Answered6 months ago
What are the options for opening a bank account in Thailand with a DTV or NON O Retirement visa?
Hi guy’s,
UPDATE: Thanks for your input. Decided to go on with my DTV. I still want to respect the laws of Thailand and the other mentioned options is a bit stipe for me, just in order to get a bank account. Some local kid will be happy, when I leave Thailand next time and give away the jar of coins and find a friendly local to help me settle the water bill or next lease ask for it to be included. Will wait for the WiseThailand for easy QR payments and use my Revolut for ATM and transfer of rent. And thanks a lot to you all for sharing and being civil. The world is in turmoil and a little kindness makes things a bit easier.
Needs some useful advice from you. If you do not have anything related to my question please just leave the keyboard and have a cup of coffee.
I have a DTV visa issued by the The Thai Embassy in Stockholm, Sweden in 2025. I m had my first 180 days in Thailand and returned back to Stockholm.
I want to open a bank account and reading several post how this is increasingly hard as DTV visa is classified as a tourist visa.
I am thinking about requesting a cancellation/voiding the DTV visa and instead apply for a NON O Retirement visa for next entry to Thailand in order to be able to open a bank account. I will be 60 this year. And I have the 800K. And yes I managed to work around this on my first stay but a bit of a hassle.
If I understand correctly, I am not allowed to do remote work for any company at all? I am a sub contractor and have my own limited company and need sometimes to have online meetings and/ir also write reports/recommendations. This work is solely for companies or groups operating in Sweden.
With DTV, I can do remote work but not open a bank account?
With NON O Retirement visa I can/must open bank account but not do even remote work?
And please be nice and mindful of language. The world is full of nastiness already, we don’t need more of that stuff.
UPDATE: Thanks for your input. Decided to go on with my DTV. I still want to respect the laws of Thailand and the other mentioned options is a bit stipe for me, just in order to get a bank account. Some local kid will be happy, when I leave Thailand next time and give away the jar of coins and find a friendly local to help me settle the water bill or next lease ask for it to be included. Will wait for the WiseThailand for easy QR payments and use my Revolut for ATM and transfer of rent. And thanks a lot to you all for sharing and being civil. The world is in turmoil and a little kindness makes things a bit easier.
Needs some useful advice from you. If you do not have anything related to my question please just leave the keyboard and have a cup of coffee.
I have a DTV visa issued by the The Thai Embassy in Stockholm, Sweden in 2025. I m had my first 180 days in Thailand and returned back to Stockholm.
I want to open a bank account and reading several post how this is increasingly hard as DTV visa is classified as a tourist visa.
I am thinking about requesting a cancellation/voiding the DTV visa and instead apply for a NON O Retirement visa for next entry to Thailand in order to be able to open a bank account. I will be 60 this year. And I have the 800K. And yes I managed to work around this on my first stay but a bit of a hassle.
If I understand correctly, I am not allowed to do remote work for any company at all? I am a sub contractor and have my own limited company and need sometimes to have online meetings and/ir also write reports/recommendations. This work is solely for companies or groups operating in Sweden.
With DTV, I can do remote work but not open a bank account?
With NON O Retirement visa I can/must open bank account but not do even remote work?
And please be nice and mindful of language. The world is full of nastiness already, we don’t need more of that stuff.
Answer summary
The user, holding a DTV (Digital Nomad Tourist Visa), seeks advice on opening a bank account in Thailand as the visa is considered a tourist visa and accounts are reportedly difficult to obtain. They are contemplating cancelling the DTV to apply for a NON O Retirement visa, which allows bank account access but restricts remote work. The community discusses various visa options, suggesting that while DTV holders might face banking challenges, some have successfully opened accounts. Remote work regulations are debated, with suggestions to keep such work discreet. The emergence of services like Wise Thailand for QR payments may provide alternatives for managing finances.
28 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Mike *******
There has been a lot of discussion on this topic with the overwhelming opinion being that you cannot open a bank account on a DTV, this was not my experience, as with other DTV holders I had no problem opening a bank account, I think it is only visa exempt that you cannot. If the Wise thing goes ahead then this all becomes irrelevant.
GreyEle*******
What are the real advantages to Thai bank account.
QR code, not a must have as you can always pay cash.
Apple payment method. This one is a show stopper for me if I want to keep my phone on Thai App Store and pay less for subscriptions. I used my mobile number but that reached a limit very quickly. Can also use TrueMoney but somehow having issues adding it. Only other option is Thai bank account.
QR code, not a must have as you can always pay cash.
Apple payment method. This one is a show stopper for me if I want to keep my phone on Thai App Store and pay less for subscriptions. I used my mobile number but that reached a limit very quickly. Can also use TrueMoney but somehow having issues adding it. Only other option is Thai bank account.
John ********
Why would anyone make the suggestion to "work and no one is going to find out" on social media. My recommendation would be, "don't."
Alexander *************
Correct you actually can’t do any remote work on a Non O Visa. However, who will know that? And how to check it.
Fabian *****************
OPAlexander DThornerian true, but I will know. I want immigrants coming to Sweden to follow the rules and regulations and Swedish customs. Therefore, I do the same in Thailand or any other country I visit, to the best of my knowledge.
Paiboon **********
Non O
Open Thai bank account - yes
Work ,your company then you need to! -yes it’s just like every tourist who gets work done remotely while traveling from time to time, you do and we all do!.
Can’t work usually means you can’t daily work under or with Thai company or doing a lot of business transactions within Thailand or between Thailand and your country.
Open Thai bank account - yes
Work ,your company then you need to! -yes it’s just like every tourist who gets work done remotely while traveling from time to time, you do and we all do!.
Can’t work usually means you can’t daily work under or with Thai company or doing a lot of business transactions within Thailand or between Thailand and your country.
Brandon ************
Look at the recent announcement from Wise. If everything is as they say, you should be able to open a Thailand based Wise account and use it almost exactly like a Thai bank account with QR code payments.
Colin **********
@Brandon ***********
the only downside, is you can't draw out money from a Thai ATM.Brandon ************
@Colin *********
Yeah. Still don't understand that. But not the end of the world
Dca *****
the LTR—T Remote Work from Thailand Visa can open a Thai Bank Account, but LTR—T cannot get a Thai Work Permit, or, the LTR–P Wealthy Pensioner Visa can get a Thai Work Permit, unlike the Non–O over 50 Years old "Retirement" E–Visa or "Retirement" over 50 Years old Extension of Stay where with either the Non–O Retirement or Retirement Extension you cannot get a Thai Work Permit
Also, with LTR–T or LTR–P, if both the type and source of income is at least minimum threshold level, in addition to other important requirements, then no need to have minimum bank balances in a personal bank account
Also, with LTR–T or LTR–P, if both the type and source of income is at least minimum threshold level, in addition to other important requirements, then no need to have minimum bank balances in a personal bank account
Paul **********
Get the retirement and keep quiet about the work
Tawan *********
Paul Franklin I like this advise 🤣🤣🤣
John **********
If you want to continue to legally work remotely from Thailand then a DTV based on Workation is the only visa that will allow you to do so.
John **********
I didn't mention ltr as he obviously wouldn't qualify for the Work From Thailand Professional option. Privilege visa does not allow one to legally work either remotely or otherwise
WhitePho********
@John *********
untrue, privilege visa will as well. Confirmed in writing by member services. LTR can as well. 🤷♂️Fabian *****************
OP@John *********
thx, you confirm what I have googled. If I am to follow the letter of the law, it is DTV for me anyway. Well it is Thailand for you, land of the free, smile and all the inconsistency’s 😇 have to roll with the punches or as other suggested, go under the radar. If I had the opportunity to wish something, I would like the government to change this rule at least for citizens from countries with firm banking regulations 😇. Maybe Sweden would not qualify as we had a massive money laundering going on in the Baltic’s branch of a Swedish bank with a Danish CEO who was prosecuted, but acquitted in Supreme Court.
Kool *******
@Fabian ****************
you also have the more expensive option of opening up a branch office here through the BOI, board of investment, working, and living here on a type B visa, with a work permit, and owning 100% of your company,and not having to hire any Thai employees, except a licensed Thai accountant, but they can be part time. If you do this, and pay Thai income tax on a wage of bt100,000 a month, plus other requirements, that mean nothing if you don't work,and pay Thai income tax, you can apply for permanent residency, and when that's approved, you no longer have to deal with immigration. Or, just get the type O extension based on retirement, and keep your mouth shut about working remotely.Fabian *****************
OPDid find it but tie up 3M baht and not do any business locally as my clients require a Swedish entity. For my billing, just for a bank account is a bit much 🙏🏼
Stephen ********
Plenty of people on non-O visas are working remotely. Just keep your head low and don't talk about it to ANYONE. The DTV is a crap visa, it's designed specifically for those who can't quality for any other visa
Andi ***********
Stephen Howell That's not true, many DTVERS qualify for other visas but chose the DTV as it suits them better.
Stephen ********
Andi Traveller I doubt that. Why get a restrictive visa instead of a higher quality visa?
Paul **********
Stephen Howell it's not a crap visa at all, you're just one of the many bitter old expats
Stephen ********
Paul Franklin Well let's say it's a "low value" visa. The fact that you must leave the country periodically and cannot legitimately have a bank account doesn't exactly make it a great visa. The LTR is the supreme visa, and for retirees the non-O takes some beating. I'm not bitter at all, just telling it as it is 👍
Steve******
Paul Franklin LTR work from Thailand professionals doesn't require high payments afaik.
Stephen ********
Paul Franklin "Other than forking out a large payment" - that sums up the DTV, it's low quality
Paul **********
Stephen Howell what long term visas are there for those under 50 and without thai partners, other than forking out a large paymant?
Stephen ********
Paul Franklin It's only suitable for those who don't qualify for other visas, which don't have the same restrictions as the DTV. I worked remotely on non-O for many years with no issues and know plenty of others who still do. Thailand has many "grey areas" but there's easy workarounds
Paul **********
Stephen Howell it's not low value. Remote work has been a grey area for years, the dtv overcomes this issue perfectly.
Activity
17 joined17
people
Related
25What are the recent changes to the DTV visa application process in Thailand?
2.4k17352mo
Do I need to show proof of an onward flight when traveling to Thailand on a DTV?
2.5k21262mo
What experiences do people have with canceling a DTV visa at the Los Angeles Embassy?
2.6k19353mo
What is the process for canceling a DTV visa in Thailand when switching to a Non-ED visa?
6363103mo
How can I buy a condo in Thailand without a Thai bank account while on a DTV visa?
784744mo
What are the differences between applying for a DTV visa in Laos versus Delhi after a cancellation?
1.6k13155mo
What does 'Employment Prohibited' mean on my Thai DTV visa, and how can I switch from a tourist visa to a DTV?
1.8k15148mo
What is the process for getting the DTV visa in Thailand and what should expats consider?
3.4k24478mo
Does a lack of prior visits to Thailand affect my chances of getting a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV)?
1.8k14169mo
Can expats with a DTV visa open a bank account in Thailand?
2.9k174010mo
Do I need a DTV visa or METV for multiple trips to Thailand each year?
2.8k21291y
What challenges do expats face when re-entering Thailand on a long-term visa?
11.8k951431y
Can I sign up for TrueMoney with a DTV visa to get YouTube Premium in Thailand?
3.1k24251y
What should I do about the 90-day reporting requirement for my DTV visa if I'm out of Thailand?
1.2k1041y
Do I need to cancel my extension of the original Non-O visa after entering Thailand on a new DTV?
2.9k21331y
How many months of bank statements are required for a DTV visa for Muay Thai in Thailand?
33211y
Why are Bangkok Bank accounts being frozen for DTV visa holders, and what are the alternatives?
14.2k1291181y
Where can I open a bank account in Thailand with a DTV visa, and what are the rules regarding my stay duration?
2.6k9461y
What are the requirements for a successful DTV extension application in Thailand?
15.3k852092y
What are the requirements for the 500k baht proof for a Thai visa, and is a sponsorship letter applicable for this?
2.8k14142y
What are the 90-day reporting requirements for a DTV visa holder in Thailand?
2.6k2372y
How do I extend my DTV stay and complete 90-day reporting in Thailand?
2.4k18142y
What is the best route for an American in Chiang Mai on a 60-day visa looking to stay long-term?
2.8k25182y
Can I hold two Thai visas simultaneously while waiting for approval of a new one?
4.5k36302y
What are the requirements for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand after a gap in status?
6.2k46732y
Resources
Need help with your DTV visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served