Written by Sebastien H. Brousseau, LLB, BSc. in June 2023. Mr Brousseau is himself a kind of digital nomad.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes to the way we live and work. One of the most notable shifts is the adoption of remote work and digital nomadism. Many people have realized that they can work just as effectively from home as they can from a traditional office setting. Additionally, the rise of technology has made it possible for people to work from anywhere in the world, as long as they have a stable internet connection. This has led to an increasing number of people opting for remote work or becoming digital nomads, as it offers the opportunity to travel, explore new cultures and save money. However, it is worth bearing in mind that working in another country, even remotely, requires respect for the local laws and regulations. Depending on the country, obtaining a visa or work permit, or adhering to tax and labor laws may be necessary. It is essential to research and abide by the rules and regulations of each country to avoid legal problems that could lead to financial, legal, or even imprisonment issues.Thailand is becoming more and more popular destination for a number of reasons. These include:
- Affordability: The cost of living in Thailand is relatively low, making it a great option for digital nomads on a budget.
- Beautiful scenery: Thailand is home to stunning beaches, lush jungles, and ancient temples. This makes it a great place to work and relax.
- Friendly people: Thai people are known for their hospitality and friendliness. This makes it easy to make friends and feel at home in Thailand.
- Good internet connection: Thailand has a good internet connection, which is essential for digital nomads who need to stay connected with their clients and colleagues.
- Visas: Thailand offers a number of visas for digital nomads, making it easy to stay in the country for long periods of time. However, these are complex and varies depending if you qualify for en Elite visa, a Smart visa, you set your own Thai company or others.
he Smart Visa program is a new visa program that was launched by the Thai government. It was announced in 2018. The Covid crisis made it difficult for many digital nomads to visit Thailand 2020 or 2021. The program is designed to attract high-skilled workers and entrepreneurs to Thailand. The Smart Visa offers a number of benefits, including a longer stay period, a multiple entry visa, and the ability to work in Thailand without a work permit.
Categories of digital nomads for Thailand and Smart Visa:
They try to focus on S-Curves industries like:
- Next-Generation Automotive
- Smart Electronics
- Affluent, Medical and Wellness Tourism
- Agriculture and Biotechnology
- Food for the Future
- Automation and Robotics
- Aviation and Logistics
- Biofuels and Biochemicals
- Digital
- Medical Hub
Here are some of the benefits of the Smart Visa for digital nomads:
- Longer stay period: The Smart Visa allows digital nomads to stay in Thailand for up to 4 years but not exceeding the contract term.
- Multiple entry visa: The Smart Visa is a multiple entry visa, which means that digital nomads can leave and re-enter Thailand as many times as they need to.
- Work without a work permit: Digital nomads who hold a Smart Visa are allowed to work in Thailand without a work permit.
- 90-day Immigration reporting extended to one-year
- No re-entry permit required
In conclusion, If you are a digital nomad who is looking for a beautiful, affordable, and friendly place to work, Thailand is a great option. The Smart Visa program makes it even easier for digital nomads to stay in Thailand for long periods of time. There are different categories like “T”, “I”, “E” and “S”. We suggest you to consult us should you need any questions about smart visas. You can use our affordable online appointments.
Finally, some of the best places for digital nomads in Thailand are Chiangmai, Bangkok or Koh Samui. It depends if you are looking for mountains, a big city or beaches. Thailand has it all!
