DTV approved from Vienna, Austria
Sharing my personal experience as a self-employed applicant:
I initially submitted all required documents. Then, step by step, I received additional requests – always for one new document at a time. First after one week, then again after two days, then again after three days. Examples included a motivation letter, a short business description (almost like a mini business plan), full-year company bank statements, and current client invoices.
I always attached a clear cover letter in English explaining everything in detail.
The process was slow and a bit frustrating. After my final document submission, I received no response for a full week. I tried calling at least 20 times over two days using 3 different numbers I found – no answer, only voicemail. One time someone picked up and immediately hung up again. Same experience as many reviews on Google Maps also reported.
I then sent two polite emails (one in German, one in English) to the Embassy asking kindly whether anything else was needed or if there were any uncertainties left, since I hadn’t heard back.
The next day, I received my approved visa by email.
In total it took exactly 3 weeks. I responded to all requests for additional documents on the same day.
I don’t know if the emails helped, but others in this group reported similar experiences. So maybe a polite reminder really does help.
Also, seeing that many others experienced the same long process with the Vienna embassy helped me stay calm – it seems they often ask for more documents, unlike other embassies where things go much faster.
Thanks to everyone who shared – that's why I’m sharing mine too.