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Beautiful yet underrated country offers new visa to attract Brits

by DD Staff

June 15, 2024

Destination Thailand Visa. File Photo

key takeaways

The so-called "digital nomad visa" will now allow remote workers to remain in the nation for a maximum of five years.

In the wake of popular destinations for digital nomads such as Spain, Indonesia, Greece, and Dubai, a new country is granting work permits, making it more than simply a popular vacation spot but also a potential place of residence for some British nationals.

The so-called "digital nomad visa" will now allow remote workers to remain in the nation for a maximum of five years.

Since its implementation on June 1, overseas nationals can now stay and work in Thailand for prolonged periods of time without worrying about taxes or immigration laws thanks to the "Destination Thailand Visa" (DTV).

TimeOut claims that this is one of the best deals available anywhere in the globe for digital nomads.

Similar schemes have recently been introduced in Malaysia and Indonesia, highlighting just how many holiday spots are rethinking their appeal by embracing hybrid work models.

It is also hoped that the effort will boost visitor numbers and revive the Thai economy.

Those with the multiple-entry visa are given the right to stay for 180 days a year, with an option to extend for another 180 days, for up to five years, all for the cost of £213.75.

On top of the initial fee, workers will be required to leave and re-enter the country every 180 days and pay an additional £212.20 each time.

While complete application instructions are still pending, some information regarding the prerequisites has been made available thus far. You need to show that you have at least £10,687 in your bank account, be at least 20 years old, and have sufficient funds to cover the cost of the visa. You also need to show proof of employment with a registered firm. Candidates are not permitted to work for Thai-based businesses.

The DTV is unusual in that it is open not only to freelance and remote workers, but anyone pursuing cultural activities in Thailand, from taking cooking courses to traditional Thai boxing - muay Thai.

Previously, digital nomads could only stay in Thailand on tourist visas for a maximum of 60 days. The only other alternative was the notoriously difficult to get Long Term Residence Visa, which came with hefty financial requirements. It is hoped, however, that the new visa will support the government's efforts to increase tourism.

Other countries that offer digital nomad visas or similar include Spain and Portugal for up to five years, Croatia and Dubai for one year, Italy for one year with the possibility to extend and Malaysia, allowing foreigners to stay for up to 12 months with the option to renew for a 24-month stay in total.