Should I mention my garden leave and current employment in my DTV application motivation letter?

Question

Hey everyone,

I’m a German citizen currently preparing my DTV application at the Thai Consulate in Munich and would love to hear your thoughts or experiences.

* I’m still **officially employed by a German company**, but I’ve been laid off and will be on **paid garden leave from Nov 1, 2025 to Feb 28, 2026**.
* I already **landed my first freelance gig** (starting Oct 15, 2025), earning **€1,600/month**, with a written contract and confirmation that I can work remotely and from abroad. I have a **German business registration** (currently as side business until I switch to main business by March 2026).
* Financial evidence & document indicating current location are not an issue.

I am additionally planning to submit:
* Cover letter
* Screenshots of my website (with my services)
* Screenshots of my Upwork profile (with my services)

**Question**:

Should I **mention my current employment and garden leave until Feb 2026** in my motivation letter?

* If I don't, I am worried because I can't yet provide proof if income as freelancer (as I will only issue my first freelancer invoice beginning of November)
* If I do, I’m worried it might raise questions or lead to requests for confirmation from my employer – which I probably can’t get.

Any opinion is appreciated. :)
Thanks

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user, a German citizen, is preparing a DTV visa application while being on garden leave from a job and has secured a freelance position. They seek advice on whether to disclose their current employment situation in the motivation letter for the application.

Cherry ***** · Answer

Best is, Applied after working at least with remote company, and then apply DTV , would be safer.

Anonymous ****************** · Answer

If you have contract it should be okay :)

Alex ********* · Answer

Lot of people who got employed for a short time have been refused their application cuz they prefer someone who has been doing that job for a few months at least. I'd say that the beginning of next year would be a safer choice but I'd also try to mail them and explain the situation, figuring out wherever they are ok with that or not

Anonymous ****************** · Answer

In my opinion you shouldn’t mention the unemployment, leave or transition to another job. Apply as though you’re continuing from current employment - that is, if remote work is allowed there? That seems strongest in my view

Henrik ***** · Answer

Use search to find info about the specific embassy

Most DTV is embassy specific

Should I mention my garden leave and current employment in my DTV application motivation letter?

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