Question 1

Do DTV visa holders have to pay taxes in Thailand?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

DTV visa holders pay taxes in Thailand if they are tax residents. You become a tax resident if you stay 180 days or more in a calendar year. Tax residents pay income tax sourced in Thailand. They also pay on foreign income brought into Thailand. The tax rates are progressive, ranging from 0% to 35%. Non-residents pay tax only on income from Thailand, which includes income from local jobs or businesses. Remote work for foreign firms is not taxed if remitted into Thailand. For more information, see our article on the tax implications of the DTV visa or book a call with our team to discuss your circumstances.

Question 2

Is there really a two-year tax exemption for DTV visa holders?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

No. Although there has been speculation online about a potential two-year exemption, nothing has been confirmed by the Revenue Department or published in the Royal Gazette. As of now, no such exemption exists.

Question 3

Can I switch from a DTV visa to an LTR visa to reduce my tax burden?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Yes. Some DTV holders later apply for the Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa, which can provide significant tax benefits. However, qualifying for the LTR has strict requirements, including income and investment thresholds. We recommend seeking advice before applying to understand the tax implications and eligibility.

Question 4

What is the tax rate for income under DTV visa?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

DTV visa holders are subject to the same tax rules as other tax residents if they remain in Thailand for more than 180 days in any year. You are taxed on any Thai-sourced income and any overseas income that you bring into Thailand. After applicable allowances and deductions, you are progressively taxed at rates ranging from 0% to 35%. The table below shows the Thailand's progrssove tax bands. Table displaying Income Tax Rates for Expats in Thailand

Table displaying Income Tax Rates for Expats in Thailand

You can find all the relevant information on rates, allowances and deductions here.

Question 5

Are digital nomads able to use DTAs to reduce tax liability in Thailand?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Yes, digital nomads can utilise Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) to minimise their tax liability in Thailand. Thailand has DTAs with over 60 countries.

DTAs prevent double taxation. If you are a tax resident, you can claim credits for taxes paid abroad on the same income. This lowers your Thai tax bill. For example, the US-Thailand DTA allows US expats to offset US taxes against Thai taxes. This can mean that you have no tax to pay in Thailand, but you still have an obligation to file.

We have lots of resources on Double Tax Agreements or, if you prefer, book a call with our team to discuss.

Question 6

I am a DTV visa holder based in Thailand all year. I pay tax on my income in the UK. Does the UK DTA exempt me from tax in Thailand?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

As a DTV visa holder staying in Thailand for over 180 days (i.e., all year), you are considered a Thai tax resident. You must pay personal income tax on Thai-sourced income and foreign income brought into Thailand, such as UK earnings.

The UK-Thailand DTA does not exempt you from Thai tax but prevents double taxation. You can claim a tax credit in Thailand for taxes paid in the UK on the same income, reducing your Thai tax liability.

Watch this video to find out more about how the UK-Thailand DTA works. DTAs can be complex to manage, so please don’t hesitate to contact our team if you’d like to discuss further.

Question 7

What happens tax-wise if I exceed 180 days on DTV?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

If you stay over 180 days in a calendar year on a DTV visa, you become a tax resident. You must apply for a Tax ID Number and file an annual tax return. You pay personal income tax on income earned in Thailand and foreign income brought into Thailand. Double Taxation Agreements may offer credits to avoid paying tax twice. We recommend you speak to our team to fully understand your personal tax situation. Book a call, they will be happy to help.

Question 8

Are there tax exemptions for DTV visa holders, similar to those for LTR visa holders?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

No, DTV visa holders do not receive tax exemptions, unlike those on the Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa. They are a different type of visa. You only pay tax with a DTV visa if you spend more than 180 days in Thailand in a year. You can read more information on tax and the DTV visa here.

Question 9

Can I work remotely for a foreign company without paying Thai taxes on DTV?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Yes, you can work remotely for a foreign company on a DTV visa without paying Thai taxes if you stay less than 180 days in a calendar year. Non-residents only pay tax on Thai-sourced income. Remote work for a foreign employer is not Thai-sourced. However, if you stay 180 days or more, you become a tax resident and any foreign income brought into Thailand is taxable and you must file a return.

For more information on the DTV and tax, see our article here. If you would like to talk it through, book a call with our team.

Question 10

Can a DTV holder get a Thailand Tax ID?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Yes, DTV visa holders can get a Thailand Tax ID Number (TIN). You need a TIN to file taxes if you become a tax resident by staying 180 days or more in a calendar year. You can apply for a TIN at your local Revenue Department office, or if you prefer to avoid the hassle, we offer a simple online process that can take care of it for you.

Question 11

Do digital nomads need to pay tax in Thailand?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Digital nomads in Thailand, such as those holding a DTV visa, are required to pay tax if they are deemed tax residents. You become a tax resident by staying 180 days or more in a calendar year. Residents pay personal income tax on Thai-sourced income and foreign income brought into Thailand, like remote work earnings. For more information, we have a more detailed article on tax and the DTV visa here.

Question 12

What are the tax implications if I stay more than 180 days on a DTV visa?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

If you stay over 180 days in a calendar year on a DTV visa, you become a tax resident. You must pay personal income tax on income earned in Thailand and foreign income brought into Thailand. This includes remote work salaries or freelance earnings. If you have to file, as a tax resident you will be entitled to fully claim Thai tax allowances Book a call with our team if you have further questions

Question 13

Will the Thai Government intend to implement tax through withholding tax in banks?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Witholding tax is not deducted by the receiving bank. Taxpayers must use personal income tax returns to declare any tax due.

Question 14

Can you please confirm that Wealthy Pensioner LTR Visa holders are exempt from tax on foreign source income remitted to Thailand

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Yes the Wealthy Pensioner LTR is exempt from foreign sourced income if remitted the following tax year.

Question 15

I'm going to Canada for a short holiday next month. If I bring back $9,500usd will that be counted as remittance? I would convert it at local exchanges as needed.

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

If you are a Thai tax resident (180 days or more) and transfer in, carry across the border or spend on an ATM any funds from overseas that are classed as foreign sourced income, then this is potentially taxable. It doesn't matter what the money is used for. I recommend you watch our videos on this subject or podcasts which explain what is classed as taxable transfers

Question 16

I bought a condo in joint names with my wife. Can I use this purchase for the property investment requirement for the LTR VISA?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

You can use the property to qualify for the property investment requirement, but as it is in joint-ownership between you and your wife, half of the purchase price can be used towards the investment requirement for the LTR as the property is considered to be shared 50:50 between the applicant and spouse.

Question 17

Can I use the condo I bought in my wifes name for the property requirement for the LTR Visa? It in excess of the $500,000 requirement.

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

Any property needs to be in the applicant’s name to qualify as an investment under the requirements of the LTR. Therefore, the condo in your wife’s name cannot be used.

Question 18

Does the LTR Highly Skilled Professionals Visa have a tax exemption for foreign sourced income?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

No it doesn’t, but it does have a favourable tax rate. There are 4 LTR Visa types and the Highly Skilled Professionals LTR Visa is intended for individuals who have their main income earned while working within Thailand. This category has a flat personal income tax rate of 17% rather than a tax exemption on foreign remittances. You can learn more about the tax benefits of Thailand’s Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa here.

Question 19

Is it an easy solution just to get an LTR visa and be exempt from foreign income tax?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

This may be the right option for certain people, depending on their circumstances. However, you must meet the criteria and requirements for the LTR. You can find out more about the tax benefits of Thailand’s Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa here.

Question 20

Are elite visa holders tax exempt?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

No. There is only one type of visa that is now exempt from foreign-sourced income tax, which is the LTR visa. You can learn more about the tax benefits of Thailand’s Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa here.

Question 21

Are LTR visas exempt by Royal decree?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

There are two types of LTR visas which are exempt from foreign-sourced income with a royal decree: Wealthy Global Citizen and Wealthy Pensioner. You can learn more about the tax benefits of Thailand’s Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa here.

Question 22

Is the tax declaration needed for Expat Visa renewals?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

No. A tax declaration or Tax ID Number (TIN) is not a current requirement for visa renewals in Thailand. If one has Thai tax obligations, then they’d be required to file a tax return, but this is not necessary for a Visa if they do not have personal income tax filing need.

Question 23

Is the tax declaration needed for visas?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

A tax declaration or Tax ID Number (TIN) is not a current requirement for visas in Thailand. Please register for our tax alerts to stay informed of any changes.

Foreign-Sourced Income

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