Living & visas
The DTV and other ways to stay in Thailand for 3 to 6 months legally
With a 30-day visa-free stay, wintering in Thailand turns into a series of border runs. The good news: there are enough legal ways to live here for three, four or six months. The main one today is the DTV. Here is who it suits and what to choose instead.
In short
- The DTV is issued for 5 years: up to 180 days per entry plus one more 180 days. Fee 10,000 baht, 500,000 baht in the bank.
- From 31.08.2026 the DTV requires a police clearance certificate, and you apply in your country of citizenship or residence.
- Up to 3 months a tourist visa is enough; for years, Thailand Privilege or a retirement visa.
The DTV in brief
The Destination Thailand Visa is issued for 5 years and lets you stay up to 180 days per entry. In Thailand the stay can be extended once by another 180 days. Leave and come back: up to 180 days again.
- Visa validity
- 5 years
- Stay per entry
- up to 180 days + 180-day extension
- Consular fee
- 10,000 ฿
- Funds in the bank
- from 500,000 ฿
Who it suits
- Remote workers and freelancers working for clients or employers outside Thailand.
- People coming for a "Thai" activity, known as Soft Power: Thai boxing, Thai cooking, medical and wellness programmes and more.
- The family of a DTV holder: spouse and children.
How to apply
Applications go through the official portal thaievisa.go.th. For remote work you prepare proof of employment or client contracts; for Soft Power, proof of enrolment on a course. Plus a bank statement showing 500,000 ฿.
Other ways to spend the winter
| Option | How long you can stay | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Visa-free + extension | up to 60 days | a short winter |
| Tourist visa + extension | 60 days plus extension | 2 to 3 months |
| DTV | up to 180 + 180 days per entry, 5 years | remote work, courses |
| Thailand Privilege | up to 1 year per entry, 5 to 20 years | hassle-free long stays |
| Retirement visa | 1 year, renewable | aged 50+ |
More on visa-free entry and the tourist visa in Thailand visa exemption in 2026, on Thailand Privilege and the retirement visa in Residency and visas when buying property.
Do not forget the 90-day report
If you stay in Thailand for more than 90 days in a row, you must report your address to immigration. It is done online at tm47.immigration.go.th, from 15 days before the due date to 7 days after. The fine for being late is 2,000 ฿.
Where to live for the winter
For half a year your own condo or a long-term rental works out better than a hotel. For winter stays people most often choose Jomtien and Pratumnak: quiet, close to the sea, with everything you need nearby. Compare areas in Pattaya districts, and see condos with prices in the Jomtien catalogue.
FAQ
How much does the DTV cost?
The consular fee is 10,000 baht. You need to show at least 500,000 baht in the bank.
How long can I stay in Thailand on a DTV?
Up to 180 days per entry and one extension of another 180 days. The visa itself is valid for 5 years.
What changed for the DTV in 2026?
From 31 August 2026 a police clearance certificate is required, and you must apply in your country of citizenship or permanent residence.
How can I winter in Thailand for 3 months?
The easiest way is a 60-day tourist visa with an extension in Thailand. For half a year or longer, the DTV fits.
Sources
- MFA Thailand: DTV checklist, PDF
- MFA Thailand: DTV changes of 28.08.2026, PDF
- MFA Thailand: types of visa and requirements, 31.08.2026, PDF
- Thai e-Visa: official portal
- Immigration Bureau: 90-day report
This article is for general information and is not legal or tax advice. Laws, fees and project terms change: before a deal we check the current conditions for the specific property.
