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What are the requirements and process for obtaining a DTV visa in Thailand?

Oct 15, 2025

2 months ago

Heya everyone, I’m new to this awesome group and hoping to find some help in understanding visa options for Thailand. I’ve just read about the DTV bit still quite unclear as to how to get one. I’d appreciate any help with the below questions.

Is there a good how to guide anywhere? 

I’d need to apply on a soft power basis, would enrollment in a Thai language school be sufficient.

Has anyone had any success with applying on the basis of going to Thailand to learn Thai?

If the soft power course ends after 6-12 months, does the visa remain active for 5 years?

How do I kick start the process and how long does it take?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A newcomer is seeking guidance on the visa options available for Thailand, particularly the DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) and its relation to learning the Thai language. Key points raised include the need for a proper how-to guide, the validity and basis of the visa in connection with educational pursuits, and advice on application processes at local Thai embassies. Community members clarified that Thai language courses typically do not qualify for the DTV visa and suggested alternative options such as Muay Thai. They also emphasized the importance of checking the specific requirements from the appropriate Thai embassy.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

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Axel *******

Yes there is a step by step guide. DM me and I point you in the right direction

2 months ago

Steve *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you everyone … this is all so super helpful. Sounds like I need to get in touch with the Thai embassy in the UAE and perhaps consider taking up Muay Thai as an alternative to learning Thai (I’ve always been intrigued)

2 months ago

Kate *********

@Steve ******

if you need more information, Siam Legal was useful for me. They do charge $99, but this goes towards the final payment. They do it all for you.

2 months ago

Steve *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Kate ********

oooooh, this sounds interesting. Headache relief at $99 ☺️

2 months ago

Reply to

Steve *******

Wannikea *********

Read the last 50 posts in the group to bring yourself up to speed. Thai language course on it's own doesn't qualify. Ensure whatever soft power scheme provider you use has a history of successful approvals and at which embassy.

2 months ago

Jazzie *****

The DTV visa isn’t for the Thai language learning. That would be the education visa.

The processing time depends on the embassy you use. I applied on LA and it took less than a week. But I also did a Workcation versus soft power.

2 months ago

Stuart *********

1. A good start is here

2. Language doesn’t qualify for soft power (usually). Thai cooking, Muay Thai, or medical or dental appointments do.

3. See point 2, but you can still learn Thai on a DTV once you have it.

4. Yes the visa is valid for 5 years.

5. Start by checking out the Thai embassy/consulate that you’d use to apply. Their website will list their specific requirements. All differ in processing times. Some are a matter of days, some weeks.

2 months ago

Andi ***********

You should check your local Thai Embassy website for the application process. There are SP courses with Thai language as part of the course. Full time Thai language comes under Education visa so it is not really issued via DTV. If you extend your DTV at immigration you need to show course renewal docs if the course has ended. No current requirement to do so with a border hop. How long it takes depends on where you apply.

2 months ago

Luit *****************

@Andi **********

I think it should be mentioned that although with a border hop there normally are no checks the inoitial requirements still are valid.

I know some here say that is not true, but up to now nobody from this group could show any official document that proves that once the visa is applied the requirements become void.

I asked this at the embassy where I applied for the DTV and they told me the complete list with requirements is still valid on every re-entry and it is up to Immigration if they want to check.

2 months ago

Andi ***********

@Luit ****************

yeah the initial requirements are valid throughout the visa validity and why i chose Workcation. I was told by the Thai staff who interviewed me to do border hops "you won't need to show anything, it is simple. If you go to immigration it will be too much work". I keep my DTV docs on my phone, just

In case.

2 months ago

Reply to

Andi ***********

Can I apply for a DTV visa through a Thai language school?

3 comments

3 months ago

What is the best way to find organizations for a Thailand Soft Power Visa (DTV)?

12 comments

3 months ago

What are the requirements for applying for a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand, specifically regarding approved courses?

5 comments

3 months ago