How can a US citizen living in Mexico apply for a DTV visa for Thailand while planning to slow travel in Southeast Asia?

DTV Visa Visa Application Process US Citizen Expat in Thailand Digital Nomad Southeast Asia Travel Online Business Soft Power Visa Visa Extensions

Nov 28, 2024

7 days ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

I would like to apply for the DTV visa. What's the best way to do it in my situation, and which consulate should I use (preferably online)?

* US citizen, currently living in Mexico as a resident. I use a mailbox address in South Dakota for official mail, banking, taxes, driver’s license, etc.

* I have an online business (sole proprietorship) with volatile income which is enough to cover my expenses. I also have investments in stocks and index funds, which I can use to cover expenses if needed. For the business, it’s hard to provide client recommendations, but I have tax returns and 1099s from previous years.

* Planning to slow travel in Thailand and SEA starting early next year. Ideally, I’d like to apply online before arriving but can wait and apply in Vietnam or another SEA country if that’s easier.

Questions:

* Can I apply online at a US consulate or in Mexico, or should I wait until I’m in SEA?

* Can I use my business and income for the DTV, or is it better to go the “soft power” route (e.g., cooking, Muay Thai)? Does it affect using the DTV for 5 years, getting extensions etc, if I’m not pursuing those activities?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A US citizen currently residing in Mexico is inquiring about the best way to apply for a DTV visa for Thailand. They prefer an online application method before traveling but are open to applying while in Southeast Asia. They seek advice on whether to apply based on their online business and income or pursue activities like cooking or Muay Thai, along with the implications for the visa's validity and extension options.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

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Angelo ***********

I simply would apply for your remote work stuff. If you have the required ~15k USD, what is irking you?

7 days ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Angelo **********

lack of references, no company, just sole prop, working for myself. I can only provide tax returns, 1099s from clients and write a cover letter

7 days ago

Angelo ***********

Anonymous participant Then write a list of your latest jobs.

7 days ago

Reply to

Angelo ***********

James ********

Wait until you are in SE Asia

Soft Power BETTER for you as a digital nomad not likely with what you have shared.

7 days ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@James *******

thanks for the tips. My concern about the "soft power" option is that if do it based on a doctor's appointment or a cooking class, when I leave and go back to Thailand a few months later, they'll ask me at the border why i need to go back if I already finished my treatment or classes. Is that a valid concern compared to getting DTV as a remote worker and still having a legitimate remote source of income months and years later? Do the border patrol officers even know if my visa is based on remote work or "soft power" when i re-enter?

7 days ago

Wannikea *********

Anonymous participant ministry of foreign affairs hands out the visas, immigration police are at the borders and immigration offices. They are separate ministries, and typically don't know what the other is doing. That said, we don't know what's on the passport control officers computer either as far as your visa details. Nothing wrong with switching reasons for stay within the parameters in due time if necessary.

You must be in the country you're applying from, the US consulates are not naive and you'll need to provide a lot of business documents as well as tax proof. I'd apply in SE Asia. You can monitor reports from members here in the group as far as ease and requirement fluctuations at consulates. You could apply as remote worker with your online business, you'll need to draft company letterhead documents, one stating you are hired, another that you are currently employed and authorized to work remotely in Thailand and not doing business with Thai entities. A brief cover letter explaining your online business and links/screenshots to the site. You'll need to show 500K+ baht equivalent in a bank account in your name,

7 days ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Wannikea ********

can I transfer the equivalent of 500k baht to my account a few days before I apply for dtv? Because I don't keep that much money in checking or savings accounts. Most of the money is in my investment accounts which I can't use afaik

7 days ago

Wannikea *********

Anonymous participant depends on the consulate you choose. You could possibly show some of your investment account history/balance and then the new balance transfer into the savings account.

7 days ago

Reply to

Wannikea *********

Angelo ***********

Anonymous participant You have a valid visa. So? What would a border officer care?

7 days ago

James ********

Anonymous participant frankly we don't know. What is happening to those who have the DTV visa, when they leave Thailand and reenter Thailand they're stamped in for a New 180 days. Repeated times reported.

Get the DTV visa for the real purpose you choose to apply under.

7 days ago

Reply to

James ********

7 days ago

Reply to

James ********

Can I apply for a DTV e-visa in Vietnam instead of returning to the USA?

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19 days ago

What should I consider when applying for a DTV visa in Thailand with a freelance business?

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22 days ago