Visa exemption scheme extension

PrintMailRate-it
Thailand has extended the current visa exemption scheme. Under these rules, visitors can enter Thailand without applying for a visa abroad or on-arrival by receiving a stamp in the passport permitting limited stay in Thailand. 
    

Threefold extension

Now, the scheme has been extended threefold: 
  • ​Firstly, the Thai government has added more countries whose nationals can enter Thailand visa-free. Travelers from Europe and other major destination countries such as Germany, Austria, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, the USA, Japan and South Korea were already included.
  • Secondly, the period of stay was extended from 30 to 60 days with a possible extension of another 30 days at the sole discretion of the immigration authority. 
  • Thirdly, the purpose of stay now includes business engagements such as business meetings and similar activities. Note that this does not cover the permission to work in Thailand which still requires a work permit (obtained either via the normal or the urgent duty work permit process) 

​    

The amendment of the visa extension scheme is a good approach to increase arrival rates in Thailand. Adding limited business engagements as eligible activities is a significant improvement for business travelers.


Destination Thailand Visa

Thailand has announced a new visa type, the “Destination Thailand Visa” (DTV). According to the current information, the DTV will be offered for 
  • digital nomads, remote workers and freelancers;
  • participants in activities such as Thai cooking classes, sports training, Muay Thai classes, music festivals, seminars and medical treatment; and
  • dependents of people eligible for a DTV.
   
Especially for remote workers and digital nomads, the DTV seems to be a suitable option for legally working in Thailand without a Thai employer. Note that we are expecting additional clarification to be issued by authorities as to the practical implementation.
    
 Under the current information, the application for the DTV for remote workers requires:
  • The visa application;
  • Passport with validity not less than 6 months;
  • Photos as required by the embassy/consulate;
  • Application fee of THB 10,000;
  • Evidence of financial stability in the amount of not less than THB 500,000 (for example via bank statements or payment slips);
  • Employment contract or similar of the home country, or a collection of documents as evidence for professional background for digital nomads or remote workers.
    
The DTV will have a validity of 5 years, permitting a stay of 180 days per entrance. A single extension of another 180 days can per permitted by the immigration authorities. Afterwards, exiting and re-entering Thailand will be compulsory. 
     
Note: Since the DTV is new, we are seeing some minor issues in practice and we are expecting further clarifications, including specifications on the permission of DTV holders to work in Thailand and the related tax implications. However, the DTV is clearly a step into the right direction to facilitate the new realities in an increasingly digital world. 

From The Newsletter

Newsflash Asean 

Newsflash ASEAN​​

Contact

Contact Person Picture

Martin Chrometzka

Associate Partner

+66 2 0794 711

Send inquiry

Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content
Deutschland Weltweit Search Menu