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What are the downsides of a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand?

DTV Visa Visa Regulations Thailand Immigration Remote Work Visa Marriage Visa Permanent Residency

David ********

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asked Jul 5, 2026

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I’m moving to Thailand in the next few months, my Thai wife has already returned. As I’ll be managing my business from there it seems less problematic getting a dtv visa, than a marriage visa and work permit. Other  than the bank account and having to leave every 180 days are there any other major downsides of a dtv?

Answer summary

Moving to Thailand with a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) has notable downsides, including that it does not count towards residency and you must leave the country every 180 days. While the DTV is a good choice for managing a business remotely from Thailand, there are concerns regarding visa rejections and the inability to work legally for a foreign company under certain visa categories. Many suggest considering a spousal visa instead for more stability and potential pathways to residency.

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ChiangMaiR***********

ChiangMaiR***********

Tons of DTVs are being rejected now, even if they meet the requirements. My suggestion is to apply as soon as you can before they decide to remove the DTV visa.

If you have a wife then go with the spousal visa. Much safer, much better

1

John **********

John **********

If you will be managing your business back in your home country remotely from Thailand then the DTV is your only option

1

Tom ******

Tom ******

Don't get anything.

Just do it who's going to know.

2

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

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

DTV will never be counted towards residency. If you’re planning to go a long term route, DTV will not get you there

1

David ********

David ********

OP

Anonymous participant 633 I didn’t even know permanent residence was a realistic option

0

Unforgettabl*************

Unforgettabl*************

Most people with a Thai spouse skip permanent residency and go for citizenship. That being said, both options require you to have a Non-Immigrant visa, work permit and a minimum monthly salary. If it’s something you may want to consider I’d recommend checking out

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(I have no association, simply a good resource).

Obviously though, that would require you to be employed and draw a salary locally rather than just relying on funds from your business at home.

1

David ********

David ********

OP

UnforgettableRambutan8343 thanks I checked it and id qualify assuming she doesn’t leave me and I can learn Thai 😂. Citizenship there is very hard to achieve as far as I understand so this might be the first step.

0

DTV_Be*******

DTV_Be*******

Where is your business? Why would you need a work permit for your business if you got a marriage visa?

1

Greg ********

Greg ********

DTV_BegPecker You cannot work legally on a Non-O remotely. You can get a WP on a Non-O spouse if you pass the requirements for a Thai company. He would need the DTV to manage is UK business remotely.

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David ********

David ********

OP

DTV_BegPecker as far as I understand if you’re working even for a foreign company you need a work permit on a marriage visa.

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DTV_Be*******

DTV_Be*******

I am not too sure about that. If the company is not in Thailand, you can’t get a work permit for it,

1

Toni *******

Toni *******

DTV_BegPecker if you work remotely you need a visa that allows it, not a work permit

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Toni *******

Toni *******

google AI is very useful, google for "thailand dtv ltr pros cons", follow the links for sources if needed

1

Toni *******

Toni *******

yes even remote work needs a permit. Choose between DTV and LTR

2

David ********

David ********

OP

I don’t really want to. I’m happy managing my uk business

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Toni *******

Toni *******

you can be a passive shareholder in the company but thats all you can do, no board meetings nothing

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Toni *******

Toni *******

neither can you remote work for that business without a work permit, because its in thailand

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Toni *******

Toni *******

you dont need a work permit for a business for your wife, but you cant work or lead the business, you can set up a company without a work permit

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David ********

David ********

OP

DTV_BegPecker im creating a business in Thailand for my wife so it would be for that business

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DTV_Be*******

DTV_Be*******

- How does one get a work permit working for a company that doesn’t have a presence in Thailand?

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