What should I know about obtaining a DTV visa in Thailand and living in Chiang Mai?

Question

After years of dreaming, weighing the pros and cons, and thinking very hard about it, we made the decision 2 months ago: we are going on a world trip (in Asia) and want to settle in Thailand with a DTV visa as our home base, probably in Chiang Mai.

In the meantime, the house has been sold, we have quit our jobs, we are in contact with a lady who runs a cooking school in Chiang Mai regarding our DTV visa, and we hope to arrive in Thailand in November (with a trip to Sri Lanka and Japan, where our youngest daughter lives, in september and october)!

We have already been there 10 times, admittedly on vacation, and it always feels like coming home!

Are there more people here with such a DTV visa? Is it issued easily? (Showing savings is not a problem). Are there things we need to keep in mind? We know about the 180 days; we want to visit a different country each time (Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia for sure, and then slow travel). Tips and ideas are very welcome!

After those 5 years, we will review whether we want to stay and apply for a retirement visa (that could be possible as early as May 2027, depending on age).

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user is planning to move to Thailand with a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) and seeks advice on the visa process, living in Chiang Mai, and air quality concerns. Several comments share experiences with the DTV visa, highlight potential challenges such as air pollution, and offer tips for successful relocation and travel plans.

Tulip ******** · Answer

Your research is rubbish if you chose Chiang Mai. It's the lung cancer capital of the world. Lethal for up to 4 months a year and regularly the most polluted city in the world worse even than middle of city Calcutta

Barath ******* · Answer

We are on similar path, 90 days in Thailand, then travel a month or two to visit family and friends in other parts of Asia, back for another 90 days and travel again. After 12 months, we should be eligible to apply for LTR visa.

I understand there's no limit to apply 90 days retirement. We are retired, both above 60.

I understand there's no limit to apply 90 days retirement. We are retired, both above 60.

FarangJ******** · Answer

Make sure you bring good quality breathing apparatus with you for the dirty air season.

Sean ****** · Answer

Japan - now, that would be a place to live with winter hols in Thailand!

Julian ******* · Answer

be prepared for poor air quality in CM , if you have any respiratory issues then i would suggest an alternative location, CM suffers terribly but a beautiful area and cooler in temperature unlike the south where i live.

Steve ***** · Answer

Hi, you can ask any questions you like. I live now 15 years in chiangmai. I also send you a pm. I just bought a house....

Brandon ************ · Answer

I'm sure there are a lot of people in this group that have a DTV, but there's also another group on Facebook that's completely dedicated to the DTV.  You can probably get some good information there as well. [url redacted]

Frank-Steven *********** · Answer

There is tons of people like you. Which is a good thing and a bad thing. Good thing: in places like Chiang Mai - everything is easily available for foreigner like yourself. Bad thing: Overtoursim starting already - with all its negative implications. Think of the negatives like „gentrification“ effects back home - but worse.

What I like about your plan is the idea of visiting another place in the region each 180 days circle. For one that is worthwhile (maybe even for finding a less touristic place), and two is shows me that you are financially viable (unlike too many others).

What should I know about obtaining a DTV visa in Thailand and living in Chiang Mai?

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