The “5-year $300” thing you’re hearing about is likely the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). Here’s the breakdown:
What it does: 5-year validity, but each entry maxes at 180 days. Need to exit/re-enter or extend each stay (another 180 days for ~$55). Total cost over 5 years? Base visa fee is ~$300, but extensions add up. Realistically, you’re looking at $300 + ($55 x N extensions).
Remote work: Allowed only for overseas employers. No local work permits. If your clients are outside Thailand, you’re fine.
Catch: Annoying to reset every 6 months (border runs/extensions). Not a true “5-year uninterrupted stay.”
Alternative: Thailand’s LTR Visa (10-year, renewable after 5). Costs ~$1,500+ with strict income/assets requirements ($80K+ annual income or $500K+ in assets). Better perks (work permit options, tax breaks) but aimed at high earners.
Other SE Asia options:
- Malaysia (MM2H): 10-year visa, but requires ~$100K+ in assets.
- Indonesia: Rolling out 5-year digital nomad visas (details still fuzzy).
- Vietnam: 1-year visas, renewable. No long-term remote work option.
Verdict: The DTV is Thailand’s cheapest legal long-stay route for remote workers. It’s not perfect—think of it as a tourist visa with extra steps. The $300 claim skims over extension costs and reset hassles.
