Answered8 months ago
What are the best visa options for working offshore and residing in Thailand?
Hello all, I was looking for some help and or advice on the best path for me. I work for a large worldwide company and predominantly vessel based worldwide. I want to reside in Thailand for the majority of the time I’m off with the occasional few weeks in the uk throughout the year. From what I can gather the DTV would be the best option however I’m not exactly a digital nomad or remote worker as such. From what I understand I could fall under a workcationer as they do not seem to care where you make your money so long as it’s not in Thailand or through a Thai employer etc.
The privilege cards are pricy today the least and a LTR seems difficult to get. I could possibly get a letter from my company stating I am not required to be in the UK for my work and I can easily provide evidence for funds etc.
I tried in one of the other expat groups but it’s just so full of people more interested in sarcastic comments. I am headed to Bangkok at the end of the month to escape this crappy winter that’s still going on back there.
The privilege cards are pricy today the least and a LTR seems difficult to get. I could possibly get a letter from my company stating I am not required to be in the UK for my work and I can easily provide evidence for funds etc.
I tried in one of the other expat groups but it’s just so full of people more interested in sarcastic comments. I am headed to Bangkok at the end of the month to escape this crappy winter that’s still going on back there.
Answer summary
The user is seeking advice on the best visa option for residing in Thailand while working offshore. They mention the DTV visa and express concerns about not fitting the digital nomad profile. Comments suggest various options, such as the DTV, long-term resident visa, and a potential condo ownership visa, while discussing the implications of employment status and requirements for documentation from employers. Discussions also highlight difficulties in securing these visas, particularly for those not working remotely.
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Poul **********
i was in a similar situation and went for the Thai Privilege. For sure expensive but gives total freedom of stay and travel. Suits me very well since i am about to retire very shortly but can come and go as i please during last period as expat
Frank-Steven ***********
You won’t neither get a DTV (workation) nor a LTR given that you are not a remote worker. There have been many similar situation, airline pilots and such, that got denied. Technically, you could try to obtain a DTV in the soft power category, I.e. signing up for some Muay Thai course, Thai language course, cooking class or similar. Would only be for a few weeks / months, but would still give you a full 5 years DTV. Having said that, I would not mention your job in that case in your DTV application.
Chris ************
OPFrank-Steven Eichholtz thanks for your advice. I am finding out this to be the case. It’s a little frustrating because essentially it’s about the country bringing in money and from what I can see statistically I’m in probably the top 25% of earners of the remote or digital nomad group. Only difference is I’d be hopping out to make the money then spend it in Thailand. ☹️
Frank-Steven ***********
Chris Fitzgibbon I hear you. First thing you have to leave at the door when entering Thailand is the quest for too much common sense. As for visa, just play along and provide them with what they want - and only that. Then you’ll be fine
John **********
As you are under 50 your visa options are limited. You won't work remotely from Thailand so a DTV based on that is out, as is the LTR Work From Thailand Professional option. You could possibly get a DTV based on soft power for Muay Thai but the amount of time you plan to spend outside Thailand might affect that. Your only sure option is the Thai Privilege visa
Chris ************
OP@John *********
doesn’t a DTV 1 allow going to and from Thailand as you please for work reasons providing your not earning your money in Thailand or from a Thai company ?
Mike *******
Chris Fitzgibbon I have DTV, as long as you have an employment contract with an overseas company, have proof of address in that country, and can show your salary going in your home bank account with a balance of more than 500k thai baht you should be able to get DTV, of course there are a few other requirements but those are the main ones. I love the DTV, freedom to come and go as I want for the next 5 years as long as I don't stay longer than 180 days at a time 👍
John **********
@Chris ***********
No. It's specifically for working remotely from inside Thailand.Dan *******
Look at the METV. 6 months for a couple hundred dollars. It’s a viable alternative to the expensive ones.
Frank *********
A genuine question that i think about myself as an offshore worker, but unlike frequently asked questions there never seems to be much reply, apart from the nasty comments, as you mention. I am thinking non O for a Thai child but that one also has it's downside with my work
Nigel ********
I guess it depends on what amount of time you would like to stay in Thailand each year, each visit and in total.
Also your age.
Your employers letter has to state that they allow you to work from Thailand.
Funds, well that depends on which route you go.
Perhaps the newly announced visa for owning a condo may be of interest. I think the condo has to cost at least 3million THB.
Also your age.
Your employers letter has to state that they allow you to work from Thailand.
Funds, well that depends on which route you go.
Perhaps the newly announced visa for owning a condo may be of interest. I think the condo has to cost at least 3million THB.
Dan *******
The “visa” for condos isn’t real. Just a marketing ploy for suckers.
Chris ************
OPDan Brown is it not ? I’d never heard of it but I did look it up and it’s mentioned on Siam real estate (I know 😉) but also on lawyers websites with very recent updates, Sukhothai Inter Law is also one of them.
I’d have expected it to be more official right enough.
I’d have expected it to be more official right enough.
Nigel ********
Jo Clemente LTR no, and regarding the employment letter, that the OP was suggesting, to obtain a workaround/digital nomad DTV yes you do.
The other 2 types of DTV, Soft power activity or dependents, then no letter required.
Unless of course an agent that is able to bend the rules is used.
Not saying that there are any unscrupulous agents.
The other 2 types of DTV, Soft power activity or dependents, then no letter required.
Unless of course an agent that is able to bend the rules is used.
Not saying that there are any unscrupulous agents.
Jo **********
Nigel Bunney are you sure that you need a letter from an employer I got my 10 year LTR it was not required. And my friend very recently got a DTV and it was not required.
Chris ************
OPNigel Bunney I’m just reading into the 3mTHB condo route now and yeah it’s only been implemented this month. They really do like stirring the visa pot don’t they. I do recall the 157 day thing as well actually now you mention it.
I will have a look at the link and see what is best.
Appreciate your help.
I will have a look at the link and see what is best.
Appreciate your help.
John **********
@Chris ***********
good luck with that, there is no such visaNigel ********
Chris not a problem.
As I said I’m no expert and lucky enough to be an old sod, so going down the retirement route 😁
As I said I’m no expert and lucky enough to be an old sod, so going down the retirement route 😁
Chris ************
OPNigel Bunney haha no it’s fine. Everything you said is what Iv already understood to be right. You’ve made me aware of the condo route though 👍
Chris ************
OPNigel Bunney it be staying less than the 180 day limit each time and probably keep it just under 180 in total between work and odd hop back to uk.
Never knew about the 3mil THB route ? Can you actually own it and what are the other requirements. I maybe dismissed this if it was for retirement age. I’m 42 now.
Thanks.
Never knew about the 3mil THB route ? Can you actually own it and what are the other requirements. I maybe dismissed this if it was for retirement age. I’m 42 now.
Thanks.
John **********
@Chris ***********
The 3 million baht route doesn't exist. There is an investment visa but it's 10 million baht minimumDan *******
It’s a shyster commercial ad. It’s not real. Don’t fall for the scam.
Nigel ********
Chris yes you can own a condo, you just can’t own land.
Not sure on what other criteria are attached, as it is very new and I haven’t looked into it.
There is no 180 day limit. If you interpret the recent announcements it is 157.
60+30 and then 60+7
However there are talks of the visa exemption being reduced.
Maybe using multi entry tourist visas are the only possible option.
But I’m know visa expert.
Not sure on what other criteria are attached, as it is very new and I haven’t looked into it.
There is no 180 day limit. If you interpret the recent announcements it is 157.
60+30 and then 60+7
However there are talks of the visa exemption being reduced.
Maybe using multi entry tourist visas are the only possible option.
But I’m know visa expert.
@Lawyers **********************
could be a good company to talk to.Activity
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