Legal
How Freelancers Can Work in Thailand – Complete Guide 2025
TL;DR: Work in Thailand in 2025 with the right visa. This guide explains the new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) and Long-Term Residency (LTR) visa options, tax obligations for freelancers, and how to avoid common pitfalls. It also covers PEO services for those wanting to work with Thai clients, plus tips on tax residency, bank accounts, and compliance.
Thailand has become one of the most popular destinations for freelancers and digital nomads, and it continues to rank highly as one of the best countries in the world when considering Thailand for remote workers. Thailand’s popularity is thanks to its low cost of living, variety of locations such as the mountains of Chiang Mai or the beaches of Koh Samui or Phuket, strong expat communities, and a high quality of life.
However, digital nomads and freelancers cannot just arrive in Thailand and work as normal, the correct visa and/or work permit must be obtained first. Fortunately, there are now specific visas for digital nomads in Thailand, designed to make remote work possible on a legal basis.
In this article, we will discuss the key visa and work permit options, legal considerations, and practical steps to allow you to move to Thailand as a remote worker and work in Thailand legally.
Key Points
- Thailand offers two main legal visa options for freelancers: the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) valid for 5 years with 180-day stays per entry (extendable 1 time for a further 180 days), and the more exclusive Long-Term Residency (LTR) visa which is valid for 10 years.
- The DTV requires applicants to be at least 20 years old, have remote income and business activities only, have 500,000 THB ($13,650) in a bank account, and limits work to foreign clients only.
- The LTR visa has stricter requirements including minimum annual income of $80,000 for the past 2 years and employment with established foreign companies earning at least $50 million annually.
- Most common visa types previously used by digital nomads (Tourist, Education, Elite, and Retirement visas) do not legally permit working in Thailand.
- Professional Employer Organization (PEO) services offer another option that provides business visas and work permits, allowing work in Thailand for certain activities.
The Challenge Freelancers Face in Thailand
Despite Thailand’s popularity among freelancers and digital nomads, until recently, there was no dedicated “freelancer visa” available. As a result, many remote workers living in Thailand were working without the appropriate visa or work permit.
Before the introduction of the Destination Thailand visa and the Long Term Residency Visa (LTR), specifically the Work from Thailand category and the Destination Thailand Visa, Digital Nomads, many digital nomads and freelancers in Thailand relied on alternative visa categories to stay in the country long-term.
While these visas allow individuals to stay in Thailand for extended periods, they do not legally allow the holder to work in Thailand.
Examples of the most commonly used visa types by digital nomads that do not permit work:
- Tourist Visa.
- Education (ED) Visa.
- Elite Visa.
- Retirement Visa.
While these visa types allow the holder to stay in Thailand long-term, they do not provide a legal ability for freelancers or digital nomads to work in Thailand.
What are the Best Visas to Work in Thailand as a Freelancer?
For those who are looking for visas for digital nomads in Thailand, there are now 2 options available, the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) and the Long Term Residency Visa under the Work From Thailand category.
While each of these visas are aimed at freelancers and digital nomads, they each have their own distinct entry requirements.
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
Thailand’s Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) program has become a game-changer for freelancers and digital nomads who want to move to Thailand as a remote worker, offering flexible stays and the ability to work for foreign clients while enjoying Thailand’s lifestyle benefits.
The DTV allows the holder to stay in Thailand and work remotely in Thailand. The holders of this visa must work for companies or clients that are located outside of Thailand. DTV holders cannot work for a Thai company or do business in Thailand. Employment with a Thai company would require the individual to obtain the correct visa (Non-Immigrant B visa) and a work permit.
In order to ensure that your proposed activities fall under the scope of the DTV and that you do not engage in any restricted work activities, please feel free to book a consultation with one of our immigration experts here. Our experts can provide feedback to you ensuring you have the correct information to determine whether the DTV is the best suited visa for your needs.
What are the Eligibility Requirements for the Destination Thailand Visa?
In order to qualify for the Destination Thailand visa, applicants must:
- be at least 20 years old
- be able to demonstrate that they have a stable source of income from remote work or ownership of a business outside Thailand or be enrolled in a qualifying soft power activity such as Muay Thai or Thai cooking.
- be able to provide evidence that they have at least $13,650 (500,000 THB) in a bank account to be used to support themselves throughout their stay in Thailand.
- be able to provide proof of employment or study
What are the Key Benefits of the Destination Thailand Visa?
The Destination Thailand Visa offers a range of attractive features that set it apart from traditional tourist visas:
Flexible 5 Year Validity
The DTV is valid for 5 years and allows holders to stay in Thailand for up to 180 days per entry. Holders of the DTV can extend their stay for 180 days one time per entry. After the extension, the DTV holder must leave and re-enter Thailand.
Once they have left and re-entered they will be issued with another 180 day entry, which can be extended once as well.
The DTV is also a multiple entry visa allowing holders to come and go from Thailand as per their needs.
Eligibility for Spouse/Dependents
DTV holders will also be able to bring their spouses and children to Thailand as dependents (spouse and children up to the age of 20).
Drawbacks of the DTV
While the DTV is an excellent option for freelancers and digital nomads, there are some limitations that potential applicants should be aware of. Some of the key limitations include:
Length of Stay Limitations
The DTV allows holders to stay in Thailand for up to 180 days per entry. After reaching this limit, you must leave the country and re-enter to continue your stay. While you can apply for a single extension of another 180 days per entry, this must be done at a Thai immigration office, and involves additional fees.
Additionally, after this extension has ended, the DTV holder must leave Thailand and re-enter.
No Employment or Doing Business in Thailand
DTV holders are prohibited from working for Thai employers or companies in Thailand. DTV holders also cannot offer their services or have customers in Thailand. The visa is intended for those who work remotely for foreign companies or clients.
If you wish to work for a Thai company or do business in Thailand, you would need to obtain a business visa and work permit or engage a PEO service. Doing any of the restricted activities above could result in serious repercussions such as being asked to leave Thailand and being banned from re-entry.
Tax Residency Risks for DTV Holders
A foreigner’s tax obligations in Thailand depend on whether they are considered a tax resident or non-resident.
Residency status in Thailand is determined by how many days a person stays in Thailand in one year. In Thailand, if an individual stays in the country for 180 days or more within a calendar year, they are considered a tax resident. Holders of the DTV should also be aware that the 180 days do not need to be consecutive, any days spent in Thailand throughout the calendar year, even if non-consecutive, will count toward tax residency.
Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) holders who stay in Thailand for the full 180-day period, extend their stay beyond 180 days, or use the DTV’s multiple-entry option and accumulate 180 days in total, even non-consecutively, will be considered tax residents of Thailand.
Once becoming tax residents, they become subject to Thai personal income tax on both Thai sourced income and foreign income that is remitted into Thailand, as well as other tax compliance obligations such as filing an annual personal income tax return.
Tax Residents:
Residents are taxed on income earned in Thailand and income earned abroad that is remitted into Thailand.
- Tax rates are progressive, ranging from 0% to 35% on net taxable income after deductions.
- Residents typically file annual tax returns by March 31st (April 8th for online filing) of the following year.
- Double Tax Agreements may help prevent double taxation on any tax remitted into Thailand from abroad.
Non-Tax Residents:
- Non-residents are only taxed on income derived from sources within Thailand.
- This includes income from employment, business activities, rentals, and certain other categories.
Please note, any tax owed is subject to exemptions or deductions such as the relevant provisions of a Double Tax Agreement.
Read more:
Can Freelancers Apply for a Tax ID/Tax Identification Number (TIN) in Thailand?
A Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is a unique number issued by Thailand’s Revenue Department to both individuals and businesses. The Tax ID is an official reference for all tax filings and is required for being able to file the annual personal income tax returns.
While the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) was originally designed to support digital nomads on a short term basis (periods of stay of 180 days per entry), in practice, many holders have used the visa’s multiple entry feature, or the ability to extend once (per entry) for a further 180 days to remain in Thailand for much longer.
If a DTV holder stays in Thailand for more than 180 days within a calendar year, they become a tax resident, and are therefore required to obtain a TIN to satisfy their tax obligations as a tax resident.
To apply for a TIN, freelancers must provide some supporting documents, including a proof of residence in Thailand, such as a valid lease agreement for a condo or house. With this documentation, they can apply for a TIN at their local Revenue Department office and file a personal income tax return in the following tax year.
Tax in Thailand is assessed on the previous year’s income, so freelancers who remain in Thailand long enough to establish tax residency will be expected to file their Thai tax returns in March (physical submission) or April (online submission) of the following year. For individuals coming from countries with strict tax enforcement policies, such as France, this can create complications as the tax departments from these countries continue to claim taxing rights due to a lack of strong ties to Thailand.
In these situations, failing to file the annual tax return in Thailand could mean that your home country still considers you a tax resident, despite your physical presence elsewhere. To avoid being taxed twice or challenged by foreign tax authorities, digital nomads are recommended to consult with a tax professional or consider a stronger setup with a Non immigrant B Visa, a work permit and a monthly salary paid in Thailand through a PEO or EOR service.
How to Open a Bank Account for DTV Visa Holders.
Opening a bank account in Thailand with a Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) can be difficult. Many people assume that as the DTV is a legitimate visa that provides freelancers and digital nomads with a recognised way to be in Thailand, most Thai banks currently do not recognize it as a qualifying visa for account opening purposes at the time of writing this article.
In recent years, Thai banks have tightened their policies, often requiring a long term visa or permit to be able to open an account. Since the DTV is considered a short-term or “digital nomad” visa without the provision of a work permit or offering a long term stay, most major banks will refuse account applications from DTV holders.
However, some DTV holders have managed to open accounts through more flexible bank branches or with help from agents. However, this may be risky as banks have started reviewing the accounts of DTV holders more closely, and there have been recent reports of accounts being suspended or closed once the bank discovered the account holder was on a DTV visa.
If having a Thai bank account is essential, for example, to be able to receive income, pay rent, or establish proper links to Thailand for Tax residency purposes, then DTV holders may need to consider alternative visa options.
The Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa or Professional Employer Organization (PEO) sponsorship both allow holders to obtain a work permit, receive a monthly salary, and file income taxes in Thailand.
In terms of tax and tax residency, these options are much more reliable for a freelancer or digital nomad. Regular salary payments and tax filings can help prove links to Thailand, reducing the risk of still being considered a tax resident of your home country.
Long Term Residency Visa (Work From Thailand category)
While the LTR is aimed specifically at digital nomads and freelancers, the LTR for Work From Thailand professionals does cater to digital nomads, however, the application requirements are a lot more restrictive.
The LTR visa for Work from Thailand Professionals visa is targeted to remote workers working for well-established overseas companies to come to Thailand. Holders of this category of LTR visa are able to work and live in Thailand, removing all these burdens of having to get a work permit etc.
What are the Key Benefits of the LTR under the Work from Thailand category?
The LTR Visa for work from Thailand professionals offers several benefits, including:
- A 10 year visa that offers the ability to live and work for up to 10 years in the country without renewing your visa.
- Tax exemption for overseas income.
- Eligibility to apply for immigration and work permit services at One Stop Service Center for visa and work permit, saving applicants a lot of time.
- The ability to bring your spouse and children on dependent visas.
What are the Drawbacks of the LTR under the Work from Thailand category?
The Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa in Thailand offers several benefits for remote professionals, but there are also some drawbacks that potential applicants should consider.
High Eligibility Thresholds
Minimum income requirement: You need to show at least USD 80,000 annual income over the past two years (or USD 40,000 with a Master’s degree or above in certain fields, or work experience in specific industries).
Company criteria: The company you work for must be publicly listed or a private company with at least USD 150 million in revenue over the past three years, which can disqualify many freelancers, small business owners, or those working for startups.
Limited to Certain Professions and Companies
The visa is geared toward professionals working for foreign companies, not Thai companies.
Freelancers or those with multiple clients may struggle to qualify unless they can show a formal employment relationship that meets the criteria.
What are the Eligibility Requirements for the LTR under the Work from Thailand category?
To be eligible for the LTR Visa BOI as a Work from Thailand Professional, applicants must meet the following criteria:
(1) The applicant must have earned a personal income of not less than $80,000 per year over the past 2 years. If the applicant’s personal income has been lower than $80,000 but no lower than $40,000 per year over the past 2 years, the applicant is required to:
- Have a master’s or higher degree.
- Own their own intellectual property
- Receive a Series A funding (must not be less than $1 million).
(2) The applicant’s current employer must be a public company (listed on a stock exchange outside Thailand), or a private company that has been operating abroad for at least 3 years and has earned a revenue of not less than $50 million over the past 3 consecutive years.
(3) The applicant must have earned 5 years of relevant working experience in the field directly applicable to their field of current employment. This work experience must have been gathered over the past 10 years.
(4) The applicant is required to have a health insurance package with the minimum coverage of $50,000. This insurance must be valid for a period of at least 10 months. Alternatively:
- Have a social security package that covers medical treatment in Thailand.
- Have a cash deposit of at least $100,000 (or the equivalent value in other currencies) in Thailand or abroad (been in the account for at least 12 months prior to the application).
Alternative Options: EOR and PEO Services
A Professional Employer Organization service, also known as an Employer of Record, provides a quick and efficient option for entering the Thai market. While the DTV and LTR are the main visas for digital nomads in Thailand, freelancers who want to work directly with Thai companies or remain long-term may find PEO services a more suitable path.
PEO services provide support in navigating the compliance requirements in Thailand, including the onboarding process for employees and managing essential accounting and payroll responsibilities.
PEO services are a good option for corporate clients and high-level individuals looking for quick access to the Thai market. A PEO service offers the perfect opportunity for an individual to come to Thailand and begin operations quickly before undergoing the company registration process for their own entity or company.
The company registration process can be time-consuming and could delay a business’s initial entry into the market by up to 4 months. By engaging in a PEO service, clients can begin their operations quickly while also establishing their entity, ensuring a smooth transition upon registration of their entity.
PEO services also provide an opportunity for clients to test the Thai market and establish whether it would be a good opportunity for their project.
Why is a PEO Service a Good Option for Freelancers?
A PEO service offers a more structured employment arrangement. Here are the main points to consider:
Duration and Flexibility
Digital Nomads who engage a PEO service will have a valid business visa and work permit which will let you reside in Thailand for at least one year, with options for yearly extensions.
This can provide a more stable and long-term living arrangement compared to the DTV as there is no mandatory requirement to leave the country after 180 days (or 360 days if extended).
Employment Status and Ability to Work in Thailand
Having a valid business visa and work permit will allow you to work in Thailand and provide services to clients in Thailand. This is a significant advantage for a digital nomad who is looking to do business in Thailand and reduces any risk associated with doing such activities under a DTV.
Choosing between a digital nomad visa such as the LTR or DTV and a PEO service depends on your personal and professional needs. If you require flexibility and short-term stays while working remotely for foreign clients, the DTV may be the better option. However, if you seek a more stable, long-term arrangement that allows you to do business in Thailand, a PEO service could be more suitable.
What Type of Positions are Suitable for a PEO?
A PEO (Professional Employer Organization), offers a solid entry point into the Thai market, but freelancers should understand that this solution is best suited to certain types of roles. While PEO services can offer digital nomads and foreign professionals the ability to live and work in Thailand with a valid business visa and work permit, not all job positions are suitable.
For most situations, PEO arrangements are ideal for individuals involved in digital consulting, remote project management, regional business development, marketing strategy, or C level/management roles.
It’s also highly recommended for applicants to make sure that the PEO service provider is legitimate. The job title and activities of the applicant must align with the registered business objectives of the PEO provider and be within the permitted scope of your work permit. If their position involves restricted activities for foreigners, or the job description doesn’t match the company’s business objectives, it could raise issues with immigration and the Revenue Department and possibly result in a labor department inspection or audit.
Salary management is also another area that should be properly managed by the PEO provider. Under a properly arranged PEO agreement, the foreign employees salary must be paid through a Thai payroll system into a Thai bank account, with the proper tax deductions and social security contributions made in Thailand. Only filing a tax return without providing documented salary payments may not be enough for the Thai authorities and lead to questions about the legitimacy of the position.
With multiple visa options now available, banking considerations, and clearer tax rules, Thailand for remote workers is no longer just a lifestyle dream, it’s a viable legal pathway for freelancers and digital nomads.
How can Belaws help?
For more information about the thailand freelance visa, why not talk to one of our experts now?
Please note that this article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Our consultations last for a period of up to 1 hour and are conducted by expert Lawyers who are fluent in English, French and Thai.
Consultations can be hosted via WhatsApp or Video Conferencing software for your convenience. A consultation with one of our legal experts about your company registration is undoubtedly the best way to get all the information you need and answer any questions you may have about your new business or project.
USD 150
Up to 1 hour
Online payment (Paypal or Credit card)
Legal consultation can be conducted in English, French or Thai
Legal consultations are handled by experienced lawyers from the relevant fields of practice
FAQ
Can I just arrive in Thailand and start working as a freelancer?
No, you can’t! While Thailand is incredibly popular with digital nomads thanks to its low cost of living and great lifestyle, you absolutely need the right visa and/or work permit before you start working. The good news is that Thailand now offers specific visas designed exactly for remote workers like you.
What visa options are available so that freelancers can work in Thailand?
You have two main legal options for freelance work:
- Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) – Valid for 5 years with 180-day stays per entry
- Long-Term Residency (LTR) visa – Valid for 10 years but with much stricter requirements
Freelancers can work in Thailand through the PEO (Professional Employer Organization) route as well.
What about tourist visas, education visas, or elite visas - can I work on those in Thailand?
Unfortunately, no. While these visas let you stay in Thailand long-term, they don’t give you legal permission to work. This includes:
- Tourist Visa
- Education (ED) Visa
- Elite Visa
- Retirement Visa
Working on these visas could get you in serious trouble with Thai immigration.
Tell me about the DTV in Thailand - is it really as good as it sounds?
The DTV is honestly a game-changer! It’s valid for 5 years and lets you stay 180 days per entry (extendable once for another 180 days). You can leave and re-enter as many times as you want. It’s perfect for the typical digital nomad lifestyle.
What are the requirements for the DTV?
- At least 20 years old
- Have stable remote income from work/business outside Thailand (or be enrolled in qualifying activities like Muay Thai or Thai cooking)
- Show $13,650 (500,000 THB) in your bank account
- Provide proof of employment or study
Can I bring my family on a DTV?
Yes! Your spouse and children (up to age 20) can come as dependents. It’s a great option for digital nomad families.
What’s the catch with the DTV?
- You can only work for foreign clients/companies – no Thai clients allowed
- You must leave Thailand after your stay period expires (even after extending)
- No doing business in Thailand
- Banking can be challenging
What happens if I stay longer than 180 days in Thailand on a DTV?
This is crucial – if you stay 180+ days in a calendar year, you become a Thai tax resident! This means you’ll need to pay Thai taxes on foreign income you bring into Thailand and file annual tax returns. The days don’t need to be consecutive either.
Can I open a Thai bank account with a DTV?
This is one of the biggest challenges. Most Thai banks don’t recognize the DTV as qualifying for account opening. Some DTV holders have managed to open accounts through flexible branches or agents, but banks have been reviewing and sometimes closing these accounts. If you need a Thai bank account, you might want to consider the LTR visa or PEO services instead.
The LTR sounds amazing - 10 years and tax exemptions! What’s the catch?
The LTR is fantastic if you qualify, but the requirements are quite strict:
- Minimum $80,000 annual income for the past 2 years
- Your employer must be a publicly listed company OR a private company with $50+ million annual revenue
- 5 years of relevant work experience in your current field
- $50,000+ health insurance coverage
What if I earn less than $80,000 but have a Master’s degree?
Good news! If you earn at least $40,000 annually and have a Master’s degree or higher, you might still qualify. You could also qualify if you own intellectual property or received Series A funding of $1+ million.
What are the benefits of the LTR?
- 10-year validity
- Tax exemption on overseas income
- One-stop service for visa and work permit applications
- Bring spouse and children as dependents
- No need to leave and re-enter Thailand
What if I want to work with Thai clients? Or need a more stable setup?
This is where PEO (Professional Employer Organization) services come in. A PEO can sponsor you for a business visa and work permit, allowing you to:
- Work legally in Thailand
- Serve Thai clients
- Get a Thai bank account more easily
- Have a more stable tax situation
How does a PEO arrangement work?
Essentially, the PEO becomes your legal employer in Thailand. They handle your visa, work permit, payroll, and tax obligations. You work through them but maintain your freelance activities. It’s particularly good for roles like digital consulting, project management, business development, or management positions.
What should I watch out for with PEO services?
Make sure your PEO provider is legitimate! Your job title and activities must align with their registered business objectives. Your salary must be paid through proper Thai payroll with tax deductions and social security contributions. Belaws can help ensure you’re set up correctly and compliantly.
DTV vs LTR vs PEO - how do I choose?
Choose DTV if:
- You want maximum flexibility
- You only work for foreign clients
- You earn less than $80,000/year
- You like the nomadic lifestyle of leaving/re-entering
Choose LTR if:
- You meet the strict income/company requirements
- You want long-term stability
- Tax exemption on foreign income appeals to you
- You don’t mind the complex application process
Choose PEO if:
- You want to work with Thai clients
- You need a Thai bank account
- You want employment benefits and legal protection
- You prefer a structured employment arrangement
Where can I get expert help with this process for a freelancer visa in Thailand?
Given the complexity of Thai visa and tax law, it’s really worth consulting with immigration and tax experts who understand the nuances. Belaws specialize in helping freelancers and digital nomads navigate these requirements properly, ensuring you’re compliant and protected.
Is Thailand really worth all this visa complexity?
For most people, absolutely! Thailand offers an unbeatable combination of low costs, high quality of life, diverse locations (from Chiang Mai’s mountains to Phuket’s beaches), strong expat communities, and now legal pathways for remote work. With the right visa setup, it’s not just a lifestyle dream – it’s a viable, legal base for your freelance career.
Related articles
What is the cost of registering a company in Thailand in 2025?
21/10/2021
All you need to know about the cost of creating and registering a company in Thailand.
All you need to know about the cost of creating and registering a company in Thailand.
Raising funds in Thailand with a SAFE
21/10/2021
As an entrepreneur seeking funding in Thailand, there are a variety of term sheet options available, including the SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity).
As an entrepreneur seeking funding in Thailand, there are a variety of term sheet options available, including the SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity).
What happens to my Thai company if a shareholder passes away / dies?
26/10/2021
Taking the time to plan for things such as the unexpected death or sickness to shareholders
Taking the time to plan for things such as the unexpected death or sickness to shareholders
Subscribe today
Subscribe today
To our newsletter for all the latest legal news
in South East Asia, Belaws updates and
special promotions on our services.
To our newsletter today for all the latest legal news in South East Asia,
Belaws updates and special promotions on our services.
Belaws 2017 - 2025.
Belaws provides information and software only. Belaws is not a "lawyer referral service" and does not provide legal service or participate in any legal representation.
Belaws is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or a law firm. The use of Belaws is subject to our Terms of Use.
