Thailand welcomes digital nomads with new ‘Destination Thailand Visa’

Digital nomads can work remotely from Thailand for up to one year at a time with the country’s newly launched ‘Destination Thailand Visa’.

Beyond being a vacation staple dotted with velvety beaches and cultural marvels, Thailand is ready to further its appeal on the digital nomad’s radar. The country’s highly anticipated digital nomad visa, the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), will welcome remote employees to settle in, work, and explore Thailand’s charming sights for one year.

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All you need to know about the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)

Thailand Introduces Destination Thailand Visa for Digital Nomads & Remote Workers https://t.co/VRgTy1nt3l

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In addition to digital nomads, freelancers, and remote workers, the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is for those who want to learn to cook Thai cuisine, take up the traditional martial art form of Muay Thai (boxing), or other sports training. Those performing at music festivals, attending seminars, or seeking medical treatment may also be included. The digital nomads, however, must be working for clients or companies based outside of Thailand to avail of the DTV.

The visa also includes spouses and children of the DTV holders.

The Destination Thailand Visa is a multiple-entry visa with a validity of five years. It can be used to stay in the country for 180 days, with the possibility of extending the stay for another 180 days. The application fee is THB 10,000.

Other efforts taken by Thailand to bolster tourism include taking its visa extension scheme to 93 countries (as opposed to 57 countries in the past). Compared to 30 days previously, tourists can now extend their stay in Thailand to 60 days. The 15-day visa on arrival available at airports has also been made available for 31 countries, an increase from the 19 countries previously. The endeavours also encompass international college students who can live in Thailand for up to one year after graduation, allowing them enough time to search for job opportunities. Earlier, they had to leave immediately after completing the course. Lastly, the retirement insurance coverage has also been reduced from THB 3 million to THB 440,000.

This article originally appeared on Travel + Leisure Asia.