What are your opinions on tax for DTV visa holders? Will you guys by willing to pay the tax? I feel like this is absurd because you don't earn your money from Thailand. The tax based on my research is also not tiny. It's almost around 200,000 THB per year for someone who makes 20k - 40kUSD (Correct me if I am wrong though). This amount exceeds far more than what I am comfortable paying for the rent for the entire year.
If that is indeed the case, I will not be applying for DTV. That is outrageous. A lot of money for what? You are not even earning from Thailand, this is literally just for breathing. I don't know why I feel this way and how other people can accept this. If it's true and most people are ok with this, what am I missing out on?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
There is a significant discussion regarding the tax obligations for holders of the Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand. Many expats express concerns about the potential high taxes linked to their residency status when they earn income from outside Thailand. Common misunderstandings include the claim that DTV holders will pay taxes on earnings not made in Thailand, with discussions mentioning nearly 200,000 THB in annual taxes for certain income levels. Some commenters argue that taxes are normal for residency in any country and relate it to using local infrastructure and services. Others suggest that more information should be obtained directly from official Thai sources, as tax situations can vary significantly based on individual circumstances, such as existing tax treaties between Thailand and other countries. The consensus is that if residents stay in Thailand for more than 180 days, they may trigger tax obligations based on income brought into the country. However, the specifics are often debated, indicating a need for better clarification of tax regulations for foreigners.
You are not well informed. If you pay already tax in your home country it will be offset. If there's a double taxation agreement with your home country, you may not owe taxes at all. Or just stay 179 days per year and don't worry.
Anonymous ******************
How much is tax in your own country? Just pay there instead
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Anonymous participant 799 I am not really sure. I am not paying any taxes. That's why I find it difficult to justify moving
Michael *******
Participant(e) anonyme where you spend most of your time before thailand ?, pretty sure it will interested the country, as there is no many place with 0% tax in the world, and if you want keep paying 0%, stay there. đ
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Michael *******
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Rico ***********
Anyone who wants to stay in Thailand long-term should truly integrateâand that includes paying taxes. Many people underestimate that having an official tax history can open doors, whether for permanent residency or even Thai citizenship. Of course, there are always two sides to every coin, but if you want to enjoy the benefits of staying permanently, you should also take on some responsibilities.
Itâs hard to understand why some foreigners live in Thailand but refuse to pay taxes or even learn the language. Anyone serious about building a real life there will benefit greatly from adoptingânot just legally, but culturally as well.
it's a tentendcy in Facebook groups. Compared to many countries, Thailand does have a quite reasonable tax regime for expats (as of now).
The only one with comparable climate, DTAs and better taxes is Indonesia (Bali) if you go for their Second Home Visa, but that ties up 130k USD in some Indonesian bank account or forces you to buy overpriced real estate...
Costa Rica and Nicaragua are lacking DTAs and are generally less safe, less organized and imported stuff is crazy expensive.
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Ric ******
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Jukka ********
Dont know for sure, but think you have to pay tax if you are Thailand more then 180day In year.
Warren *********
Thailand is better on this than almost every other country
Cora *********
Pay taxes elsewhere.... Choose Germany and you will pay at least triple than thailand ....good luck
Roger ******
Newsflash.... No one is requiring you to get this visa.
Roger ******
This is how visas work. In exchange for allowing you to spend time in a country, this is how you contribute towards said country. It's nothing new.
Anna *********
you are wrong on just about everything đ€Ł
Such a long post of nonsense
Dennis ************
Your visa has nothing to do with paying tax.
Danny *******
Just tax on remitted money in, plus it is highly unlikely DTV will lead to tax. They are already making it highly difficult to renew and encouraging people to leave instead
Yes, but people going in/out are still subject to taxes if spending more than 180 days per calendar year.
Danny *******
Anonymous participant 118 most of them will still be tax resident in their own countries. Itâs a lot of work to take on the different tax rules and regulations of 100s of different nationalities. Makes more sense to make it more difficult to not spend a straight 180 period in Thailand then push the responsibility and burden back on the traveller
thats a pretty stupid question. because it is law and you would need self-reporting. it is your duty to research everything in this regard and do your job. it is all on you and no one will hold your hand. it is the same in many countries where authorities will not mail you every law, every regulation, etc⊠did anyone mail you the info that you need a 90 day report? no, because that is your duty to know and do.
Alright calm down. But there will be a load of foreigners not aware of the rule change from 1st Jan 24. And will be paying the same amount of tax as previous years. Nothing.
I never spent more than 180 days here in 2024. So I can sit back and relax and see what happens. đ
Reply to
Sean *******
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George *******
All this gibberish reminds me of a line of soldiers on parade and the soldier at one end of the line says lend me 3 & 4 pence to go to a dance, by the time it gets to the last soldier at the other end of the parade, it's changed to send reinforcements were going to advance đđđ
According to this link when you open the PDF. Second paragraph states any income earned. If that is correct then a state pension, which is not earned, but as in the UK is an entitlement surely this isn't classed as earned income?
You woukd need to read thst document alongside the UK DTA to see how different pensions are classified for tax
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Greg ********
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Ryan *********
Is it's based on residence laws? If you're out 6 months of the year does it change?
Anita ********
Thailand shooting themselves in the foot. But obviously, Thailand is becoming way too popular. Time to go somewhere else. Too many drugs in Thailand now as well.
Everytime will be more difficult. Here in Thailand you xns optimize taxes a lot. If you don't remit a lot of money, you pay only a little. Or you can remit all the money one year that you won't stay for 180 days..
because I like many things about Thailand. I mean, moving non-stop from one country to another can be very annoying, and I like this country. Maybe others are better in term of taxation, but most of them are countries that I don't want to live for many reasons. You have also to enjoy your life and Thailand it's a wonderful place for it.
Just don't longer than 180 days in Thailand - problem solved
Anonymous ******************
So you want to live in a country and not contribute?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Anonymous participant 145 I am not very used to the idea of contributing by paying your salary to the government. If I am making money in that country, sure, I will be happy to. Just for breathing, not so much of a big fan. If it's small amount, still ok, but it's more than the rent itself. So, absolutely not ok for me.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant whose infrastructure are you using, and all the other services and benefits you take for granted?
If you make no money you pay no tax, but if you reside in a country and your revenue comes outside of that country, you are still earning a living while in Thailand.
This isn't a difficult concept.
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Anonymous ******************
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Avigail *******
You are only taxed on income remitted into Thailand, not your entire income... so anything you spend or cash you withdraw in thailand is taxable.
Greg ********
Tax on 100k THB a month assessable income using the basic allowances and nothing else is 125k THB a year. See UOB Thailand tax calculator. The Thais on my team were on about that and with allowances etc paid a lot less tax.
Greg ********
Tax threads are becoming more common than any other these days. Why not look through the group before posting the same questions over. Do a bit of Googling of the Thailand Revenue Deprtmemt so you get info from the source. Google something like HSBC expat guide to Thailand which has info from E&Y. There is a lot of misinformation around regarding Thailand and tax and much of it is deliberate. Arm yourself with the basics first. If yiu want a Thai tax calculator Google "UOB Thailand Tax Calculator". It will give some ball park figures
Anonymous ******************
just stay somewhere outside Thailand like 3 months in Vietnam and 3 months in Malaysia and back to Thailand for 6 months then you don't not need to pay taxes at all
Al**
Anonymous participant 808 This makes the DTV visa not so special then if you really think about it
a lot of real nomads and remote workers stay less than 180 days on DTV, that is why DTV has a stay of 180 days.
When you use it in a different way, you might become tax resident, but that is not relaxed to DTV
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Luit *****************
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Travelling ********
Anonymous participant 808 Unfortunately it is way more difficult to get a 6 months lease. You also pay more monthly if you are lucky enough to find a six month lease. Not to mention that all that traveling around and finding short term apartments there also cost money. All in all you might be better of just paying the taxes. Unless you like to travel of course.
(I plan to stay 6 months since the tax laws are just too unclear and extending within the country is going to whole DTV process again)
yeah my plane is to keep my stay in Thailand under 180 days this year until i see what other people experiences regarding tax payments, i hope the government of Thailand makes a clear system on how to pay taxes with DTV visa
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Anonymous ******************
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Lee ***********
Don't like it don't stay, Thailand isn't asking you, its you who wants her, those are the brakes!
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yeah, I won't like it if this is true. But, for now, it seems like nothing is so accurate and there is no clear law about the tax for DTV holders. That's why I am asking.
Michael *******
Anonymous participant you have official easy PDF to understand from thai revenue departement here ( taxfordummies) :
Ok, that's your choice, thanks for commenting anyway
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Anonymous *************
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Sweet *****
Anonymous my advice is steer clear of these Facebook groups, if you do could end up being another sheep đ in the herd, instead follow the Integrity Legal YouTube channel. The speaker on this channel posts regularly about the tax hysteria thatâs getting everyoneâs knickers in a twist. He is probably the only qualified person to make any real judgment on the subject.
yeah but even he has no idea whatâs going on lol heâs done videos where he is just so exhausted and mentally drained about the whole situation he said he literally gives up. Pretty bad news when âlawyersâ dont even know wtf the regulations or rules are
if you watch his videos he is not giving up coz he doesnât know whatâs going on, itâs because of the trolls who keep having a go at him. Itâs pure frustration like he is banging his head against a wall, heâs taking the time out to make free advice videos, while there are illegal farangs out there scamming vulnerable expats by charging 1,000 baht for a 30 min tax consultation, scammers that donât even have an office and are operating out of a condo room. I can fully understand his frustration.
Yeah, I am not sure why I don't have to pay tax. That's why I find it really hard to justify that I must pay significant amout of tax to the government if I move. If I remain where I am, no tax at all.
Ric ******
Anonymous participant if you disclose the country and the special situation, people may give you more specific advice.
If it's the US and some government income, it may be exempt in Thailand because of a double taxation agreement.
If it's a business/investment income and you don't want to keep living in this country any more, there might be constructions possble to lower/mitigate your tax load in Thailand. This is typically beyond the scope of a FB group consultation, so you'd have to find someone versed in international tax law. nomadcapitalist offers such consulting.
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Ric ******
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Jim ********
Anonymous participant In that case you pay in Thailand. It's not a tax haven. If you want to avoid paying tax you need to set up residence in somewhere like Bermuda or the Cayman Islands
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Jim ********
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Abas ******
If people says that most developed countries take tax like Europe or Canada or Australia etc. So they also give you passport, residency and you will have a lot of chances to become resident of that country. What will you get here in return?
If you can't get anything in return HERE why not leaving?
Abas ******
Anonymous participant 118 fu**King m0r0n that's not answer of my question... It's not about me. It's about country who take tax and give nothing in return.
I totally agree. However, keep in mind, for the foreseeable future, there won't be any enforcement. Continue paying tax to your home country authority (or the jurisdiction your work is based in) but unless you're on a work visa for Thailand, chances are, you will neither be allowed to apply for a tax ID number (TIN) nor will you be asked for one as immigration is not in the business of becoming tax inspectors. Except of course when it comes to working in Thailand, which is different.
what to think about taxes and these 7% VAT that everyone pay even foreigners and tourist. Don't you think that they take tax even on coffee that you buy?
But just like in most other countries that is not enough, and therefore there is income tax.
Thai also pay VAT and income tax, so why should foreigners not have to pay their share?
Thai don't pay much tax, but they also do not have much social security.
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Luit *****************
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Ian **********
Only untaxed earning that you bring in to Thailand are liable for tax. If funds brought in to Thailand are already taxed in country that has a double taxation agreement then there is no tax liability.
This bugs me a little as well. And usually when you are a tax resident of a particular country you get something in return like health care or national park discounts but I don't see any info about the benefits of being a tax resident aside from being able to live here. If you have any resources I can read on that would be great! Thanks!
which country ? Generally tax is different than social security ...
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 213 Thailand isn't a tax haven. You're paying taxes for infrastructure and services, whether they benefit you directly or not; just like in any other country. There are also special healthcare programs for Thais and working expats (SSO) who contribute through taxes. That's only a little part of the benefits... And yes, most are targeting locals as anywhere around the world.
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Anonymous ******************
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Anonymous ******************
Such drama over something that is considered normal in most developed countries. If you're using the infrastructure of your country of residence, it's only fair to expect to contribute at least something. Locals and on-site working expats are already paying their shareâwhy shouldn't others? Imagine if no one paid taxes. Besides, taxes in Thailand are certainly lower than in many other countries. If you disagree with them, that's your choiceâbut then maybe Thailand isn't the right place for you.
Andi ***********
Anonymous participant 118 Exactly ...
Travelling ********
Anonymous participant 118 That's what the visa money is for. Besides, you pay tax on everything you buy
10,000 THB over 5 years is just a fraction of what other visa holders pay, and it's not just about taxes. Don't fool yourself into thinking you're making a significant contribution to Thailand's tax revenue by paying that amount.
Travelling ********
Anonieme deelnemer 118
Most people will not stay for 5 years.
1. You cannot stay 360 days in a row
A. After staying 18p days extending the visa inside the country costs you money and is a bureaucratic nightmare
B. When staying longer then 180 days you might need to pay tax.
C. The DTV is mostly used by remote workers, no way most of the remote workers... nomads...... will be there 5 years.
2. I wasn't qualifying the amount. I was merely stating that you do pay taxes in Thailand in all sorts of ways. Visa being part of that.
3. Most of us do pay taxes over the amount that we earn. Contributing already to where ever we have the obligation to do this
Yes of course, we both agree there are conditions on taxes such as 180 days, remitted money, treaties, and so ones. Some will have to when others will not. The poster mentioned in a reply she/he doesn't pay tax at all anywhere else.
What else do you think happens with the Visa money? The state officials just go out to dinner with it? Of course it is used for the common good. Jemig, dommerd!
Do you think ambassy employees work for free? They spend time on deciding about your visa. That is why visa fees are for, they are not a kind of tax, but your language to others is indicating your brain will not understand these simple things.
You really know nothing do you? When you need visa in EU you pay about the same.
Why the remark "not even in EU" ? Is there a good reason why EU should be more expensive than Thailand?
*****
baht for a 5 year visa is compared to a lot of other countries very cheap, it will not really bring in a lot of money for Thai goverment when all expenses are subtracted.
En gezien jouw grenzeloze onbeschofte hufterigheid, zou ik eigenlijk niet eens moeten antwoorden.
The visa itself may not bring that much money to the country. But, I was thinking the government strategy is to help their country's develop in some other ways. Since a lot of digital nomands will be living in the country, they have to spend money on things like rent, food and all about spending money and never earning anything. That should help the country in a lot of ways? Just my opinion though.
Luit *****************
Anonieme deelnemer of course it helps the country when people who spend easily money come to the country.
That is also why they try to filter with requirements.
That's why I blocked Luit. He's such a pedantic troll. Always thinks he knows everything and believes European laws also apply in Thailand when obviously they don't.
Reply to
Paul *******
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Uwe ****
It's all tax fear mongering. There is nothing in place for foreigners to pay tax for money brought into Thailand. People just talk...actually already talk for a long time. Basically, Thai people don't care. The only ones who care are the bureaucrats from the West coming over here and tell everyone they should pay tax. Really? I am quite surprised they are still pushing this empty narrative, maybe it's the same ones who are trying to convince everyone that there are 73 genders to choose from...
I totally agree. It's all a WEF scheme and there's no new tax law, only a different interpretation. In practice, not much will change for most foreigners living on Thai soil.
There is not 1 (!!!) person ever paid that silly tax and yet, they say you have to pay that tax. Most laws in Thailand are guidelines, only enforced for people who are an obvious threat to peace. So... let them bark like the hounds they are...
whatever you say⊠but if you stay more than 180+ days in thailand then you will have to pay your tax. itâs nothing that i make up⊠i would advise to look into the specific DTA which will prevent most people from paying any extra tax in thailandâŠ.
Tell me 1 person who paid tax on DTV? If you can't tell me, whatever you say is just fear mongering. And since Thailand doesn't care about fear, you better go back to where you came from.
Thailand has plenty of laws... ever noticed no one follows them...are you one of those ex US cops running around enforcing laws? I pity you... you should have stayed where you came from...better for everyone.
umm you said âthere is nothing in place for foreigners to pay tax in thailandâ. i only have proven you wrong and it would be YOUR job to inform yourself about the rules and regulations. so calm down buddy đ€Ł we will see how everything plays out down the line. i donât care if anyone pays their tax or not. just dont come here crying when in X years you will be the one who pays the hefty fine đ€·ââïž
haha no Dany, i agree with you. Yeah it will depend of the tax credit that they can ask. Some angry old man don't like because they have some tax free income, and are affraid to lose some %đ .
The law is already in place for remitted money to Thailand for stays over 180 days. So, go ahead and try your luck. đ 'Thai people don't care'? Sure, right... đ Now, imagine your reaction if your own country taxed its nationals but not foreign residents. đ
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Anonymous ******************
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Wannikea *********
"correct me if I'm wrong"
practically everything you think to be true is wrong
Hmm, that's interesting. As in you dont 'have to pay tax or you have to pay far less or any points you would like to correct? Thanks
John **********
Anonymous participant you may or may not have to pay tax, it depends. There are a number of things you need to look at. First you have to be a tax resident so 180 days or more in a calendar year inside Thailand. Then only income remitted to might be liable for tax. Next you need to look at any Dual Tax Agreement between the country your income comes from and Thailand, if there is one you can claim a tax credit for any tax paid in that country. Then you need to look at all the allowances you can claim in Thailand and so on
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John **********
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Jon ********
If you use your dtv correctly you would be spending up to 180 per annum and thus not be a tax resident. If you do not (meaning you are not really a nomad anymore) and extend which is possible at the discretion of immigration you would then be a tax resident and file a tax return but that does not mean you would be paying a lot of tax. There are tax treaties between countries to avoid double taxation and in Thailand the law still only taxes what is brought into Thailand so all in all not a big risk; the bother being that you need to file a tax return and declare all that you have worldwide.
is right you are not a nomad anymore at that moment.
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Luit *****************
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Paul ********
Yes not nice
Wannikea *********
Do your research, must stay 180+ days in total a year in Thailand and the only money that has possible tax liability is funds remitted into Thailand from abroad. There is no tax on the first 150,000 baht transferred in, and many other tax exemptions exist depending on circumstances. Of course anyone working in Thailand with a work permit as well.
I am wondering whether the tax office would consider the online remittance to virtual bank like revolt or wise?
David ********
Anonymous participant 540 for those, how would they know? And I would take those funds to be not remitted in Thailand. My wise and Revolut are setup in Australia with Australia account numbers. Iâm just withdrawing money from an atm overseas
Everybody has to decide for himself what is the risk of fraud. Withdrawing money in an ATM in Thailand is considered bringing money in Thailand when it is originating from a foreign account. Maybe this is not easy checked, and as long as you not do it too much you get away with it.
But think about the fact you need money to live, so when you are tax resident and not bringing in money, nor have a Thai job, where does your money come from?
That might attract attention.
David ********
i would be curious to know the terminology they use. Withdrawing from Australian accounts is not a remittance. Transfer or payment to Thai account, yes.
Some of us have savings. Wouldnât need to earn an income to live. And if people only spend six months in Thailand, very easy to assume they work abroad for six months and bring money in to spend without having to work in Thailand. Money that is already taxed in your other country ïżŒ
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David ********
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Wannikea *********
Anonymous participant 540 seriously I'm not getting into the minutiae of everybody's different circumstance
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Wannikea *********
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Wouter *********
If the country where you get your income from doesn't have a tax treaty with Thailand, you may have to pay double.
Wesley ********
You are living in Thailand , utilising everything.
I think your thoughts are pretty strange, and you should keep in mind you have to pay taxes almost anywhere you live.
But the good news is, if you already paid taxes on your money in another country and they have a taxation agreement, you wonât need to pay again!
Bad news if youâre avoiding tax. But then again, you can probably keep avoiding tax with some planning.
Ohh and the likely good of them really implementing this is rare, considering itâs not even that easy to get a tax number etc while having a DTV
Razvan ******************
Lol the us taxes you wherever you live if you are a citizen, regardless of your income source, so itâs not unusual. If you donât like it donât do it. Btw tax in Thailand is 12%~35%.
Hampus **********
Is it really such a weird phenomenon that you are taxed where you have your main residence for the majority of the year?
the only thing that is strange is that we have to jump true a bunch of hoops to get a visa to stay in Thailand. And after that you have to pay tax. It would make more sence if you pay tax you get a visa.
never had problems at the airport, but having 2 years in a row a 30 day extension, made the immigration officer tell me there were more appropriate visa for my purpose, so I did.
Quite easy to get a DTV visa. In 5 years I might be retired and not a remote worker anymore.
By then I might apply for the non-o retirement, but that is inconvinient because the extension has to be done inside the country.
Trust me, it is not simple for some people. I have already been rejected twice for not very fair reasons. The fact that you have to apply the visa outside of the country is what makes it really inconvinient for me and probably most of the people.
Luit *****************
Anonieme deelnemer That means you belong to the group for which the visa is not meant, because you already live in Thailand.
It is not meant for people living whole year in Thailand, so that is why it is made inconvenient for this group.