The country’s Cabinet of Ministers has approved new types of visas to promote tourism and attract foreign professionals.The expected profit from immigration projects is estimated at 850 billion – 1 trillion baht ($27.3 billion). The opening of the nomad program in Bangkok was announced on May 15, 2024. The law on the 5-year multiple-entry Destination Thai Visa has been published in The Royal Gazette. General information can be found on the official website. Details will appear within a month on the official Thailand resource.
For $270 (10,000 baht), they have the right to extend their stay for another 180 days and live in the country for a total of one year. Subsequently, to reset the six-month period, foreigners can make one-day border runs to neighboring countries. Applicants planning to move to remote work in Southeast Asia need a deposit of $14,000.
Specifics of Thailand’s Freelance Visa
The government faced a strategic task of attracting people capable of contributing to the country’s economic and technological development. This led to the approval of the DTV program for digital nomads and remote work (workcation) in March 2024. The visa initiatives adopted by the kingdom will help attract wealthy specialists from 93 countries along with their families.
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The nomad project became an alternative to the long-term LTR visa (5+5). It is issued on the condition of receiving an income of $80,000 per year. Currently, it is targeted at investors, qualified professionals, and wealthy retirees. The examples of Malaysia and Indonesia, which have launched digital programs, inspired the changes in conditions for foreigners. However, compared to them, Thailand has more democratic financial conditions. Malaysians require proof of an annual income of $24,000, while Indonesians require a deposit of $60,000.
Who Can Get a DTV Visa
Eligible applicants include:
- IT specialists;
- employees from various fields;
- freelancers and self-employed individuals;
- people in creative and educational professions.
The list also includes athletes practicing Thai boxing and martial arts, participants in cultural events. People coming to the country to study culinary arts, music, or fine arts can also apply. The law allows for a change in visa type, but obtaining residency on another basis exempts participation in the DTV program.
Foreigners are prohibited from employment in local companies, selling goods, providing commercial services, or receiving income/compensation. Every 3 months, they will be required to submit reports to the immigration service to confirm their stay in the country.
Requirements for Obtaining a Nomad Visa
It is expected that applicants can submit their applications at the Thai Immigration Service consulate or on the website thaievisa.go.th.
Document package:
- Passport and documents for all family members to confirm their relationship with the applicant: birth and marriage certificates. If the application is submitted abroad, a residence permit from the country of residence is required.
- Bank statement confirming the amount of 500,000 THB ($14,000) in the account.
- Work contract with a company outside Thailand or a letter from a Thai medical institution confirming payment for treatment.
- People in creative professions must attach contracts/invitations from event organizers or educational institutions, along with a professional portfolio.
- If requested – a certificate to confirm the place of work and position.
- Medical insurance with a minimum coverage of $50,000.
Self-employed individuals/entrepreneurs need to attach a business registration certificate, a license to operate, and a tax declaration. The list of official documents may be periodically updated, so it is essential to check the list and conditions for submitting documents on the Thai consulate’s website before applying. The application review period is expected to take no more than a month.
What Taxes Do Freelancers Pay?
Residents are required to pay percentages under Article 41 of the tax code on income earned within Thailand and abroad. Digital nomads automatically gain taxpayer status after 180 days. It is expected that, along with targeted professionals and LTR visa holders, they will pay 17% instead of 35%.
How Much Does a Visa Cost?
The cost depends on the currency. In Germany or Belgium, it costs 350 EUR, in Hong Kong – 3,000 HKD, in Malaysia – around 1,600 MYR. In the case of an extension, the declared amount must be paid again.
Latest changes in visa policy
The authorities didn’t stop with the opening of the nomad program. After testing the updated regime from July 15, they unilaterally replaced the temporary 2-month visa-free period with a permanent one. People arriving in the country for wintering in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Samui can extend their stay by another 30 days.
The law did not affect those who have lived on a long-term LTR visa for 10 years. As of March 2024, only 888 people applied for it. The workcation situation is expected to be different due to the lowering of the financial threshold.
Information will be updated when additions and changes are made to the Digital Nomad law.
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