Can I apply for a DTV visa in Thailand without a work contract as a freelancer?

Jan 7, 2025
2 days ago
Miguel *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
I have been working as a freelancer for twelve years and do not have a work contract with any of my clients. Does this present a problem when applying to get a DTV visa considering their work contract requirements? As a translator of content that is used along with colleagues' written content, the type of work I do also does not lend itself to providing portfolio examples.

My AI bot offered the following alternatives, but I would like human feedback before I go ahead and "throw away $300". Thanks.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is concerned about the visa application process for the DTV visa due to a lack of formal work contracts as a freelancer for twelve years. Community suggestions include providing signed letters from clients, bank statements showing regular payments, and creating a professional portfolio with translations and other evidence of work. It's also advised to explain the situation in a cover letter and include tax returns as proof of income. Other helpful documents may include invoices and an explanation of freelance status, emphasizing the importance of justifying qualifications for the visa.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Dennis ************
No problem.. show extraction from chamber of commerce you are the owner of your company + bankstatements to show you have money coming in ( not from Thailand )
Miguel *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dennis ***********
I don’t own any company.
Will ************
Copies of actual invoices to clients and put your tax return in as well.
Pascal ***********
I suppose you’re paying taxes somewhere ? Your tax returns can be used as evidence.
Phyu ***********
You can create your professional portfolio around 15-20 pages including your best work and project. And write requesting cover letter why you want to come to Thailand
Brian ****
Write a letter that explains why you want the visa and how you meet the qualifications. You need to convince the Consulate reviewing your application why they should approve it. Include samples of your work, emails with clients, proof of payments etc.
Klaus *********
Yes, a cover letter where you explain your work and the situation and a collection of your translations from some websites. Also if you have some invoices would be helpful. And if you have a website or a business profile e.g. on LinkedIn or XING, you should also include the link inside the letter. All collect in a multiple page PDF to upload as your portfolio.

I’m a freelance graphic designer with no customer contracts. I showed my portfolio of work and also a cover letter to explain the situation. They ask my for a business registration that I don’t have. Bcs as a freelance Media Designer (Sole Proprietorship) I’m not required under

German law to register a business or apply for a business license. Registration with the tax office is sufficient for carrying out my professional activities. So I provided my tax ID number. But I also had to provide all income tax evidence from the last 2 years. After all that my DTV was approved.
Klaus *********
Andi ***********
You can create a basic contract with your clients to detail they employ you, the services you offer and the duration of your work together.
Miguel *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andi **********
and then ask them to sign it for my purposes?
Andi ***********
@Miguel ************
Yes, must be signed by both parties. ChatGPT can create one.
Miguel *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andi **********
I’ll reach out to them about it, thanks.
Andi ***********
@Miguel ************
I was in a similar situation. I contacted relevant parties and created a basic contract and got approved via Taipei which is a strict embassy.
J.P. *********
Depending what embassy you are applying from, it may be okay to get letters signed by clients explaining the work you do for them and for how long you've been doing it, with their contact information. Also, bank statements dating back six months or so with regular payments from said clients to back it up. I did that in Canada and it worked fine as part of my evidence. I did also have evidence of my company name on my tax forms, and a bit more as well.
Miguel *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
That’s great,
@J.P. ********
, I’ll try something similar.
Christopher ********
You don’t have samples of what your translated ?
Miguel *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Christopher *******
I can print thousands of online pages I translated partially, maybe even a few exclusively, but how does that differ from printing any random pages and saying I did it?
Christopher ********
@Miguel ************
I think you’re overthinking it. They just want to see your work samples. Anyone could claim many types of work samples like computer coding for example.
Miguel *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Christopher *******
that is certainly true. I'll just print some stuff that makes sense. Thanks.
Scooter *****
You answered your own question no contract no DTV
Timo ********
@Scooter ****
never had a contract, but got a DTV. You won’t need it if you can explain yourself. They asked me to clarify and I did, done.
Miguel *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Timo *******
perfect, thanks!
Klaus *********
@Scooter ****
Wrong! I‘m freelance graphic designer and have no customer contracts. I work for many customers since over 15 years without contracts and build a solid customer base in my region in Germany and beyond. Always depends on the situation and how you can explain and prove it.
Miguel *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Klaus ********
what exactly is “wrong” with the above?
Klaus *********
@Miguel ************
He said „No contract, no DTV“! That’s wrong! I got my DTV without having a contract.
Miguel *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Klaus ********
he said I answered my own question (which of course is not true). I just stated that I didn't have a contract and was looking for the alternative path to having it approved. I'm glad you got your DTV. :-)
Miguel *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Scooter ****
no contract, no samples of work. The AI answered the question, but I want to know people’s opinions since I would be applying without meeting the requirements and potentially wasting both time and money.
Anonymous ******************
@Miguel ************
If you're applying without meeting the requirements (as you mention), you'll lose your money. There is no exception.