Each entry on a DTV gives you a permitted stay of up to 180 days. If you want to stay longer on that entry, you can apply once at the Immigration Bureau for an extension of up to another 180 days. The official fee is 1,900 THB, and approval is at Immigration's discretion. This guide covers what the extension does, what it costs, when to apply, what to bring, and what happens afterwards.
Extension of Stay vs the Five-Year Visa
Your DTV is valid for five years from the date of issue and allows multiple entries. That is how long you can use the visa to enter Thailand. It does not mean you can stay for five years continuously.
Separately, each time you enter Thailand on your DTV, the immigration officer grants a permitted stay of up to 180 days, shown on your entry stamp as the date you may stay until. That date, not the visa's expiry date, governs how long you can remain on that entry.
Reading your entry stamp
Check your entry stamp before you leave the immigration desk on arrival. It shows your date of entry and the date you are permitted to stay until. That second date is the one to plan around.
How the Extension Works
- One extension per entry. You can apply once on each entry.
- Up to 180 days. The length granted is decided by Immigration and shown on the extension stamp.
- Through the Immigration Bureau. You apply at an Immigration Bureau office in Thailand, usually the one covering the area where you are staying. Offices may ask for proof of your local address.
- Not automatic. Approval is at Immigration's discretion.
- No second extension on the same entry. When the extended period ends, you must leave Thailand.
How Much Does a DTV Extension Cost?
1,900 THB for the one extension of stay of up to 180 days.
- The fee is paid to Immigration for the extension of stay.
- It is separate from the DTV application fee you paid when you applied for the visa.
- Paying the fee does not guarantee approval; the decision rests with Immigration.
For full DTV cost planning, including application fees and example budgets, see our DTV cost breakdown.
When to Apply
Apply before your current permitted stay expires and allow enough time for Immigration to process the application. If an officer asks for an extra document, you need time to provide it without your permitted stay running out. Some offices publish their own guidance on how early you can apply; if yours does, follow it.
Documents
What Immigration generally requires
- Form TM.7, the Immigration application form for an extension of stay
- Your passport, containing your DTV and current entry stamp
- The 1,900 THB fee
What an office may additionally request
Immigration offices set their own document lists and may ask for more. Examples include:
- a recent photograph in the size the office specifies;
- copies of your passport bio page, DTV and latest entry stamp;
- proof of your address in Thailand, such as a rental agreement or hotel booking;
- documents supporting the purpose of your stay, such as an employer letter or activity enrolment.
Check with your local office before you go. Do not assume that the documents from your original visa application are what the office will ask for.
At the Immigration Office
Complete form TM.7
The form asks for your passport details, your address in Thailand and the type of extension you are requesting. Tell the officer you are applying for an extension of stay as a DTV holder.
Submit your documents and pay the fee
Hand in your form and documents, answer any questions, and pay the 1,900 THB fee. Keep your receipt.
Check the new stamp before you leave
If the extension is approved, check the new date you are permitted to stay until before you leave the office. Errors are far easier to correct while you are still at the desk.
Extension or Leave and Re-enter?
Extension
Extends your current permitted stay through Immigration, once per entry, for up to 180 days.
Re-entry
Because the DTV is a multiple-entry visa, you can leave Thailand and enter again while the visa remains valid. A new entry can result in a new permitted stay, but that stay is granted by the immigration officer on arrival, subject to the usual examination at entry. Re-entry is not guaranteed.
If you leave before your permitted stay ends, the remaining days do not carry over. When an extended stay ends, you must leave Thailand. For how the DTV works across its five-year validity, see our complete DTV guide.
90-Day Reporting
If you stay in Thailand for more than 90 days, the 90-day residence notification requirements apply. See our 90-day reporting guide for how to file.
Do Not Let Your Permitted Stay Expire
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, once per entry. You can apply at the Immigration Bureau for one extension of up to 180 days. Approval is at Immigration's discretion.
Up to 180 days, as granted by Immigration. The new date you may stay until is shown on the extension stamp.
1,900 THB for the one extension of stay of up to 180 days. It is separate from the DTV application fee. See our DTV cost breakdown for full cost planning.
At an Immigration Bureau office in Thailand, usually the one covering the area where you are staying. Offices may ask for proof of your local address.
No. It extends your permitted stay for the current entry only. The visa's five-year validity is unchanged.
You can leave and enter again while your DTV is valid, and a new entry can result in a new permitted stay. That stay is granted by the immigration officer on arrival, so re-entry is not guaranteed. Unused days from a previous entry do not carry over.
Before your current permitted stay expires, allowing enough time for Immigration to process the application. Follow any guidance your local office publishes.
Form TM.7, your passport and the 1,900 THB fee are the core. Offices may ask for more, such as a photograph, copies of passport pages, proof of address or documents supporting your stay, so check with your local office first.
Extension Sorted. What is Next?
Make sure you are covered on the other obligations and costs that come with a long stay.
90-Day Reporting Guide DTV Cost Breakdown Opening a Thai Bank Account Back to the Complete DTV Guide