Thailand
Living or working in Thailand: long-stay, digital nomad and working holiday visas
Apply for a Thailand Digital Nomad Visa if you earn abroad and want up to 1 year stay; otherwise consider a Non‑Immigrant “B” visa for work or a Working Holiday Visa for eligible citizens – plan at least 2 months before travel as processing can take 4‑6 weeks.
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Key facts
- Digital Nomad Visa durationcheck
- Up to 1 year, renewable
- Non‑Immigrant B visa staycheck
- 90 days initial, extendable to 1 year with work permit
- Working Holiday Visa eligibilitycheck
- Citizens of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK, Ireland, Japan, South Korea (check)
- Application feecheck
- THB 2,000‑5,000 (≈ US$60‑150) depending on visa type
- Processing timecheck
- 4‑6 weeks (check)
Visa options overview
Thailand offers three main long‑stay routes for remote workers and travellers seeking employment: the Digital Nomad Visa (new 2024, 2026 still active), the traditional Non‑Immigrant “B” work visa, and the Working Holiday Visa for youth from partner countries.
| Visa type | Eligibility | Maximum stay | Key requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Nomad | Remote‑worker earning ≥ US$2,000 / month abroad | 12 months, renewable | Proof of income, health insurance |
| Non‑Immigrant B | Employment with Thai company or approved internship | 90 days initial, extendable to 1 yr | Work permit from employer |
| Working Holiday | Citizens of listed partner countries, age 18‑30/35 | 12 months | Proof of funds, return ticket |
Application process
Apply online or at a Thai embassy/consulate. Submit passport, photos, visa‑specific documents (income proof, work contract, or youth passport), and pay the fee. After approval, you receive a visa stamp; for work visas you must obtain a work permit within 30 days of arrival.
- Gather required documents (passport valid ≥ 6 months, recent photos).
- Complete the online form or embassy paper form.
- Pay the fee (check exact amount at your embassy).
- Wait 4‑6 weeks; track status if possible.
- Enter Thailand, then apply for a work permit if needed.
Costs and timelines
Fees vary by visa type and embassy. The Digital Nomad Visa costs around THB 5,000 (≈ US$150). The Non‑Immigrant B visa fee is about THB 2,000 (≈ US$60) plus work‑permit fees (≈ THB 1,900). The Working Holiday Visa fee is roughly THB 2,500 (≈ US$75).
| Visa | Fee (THB) | Fee (USD approx) | Processing time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Nomad | 5,000 | 150 | 4‑6 weeks |
| Non‑Immigrant B | 2,000 | 60 | 4‑6 weeks |
| Working Holiday | 2,500 | 75 | 4‑6 weeks |
Important notes
All visas require a passport photo and a valid passport for at least six months.
Health insurance covering the stay is mandatory for the Digital Nomad Visa.
Work permits are only for the Non‑Immigrant B visa; the Digital Nomad Visa does not allow local employment.
Visa extensions must be applied for at an immigration office before the current stay expires.
Questions people ask
What should I know about long‑stay and working visas in Thailand?
Three routes exist: Digital Nomad (remote work, up to 1 year), Non‑Immigrant B (employed locally, extendable), and Working Holiday (youth from partner countries, 12 months). Choose based on income source and age.
How much does it cost?
Fees range from THB 2,000 (≈ US$60) for a basic Non‑Immigrant B visa to THB 5,000 (≈ US$150) for the Digital Nomad Visa; Working Holiday is about THB 2,500 (≈ US$75). Check embassy for exact rates.
When should I plan for it?
Start the application at least two months before travel to allow 4‑6 weeks processing and any required document gathering.
Can I work for a Thai company on a Digital Nomad Visa?
No. The Digital Nomad Visa permits only remote work for a foreign employer; local employment requires a Non‑Immigrant B visa and work permit.
Do I need health insurance?
Yes, the Digital Nomad Visa requires proof of coverage for the whole stay; other visas may not require it but it is strongly recommended.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
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