Since the right documentation for your stay in any country is one of the most important things you will have to constantly ensure, we have prepared a list of the options available in terms of visas for remote workers in Thailand. Thailand relies heavily on its tourism industry and so takes its visa system very seriously as a way of raising revenue for the country. As such, navigating Thailand’s immigration and visas system is not easy, particularly for remote workers who are looking to stay in the country for longer.
This is the most common visas for remote workers in Thailand. It is not a visa as such but rather a waiver entitling holders of certain nationalities to visit the country without the need for a visa, for a particular period of time. Only a select number of countries qualify for this waiver (including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia and EU members) and it is usually granted for a maximum of 30 days. For those looking to stay in Thailand for more than 30 days, this Visa on Arrival means you will have to do a “border run” (usually to nearby Laos) before it expires. This is a common way of extending one’s stay in Thailand but it is risky in the sense you can be turned away at the border back into the country for any reason. Immigration officials have made it clear the best way to stay in the country for more than 30 days is to obtain a Tourist Visa.
Of the available visas for remote workers in Thailand, this is the most recommended. It is granted as a “single-entry” or “triple-entry” visa and must be applied for and collected outside of Thailand. This means you should apply in your home country before travelling. These visas are usually issued for 60 days, after which you can extend for an additional 30 days (fee applicable). After these initial 90 days, you must carry out a “border run” to Laos in order to be eligible for another 60 days on the same tourist visa. You can carry out the same process up to 3 times on the triple-entry visa. This means a Triple-Entre Tourist Visa can afford you up to 270 legal days in Thailand.
Remote workers choosing this visa type should contact their local Royal Thai Consulate and obtain up-to-date information on the latest requirements and costs. It is also recommended you always have proof of sufficient funds whenever doing a “border run”, in order to avoid being turned away at the border back into Thailand even if holding a valid visa.
This is one of the most rewarding options in terms of visas for remote workers in Thailand, but also requires a good level of commitment. Thailand offers visas to those wishing to visit the country and study Thai in one of its many accredited schools. These visas can only be applied for outside Thailand and require you to have proof of enrollment at an approved language Institution. If approved, the visa is issued for 3 months, after which it can be extended if you pass a relevant exam. One of the best things about this visa is that you can also apply if you are looking to learn other skills such as self-defense or culinary arts. There are lots of flexible courses available, meaning you can always fit in time to keep working remotely. To check latest requirements and fees, contact your local consulate.
One of the newest options available when it comes to visas for remote workers in Thailand is the Special Tourist Visa, created uniquely for tourism during the global covid-19 emergency. This visa entitles holders from “low-risk countries” to stay in Thailand for up to 1 year. In order to apply, you must live in a country with a low level of Covid-19 transmission, have medical insurance for over $100,000 USD, reserve space at an approved hotel for a mandatory 14-day quarantine upon arrival, reserve a temporary residential space to move into after quarantine, and submit proposals for your arrival in Thailand by chartered flight only. You must also agree to covid-testing throughout the process and pay a 2000 Baht fee for the visa. To check latest requirements and apply, contact your local consulate.
For more information about living in Bangkok as a remote worker, check out our complete Bangkok guide.