Answered7 months ago
Which visa is better for expats in Thailand: the DTV or the retirement visa?
Greetings. Which is best to ascertain… DTV or retirement visa and why? I qualify for both.
Many thanks.
Many thanks.
Answer summary
The discussion revolves around choosing between the Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) and the Retirement Visa in Thailand. Responses highlight pros and cons for each visa type, such as the Retirement Visa providing the potential for indefinite stay and bank account access, while the DTV allows for remote work but requires exiting Thailand every 180 days and is only valid for five years. Personal circumstances and lifestyle preferences play a crucial role in making the best choice.
34 repliesnewest first
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Knut ***********
I qualify for both, and both application got rejected. No reason why
Marianne ********
Do you work remotely, or are you actually genuinely retired?
Retirement visa does not allow for you to work at all.
DTV lets you work remotely for non-Thai entities.
Retirement visa does not allow for you to work at all.
DTV lets you work remotely for non-Thai entities.
UginTh******
LTR is the best. Period.
@LTR **************************
Frank-Steven ***********
It depends.
Retirement visa:
pros: as long as you keep meeting the requirements, you could stay indefinitely. Bank account possible.
cons: requires effort to extend it annually + 800k THB tied up in Thai bank.
DTV:
pros: easy to get and then good for 5 years without any bureaucratic touchpoints with immogration.
cons: Have to (effectively) leave Thailand every 180 days. But can immediately return and most normal people would do at least one trip abroad per year anyways. No bank account.
Idea: Maybe start with the DTV and explore living in Thailand for a few years. You can still commit to a retirement visa at a later point.
Retirement visa:
pros: as long as you keep meeting the requirements, you could stay indefinitely. Bank account possible.
cons: requires effort to extend it annually + 800k THB tied up in Thai bank.
DTV:
pros: easy to get and then good for 5 years without any bureaucratic touchpoints with immogration.
cons: Have to (effectively) leave Thailand every 180 days. But can immediately return and most normal people would do at least one trip abroad per year anyways. No bank account.
Idea: Maybe start with the DTV and explore living in Thailand for a few years. You can still commit to a retirement visa at a later point.
Graham ******
Frank-Steven Eichholtz with planning the 800k is only needed for just over 5 months and 400k for just over 9 months during the first 12 month extension (if an Embassy income affidavit is not possible)
Stephen ********
Frank-Steven Eichholtz No need to have 800k sitting dead in a Thai bank account. Just slide 65k each month from overseas and laughing all the way to the bank!
Steve ********
Frank-Steven Eichholtz Smart advice - that’s exactly what I have done
Bill *********
Frank-Steven Eichholtz Having a bank account seems like an easy motivator for the retirement option. Not too much effort to extend as I just contact my visa agent and off we go; really easy. And the B800k has to live somewhere so might as well be in Thailand as I top off at B900k and use it for my rent and other daily expenses.
John **********
It depends whether you intend to work remotely from Thailand or not. If you do then the DTV workation option is the one. Otherwise retirement.
Guy *******
Ask IA... give all details...age,finance,health ect...to me AI decide DTV health ...
Ant ***********
DTV requires
Soft power courses
Soft power courses
John *********
Retirement visa with multi entry. Thai Visa centre helped me out. Easy peezy
Stephen ********
John Mueller did it myself. 2000 baht. Even easier than paying an agent!
Stephen ********
There's no "best" as it depends on individual circumstances. Just about anybody qualifies for the DTV, but keep in mind it's a tourist visa, so you cannot remain indefinitely in the country and you cannot have a bank account. There are four types of retirement visa, and again it depends on individual situations as to which is the "best"
Eric ******
Stephen Howell when you say just about everybody , could you give me an example of what would be one that would apply? Looking at the choices it doesn’t seem like none would apply to me. But I’m definitely open to suggestions. Thanks.
Stephen ********
Eric Alan Anyone can apply and undertake a 4-week cooking class which will give them a 5-year visa. There are no qualifications required to attend a cooking class
Shanell ******************
Stephen Howell Do you have to be enrolled into the class before you get your visa or can you enroll once you arrive in Thailand?
Robin *******
Retirement visa lasts for life a DTV is only 5 years
Stephen ********
Robin Banks Retirement visa lasts 90 days - then it's annual extensions of stay.
Robin *******
I’m on a retirement visa ,, been on it years 😂😂😂
Stephen ********
Penny Nave Wow! Lose an hour of your time once a year - that's hard to take! A DTV holder has to physically leave the country twice a year
Graham ******
Robin Banks you are on a 12 month extension of stay, nowhere on your current permitted to stay stamp does it say Visa
Robin *******
I think I know how it works 😂😂😂I’ve live in Thailand 20 years 😂😂😂
Robin *******
Obviously 😂😂😂I’ve been on it for the past 6 years
Penny ******
Robin Banks yes but once a year you have to go and renew 👍
Bob **********
Robin Banks it only lasts as long as you have the financials
Robin *******
I’m not quite sure with the requirements,, I’m on a retirement visa
Sue **********
Robin Banks then you have the required financials
Eric *********
Retirement visa multiple entry gives peace of mind and no issues when traveling in and out regularly
Bill *********
Eric Dekegel Right. I travel somewhere every 90 days just to satisfy the reporting requirement!
Eric *********
@Bill ********
I not specifically travel out for that, report online so easyBill *********
Stephen Howell There ya go! Precisely the way to do it. Have a great time.
Stephen ********
@Bill ********
I do the same. Haven't done a 90-day report since covid, although I travel to Australia generally twice a year, Europe once a year, and somewhere different each year. This year it was Kathmandu, next year is Machu Picchu! It's a great life!Bill *********
Eric Dekegel Agreed. But this is a good excuse to get out of my house and go somewhere to explore SE Asia!
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