

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

Ah thank you for all your advice. Looks promising. And yes I am an overthinker 😀

16 days ago

Wannikea *********

There is no income requirement. If you can get a couple documents from your employer work contract, and employment certificate stating you are employed, your duties, and specifically you are authorized to work remotely in Thailand then you are set. You might supply the business registration to show it's a legit company. You can supply a brief cover letter outlining your pension/alternative income etc.

16 days ago

Cliff *********

You are completely overthinking this.

It’s a great deal, get it while you can.

Who knows what will be acceptable in 6 months.

If you look at other postings, you will see the most ridiculous reasons used for "soft power". Dental work is actually pretty good.

16 days ago

David ********

@Cliff ********

agree I did dentistry completed the work in first 3 months now will try extension or just border bounce for 5 years. Don't think to much about more than initial application the rest sabai sabai

16 days ago

Reply to

David ********

Matthew *******

Remote Worker could be better, 300 might not be enough but if you could have the employment letter stating your job function and that company allow you to work from Thailand is enough. A cover letter stating your income from company as well as income from pension, along with the 500k THB all in the same account or other accounts as long you explain it in your cover letter supplied with full bank statement no redact.

16 days ago

Luit *****************

@Matthew ******

There are no income requirements for DTV, so having a regular salary from remote job together with pension money should not be any problem.

15 days ago

Matthew *******

@Luit ****************

It’s not “requirement” but they do ask. When they do. You better have it or risk rejection and lose your application fees.

15 days ago

Luit *****************

@Matthew ******

income is not necessary salary, it can also be other income, as long as it is a steady income.

15 days ago

Reply to

Luit *****************

Alicia ********

As long as you have the 500k bhat and letter saying you can work in Thailand you pass.

16 days ago

Greg ********

There is no income requirement with Workaytion. I think you would be fine getting it in the UK. Easy for you to prove the ongoing activity too shoukd it be asked. Friends have done similar to you instead of spouse visa as they only spend about half a year in Thailand from the UK.

16 days ago

Reply to

Greg ********

How can I explain my financial sustainability while applying for a Thailand DTV visa under Soft Power?

41 comments

22 days ago

Is it possible to obtain a DTV visa from the UK while needing medical and cooking course appointments?

39 comments

a month ago

What are the requirements and process for obtaining a DTV for expats moving to Thailand with a spouse?

7 comments

a month ago