Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) –
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)?
The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is a long-term visa valid for up to 5 years, introduced in July 2024 to attract remote workers, digital nomads, retirees, and cultural visitors. It allows multiple entries into Thailand with a maximum stay of 180 days per entry, which can be extended for another 180 days.
2. What are the requirements to apply for a DTV Visa?
If you are applying for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), you must meet specific requirements based on your chosen category. For those applying under the Soft Power category, enrolling in an approved Thai cultural activity—such as a Thai cooking course or Muay Thai training—is essential.
💡 At Arun Thai Cooking School, we offer a DTV-approved Thai culinary program that meets embassy criteria, including official enrollment letters to support your visa application.
✅ General Requirements for a DTV Visa
Before applying, make sure you have the following:
✔ Valid Passport – At least 6 months validity from the application date.
✔ Passport-Sized Photo – Recent, taken within the last 6 months on a white background.
✔ Proof of Current Location – A passport stamp or residence permit confirming where you are applying from.
✔ Visa Fee Payment Receipt – Fees vary by consulate (typically THB 10,000 to THB 15,000).
✔ Financial Proof – At least 500,000 THB in savings or sufficient monthly income:
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Official 6-month bank statement
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Payslips or employment contract
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Sponsorship letter (if applicable)
✅ Additional Requirements for Soft Power (Thai Cooking & Muay Thai)
If you are applying under Soft Power, you must provide:
✔ Proof of Enrollment in a Cultural Program – An official confirmation letter from an approved institution offering Thai cultural education.
✔ Business Registration of the Institution – A copy of the school’s official business registration, as required by Thai embassies.
✔ Minimum Course Duration – Highly recommended that the chosen program last at least 6 months, to add credibility to the application and increase the approval chances.
💡 At Arun Thai Cooking School, we provide all the necessary documentation to support your visa application, including a formal enrollment letter, class itinerary, payment receipt, and company registration documents.
📌 Important Notes
🔹 There are no fixed document criteria; approval is at the discretion of the Thai embassy officer reviewing your case.
🔹 It’s always best to verify specific embassy requirements before applying.
🔹 Ensure your supporting documents are clear, valid, and properly prepared to avoid delays.
💡 Have questions? Email arunthaicooking@gmail.com or connect with our social links below. You may also check out our program details and steps for registration.
3) Can I work in Thailand with a DTV Visa?
No, the DTV Visa does not allow employment in Thailand. It is intended for remote workers (workcation), cultural learners (Soft Power), or dependents. However, freelancers working remotely for overseas clients may be eligible under the Workcation category.
4) What are the financial requirements for the DTV Visa?
To qualify for the DTV Visa, applicants must demonstrate financial stability by providing evidence of at least 500,000 THB (approximately 15,000 USD) in a savings or checking account.
🔹 Important Guidelines for Financial Proof:
✔ The account must be in the applicant’s name, matching the name on their passport.
✔ Funds must be held in a savings or checking account—investment accounts, mutual funds, stocks, securities, or cryptocurrency holdings are not accepted.
✔ The bank statement must be issued within 7 days of submitting the visa application.
✔ Screenshots or mobile banking photos are not accepted—only formal bank-issued documents are valid.
✔ Financial documents must be in Thai, English, or the official language of the country where the application is submitted (e.g., Japanese for applications in Japan).
📌 Sponsored Financial Proof (Using a Parent or Spouse’s Account)
If an applicant does not have sufficient funds in their personal account, they may use a sponsor’s bank account (only a parent or spouse is allowed). In this case, additional documents must be provided:
✔ Sponsorship letter confirming financial support
✔ Proof of relationship (e.g., birth certificate for parental sponsorship or marriage certificate for spousal sponsorship)
📌 Different Embassy Policies on Financial Proof
Thai embassies in various countries may have slightly different requirements regarding financial proof:
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Hanoi, Vietnam: Applicants must show six months of financial history, but the full 500,000 THB does not need to be maintained over time.
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Singapore: The account must have maintained a minimum balance of 500,000 THB for at least two months prior to application.
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Tokyo, Japan: Only the current account balance of 500,000 THB is required.
💡 Applicants should check the specific requirements of the Thai embassy where they intend to apply, as financial criteria may vary.
5) What are the costs associated with a DTV Visa?
The total cost of obtaining a DTV Visa varies based on embassy fees, training program costs, and optional services. Here’s a breakdown:
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Visa application fee: Typically THB 10,000 to THB 15,000, depending on the embassy.
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Tuition fees for Soft Power programs: Required for those applying under the Thai cultural category (e.g., Thai cooking or Muay Thai training). At Arun Thai Cooking, we offer 3-month program at THB 9,600, 6-month program at THB 18,900, and 12-month program at THB 36,900
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Visa extension fees: If staying beyond 180 days, an extension will be required.
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Health insurance (optional but recommended).
💡 At Arun Thai Cooking School, we offer the most cost-effective DTV-approved cooking course on the market. Many competitors charge significantly higher rates for 6-month+ programs, but our pricing ensures affordability while meeting all embassy requirements.
💡 Have questions? Email arunthaicooking@gmail.com or connect with our social links below. You may also check out our program details and steps for registration.
6) How do I apply for a DTV Visa?
There are three main ways to apply for a DTV Visa:
1. Directly through the Thai e-Visa website (thaievisa.go.th)
You can submit your application independently via the official Thai e-Visa portal. Many embassies require online applications, as walk-in submissions are no longer accepted in most locations.
2. Through a visa agent
Some visa agents provide assistance with reviewing and submitting applications for a service fee (ranging from 8,000 – 30,000 THB). However, finding a visa agent independently can be risky, as there are no guarantees of reliability or successful applications. Since applications are still processed by the Thai Embassy, approval is not assured, and experiences with different agents may vary.
3. Through Arun Thai Cooking School & Our Visa Consultant Partners
As part of our one-stop solution for DTV visa applicants, Arun Thai Cooking School not only provides a DTV-approved Thai cooking program, but we also work with pre-vetted, reliable visa consultants who have a proven track record of successful applications.
✅ Verified & Experienced Partners – Our visa consultants have extensive experience and understand exactly what Thai authorities require.
✅ Higher Success Rate – Our partners have helped a wide range of applicants successfully obtain their DTV visa.
✅ Hassle-Free Process – We ensure all necessary documents are prepared correctly, eliminating guesswork.
✅ Guaranteed School Documentation – By enrolling in our 6-month+ cooking course, you will receive all required documents for your visa submission.
💡 Tip: Each Thai embassy has slightly different requirements. Our expert visa consultants ensure your application aligns with your specific embassy’s criteria, increasing your chances of approval.
By choosing Arun Thai Cooking’s trusted visa partners, you can avoid unreliable agents and maximize your chances of a smooth and successful application.
7) Can I apply for a DTV Visa while in Thailand?
No, you must apply from outside Thailand at a Thai embassy or consulate. The DTV Visa cannot be obtained or converted from another visa within Thailand at this time.
💡 Have questions? Email arunthaicooking@gmail.com or connect with our social links below. You may also check out our program details and steps for registration.
