Answereda year ago
Should I apply for a freelance or business owner visa as a self-employed remote engineer in Thailand from Vietnam?
Hello I'm applying in Hanoi in 2 weeks.
I’m a remote software engineer and self-employed, should I apply through the freelance or business owner pathway ?
I don’t have a salary or employment contract per se, since I pay myself through dividends and cash compensations.
However, I do have a tax return showing a good income (under a different tax/company structure last year).
I’d appreciate any guidance on how to best structure or present my application.
I only stay 6 days in Hanoi before moving back in Thailand by the way, hope it's enough...
I’m a remote software engineer and self-employed, should I apply through the freelance or business owner pathway ?
I don’t have a salary or employment contract per se, since I pay myself through dividends and cash compensations.
However, I do have a tax return showing a good income (under a different tax/company structure last year).
I’d appreciate any guidance on how to best structure or present my application.
I only stay 6 days in Hanoi before moving back in Thailand by the way, hope it's enough...
Answer summary
A user is seeking advice on whether to apply for a freelance or business owner visa in Thailand, as they are a remote self-employed software engineer. They question how to best structure their application, considering their income is derived from dividends and cash compensations, and they possess a tax return showing good income. Several comments suggest allowing longer than six days for the application process, the importance of properly presenting their work situation, and caution regarding the likelihood of visa approval.
20 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
James ********
Suggest you rethink your plans.
Likely will be DENIED the DTV visa.
Suggest you read the posts about getting the DTV visa from Vietnam.
Then plan accordingly.
Likely will be DENIED the DTV visa.
Suggest you read the posts about getting the DTV visa from Vietnam.
Then plan accordingly.
John **********
What are cash considerations? Is that not the same as wages?
Andi ***********
@John *********
it is payment from clients for completion of work. Cash compensationJohn **********
@Andi **********
Invoiced or under the table I guess is the question in that caseJames ********
@Andi **********
correct ✅Andi ***********
Anonymous participant Yes you can do that but show you have considerable savings to support yourself beyond the 500k THB.
Anonymous *************
OPto be exact last year my self owned company had about 40k euro in cash and I paid myself around 12k euro on my personal account as cash compensation, this adds up to the other income I get on my personal bank account that are not related to this activity
Anonymous *************
OP@Andi **********
i do have income but not strictly related to the company I own which had no invoice/receipt since 1 year. Can I just explain I have been working on a software product this year hence no income yet ?Andi ***********
Anonymous participant Do not bet on them not asking for proof of income on statements even with a tax return.
Anonymous *************
OP@Andi **********
Well my last invoice is dated from October and November 2024 because I have been working on a startup ever since without revenues. Although I do have regular income stream on my personal bank account (1,2K euro to 3k depends the month).Can I bet on the fact they wont ask proofs if I provide a tax return from last year when I had a proper freelance activity ?
Andi ***********
@John *********
Yeah .Would need to show income on statements/invoices
Thu ********
you should not book an exit flight out of Vietnam until you've received your DTV result
Anonymous *************
OP@Thu *******
what happens if I flight out before approval ?
Greg ********
Anonymous participant They can reject your application. They can see on their system if you are back in Thailand. Look through previous posts about this. They can ask you to prove you are still in Vietnam. If you are a remote worker what is the need to rush back to Thailand is a question they may well ask themselves when assessing your application.
Thu ********
Anonymous participant if Thailand finds out, your potential visa approval might be cancelled.
Nick ******
@Thu *******
not just might but will. I booked 2 weeks in Hanoi for my DTV to be processed. It took a few days only to get approved, but in case of an interview or if requested more documents, could easily take up to 10 days.
Anonymous ******************
some require that your company states that it allow you to work outside of your country
Andi ***********
It can take 10 business days to get approved. You can also be asked for an interview so it is best to allow for longer than 6 days. As a business owner you just write a letter to yourself giving permission to work remotely in Thailand. Your tax return should be fine they just use it to verify you working legally.
Anonymous *************
OP@Andi **********
thanks for your reply. About delay I will go there physically to ask to make an exception if possibleJames ********
Anonymous participant you will not be able to go to the Thai Embassy unless invited for a personal interview.
WHY is it important to return to Thailand so quickly?
What is your passport nation?
What kind of Thai Visa do you now have, if any in Thailand ?
WHY is it important to return to Thailand so quickly?
What is your passport nation?
What kind of Thai Visa do you now have, if any in Thailand ?
Activity
8 joined8
people
Related
25What is the best visa route for a business owner applying from Portugal to Thailand?
3904318h
What are the photo requirements and application details for the DTV (Workcation) visa at the Royal Thai Embassy in Berlin?
5645510d
What income documents do self-employed individuals need to submit for visa approval in Thailand?
612631mo
How long does it take to get a Thai visa for self-employed individuals based on recent experiences?
409341mo
Should I apply for a DTV visa in Thailand as an employee on unpaid leave or as a freelancer?
2.2k18242mo
What was the process for transferring a DTV stamp at Bangkok Immigration and extending my stay?
3.9k30495mo
What was your experience with obtaining a Thai visa through the Dubai Embassy?
1.2k10115mo
Can a Danish citizen working offshore obtain a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand?
2.4k19266mo
What are my options after being rejected for a freelance visa in Vietnam?
2.1k18187mo
Can I work remotely on an education visa in Thailand if I'm moving there soon?
642538mo
Why was my DTV visa application denied despite being a business owner?
13.5k11415110mo
What documentation should I provide for question 4 when applying for a DTV visa as a self-employed individual in London?
1.8k1681y
Is it harder to get Thai visas from the Hong Kong embassy compared to others, and does paying for soft power classes improve chances for DTV?
439141y
How did you get your visa approved so quickly in Hanoi?
1.6k9211y
What should I know about arriving in Thailand after being blacklisted and applying for a visa?
2.5k21161y
Can I work as a self-employed mental health therapist in Thailand with a DTV visa?
3k15251y
Why was my Thai visa application rejected twice despite providing all requested documents?
9.5k651262y
What additional documents might a US business owner need to provide for a Thai visa when working remotely?
2.9k24252y
Should I list my nutrition coaching or tattoo business for my visa application in Thailand?
772452y
Can I be self-employed in Thailand as a business consultant and tutor on a marital visa?
5.2k45432y
Am I eligible for a Thai Digital Nomad Visa as a freelance remote worker without a formal contract?
2.2k1742y
What are the requirements for applying for a visa in Vietnam as a UK contractor working remotely from Thailand?
1.3k1062y
What are the requirements and tips for applying for a remote work DTV visa in Thailand while in Vietnam?
1.5k1152y
What are the necessary documents and best practices for applying for a DTV visa at the HCMC embassy or Hanoi consulate?
1.5k892y
What should I include in a letter confirming my remote work for my visa application as a self-employed company director in Thailand?
2.1k9112y
Resources
Need help with your DTV visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served