Want to Stay in Thailand Longer? Your 2026 Guide to the DTV Visa
The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is generally divided into 3 categories.
1.DTV Workcation
This category is intended for remote workers who wish to stay in Thailand while working for a foreign company or foreign clients.
DTV Workcation holders are not permitted to work for a company in Thailand. If they intend to work for a Thai company, they are generally required to obtain an appropriate Non-Immigrant B Visa (Non-B) and comply with the relevant work permit requirements.
2. DTV for Thai Soft Power Activities
This category is intended for applicants who wish to enter Thailand to participate in activities relating to Thai culture or other eligible activities such as:
- Muay Thai training
- Thai cooking courses
- Medical treatment
- Other qualifying activities under the DTV Soft Power category.
Applicants will generally need evidence confirming their participation, such as an acceptance letter or confirmation issued by the relevant institution, organizer, training provider, or medical facility.
3. DTV for Spouses and Dependent Children
This category is available for the spouse and unmarried children under 20 years old of the principal DTV holder.
Documents Required for the Principal Applicant
The principal applicant should generally prepare the following documents:
- Passport with at least 6 months remaining valid.
- Proof of funds showing a balance of at least THB 500,000 or approximately EUR 13,000 or USD 15,000. Each applicant should provide their own separate bank account when submitting the application.
- Photograph size 4 x 6 cm (about 2.36 in), with a white background.
- Health insurance providing coverage throughout the applicant's intended period of stay in Thailand.
Additional Supporting Documents by DTV Category
For DTV Workcation:
- Employment confirmation or an employment contract issued by a foreign employer
- or Evidence of the applicant's profession or business activities
- Invoices or other evidence of freelance work, where applicable.
For DTV Soft Power:
- An acceptance or confirmation letter issued by an eligible or recognized institution in Thailand confirming participation in a course, programmer, training activity, or medical treatment.
For DTV Dependents:
- A copy of the marriage certificate or birth certificate, duly translated and authenticated where required and
- A copy of the principal applicant's approved DTV Visa.
Important Notes:
The DTV Visa must be applied for through the Thai E-Visa system while the applicant is outside Thailand.
An applicant cannot change from another visa category to a DTV while remaining in Thailand.
The principal applicant must first obtain approval for the DTV Visa before the dependent uses a copy of the principal applicant's DTV Visa to submit a dependent application. The dependent application therefore cannot be submitted together with the principal applicant's application under this process.
Foreign-issued documents may be required to undergo authentication or legalization through the relevant authorities or embassy of the country in which the documents were issued.
Visa application fee: approximately EUR 350 per person, subject to the applicable fee charged by the relevant Thai Embassy or Consulate.
Period of stay: A DTV holder may generally stay in Thailand for up to 180 days per entry and may apply for an extension of up to an additional 180 days , resulting in a maximum continuous stay of up to 360 days per entry, subject to immigration approval.
Planning to Apply for a DTV in Thailand?
All applicant's circumstances are different, particularly where remote employment, business ownership, spouses, children, existing Thai visas or long-term residence are involved.
LAFS Legal can assist with reviewing your circumstances, assessing the appropriate visa strategy, preparing supporting documents and advising on related immigration and Thai tax considerations before you apply.
Contact LAFS Legal for professional advice tailored to your situation.
Disclaimer: Visa requirements, documentary requirements, fees and Embassy procedures may change and may differ depending on the Thai Embassy or Consulate handling the application. Applicants should verify the applicable requirements before submitting an application.
