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What are my options for staying in Thailand after my ED visa expires if I can't afford the DTV requirements?

ED Visa DTV Visa Visa Requirements Visa Extension Thailand Immigration Financial Requirements

Doëlla *******

Doëlla *******

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asked Aug 5, 2025

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Hi all!  Sorry if this has been answered repeatedly but couldn't find an answer. 

I'm currently on my 2nd year of ED visa and was planning on getting the DTV next year after the current ED runs out. However I might not have enough saved up to qualify for the DTV (because it needs to be in my account 3 months prior). 

At this moment the plan is to go for a 3rd year ED visa, but I have read that it might reflect negatively and result in a DTV visa rejection. 

We love Thailand, really feel at home and would love to stay longer. However I'm unsure about what's the best course of action at this moment.

Any advice is appreciated, thank you kindly!

Answer summary

The user is on a second year of an ED visa in Thailand and is considering switching to a DTV visa next year. However, they are concerned about meeting the DTV's financial requirement, which requires sufficient funds to be in their account for three months prior to applying. They express uncertainty about renewing their ED visa for a third year due to fears it might negatively impact their DTV application. The comments provide advice on the possibility of getting a DTV with an ED history, mention different embassies' requirements regarding bank statements, and suggest considering alternative embassies for the visa application process.

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Benjamin *********

Benjamin *********

Is your main concern not having met the financial requirement specifically for "3 months prior" to applying? Or not meeting the financial requirement at all? If the former, note that some embassies do not require 3 months of bank statements. Look into HCMC. In October 2024 I applied there with only one month bank statement and having only met the financial requirement for one day (transferred money to that account the day before I applied). Of course they may have changed their requirements.

1

Doëlla *******

Doëlla *******

OP

Only the 3 month prior. I have the financials means, and as well I will have that much saved up at the moment of applying. It's more that the 3 month will not put me there. However from reading some comments it looks like it's not a hard requirement (might not be a hard requirement).

It's more that I don't want it being rejected, as I would have to quickly transfer into one more ED visa, which might not work with the time being so tight.

However I will contact the embassy in Japan to ask, do you think they will tell me in advance or not?

1

Benjamin *********

Benjamin *********

@Doëlla ******

no idea about Japan. But yes they should tell you the requirements prior, if they reply at all. However, I would go to Vietnam instead, either HCMC or Hanoi embassy. Many people have found both of those embassies to be quick and easy for DTV applications. Search this group to read some experiences 👍

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Doëlla *******

Doëlla *******

OP

@Benjamin ********

Thank you! The thing is, I'm not really interested to stay in Vietnam for a longer period of time. My thought was, if I have to go outside by myself, I might as well discover a country I'm interested in. Haha! Hence Japan. However, obviously, if it poses too many issues, I would opt for Vietnam.

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Bradford ******

Bradford ******

The best advice is if you want to stay in Thailand long term, get a proper visa. If you do not have the finances or qualifications for a long term visa, then Thailand is not the answer for you. Sooner of later you will run out of options and immigration will get suspicious.

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Doëlla *******

Doëlla *******

OP

Hopefully one day we can get a proper visa, until then the DTV sounded like the perfect solution. Also because the qualifications for the proper visa are also quite ridiculous for young-adults, if we could have, we would have already. I mean, as long as I do legitimate visa's there is no need for the immigration to get suspicious. I never participated and am not interested in border runs, hence the ED into DTV. We never planned on staying this long, never expected to feel this much at home.

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Max *************

Max *************

Have you actually picked up anything during two years on ED? What did you study if I may ask?

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Doëlla *******

Doëlla *******

OP

Muay Thai, really participating and attending the classes. Even planning on doing at least one fight. But not sure if it's enough.

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John **********

John **********

Unless you're actively studying at bachelors level at a university I doubt very much you would get a 3rd year, and if you are why would you want a DTV

1

Doëlla *******

Doëlla *******

OP

@John *********

Because it's more comfortable and secure to have a DTV visa for the long run. At least we can stay for 5 years and don't have to bother with visas every year. For the 3rd ED visa year, I was informed it's possible.

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John **********

John **********

@Doëlla ******

sounds a bit like an iffy visa. Is it from a legitimate school which you attend daily to learn whatever it is you're studying? And 90 get extensions of stay every 90 days based on that?

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Doëlla *******

Doëlla *******

OP

@John *********

once/twice a week, it's legitimate yes and yes I get 90 day extensions every 90 days including 90 day report.

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

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

I haven't heard of anyone being rejected for DTV because of having ED visas in the past. But if you can apply for the DTV, sooner is better as the program could always change or disappear in the future. While many embassies require multiple months of bank statements, they don't all require that every bank statement has the 500,000. Many embassies only require the final bank statement to show the correct balance. Research which embassy you plan to apply at to find out their exact requirement in that regard.

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Doëlla *******

Doëlla *******

OP

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

I want to apply as soon as this ED visa year is over, and yes you're completely right that it could disappear. I am planning on applying in Japan. The only worry I have is, if I'm rejected, everything is in Thailand. So then I would need to rush into a ED muay thai visa and after that year (3rd year) I highly doubt that there are more years in Thailand for us. (Unless we find actual work here, work visa/permit).

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

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

@Doëlla ******

you have to be very careful in Japan. Many people have gotten a multiple entry tourist visa instead of DTV and no refund on payment. Make sure you do your research on other people who have applied from Japan and which consulate is best. I believe Tokyo offers a consultation before you apply to make sure everything is okay, but I've read that Osaka can be a better experience overall.

Suggest you join the DTV Facebook group and search for posts about Japan.

1

Doëlla *******

Doëlla *******

OP

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

Thank you kindly, yes that was my next step, to research if Japan is feasible. This was very useful information!

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