New Thailand Visa 2025: Opportunities for Digital Nomads, Expats & Retirees

The latest visa options for Thailand at a glance

Thailand has introduced several new visa programs in 2024 and 2025 and revised existing offerings to specifically target digital nomads, expats, and retirees, facilitating entry and long-term stay.

Who moves to Thailand?

With around two million registered expats—including digital nomads, professionals, and retirees—Thailand is one of the countries with the largest foreign community in Asia. Unregistered stays and seasonal long-term vacationers could bring the total even closer to three million.

Age groups: Focus on over 50s and remote workers

Thailand is demographically transforming into a "silver society" – approximately 21% of the population will be over 60 by 2025. The 50+ age group with retirement visas also makes up a significant portion of expats; in 2024, there were an estimated 80,000 long-term retirement visas, and the number is rising. Nevertheless, the 30- to 45-year-old remote professional and entrepreneur group is growing, thanks to new digital nomad and LTR visas.

Nationalities: From neighboring countries to Europe

• The largest number of foreign residents continue to come from Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia, mostly as migrant workers.
• Among Western expats, the British, Germans, and French are the most important groups – Germany has around 30,000 long-term expats.
• The number of Chinese residents is steadily increasing and now represents the largest non-neighbouring community – e.g., 13.3% of all work permits.
• Japanese, once particularly present, are increasingly less represented; Americans and Australians are following suit as regular visitors to the metropolitan areas.

Most popular places to live and lifestyle

• Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Pattaya are the favorites for digital nomads and expats, followed by quiet regions such as Hua Hin and Koh Samui.
• Thailand ranks 6th among the best countries for expats worldwide (Ease of Moving Index 2025) thanks to its low cost of living, modern infrastructure and tropical climate.

Let’s move on to the VISA options:

1. Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) for Digital Nomads

The brand-new "Destination Thailand Visa" (DTV) is primarily aimed at digital nomads, freelancers, and remote entrepreneurs. The DTV has been in operation since 2024 and offers:

• Validity: 5 years with multiple entries
• Up to 180 days per stay possible, one extension per year
• Financial proof: At least 500,000 THB (approx. 14,500 EUR) in an account in the last 3 months
• Remote work: Only remote work for foreign companies/clients is permitted; local employment is excluded
• Family-friendly: Spouses and children can apply for their own DTVs
• Application: Can be applied for digitally via Thai embassies, consulates or the new eVisa system
• Further requirements: Valid passport, proof of employment (permanently employed, entrepreneur, freelancer with client contracts), recent photo, proof of accommodation/booking

The DTV is also attractive for those who would like to participate in so-called “Thai Soft Power” activities such as cooking classes, Muay Thai training, medical stays or sports programs.

2. LTR (Long-Term Resident) Visa: Simplified access for expats

The LTR visa was reformed in 2025 to facilitate access. It is aimed at:

• Highly qualified workers in future industries
• “Wealthy Global Citizens” (with at least $1 million in assets)
• International remote professionals for foreign companies
• Wealthy Pensioners (pensioners with high passive income)

Advantages of the LTR visa:

• Up to 10 years of residence
• Tax benefits, special work permit for remote work
• Simplified family reunification (partner and children)
• Application also possible digitally

The access criteria have been noticeably relaxed, particularly with regard to income and investment requirements, in order to attract talented or wealthy immigrants to the country.

3. Retirement Visa: Stable, but new tax rules

The classic retirement visa (Non-O-A/O-X) remains in place, is aimed at people aged 50 and older, and offers long-term stays without a work permit. Framework conditions for 2025:

• Minimum balance: 800,000 THB in a Thai bank OR monthly pension of 65,000 THB OR combination

• Validity (O-X): Up to 5 years for citizens of selected countries
• Health insurance worth at least 3 million THB is mandatory
• New in 2025: Foreign income paid into the country will now be taxed for the first time if you spend more than 180 days per year in Thailand. The tax rate is 5–35%, depending on your income.

4. Important digital innovations

By 2025, the entry and extension processes will have been significantly digitalized:

• Introduction of the “Thailand Digital Arrival Card” (TDAC) as mandatory for all foreigners
• The eVisa system is now available in >90 countries
• Many applications (including extensions) can be submitted digitally, reducing the number of administrative visits required

Conclusion

Thailand is currently massively modernizing its visa landscape:

• The new Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) makes legal, long-term residence for remote work truly easy for the first time.
• The reforms to the LTR visa lower barriers for skilled immigrants and wealthy expats.
• There are stable options for retirees, but new tax obligations.
• Digitalization makes processes more transparent and accessible for all groups.

Anyone planning to stay in Thailand for an extended period will find more options and digital conveniences in 2025 than ever before – but should pay particular attention to the issues of taxes and documentation requirements.