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What are the differences in applying for a DTV in Australia versus Malaysia or Vietnam?

DTV Visa Visa Application Process Visa Cost Comparison Thailand Immigration Expat Visa Information

Sep 19, 2025

6 days ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi all, based in Melbourne, Australia and I am thinking of applying for the DTV. Is there a difference in cost (or process) applying here vs say applying in Malaysia or Vietnam? 

(Posting anonymously because I don’t want people in my business! )

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion revolves around applying for the DTV visa from different countries. It suggests that applying from Australia is generally cheaper and easier than applying from Malaysia or Vietnam, where the process can be stricter and longer. Comments highlight that applying from Australia allows for more accessible documentation and considerably quicker processing times.

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Dorothy ******

My son got it within 2 days fr Melb with soft power in July

4 days ago

Flying*******

Much easier to apply in Australia if you live here, and all your bank statements and documents are from Australia. I didn’t get asked for additional documents, like some other people who applied from Vietnam or other neighbour countries. I put in a proposed flight and hotel in Thailand, but didn’t get asked for proof of travel, so I was able to wait for the visa approval before booking a plane ticket. Processing time was 2 weeks back in January.

5 days ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

FlyingSaucers great info, thanks for the reply. which route did you go down? Muay thai / digital nomad etc?

5 days ago

Flying*******

Anonymous participant you’re most welcome! I used Discover Thai Nature seminars for soft power.

5 days ago

Reply to

Flying*******

David *******

Once you factor in the cost of getting to Vietnam and accommodation while waiting it is far far cheaper to do in Australia. Also if you are rejected for some reason you are still at home😊

6 days ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

@David ******

good call thanks David

5 days ago

Reply to

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

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

Ask this question at the two embassy websites

6 days ago

Brandon ************

Absolutely do not apply in Malaysia. They are very strict and you have a high chance of being rejected. It will also take more than a month to process. Most people are going to Vietnam lately. 1-2 weeks.

Why don't you apply in Australia before traveling though?

6 days ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

no reason not to apply in Australia. Just evaluating my options and costs etc. Thanks for the reply!

5 days ago

Brandon ************

Anonymous participant Just based on questions people have received when entering Thailand, it would be best to apply in Australia if at all possible.

Some people have been asked "why didn't you apply at home?" rather than a country near Thailand. It just looks better to them. That you planned it out and you are legitimate, rather than someone who was already living in Thailand and then got the DTV just to continue doing so.

5 days ago

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

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

awesome, appreciate the info mate. From what I can see the difference in fees is only ~$50 usd so looks like applying in Aus is the way to go 👊🏽👊🏽

5 days ago

Reply to

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

Can Malaysians apply for the DTV visa through Vietnam or should they do it in their home country?

1 comments

6 days ago

What are the best cities or countries for Australians to apply for the MT DTV visa, and is it advisable to list 'unemployed' on the application?