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What are the steps and requirements for applying for a Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) as an Iranian citizen?

Nov 3, 2025
2 months ago
Sahel **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi, I’m Iranian. I came to Bangkok one month ago on a tourist visa to look for a way to get a longer-term visa.

Someone suggested the DTV (Destination Thailand Visa) to me.

I know I have to leave Thailand to apply, but as an Iranian, which country should I go to — Laos, Vietnam, China, or somewhere else?

How long does the whole process take?

While the application is being processed, can I return to Iran, or do I have to stay in the country where I submit the application?

Also, is a personal interview required, or can everything be done online?

How much does the visa process cost in total?

And finally — is Bangkok a good place to live for now, considering that I don’t have a job yet and I just want to apply for a visa so I can later find work there?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user, an Iranian tourist currently in Bangkok, is seeking information about applying for a Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). Key points include that applicants must leave Thailand to apply, and suitable countries for application include Laos and Vietnam, with Vietnam often being mentioned as the easiest. The DTV visa is intended for online work only and does not allow a traditional work permit. Processing can take from 10 business days to several weeks, and applicants may need to stay in their country of application until approval. Costs include a 10,000 THB application fee and course fees ranging from 20,000 to 60,000 THB for approved activities like Thai cooking or language courses. Given the user's current job situation, it is suggested they might consider a language education visa as a better option for finding work.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
James ********
You CANNOT work in Thailand with the DTV visa... it's not the correct Thai Visa for you.
Justin *******
Vietnam is considered the easiest place to get approved
Hamad ********
Since you don't currently have a job your only option for dtv is through soft power activity.

This is not a good visa for job seekers as you will have to cancel the visa if you manage to find a job. This is more suited for people who already know they want to stay in thailand for months at a time while still having the freedom to bounce around. You might want to consider 1 yr language course ed visa instead, that way you will have enough time to find a job and also figure out if you want to stay here long term.

If dtv is your choice then find a good approved school for soft power activity and book a course with them then apply for dtv.

Applying from laos or vietnam is good if you need the visa really fast, around 10 days. If you're not in a rush you can just go back to iran apply from there, this would make somethings easier in terms of paperwork, but might take longer like between 3-6 weeks.

Dtv application fees - 10k thb

Course fees - 20k upto 60k+ depending on the course

Base requirement - 500k thb equivalent in a savings account as cash to show financial stability...

Bangkok has gotten pretty expensive lately, but still cheaper than maybe western countries.
Ali **********
Malaysia - but the Thai embassy there is so thorough. Plus , in none of these embassies you can apply without having their residency!.
John **********
If you want to get a job inside Thailand the DTV is no good to you as you can't get a work permit on it. No work permit, no job. You would be better looking for a job before you come and arriving with a Non-B visa but you need an employer to support your application
Jef ********
And finally - is Bangkok a good place to live for now, considering that I don't have a job yet and I just want to apply for a visa so I can later find work there?—— you can’t “find” work here on a DTV you will need remote work / online work from foreign country (not Thai)
Andi ***********
In terms of work The DTV is for online work only and for non -Thai firms. The other DTV option is via activity such as Muay Thai, Thai cooking or Medical treatment. You apply outside of Thailand and need to stay in the country of application until approved. Some countries like Laos, an interview is compulsory, others case by case. Cost is 10k THB but can vary depending on the embassy exchange rate. Can take 10 business days to one month depending where you apply. Cambodia 4-6 weeks.