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Answered9 months ago

Can I apply for a DTV visa for remote work in Thailand before starting my job?

Anonymous *************
asked Jan 22, 2026
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I want to apply for DTV for work, I just got a new position and that one is fully remote from anywhere in the world.

My employment starts on 1 march, but I would like to go earlier and set everything up in thailand.

I have 500k in the bank, they haven't been there for 3-6months, since I kept it in a hidden account.

Is there anyone with experience to apply before they start their work?

And wasn't able to show any pay slips as "extra"/requested document.

I will apply from my home country Sweden if that makes any difference

I really want to start applying for it but I'm afraid it will get cancelled because money has not been in the bank for a long time and I have no pay slips to show, but I will be able to show a contract and letter that it is fully remote.
Answer summary
A user plans to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) for remote work in Thailand, starting on March 1st. They express concerns about having sufficient funds in their bank account, which have not been in place for the required 3-6 months, and the absence of pay slips as additional documentation. Various commenters share their experiences and advice, suggesting that it is possible to apply from Sweden without the mandatory financial history as long as other documentation, such as a contract and a company letter, is provided. Some recommend applying in Sweden to avoid complications in Thailand and emphasize the importance of clear documentation to support the remote work claim.
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GoldCo*******
GoldCo*******
I applied for a dtv as soon as I was offered a post. Sent my letter of offer and a letter from manager stating I was able to work remotely globally. Dtv approved within 4 days (UK)
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
As someone who actually applied through the Thai Embassy in Sweden- it was very easy. I didn't have the money in my account for 3 months, in fact I didn't have the full money there at all. I had about 40% of it in stocks, and the other 60% in my bank account, whereas a big sum was transferred into my account just days before applying. They didn't raise an eyebrow.

I did ask them before if I had to liquidate my stocks or if it's OK to show my portfolio and they told me that a screenshot of everything is OK. I did need to show them a payslip from the remote company though (I switched company to work remote while applying- so had to wait a month for the slip).

But honestly, the best course of action is to just give them a call. They're easy to reach and very accommodating. Good luck :)
Pat *****
Pat *****
i m not sure but i think you have to show min. 3 salary payments
Andrew *********
Andrew *********
Go to Thailand on a visa exempt fly to nearby country to apply when you are ready stay there until approved.
John **********
John **********
One point. A contract stating you can work remotely from anywhere is sometimes not enough. They often want a letter from the company you will work for giving explicit permission to work remotely from Thailand and stating that you will have no interaction with Thai entities or clients inside Thailand.
Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
OP
@John *********
ah perfect, then I will make sure to bring a signed letter with a description of my duty and clients. Thanks!
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
Just for the record, if you're willing to gamble the application fee ($340 US) you can apply at any time and see if you get accepted. To my knowledge (and I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong) there's no harm in doing so and you can reapply later when everything is in place. It's just a matter of the odds you'll be accepted vs the odds you'll get rejected and have to pay to reapply again later. So if you have money to spare that's your choice to make.

Since my money wasn't seasoned for the 3 months I decided to go to Thailand visa exempt from the US, then do a border run to Vietnam to apply. But I spent more money on flights and hotels that way than I would have if I had applied in the US before I left (assuming I would have been approved at that point). So you're spending money regardless is my point lol.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant 556 pretty senseless to gamble to application fee knowing you're not meeting the specified requirements. Just season the funds.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
I agree if you know you won't meet the requirements. But if you think there's a chance and want to try for whatever reason, I just wanted them to know that they could.
Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
OP
Anonymous participant 556 thanks for the insight. The thought have crossed my mind to go thailand on a tourist visa and then go to Laos to apply. But was acred they might see differently on things if I already show I was in thailand and then I show I'm working and want to go back to thailand. 😅 But I might just try and see, give as many documents strongly saying that the work will start in future and from anywhere in the world.
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous ******************
Anonymous participant I was in Thailand for 18 months on visa runs before getting the DTV so that would not matter
Kaung ************
Kaung ************
I think if you can show them contact, company’s letter addressing to embassy you are going to apply and company registration for government. Yes you can
tongtin********
tongtin********
Use an agent and apply when you are out of Thailand, in your own country
Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
OP
tongting1000.v2 my plan is to apply from my home country. And I'm not sure an agent can do more than you can do yourself with correct paperwork
tongtin********
tongtin********
Anonymous participant if you know what you are doing great but posting here I guess you don't so I recommend an agent
CleverRa********
CleverRa********
I was rejected in Saigon earlier this year, i suspect it was because I applied only days after securing a remote job…
Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
OP
CleverRadish5177 did you have any history in thailand before apply? Like a border bounce to Saigon for the application?

I have a contract and all are saying remote work from anywhere in the world, it shows my expected salary and time of contract.

Sucks you got the rejection :(
James ********
James ********
From reading the replies to your post, I strongly suggest that you apply in Sweden and stay in Sweden until you have the DTV decision. The Thai Embassy appears to be helpful and does recognize assets in addition to cash in a bank account to meet the financial requirements for the DTV visa.
CleverRa********
CleverRa********
Anonymous participant no border bounces, I’d spend between 1-2 months in Thailand in total per year roughly 2-4 weeks a visit. When applying in Saigon I hadn’t been to Thailand in over 3 months.
Anonymous *************
Anonymous *************
OP
CleverRadish5177 oh I see. That's bad news for me 😬

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