Date: August 12, 2026

How long does the 500,000 baht need to sit in my account for the DTV?

The required THB 500,000 should be held in your bank account for at least three months before applying for the DTV. If you later apply for the one permitted 180-day extension, you should also expect to show that the funds have been maintained for the three months before the extension application.

What We See In Practice

I have the THB 500,000 now. Can I transfer it into my account just before I apply?

WHAT CLIENTS ASK US

No. The issue is not whether you have the money on the day you apply, but whether you can show it has been in your account for the required period. This is one of the most common reasons applicants are asked for additional information or experience delays.

Although the DTV financial requirement is THB 500,000, applicants are normally expected to prove they have held those funds over time rather than deposited them immediately before applying. In practice, Thai embassies and consulates commonly ask for bank statements covering the previous three months.

The same approach generally applies if you later apply for the one permitted 180-day extension. Immigration will usually expect to see that the THB 500,000 has again been maintained in your account for the three months leading up to the extension application. If you think you may want to extend your stay, it is worth planning ahead so you continue to meet the financial requirement when the time comes.

Author: Vincent Birot

Vincent Birot is a French-trained international business lawyer based in Bangkok. He holds a Master’s degree in International Business Law from La Sorbonne and an LL.M in International Commercial Law from the University of Exeter (UK), and has passed the Paris Bar examination. He is the Founder of Belaws, a one-stop platform for legal and corporate matters, facilitating access to trusted legal and business professionals who deliver compliant, practical solutions aligned with local laws and on-the-ground realities. He has advised foreign investors for over 10 years on corporate structuring, BOI promotion, cross-border tax, and regulatory compliance in Thailand. He previously served as Vice President of the Franco-Thai Chamber of Commerce and is a founding member of French Tech Bangkok.