Thailand Visa: Work Visa for Digital Nomads Guide

"How to Get a Work Visa as a Digital Nomad in Thailand

Thailand does not offer a traditional “digital nomad visa” for remote workers. However, digital nomads have two legal pathways to live and work remotely from Thailand without violating immigration or labor laws:

1. Thailand Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa – “Digital Nomad / Remote Worker” Category

Thailand’s LTR Visa includes a specific category for Remote Workers / Digital Nomads employed by foreign companies. It allows you to live and work remotely in Thailand legally for up to 10 years.

Eligibility Requirements

You must meet all of the following:

• Be employed by a well-established foreign company (annual revenue at least USD 150 million over 3 years)

• Have at least 5 years of work experience in your field

• Earn at least USD 80,000 per year

o Minimum drops to USD 40,000 per year if you have a Master’s degree, special technical skills, or work in a startup

• Have valid health insurance with at least USD 50,000 coverage

Benefits

• 10-year renewable visa (initial 5 years + 5-year extension)

• Digital work is fully legal

• Fast-track airport services

• Ability to bring spouse & children

• Work permit included (digital work allowed)

Difficulty Level

Moderate to high — mainly because of the salary and employer requirements.

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2. Thailand Smart Visa (SMART “T” or SMART “I”)

This visa is for remote workers or professionals in tech, innovation, startups, and targeted industries.

Eligibility

• You must work in one of Thailand’s targeted industries (tech, IT, robotics, digital, smart farming, etc.)

• Typically requires a monthly income of THB 100,000+

• Employer must be in a government-recognized sector

• Bachelor’s degree + experience in tech or digital fields

Benefits

• Valid 1–4 years

• Work permit not required

• Visa extensions tied to your project or employer

Difficulty Level

High — because of industry restrictions and government approval.

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❌ Options You Cannot Use Legally

These are commonly attempted but not legal for remote work:

Tourist Visa

Not allowed for working remotely, even for foreign clients.

Education Visa (ED Visa)

Cannot legally be used for digital nomad work.

Volunteer Visa

Strictly for volunteer activities; remote work is prohibited.

Thailand is strict about unauthorized work—even remote work—so choosing the correct visa type is essential.

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Best Visa for Most Digital Nomads

If you work for a stable foreign company and meet the income requirements, the LTR Visa – Remote Worker category is the best and safest option.

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If You Don’t Qualify for LTR or Smart Visa

You can still stay in Thailand long-term, but you cannot legally work. Options include:

• Tourist Visa + Extensions (short-term stay)

• Long Stay O Visa (retirement, age 50+ only)

• Education Visa (language courses)

But again—remote work is not legally allowed on these visas.

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