For most remote workers, the best and cheapest long-stay option in Southeast Asia is Thailand's Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). One application gives a visa valid for 5 years, with up to 180 days per entry, and it asks for 500,000 THB in savings[1] instead of a minimum income. Indonesia's and Malaysia's remote-work permits last about a year at a time and require income of USD 24,000 to USD 60,000 a year[2][3].
Why the DTV comes out ahead
- Longest validity. 5 years, multiple entry, against 1 year for Indonesia's E33G[2] and up to 24 months in total for Malaysia's DE Rantau[3].
- Lowest cost per year. You pay one government fee for 5 years of validity. The fee is set by each embassy in local currency; across the embassies we file with it is typically about 13,000 THB (around USD 395). Indonesia lists Rp7,000,000 for a one-year E33G stay[2], and Malaysia charges an RM1,080 processing fee plus immigration pass fees for a pass of up to 12 months[3].
- Savings, not salary. The DTV asks for 500,000 THB held in your own account for the last 3 months[1]. There is no minimum income, which suits freelancers with uneven months.
- More than remote work. Besides remote work, the DTV covers Soft Power activities such as a Muay Thai or Thai cooking course of at least 9 months, and medical treatment.
Who the DTV does not suit
- Anyone who cannot apply from home. Since 31 August 2026 you can only apply through the Thai embassy or consulate covering your country of citizenship or legal residence, and every applicant needs a criminal record certificate[4]. Read where you can apply for the DTV.
- People who need a Thai job. The DTV does not allow work for Thai employers or Thai clients. That needs a Non-B visa and a work permit.
- People who want to stay all year without leaving. Each entry is up to 180 days. In-country extensions are often refused, so plan to leave Thailand and re-enter on your DTV before your stay ends.
- Anyone without the savings. If you have not held 500,000 THB for the full 3 months, wait until you have. Tourist visas do not allow remote work.
The alternatives at a glance
| Visa | Length | Money test | Fee (published) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand DTV | 5 years; up to 180 days per entry | 500,000 THB savings, last 3 months[1] | Set by each embassy (typically about 13,000 THB) |
| Indonesia E33G | Up to 1 year, extendable online | USD 60,000 a year income + USD 2,000 balance[2] | Rp7,000,000 for 1-year stay[2] |
| Malaysia DE Rantau | 3 to 12 months, renewable once (24 months max) | USD 24,000 a year (tech) or USD 60,000 (non-tech)[3] | RM1,080 processing fee + pass fees[3] |
| Vietnam e-visa | Up to 90 days, multiple entry | None stated | Not quoted here |
Our Thailand vs Vietnam vs Indonesia vs Malaysia comparison goes through each one in detail.
If you earn a lot: Thailand's LTR
Remote employees of large foreign companies earning USD 80,000 a year or more may also look at Thailand's 10-year Long-Term Resident visa (Work-from-Thailand Professional). Its issuance fee is 50,000 THB per person when collected in Thailand, and may be more when collected at a Thai embassy abroad[5]; the employer tests are also stricter. See LTR vs DTV.
What you need for the DTV
- 500,000 THB in personal savings, held for the last 3 months
- proof of remote work for an employer or clients outside Thailand (or a Soft Power course enrollment)
- a criminal record certificate
- proof of citizenship or legal residence for the embassy you apply to
See the full DTV requirements guide, or use find my visa to check whether another Thai visa fits better.
How we help
We file the DTV with three plans. Our service fee is free on DIY Free, 3,000 THB (USD 89) on DIY Plus and 10,000 THB (USD 299) on Full Service; the embassy's government fee is separate. If Issa Compass files a pre-qualified Full Service application for you and it is not approved, Issa refunds its service fee. Government and embassy fees are never refundable. If applicable, course fee refunds follow partner policies. Terms apply. For the DTV, the refund also covers an eligible partner course or gym fee. The DTV refund applies only if you apply from your country of citizenship or permanent residence, have a clean criminal record, and are not reapplying after an earlier Thai visa rejection. Book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best long-stay visa in Southeast Asia for remote workers?
For most people, Thailand's DTV: 5 years of validity, up to 180 days per entry, and a savings test of 500,000 THB instead of a minimum income.
What is the cheapest digital nomad visa in Southeast Asia?
Per year of validity, usually the DTV, because one embassy fee (typically about 13,000 THB) covers 5 years. Indonesia's E33G and Malaysia's DE Rantau are priced per year or less.
Do I need a minimum income for the DTV?
No. The DTV asks for 500,000 THB in your own savings for the last 3 months, plus proof of remote work or another qualifying activity.
Can I stay in Thailand for a full year on the DTV?
Each entry allows up to 180 days. Extensions inside Thailand are often refused, so plan to leave and re-enter on your DTV for a new 180-day stay.
Which visa is best if I earn over USD 60,000?
You have more choice: Indonesia's E33G, Malaysia's DE Rantau and, above USD 80,000 with a qualifying employer, Thailand's 10-year LTR.
References
- Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) (thaiconsulatela.thaiembassy.org), updated 1 Oct 2026
- E33G Visa Rumah Kedua Pekerja Jarak Jauh (imigrasi.go.id)
- DE Rantau Pass FAQ, version 10.0, 28 Aug 2026 (mdec.my)
- Adjustment to Supporting Documents for Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) Applications (moscow.thaiembassy.org), 2 Sep 2026
- LTR Visa Thailand: Long-Term Resident Program (ltr.boi.go.th, Board of Investment), read 4 Nov 2026
