Answered2 years ago

How can I apply for a DTV visa in Thailand without a work permission letter from my employer?

DTV visa Thailand visa application remote work visa independent contractor employment verification US business registration

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

asked Mar 10, 2025

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Hi, does anybody have advice for applying for the DTV visa without a letter specifically confirming permission to work remote from Thailand?

I currently work remote as a software engineer but my employer wants to me to convert to an independent contractor before I move to Thailand. They will not write me a letter giving me permission, although I might be able to get an employment verification letter.

I also have a dormant business registered in the US that I'm the owner of. It used to be the business I did consulting from years back, as well as a startup project.

I'm applying through the New York consulate.

Answer summary

The post seeks advice on how to apply for a DTV visa in Thailand without a letter from the employer confirming permission to work remotely. The user is transitioning to an independent contractor role and has a dormant business in the US. Comments suggest alternatives, like having the contractor agreement clarify work location or providing evidence of independent work through business profiles.

14 repliesnewest first

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Alex *****

As long as you can provide your independent company profile as well as your online presence within that company you should be fine. Note it is worth specifying that you will not be engaging with Thai businesses for your work so it's best practice to specify who your core clients are and where they are located.

2 years ago

Ranjit *******

you can say you work for yourself through your US company and you can write a letter confirming you are the owner and director and manage the day-to-day activities of the company.

2 years ago

Meredith ********

If you use your on LLC they could possibly ask for tax returns just fyi.

2 years ago

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

That's good to know. It's actually a corporation (so it has it's own tax return) but it hasn't had any revenue in a few years. I'll try with my current employment contract instead.

2 years ago

Meredith ********

I tried with my business 1st when I went through a visa agent. Once they said there was a possibility they would ask for tax returns, I went another route.

2 years ago

Tim ********

Submit a copy of the email with your contract.

2 years ago

Kevin ********

What does your contract of employment currently state?

2 years ago

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

The contract itself doesn't talk about a work location or remote status. I did get an offer by email (not a formal contract) which states that I'm remote, and the PEO the company is using also says that I'm a remote employee. I've been with the company since early 2023, if that matters.

2 years ago

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

Thank you! That's extremely helpful.

2 years ago

Kevin ********

Anonymous participant it’s upto you how to apply, I would apply with the info you have, write a cover letter with all the pages on a single pdf for upload and try. It looks like you have everything you need, it’s just how it’s worded. And the info you wrote here I think should be enough. Once you have the visa it’s irrelevant as new contract as a consultant or other is ok for ongoing as well as you will have paperwork for future use.

Whatever you do, once you have the DTV my advice would be carry printed copies of all paperwork on entry. Makes it much simpler if required.

2 years ago

Kaler *******

I need upwork profile and it is ok 😁

2 years ago

John **********

Are they offering you an ongoing contract as an independent contractor? If yes just have them write into the contract that they are happy for the contract work to be done in Thailand

2 years ago

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

@John *********

Yes, it basically is an open contract indefinitely. The contract doesn't state anything about where I perform the work.

2 years ago

John **********

Anonymous participant then amend it, or have them do so

2 years ago