Thailand's Destination Visa VS Long-Term Resident Visa

We will now refer to the Destination Thailand visa as 'DTV' and the Long-term Resident visa as 'LTR'. We compare both visas to help you easily consider the perfect one for you.

Validity

• DTV Visa: Valid for 5 years with multiple entry permit.
• LTR Visa: Valid for 10 years (renewable) with multiple entry permit.

Stay per Entry

• DTV Visa: Allows a stay of up to 180 days per entry. After 180 days, re-entry or visa extension is required.
• LTR Visa: No specific limit per entry, as it allows continuous residence within its validity period.

Extension Option

• DTV Visa: The visa can be extend for another 180 days at Thai Immigration office after completed 180 days. Re-entry resets the 180-day stay period.
• LTR Visa: Renewable after 10 years.

Work Permit

• DTV Visa: No provision for a work permit. The visa is primarily for digital nomads, remote workers, freelancers, and individuals engaging in Thai cultural activities.
• LTR Visa: Includes a digital work permit, allowing legal employment in Thailand.

Minimum Income Requirement

• DTV Visa: No explicit income requirement, but financial evidence showing a minimum of 500,000 THB (Approx USD 14,000) is necessary. It is your country bank account.
• LTR Visa: Requires a minimum personal income of USD 80,000 per year for the past two years.

Health Insurance

• DTV Visa: Not explicitly required as part of the visa application process.
• LTR Visa: Requires health insurance with coverage of at least USD 50,000, or proof of social security benefits insuring treatment in Thailand, or a deposit of USD 100,000.

Employer Requirements

• DTV Visa: No specific employer requirements, suitable for freelancers, remote workers, and digital nomads.
• LTR Visa: Applicants must work for well-established companies overseas or in targeted industries within Thailand, and possess relevant professional experience.

Eligibility for "Thai Soft Power" Activities

• DTV Visa: Explicitly caters to participants in Thai cultural activities such as Muay Thai courses, Thai cooking classes, sport training, medical treatment, seminars, and music festivals.
• LTR Visa: Not specifically designed for cultural activities but allows professionals and experts in various fields to work and stay in Thailand.

Adding spouse

• DTV Visa: Spouse and children under 20 years old of DTV visa holders, with no maximum dependents as yet.
• LTR Visa: Spouse and children under 20 years old of LTR visa holders (maximum 4 dependents in total per LTR visa holder).

Application Process

• DTV Visa:
  • Submit an online application through the Thai e-Visa portal or or Thai Kru.
  • Required documents include a passport, photograph, current location document, financial evidence, and proof of purpose of visit.
  • Processing times within 15 working days.
• LTR Visa:
  • Register and submit an online application for qualification endorsement, including supporting documents.
  • Notification of the result within 20 working days.
  • Apply for LTR Visa issuance at Thai embassies/consulates or immigration offices in Thailand within 60 days of receiving the endorsement.
  • Obtain a digital work permit from the Department of Employment.

Application Location

• DTV Visa: Apply through the Thai e-Visa or Thai Kru
• LTR Visa: Apply through the LTR website BOI Website and collect the visa at Thai embassies/consulates or immigration offices. If you do not wan to deal with complicated process, contact us Thai Kru to handle the visa application for you.

90 Days Report

• DTV Visa: Yes, DTV Visa holder must do 90 days report
• LTR Visa: Requires reporting to the Immigration Bureau every 1 Year.

Who's Best Fit for the DTV Visa?

The DTV Visa is perfect for young individuals who want to work and travel in Thailand for a longer period than a tourist visa allows. This visa is ideal for those with a first job or who wish to work and travel simultaneously in Thailand.

• Digital Nomads: Those who work remotely for clients or companies outside Thailand.
• Freelancers: Independent contractors who need flexibility in their stay duration and work remotely.
• Remote Workers: Employees of foreign companies who work online and wish to stay in Thailand for extended periods.
• Cultural Enthusiasts: Individuals participating in Thai cultural activities, such as Muay Thai courses, Thai cooking classes, medical treatments, seminars, and music festivals.
• Families of DTV Holders: Spouses and dependent children of DTV visa holders can also benefit from this visa.

Who's Best Fit for the LTR Visa?

The LTR Visa is best suited for remote workers employed by established companies and wealthy individuals who have worked for a long time and wish to stay in Thailand more permanently or consider Thailand their second home.

• Highly Skilled Professionals: Experts in targeted industries looking to work and reside in Thailand long-term.
• Remote Workers for Established Companies: Individuals working for well-established companies overseas who meet the income requirements.
• Wealthy Global Citizens and Pensioners: Those with substantial assets or pension income who wish to retire or live in Thailand.
• Professionals in Targeted Industries: Individuals with specific skills or expertise needed in Thailand, such as in tech, healthcare, or education.
• Families of LTR Holders: Spouses and dependent children of LTR visa holders can also benefit from this visa.

Choosing between the DTV Visa and the LTR Visa depends on your needs and circumstances. The DTV Visa is ideal for digital nomads, remote workers, freelancers, and those interested in Thai cultural activities without the intention of formal employment in Thailand. On the other hand, the LTR Visa is more suited for professionals working with well-established companies or in targeted industries, offering long-term stability and the ability to legally work in Thailand with additional benefits like tax exemptions and facilitation services.

Both visas offer unique advantages, so consider your long-term plans, professional needs, and lifestyle preferences when making your decision. Contact us to help you find the best visa!