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What is the process for changing from a retirement visa to a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand?

Retirement Visa Digital Nomad Visa Visa Change Process Thai Visa Rules Immigration Services

Sep 17, 2025

a day ago

Ronnie *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Has anyone here in Bangkok changed from a retirement visa to a DTV visa? Im a 65 year old retired American. I’ve used the same agent every year to renew my retirement visa and he doesn’t provide DTV services. He downplays the DTV and calls it an inferior visa and would not help me nor refer me to someone else. 

If you have changed visas how has it worked out for you and who did you use for the service and what classes did you end up taking? I have no problem leaving the country once a year.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

An American retiree in Bangkok seeks guidance on switching from a retirement visa to a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV), noting their current agent's reluctance to assist in this transition. Several comments suggest that agents may discourage DTV applications due to financial loss and provide insights on the process, indicating it's necessary to apply outside of Thailand, e.g., via a Thai Embassy, where applicants need proof of being outside the country. One user shares their successful experience applying directly online without an agent, highlighting a straightforward process and a speedy response.

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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David ***********

I changed from Retirement VISA to DTV (remote worker) and had no problems. I didn’t use an agent as you have to apply online and the process looked simple enough. I applied to Vietnam Embassy (Hanoi). You have to submit evidence that you are outside Thailand at time of application (copy of Thailand exit stamp in my passport was sufficient for me). Process took 5 days from submitting application online and receiving DTV as a PDF in email.

14 hours ago

Ronnie *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

13 hours ago

Ronnie *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@David **********

so to go to Vietnam you needed a Vietnamese tourist visa there, a hotel reservation, a flight entering and leaving Vietnam. How long before your retirement visa expired? My agent said if my retirement visa expires the fees to renew it increases. Did you have to provide a lease in Thailand? Proof of self employment?

13 hours ago

David ***********

@Ronnie ******

, see my other replies above re expiry of my Thailand retirement VISA. I didn’t need a VISA to enter Vietnam. I did include hotel accom booking in Hanoi as well as entry/exit stamps from my passport for proof I was applying from outside Thailand. Not sure what your agent means when he says fees increase if your retirement VISA expires. All I can say is I didn’t pay any extra fees and my retirement VISA had expired when I applied for DTV. However I didn’t use an agent so maybe he’s referring to the agent fees increase.

13 hours ago

Brandon ************

@Ronnie ******

the fees don't increase, unless you mean agent fees.

13 hours ago

Ronnie *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

he told me there is more paperwork if the current visa lapses. Not sure if is only his fees or also late fees too

13 hours ago

Brandon ************

@Ronnie ******

Immigration does not have late fees. The only fees immigration charges is 2000 baht for a visa, and 1900 baht for an extension. The only "late" fee at immigration is 500 baht per day if you overstay your visa.

13 hours ago

Reply to

Brandon ************

Ronnie *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@David **********

So you went to the Thai embassy in Hanoi and as far as evidence of being outside, a hotel reservation?

13 hours ago

David ***********

I didn’t actually need to go to the embassy in Hanoi. You have to apply online and as part of your application you need to state which embassy you are applying at - I stated Hanoi. If they want to interview you then you need to be prepared to visit that embassy. So I just took a short vacation in Hanoi, included copies of my Thailand exit and Vietnam entry stamps from my passport as proof I was applying from outside Thailand (but hotel reservation might work as well - I would advise you to check with the embassy what proof they will accept). In my case an interview was not required so I didn’t need to attend the embassy in Hanoi. As soon as I received the email with my DTV as PDF I printed it out and re-entered Thailand on my DTV.

13 hours ago

David ***********

The other thing to keep in mind is when does your existing retirement VISA expire. You obviously can’t have 2 VISAs for the same country active at the same time. In my case I timed my short vacation to Vietnam so I could exit Thailand on my existing retirement VISA (British citizen I didn’t need a VISA to enter Vietnam for a short vacation), my retirement VISA expired the next day and then I submitted my online application.

Hope that helps, good luck. 🤞

13 hours ago

Reply to

David ***********

Graham ******

You can't get the DTV inside Thailand so there is no conversion and not much to be made for the agent who would only upload documents for the online application in your name

15 hours ago

Ronnie *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Graham *****

I was told there are companies that provide services in for example Cambodia or Vietnam for people already living in Thailand

15 hours ago

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

@Ronnie ******

There are but you need to go to Cambodia or Vietnam during the process. Vietnam is quicker than Cambodia which can take a month or so.

14 hours ago

Reply to

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

That agent is thinking only of his loss of income not what is best for you. You should check the main DTV page on FB. You can find accounts of visa changers to the DTV Inc those formerly on retirement visas.

21 hours ago

Ronnie *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

went to DTV fb page and posted a comment. Want a reputable company I can trust that will handle this process for me. Someone who can provide documented positive reviews of satisfied customers.

15 hours ago

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

@Ronnie ******

This site owners Thai Visa Centre are a reputable agent who can sort you out.

15 hours ago

Ronnie *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

Thanks I have heard of them. They also do the retirement visa as well. Have you used them or know someone who has?

14 hours ago

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

@Ronnie ******

I have corresponded a lot with them and was about to use them before the DTV launched. I decided to apply for it myself and succeeded. I would use them as they are professional and helpful as reviews show.

14 hours ago

Reply to

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

Roberto *********

Agents don't like the DTV because it's costing them money. They've duped mugs out of 20,000 baht year after year and that's going to be lost to them

a day ago

Ronnie *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Roberto ********

I know. So have you changed and who did you use to get it?

15 hours ago

Roberto *********