Answered2 years ago
What are the application requirements and process for the Thai Digital Talent Visa (LTR Visa) as a digital nomad?
Hey Thailand expats and digital nomads! 👋 I need some advice on the Thai Digital Talent Visa (also called Digital Nomad Visa or LTR Visa for Highly-Skilled Professionals).
I'm a 37-year-old American currently in Hat Yai, working remotely with over $100k in savings. I'm hoping to stay long-term in Thailand and this visa seems perfect. But I've got some questions:
1. Do I have to leave Thailand to apply for this visa? Or can I do it from within the country?
2. I know the Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur handles these visas, but does anyone know if the Thai Consulate in Penang can process them too? Penang would be way more convenient for me.
3. Has anyone applied for this visa recently? What was your experience like?
4. Any tips on proving my digital skills or remote work status?
I'm a 37-year-old American currently in Hat Yai, working remotely with over $100k in savings. I'm hoping to stay long-term in Thailand and this visa seems perfect. But I've got some questions:
1. Do I have to leave Thailand to apply for this visa? Or can I do it from within the country?
2. I know the Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur handles these visas, but does anyone know if the Thai Consulate in Penang can process them too? Penang would be way more convenient for me.
3. Has anyone applied for this visa recently? What was your experience like?
4. Any tips on proving my digital skills or remote work status?
Answer summary
The discussion provides detailed insights into the Thai Digital Talent Visa (LTR Visa), highlighting that applicants can apply online without leaving Thailand. While the Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur is commonly referenced, other locations like Penang are not able to process these visas. The importance of verifying visa qualifications is emphasized, including recommendations for individuals pursuing remote work. Additionally, it discusses the ongoing introduction of a potential Digital Nomad Visa, its requirements, and options available for long-term travel in Thailand.
25 repliesnewest first
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Jo **********
There is no digital nomad visa.
Tom *********
@Jo *********
So why did the Thai PRD use the wording - "3) Introducing the new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for long-term travel, “digital nomads,” and participants in certain cultural activities, with a period of stay up to 180 days per visit, on a multiple-entry basis within 5 years;"? Link : **********************************************************************
*****
0Jo **********
@Tom ********
you are right I was thinking about the 4 LTR visasCris ******
Honestly. If I were you. I would wait to see if they approve this real digital nomad visa. It costs far less. Less needed "funds" etc. And can stay I think up to like 5 years.
Kim **********
Here is a more informative link. Keep in mind that everything is subject to change .
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Kim **********
@Cris *****
The Digital Nomad Visa is a 5 year Visa BUT, you cannot stay the full five years. You only have available 360 total days (180 initial plus 180 day extension to use within that 5 year period. The Visa is *****
THB plus another *****
THB for the extension. There are other requirements but the program has not yet been officially implemented so there could be changes good or bad.Jared *********
@Kim *********
Isn't it 180 days per stay not a total of 180 days during the 5 years. Of course this visa doesn't exist yet and things may change but that is what I read. Huge difference. And only 180 total days over 5vyears doesn't make any sense at all.Kim **********
@Jared ********
Here is the direct quote: "However, it is important to note that the DTV visa does NOT allow 'any' digital nomad to stay in Thailand for five years. It can be used within a five-year period for 180 days, and extended once for another 180 days, with a 10,000 baht filing fee each time." And who the hell are you to tell me I am incorrect. I was in the business for forty-five years before retiring. I have handled over 6800 clients from all over the world. So, kindly keep your sanctimonious mouth shut unless you know to whom you speak.Jared *********
@Kim *********
no I read both your incorrect reesponse and the article. It appears that you don't understand what is written in the article. Read the article again. Your understanding does not match the article content. It explicitly states 180 days per year plus an extension.
It seems similar to the METV. 6 months validity but with only 60 days per visit. Can enter multiple times getting 60 days each time. With the METV and extensions some folks are able to get almost 9 months stay from the 6 month visa that only allows 60 days per visit.
Good luck to you.
Kim **********
@Jared ********
Apparently you didn't not read my second reply which clarified what I had said and that you CANNOT stay in Thailand for 5 years. You can use 180+180 within that 5 year validity of the visa. NOT 1800 days or, as you put it, 180+180x5Jared *********
@Kim *********
thanks. This link says exactly how I described it. 180 days in a year, that can be extended an additional 180 days. Not 180 days spaced out over 5 years."5-year multiple-entry visa and the right to stay in Thailand for a total of 180 days a year, with an option to extend for another 180 days. "
So, in theory, it can be 360 days in a year and therefore ~1800 days over 5 years.
Thanks for sharing the link that proved my point. Now let's see start the details are if they actually create this visa.
Kim **********
@Jared ********
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Jared *********
@Kim *********
please provide a link showing this. I read 180 days renewable for another 180 days each year. The way you're interpreting it, this is a terrible visa and worthless for a digital nomad.Kim **********
@Jared ********
It is 180 days renewable for another 180 days. 360 days total. However, it may be possible to spread those 360 days over the length of the 5 year Visa by doing 70 days per year for three years and 75 days a year for two years but this would require multi-entry We need more info but will have to wait and see if the actual visa is implemented.
Patrick **************
OP@Kim *********
it seems like they have made their visa process a bit harder and wonder why the numbers are down.Cris ******
@Kim *********
ya. Gotta do a border bounce once a year. Which doesn't make sense. But isn't that still cheaper than the LTR?Patrick **************
OP@Cris *****
I’m on a tourist visa and don’t know when or if they’ll approve that new visa.
Ivan ************
@Pat****
LTR Work from Thailand Professional is a much better visa if you qualify for it. You need to be employed by a public company or private company with $150m in revenue, though, if you aren't, you don't qualify. If you are, and can get written confirmation of that, you should be able to get it, that's really the key sticking point. Income requirement is only $40k/year if you have a masters, $80k otherwise.Patrick **************
OPIvan McAvinchey I work for Airbnb and have a masters degree.
Cris ******
@Patrick *************
but ya. If your on a tourist one I guess that's your only option. I mean elite too. But yaCris ******
@Patrick *************
ya. Thats the sad part. Never know if it will ever go through.
Khun *****
First go back to the BOI LTR Visa website and read the requirements again.
Brandon is correct, you might qualify for the Work-From-Thailand Professionals visa, but it has nothing to do with your savings. Call them if you're not clear on the requirements before you go any further. They are very helpful.
*************************************
Brandon is correct, you might qualify for the Work-From-Thailand Professionals visa, but it has nothing to do with your savings. Call them if you're not clear on the requirements before you go any further. They are very helpful.
Todd *********
You can apply for LTR visa online from anywhere. You don’t need to leave the country. If approved you need to go to BOI office in Bangkok to receive the visa.
KL and Penang do NOT handle these visas at all
KL and Penang do NOT handle these visas at all
*************************************************
Patrick **************
OPTodd McGowan thank you I’m applying online at the moment but I don’t have a picture of my masters degree. I wonder what I should do short of contacting my school.
Brandon ************
First of all, based on what you said, you do not qualify for the highly skilled LTR.
You might qualify for foreign remote worker LTR though. The highly skilled LTR is only for employees of Thai companies in certain industries and other requirements.
1) You can apply for the LTR from anywhere. The application is on the BOI LTR website. It's free to apply and once you receive provisional approval you indicate whether you want to pick it up inside of Thailand or if you want to apply through a Thai embassy outside of Thailand.
2) I would recommend choosing to receive the visa inside of Thailand if you're approved. First of all if you do this it will be a stamp in your passport, whereas applying through some embassies will be online and you'll have to carry the printed visa around with you for 10 years. Also if you apply in Thailand you'll pay exactly 50,000 baht. If you apply through an embassy you will pay more, sometimes hundreds of dollars more.
3) The BOI processes the application and makes all the decisions. Any questions you can just reach out to them and they usually reply quickly. If your application looks stuck at any point, call them on the phone after a few days. That usually gets things moving again.
You might qualify for foreign remote worker LTR though. The highly skilled LTR is only for employees of Thai companies in certain industries and other requirements.
1) You can apply for the LTR from anywhere. The application is on the BOI LTR website. It's free to apply and once you receive provisional approval you indicate whether you want to pick it up inside of Thailand or if you want to apply through a Thai embassy outside of Thailand.
2) I would recommend choosing to receive the visa inside of Thailand if you're approved. First of all if you do this it will be a stamp in your passport, whereas applying through some embassies will be online and you'll have to carry the printed visa around with you for 10 years. Also if you apply in Thailand you'll pay exactly 50,000 baht. If you apply through an embassy you will pay more, sometimes hundreds of dollars more.
3) The BOI processes the application and makes all the decisions. Any questions you can just reach out to them and they usually reply quickly. If your application looks stuck at any point, call them on the phone after a few days. That usually gets things moving again.
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