Thailand Digital Nomad Visa & Remote Work

 

➡ WHAT ARE THE FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS?

The general requirement involves earning a minimum of $80,000 USD annually over the past two years. However, the financial criteria may vary based on the specific visa category. For certain visas, a lower threshold exists, allowing eligibility for individuals earning at least 100,000 baht (approximately $2,760 USD) per month. You can check updated requirements in the official website: smart-visa.boi.go.th.

➡ HOW LONG CAN YOU STAY?

The Thai Smart Visa allows people to stay in the country for up to 10 years.

➡ WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

➡ HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The visa cost is 10,000 Baht or roughly $276 USD.

➡ HOW MUCH WILL YOU PAY IN TAXES?

Thailand’s territorial tax regime exempts expatriates from paying taxes on income generated abroad, provided it is not transferred into Thailand. Alternatively, there is a flat tax rate of 17% on any newly generated income that is brought into the country.

Nomad Visa Thailand 2024

Thailand has long been a beloved destination for digital nomads, expatriates, and travelers drawn to its vibrant cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. This enchanting nation boasts lush tropical jungles, bustling urban landscapes, and breathtaking beaches, making it a top choice for a diverse array of visitors.

Chiang Mai, often hailed as the Digital Nomad capital of the world, attracts a global community with its affordable cost of living, high-speed internet, thriving food culture, and abundant cafes and coworking spaces. The city’s accessibility is further enhanced by its proximate airport, which offers excellent domestic and international connections.

Bangkok, Thailand’s pulsating capital, is renowned for its extensive shopping malls, exceptional street food, and dynamic nightlife. The city also offers a taste of traditional local life through its numerous floating markets and bustling outdoor markets, where visitors can indulge in delicious food and shop for unique local handicrafts.

For beach enthusiasts, Phuket is the ideal destination. Situated on Thailand’s western coast along the Andaman Sea, Phuket hosts some of the country’s most frequented beaches, offering stunning seascapes and vibrant coastal activities.

While Bangkok is the most expensive Thai city, it remains a magnet for digital nomads seeking an urban lifestyle. The city is gaining traction as a digital nomad hub, thanks to its comfortable condominiums, efficient public transport system, and emerging trendy neighborhoods. These features collectively enhance the appeal of Bangkok as a place to live, work, and play.

Thailand Digital Nomad Visa Overview

The Thai government has unveiled plans to introduce a dedicated digital nomad visa, a strategic move designed to rejuvenate the tourism sector, severely impacted by the global pandemic. Traditionally, digital nomads relied on the 30-day tourist visa, extendable by an additional 30 days, to work remotely from Thailand.

The halt in international travel in 2020 significantly affected Thailand’s tourism industry. In response, the Thai government is eager to revive its economy by attracting digital nomads, skilled professionals, and investors through the introduction of the Smart Visa. This visa is part of a broader strategy to welcome more visitors in 2022 and beyond, facilitating up to four years of residency for those who qualify.

The Smart Visa targets highly skilled individuals, investors, executives, and startup entrepreneurs who wish to work or invest in specific industries within Thailand. To qualify as a work-from-Thailand professional, applicants must earn at least $80,000 per year, possess a minimum of five years of experience, and be employed by a company generating at least $150 million in revenue over three years. There are some exceptions to these requirements.

The Smart Visa is categorized into five types, each tailored to different professional needs:

1. Smart T (Talent): For experts in science and technology, requiring a monthly salary of at least 100,000 baht (approximately $2760) and a one-year employment contract within the targeted industries.
2. Smart I (Investor): Requires a direct investment of at least 20 million baht in technology-driven enterprises within the targeted sectors.
3. Smart E (Executive): Aimed at top-level managers with bachelor’s degrees or higher, at least ten years of work experience, and a monthly salary of at least 200,000 baht ($5500 approximately).
4. Smart S (Startup): Entrepreneurs must deposit 600,000 baht ($165,560 approximately), retained for three months, and participate in an endorsed incubator or accelerator program, or receive an endorsement from a relevant government agency. Within a year, they must establish a firm with at least 25% ownership or become a board member in the selected industries.
5. Smart O (Other): Available for the legal dependents of primary Smart Visa holders.

How to Apply for the Thailand Digital Nomad Visa

Applying for the Thailand Digital Nomad Visa involves a series of detailed steps designed to facilitate the entry of skilled professionals into the country. This comprehensive process ensures that applicants meet the specific criteria necessary to contribute to Thailand’s targeted industries.

Step 1: Online Application Initiate your application by submitting the necessary forms and documents through the designated website. This is your first point of interaction with the Thai visa authorities, where you will provide basic personal and professional details.

Step 2: Qualification Assessment Your application will be reviewed against the criteria set by the Office of the Board of Investment of Thailand. This step is crucial as it verifies your eligibility under the Smart Visa categories.

Step 3: Endorsement and Visa Filing Once your qualifications are verified, you will receive both technical and non-technical endorsements. Subsequently, the Smart Visa Unit will issue a letter of qualification endorsement. You need to take this letter to a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate to officially file for your Smart Visa.

Step 4: Visa Issuance Appointment After receiving your qualification endorsement, schedule an appointment for visa issuance on the specified website. This appointment is where you will formally present your documentation and complete the visa application process.

Step 5: Document Submission At your visa issuance appointment, ensure you present all required documents, filled out and signed. This includes your passport, copies of your endorsements, and any additional forms requested by the Thai authorities.

Step 6: Visa Approval and Collection Once your visa is approved, you will be required to pay the visa fee per person. The Smart Visa can be collected at the Immigration Office of Smart Services (OSS) in Thailand, or at the nearest Thai embassy or consulate.

Step 7: Visa Extension For those wishing to extend their stay, it is necessary to apply for a renewal of the qualification endorsement through the Smart Visa Extension website at least 60 days before your current visa expires.

Required Documents for Digital Nomad Visa Application:

• Valid passport along with copies
• Notification letter from the Board of Investment to the Immigration Bureau
• TM. 90 form, printed on both sides
• Two copies of the STM.6 Form, printed on both sides
• Acknowledgment form of penalties for visa overstay, printed on one-sided paper
• Acknowledgment form of practices for recipients of Smart Visa, printed on one-sided paper
• One passport-sized photo (4 cm x 6 cm)

Visa Cost The processing fee for the Smart Visa is approximately 10,000 Baht ($276 approximately) per year.

Timeline The entire process, from application to approval, typically takes about 30 working days. Once approved, you must collect your visa within 60 days to ensure compliance with the stipulated guidelines.

Tax Considerations for Thailand’s Digital Nomad Visa

Under Thailand’s tax laws, you become a tax resident if you reside in the country for 180 days or more within a calendar year. If your stay is shorter than 180 days, you are not considered a tax resident and, consequently, are not subject to Thai taxes on your global income.

For those who do qualify as tax residents, Thailand’s territorial tax regime offers potential advantages. This system means you are only taxed on the income earned within Thailand or the income brought into the country at a flat rate of 17% for Smart Visa holders . Historically, up until 2023, it was possible to avoid taxes on foreign income by delaying the transfer of that income into Thailand until the following year.

Starting from 2024, this rule changed. The Thai government announced that all foreign income brought into Thailand during the same year it is earned will be subject to taxation. However, savings that has had been taxed in previous fiscal years are tax free when send to your Thai bank.

Thai Elite Visa: Best Alternative for Those Not Eligible for the Smart Visa

The Thailand Elite Visa is a long-term visa categorized under the “Privilege Entry Visa” scheme, which provides the holder with residency status in Thailand for an extended period. This visa program is part of the Thailand Privilege Card scheme initiated by the Thai government to attract affluent tourists, investors, and long-term visitors.

Here are some key features of the Thailand Elite Visa:

1. Validity and Cost: The Elite Visa offers multiple options ranging from a 5-year to a 20-year validity period. The cost varies depending on the specific membership program, ranging from approximately 900,000 THB (about $25,000 USD) to 3 million THB (about $83,000 USD).
2. Benefits: Holders of the Elite Visa enjoy several privileges, including:
   • Expedited immigration and passport control processing through VIP lines at airports.
   • Access to exclusive arrival and departure lounges.
   • Complimentary limousine transfer from the airport to the residence or hotel on international flights (certain limits apply).
   • Government concierge services to assist with documentation and immigration services.
   • Annual health check-ups at private hospitals.
   • Exclusive discounts and offers at various hotels, clubs, and service providers across Thailand.
3. No Work Permits: It’s important to note that the Elite Visa does not permit the holder to work in Thailand. To be employed, one must obtain the appropriate work visa and work permit.
4. Renewal and Cancellation: The visa is renewable as long as the holder maintains the membership criteria. However, it can be revoked if the holder violates Thai laws or the conditions of the visa.
5. Application Process: Applicants can apply directly through the Thailand Elite official website or through authorized agents. The process involves a background check and approval from Thai immigration, which can take a few months.

The Elite Visa is ideal for those who frequently travel to Thailand for leisure or business and wish to enjoy a hassle-free entry with added luxuries. It’s particularly popular among retirees, digital nomads, and business executives who visit Thailand regularly and want to enjoy the Thai lifestyle hassle free of visa runs and bureaucracy.