Top 5 Long-Term Visa Options for Digital Nomads in Thailand

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Thailand has long been a popular destination for digital nomads due to its affordable living, vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and the ability to work remotely while enjoying a high quality of life. With its modern amenities and vast expat community, it’s no surprise that remote workers flock to cities like Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Phuket. However, if you’re planning to stay in Long term visa Thailand for an extended period, you’ll need to navigate the visa process.

While Thailand doesn’t have an official “digital nomad visa” as of 2025, there are still several visa options available for long-term stays that can suit remote workers. Below, we will explore the top five visa options for digital nomads in Thailand, their requirements, and how to apply for them.

1. Special Tourist Visa (STV)

The Special Tourist Visa (STV) was initially introduced in 2020 to attract long-term visitors to Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although primarily designed for tourists, it has become one of the most popular visa options for digital nomads in recent years.

The STV allows foreigners to stay in Thailand for up to 270 days (9 months) without the need to leave the country. This visa is a great option for digital nomads who want to live and work remotely in Thailand for an extended period, without the constant need for visa renewals.

Requirements for the STV:

A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity.
Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or rental contract for the duration of your stay).
Proof of sufficient funds to support your stay in Thailand (typically a bank statement or proof of income).
Health insurance that covers COVID-19 treatment.
A flight itinerary showing your entry and exit from Thailand.

The STV is ideal for digital nomads who want a simple way to stay in Thailand long-term without complex paperwork or business arrangements. It allows you to focus on your work while exploring the country’s beautiful landscapes and rich culture.

2. Tourist Visa (with multiple entries)

A Tourist Visa is one of the most commonly used visas for those visiting Thailand. If you want to stay in Thailand for longer than 30 days, a Tourist Visa with multiple entries can be a good option. This visa typically allows stays of 60 days per entry, and you can apply for a multiple-entry tourist visa, which allows you to stay for a longer period by leaving and re-entering Thailand every 60 days.

This visa is ideal for digital nomads who have flexible work arrangements and want to explore different regions of Thailand or nearby countries while continuing to work remotely.

Requirements for a Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa:

A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity.
Completed visa application form.
Passport-sized photos.
Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Thailand (around $700 USD or more for each entry).
Round-trip flight booking (or proof of onward travel).
Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, Airbnb reservations, or rental agreements).

The Tourist Visa with multiple entries typically lasts for 6 months, and you can renew it by leaving Thailand and re-entering through a neighboring country. This offers flexibility for digital nomads who like to travel while working remotely.

3. Non-Immigrant B Visa (Business Visa)

If you are a digital nomad running your own business or working with a foreign company, the Non-Immigrant B Visa may be suitable for you. Although this visa is intended for business professionals, entrepreneurs, and foreign employees of Thai companies, it can be used by remote workers running their own businesses or freelancing for overseas clients.

This visa allows you to stay in Thailand for up to 90 days initially, with the option of extending your stay for up to one year. If you are not working for a Thai company but still require a business visa for your freelance or entrepreneurial work, this is a potential option.

Requirements for the Non-Immigrant B Visa:

A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity.
A letter of invitation from a Thai company or proof of your freelance work (such as business registration, contracts, or invoices).
Proof of sufficient funds (typically at least 50,000 THB or about $1,500 USD in your bank account).
Additional documents depending on the nature of your business (such as company registration documents if applicable).

The Non-Immigrant B Visa can be extended for up to one year in Thailand, making it a good option for digital nomads who want to stay longer without the need for frequent border runs or visa renewals.

4. Non-Immigrant O-A Visa (Retirement Visa)

While the Non-Immigrant O-A Visa is mainly designed for retirees over the age of 50, it can also be an attractive option for digital nomads who have sufficient savings or passive income and want a long-term stay in Thailand. This visa allows you to stay in Thailand for one year, with the possibility of annual extensions.

For digital nomads who have a comfortable financial situation and plan to live in Thailand for the long haul, the Non-Immigrant O-A Visa offers stability without the need to constantly renew your visa.

Requirements for the Non-Immigrant O-A Visa:

Applicants must be at least 50 years old.
Proof of a monthly income of at least 65,000 THB or bank savings of at least 800,000 THB (approximately $25,000 USD).
A criminal background check from your home country.
Medical insurance coverage in Thailand (including coverage for COVID-19).

Though traditionally used by retirees, the Non-Immigrant O-A Visa can serve as an excellent long-term stay option for digital nomads with the right financial means.

5. Thailand Elite Visa

For those seeking a more luxurious and hassle-free long-term visa, the Thailand Elite Visa is an exclusive residency program that allows you to live in Thailand for a period of 5 to 20 years. This visa is a premium service offered to individuals who are willing to pay for the privilege of fast-track immigration services, airport transfers, VIP lounge access, and other high-end benefits.

The Thailand Elite Visa is not for everyone, given the high upfront cost, but it is ideal for high-net-worth digital nomads who are looking for convenience and longevity without the hassle of renewals or visa runs.

Requirements for the Thailand Elite Visa:

A significant upfront fee, ranging from $15,000 to $60,000 depending on the package chosen.
Proof of sufficient financial means to pay for the visa and support yourself during your stay.
Health check (as required).

While the Thailand Elite Visa may seem like an extravagant choice, it provides ultimate convenience for those who can afford it. The visa is designed for people seeking a long-term stay in Thailand without worrying about extensions, bureaucracy, or visa renewals.

Conclusion

As a digital nomad, Thailand is one of the most attractive destinations for remote work, offering a rich culture, great food, and a laid-back lifestyle. While there isn’t an official digital nomad visa, several long-term visa options can allow you to stay in Thailand for extended periods while working remotely.

Whether you choose the Special Tourist Visa for up to 9 months, the Non-Immigrant B Visa for business, or the luxurious Thailand Elite Visa, each visa has its own advantages. It’s important to assess your personal situation, financial resources, and desired length of stay to choose the best visa for your needs.

With the right visa, Thailand offers a perfect base for digital nomads looking to experience life in Southeast Asia while continuing to work remotely.