Where to apply in Germany
DTV for Germans
- Police certificate
- Führungszeugnis from the Bundesamt für Justiz (digital version preferred in Frankfurt) Frankfurt: not older than 6 months. Munich: not older than 3 months. Berlin: check with the embassy..
- Proof of residence
- Meldebescheinigung not older than 6 months. Non-German nationals also submit both sides of their residence permit card.
- Fee
- Check with your mission
- Jurisdiction is split by federal state between Berlin, Frankfurt and Munich.
- Frankfurt is reported to require the address on your ID card to match the Meldebescheinigung.
Retiring in Thailand as a German
The German Embassy in Bangkok offers pension and income certificates (Renten- und Einkommensbescheinigungen) by appointment. Whether a local immigration office accepts one varies, so many people also keep the 800,000 THB deposit route ready.
- For the O-A, Thai missions generally ask for a police certificate and a medical certificate, each issued within 3 months, plus health insurance (3,000,000 THB or 100,000 USD cover is the current standard on several mission pages).
What Germans often run into
- Check which consulate covers your state before you open an e-Visa application.
- Age limits differ between German missions. Order the Führungszeugnis close to your filing date.
Questions from Germans
How long can Germans stay in Thailand without a visa?
30 days on the visa exemption. 30 days for tourism on the visa exemption from 15 September 2026, down from 60. One extension of up to 30 days at immigration is possible at the officer's discretion.
Where do Germans apply for a DTV?
At the Thai embassy or consulate covering your area of Germany, through the thaievisa.go.th e-visa portal. Since 31 August 2026 you must apply in your country of nationality or permanent residence.
Which police certificate do Germans need for a DTV?
Führungszeugnis from the Bundesamt für Justiz (digital version preferred in Frankfurt) Frankfurt: not older than 6 months. Munich: not older than 3 months. Berlin: check with the embassy..
How do German retirees prove income in Thailand?
The German Embassy in Bangkok offers pension and income certificates (Renten- und Einkommensbescheinigungen) by appointment. Whether a local immigration office accepts one varies, so many people also keep the 800,000 THB deposit route ready.
Does Germany have a tax treaty with Thailand?
Yes. Germany has a double tax agreement with Thailand. Ask a tax adviser how it applies to you.
Sources
- TAT Newsroom: new 30-day and 15-day visa exemption rules from 15 September 2026
- Royal Thai Consulate-General Frankfurt: DTV
- Royal Thai Consulate-General Munich: DTV workcation
- Royal Thai Embassy Berlin: visa types and documents
- German Foreign Office Bangkok: appointment system (income certificates)
- Revenue Department: Thailand-Germany agreement
- Thai e-Visa portal
- MFA O-A / O-X checklist
- MFA Non-O retirement checklist
- Bangkok Immigration: extension of stay criteria
- Revenue Department: income tax guide (lists treaty partners)