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Should I apply for a DTV visa in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City as a remote worker?
DTV VisaRemote Work VisaVisa Application ProcessHanoiHo Chi Minh CityExpats in VietnamIndependent Contractor VisaFinancial DocumentationEnglish Teaching in Vietnam
Mar 16, 2026
a month ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERApply for remote work in Ho Chi Min City or Hanoi?
Hello! I am looking to apply for the DTV as a remote worker. I work for a Chinese company online as an English teacher and have done since 2024, so I have evidence from them that I work online only as an independent contractor. But, they don’t provide me with payslips. It just shows how much I have earnt and how many lessons I have taught on their online portal which I can of course screen shot and provide as evidence, a long with my bank statements showing they have paid me. I do not pay tax as I am a UK resident and the amount I earn is under the limit that you need to start paying income tax on so I am unable to provide any tax filings. I also have the 500k TBH in a savings account but it was only opened 3 months ago as my money was initially in bonds which I then transferred to a new savings account to show it is accessible money. So, my question is would it be better for me to apply in Hanoi or Ho Chi Min city please? I am in Danang right now so I would need to apply from Ho Chi Min but if anyone has had the same situation as me and not been accepted then I hear Hanoi would better to apply from (I will make my way to Hanoi if that is the case) I would be grateful to hear anyone’s experiences and timelines please! Many thanks :)
Hello! I am looking to apply for the DTV as a remote worker. I work for a Chinese company online as an English teacher and have done since 2024, so I have evidence from them that I work online only as an independent contractor. But, they don’t provide me with payslips. It just shows how much I have earnt and how many lessons I have taught on their online portal which I can of course screen shot and provide as evidence, a long with my bank statements showing they have paid me. I do not pay tax as I am a UK resident and the amount I earn is under the limit that you need to start paying income tax on so I am unable to provide any tax filings. I also have the 500k TBH in a savings account but it was only opened 3 months ago as my money was initially in bonds which I then transferred to a new savings account to show it is accessible money. So, my question is would it be better for me to apply in Hanoi or Ho Chi Min city please? I am in Danang right now so I would need to apply from Ho Chi Min but if anyone has had the same situation as me and not been accepted then I hear Hanoi would better to apply from (I will make my way to Hanoi if that is the case) I would be grateful to hear anyone’s experiences and timelines please! Many thanks :)
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking advice on whether to apply for a DTV visa as a remote worker from either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. They have been employed online as an English teacher and possess evidence of their work but do not have payslips or tax filings due to their earnings being below the tax threshold in the UK. Comments advise that applying in Hanoi may be faster and less bureaucratically demanding than Ho Chi Minh City, with shared experiences suggesting shorter processing times and fewer requirements in Hanoi.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Josh ********
I just finished HCMC from Da Nang, and it was a lot of work.
Took about 5 business days to get requests for documents, and I got two. The last one getting approved right before I was suppose to leave.
If I was to do it again I would say go to Hanoi for the speed alone.
I applied on the 25 of Feb and was approved on the 13th of March.
Took about 5 business days to get requests for documents, and I got two. The last one getting approved right before I was suppose to leave.
If I was to do it again I would say go to Hanoi for the speed alone.
I applied on the 25 of Feb and was approved on the 13th of March.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Josh *******
oh wow that is a long process. Did you apply for remote work? And if so, what other documents did they request just out of curiosity? I think I will apply from Hanoi anyway, thank you :)Josh ********
Anonymous participant no I did soft power. They still wanted my tax returns, and investment statements.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Josh *******
ah good to know! Thanks for sharing!Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Wannikea *********
Hanoi
Kurt *************
Hanoi faster and less requirements
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kurt ************
I thought so, thank you! My visa runs out on the 8th of April and I am due to leave Vietnam on the 6th to meet a friend in another country. Do you think there is enough time to apply now and get a response before the 6th? (I would have applied sooner but I was gathering my evidence which has taken longer than expected and also was talking with a visa agent who wasn’t very helpful in the end so I have now decided to apply myself)Kurt *************
Anonymous participant most applications that are done proper in hanoi takes about 5 days. Just make sure the application is easy to read and you mery all requirements and your good
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kurt ************
thanks again :) do you think I should try ho chi min with your knowledge and my given evidence?Kurt *************
Anonymous participant i would do hanoi
*****
times. But up to you. Hcmn takes longer usually and ask more paperwork. So depends on your timeframe and applicationAnonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kurt ************
ok I think I will apply in Hanoi :) thanks so much for your suggestions!Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Andi ***********
Anonymous participant Yes you will hea by April 6th applying now/very soon. I get paid with no payslips and had no probs. In addition to evidence of payment I included a letter from my employer that I receive no payslip.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andi **********
ahh thank you that’s very helpful! I don’t know if my employer will reply quick enough confirming I don’t get payslips though if I apply now. Do you think they might accept without that? Also, did you apply from Hanoi or Ho chi min please? :)Andi ***********
Anonymous participant I applied via Taipei which is stricter than Vietnam. I know similar online teachers to you approved in HCM/Hanoi with no letter. Kurt gives great advice on keeping the application simple but meeting all requirements which you seem to do.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andi **********
thank you! Yep I do meet the requirements but I have heard that Ho chi min city ask for tax filings and 6 months of the 500k in the same account. It would be easier for me to stay in Danang and apply in Ho chi min but I’m scared they might request things I can’t provide. Even if I explain things clearly :(Andi ***********
Anonymous participant I have never heard of tax filings being a mandatory requirement in HCMC. If you do not have them then you explain why. 6mths statements with an ending balance of 500k can be asked for. Not need 500k every month. Hanoi is considered by many better than HCMC.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andi **********
I have heard it a few times but I’m not sure maybe it’s for different circumstances. And again, thank you for your advice! :)Andi ***********
Anonymous participant Yea depends on circumstances. if business registration info is not given for example they may ask for tax Info.
Reply to
Andi ***********
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