Comparison

DE Rantau vs Thailand DTV vs Indonesia E33G: Which Digital Nomad Visa Is Right for You? (2026)

By Anchor Nomad · Updated October 2026

TL;DR: Malaysia’s DE Rantau suits tech and digital workers earning USD 24,000+ a year who want a simple pass for up to 2 years (now 2 years + 2 years for eligible holders after Budget 2027) for about RM1,080. Thailand’s DTV needs savings of 500,000 baht rather than a fixed income and allows 180-day stays over 5 years. Indonesia’s E33G needs USD 60,000+ a year and lasts one year.

Side-by-side comparison

	Malaysia DE Rantau	Thailand DTV	Indonesia E33G
Financial test	USD 24,000/yr (tech) or USD 60,000/yr (other roles)	500,000 baht in savings (about USD 14,000)	USD 60,000/yr income, plus about USD 2,000 in the bank
Government fee	About RM1,080 (RM1,000 + 8% SST)	10,000 baht	Varies; check the official portal
Validity	2 Years + 2 Years (12 + 12 months, plus a 2-year extension for eligible holders under Budget 2027)	5-year visa, 180 days per entry (extendable once by 180 days)	1 year, not extendable (reapply)
Family	Spouse, children under 18 and parents	Spouse and children under 20	Eligible family members as dependents
Local work	Not allowed	Not allowed	Not allowed

Choose DE Rantau if…

You work in tech or digital and earn USD 24,000+ a year. It has one of the lowest income bars in the region for these roles.
You want to stay put for up to two years, or four with the new 2-year extension, without border runs.
You want to bring parents as well as a spouse and children.
You value English widely spoken, strong internet and lower living costs in Kuala Lumpur, Penang or Johor Bahru.

Choose Thailand DTV if…

You have savings but irregular income.
You want flexibility to come and go over five years rather than one continuous stay.

Choose Indonesia E33G if…

You earn USD 60,000+ a year and specifically want to base yourself in Bali.
You are comfortable with Indonesian tax residency rules, which can apply once you hold the permit.

Tax note

Each country treats tax residency differently, and staying 180+ days somewhere can create obligations. Speak to a qualified tax adviser before you move.

Get your application right the first time

Anchor Nomad is an independent consultancy that helps remote workers and freelancers apply for Malaysia’s DE Rantau digital nomad visa. Our 30-minute consultation costs USD 49 and covers your eligibility, a document checklist review, and a clear timeline and cost breakdown. Book a call.

Facts in this article reflect MDEC guidance as of October 2026. Rules and fees change, so always confirm on the official MDEC DE Rantau portal before you apply.