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Should I apply for a freelance or business owner visa as a self-employed remote engineer in Thailand from Vietnam?
Thai VisaFreelance VisaBusiness Owner VisaRemote WorkImmigration ProcessTax ReturnsSelf-EmploymentDTV Visa
Oct 10, 2025
7 months ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERHello 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...
TLDR : 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.
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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 caseAndi ***********
@John *********
Yeah .Would need to show income on statements/invoicesJames ********
@Andi **********
correct ✅Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@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 ***********
Anonymous participant Do not bet on them not asking for proof of income on statements even with a tax return.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@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 Yes you can do that but show you have considerable savings to support yourself beyond the 500k THB.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERto 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
Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Thu ********
you should not book an exit flight out of Vietnam until you've received your DTV result
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@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.Reply to
Nick ******
Reply
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 *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@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 ?
Reply to
James ********
Reply
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