What are the key takeaways from applying for the Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand?

Aug 13, 2024
2 months ago
Rory *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello All..

Today I got my DTV (digital nomad) visa approved, and just wanted to share a few “takeaways” with this group.

First thanks to all the contributors on this topic over the last few months – from the many posts, I pieced together how to approach the visa application process.

Brief background: I reside in Ireland (Irish resident & passport); I have a small, limited company of which I am the sole director / shareholder & employee. I provide IT services to SME’s but always remotely (rarely on client site). I have a modest but active website.

Some lessons learnt: From the posts on this group, I was ready to (and actually HAD) prepare a document with lots and lots of documentation (client contracts / screen shots of code / invoices paid, etc..). BUT – you can only upload one document (PDF / JPG) for each “section” required. And the limit is 3MB. I prepared the document in MS Word, then saved as PDF. When it came time to actually upload, I had to edit the document twice to remove vast sections of the document to eventually trim it down to less than 3MB. In the end, I submitted the following (under the “Employment” requirements) in this order (all in the one PDF):

1. A letter addressed to the Royal Thai Embassy (as was requested). This was printed on Company Letterhead, printed and signed by me as Managing Director. In the letter I stated that Mr {my name} was the sole shareholder, director and employee of {Company Name}; that the Company was engaged in the delivery of digital services and that Mr. {my name} was required to work remotely. It was spread across a few paragraphs but that is the essence of the letter. I then signed it myself as the Managing Director and scanned it. Yes – it was a strange experience referring to myself as a 3rd party.

2. The rest of the document was as follows:

- Certificate of Incorporation

- Company Corporation tax summary page (23/24)

- Company P&L Screen shot (from online accounting software)

- Payslip for me for July 24

- Company Bank Account screen shot.

- Company Website screen shots and website address.

Needless to say, I am delighted to have this visa. I am travelling in October and had initially planned to do the TV with extension, and maybe leave mid January. Now I might stay until March - not sure, but I love having the flexibility.

The reason that I went down the DTV route is that, from reading “between the lines” in this group, I am not convinced that the DTV (in its current form) is set in stone – I suspect (just an opinion) that over the next 6-12 months it might get tightened up somewhat. So I felt it best to get on board while I can.

Thanks again – I will answer any reasonable questions that I am able to.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post describes the author's successful application for the Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand, sharing valuable lessons learned during the process. The author emphasizes the importance of thorough documentation, the necessity to upload a single PDF document, and the 3MB limit requirement. Key documents submitted included a letter from the company on official letterhead, proof of company registration, tax summaries, payslips, and banking details. Community member inquiries delve into various aspects of the visa process, including turnaround times, required funds, visa collection methods, and potential changes to the DTV criteria in the future.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Rami ********
The payslip must be in English?
Sergey *************
@Rory ******
congrats 🔥 How many days in advance should I get a bank statement?
Sergey *************
Congrats 🔥 How many days in advance should I get a bank statement?
Trevor ************
Trevor ************
@Sergey ************
get one for me too
Sergey *************
Cole *********
Thank you! What did you put for intended date of departure/duration of stay? Are they asking when you plan to leave for the first time after arriving
Rory *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Cole ********
I put down a date & flight number that I will be flying in on; no proof needed so you can put in whatever here. As for a return flight - I have a flexi one so I will be pushing the return date out but again not asked for on the application. It might be up to the airline to check the return date - not sure but not worried about it.
Cole *********
@Rory ******
Got it thanks! One more thing, I'm an American but currently in Albania - what should I provide for "Document indicating current location"?
Rory *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Cole ********
I can't really answer that, it's generally a utility bill or government correspondence to a fixed address that they want. Maybe a bank statement, something with your location address on it 🤔
Zhiyuan ****
Ty for sharing too. Enjoy ur stay in Chiangmai
Anne ***********
Company bank account and p&l? Why?
John ********
John ********
Why are cynics on here thinking the DTV might be tightened up and what do they mean by tightened up? They could scrap it if they wanted, making any visas already given null & void. More conspiracy theorists on here than in the Kremlin 😂😂😂. Waiting with bated breath now for the keyboard warriors.
Frank-Steven ***********
They couldn't wouln't scrap visa already issued. But it is within reason to assume that they might "tighten" the issuance of new DTV visa in the future. Getting a 5 (almost 6 year) visa for a days cooking class or a mere doctors appointment might be something they could rethink in the future.
James *********
Sean *********
Thx for info and your insight
Louise ********
Really helpful. Did you have to show the tax return? I’m starting out and want to use the business for this and have the savings. But can’t show a current tax return the rest I can do!
Rory *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Louise *******
yes I showed a summary tax return letter from revenue but I can't say that it's required, it was just a document I had available and thought it couldn't hurt to include, the letter would be the main requirement I would think
John *******
I have the same thoughts, that it might be tightened at some point, so decided it was best to get this 5-year visa now.
Native ****************
Great post and big thanks for sharing... Safe travels and welcome to the land of smiles 😊
Михайло ********
Welcome welcome to The Kingdom of Thailand
Erica ********
Congratulations and your detailed explanation of the letter would be helpful to those applicants who own a company/ business.
Elías ********
Congratulations 🎊

And I also fear the visa requirements might be changed or tightened up within a year (which of course wouldn't affect people who already got it).
Pieternella ************
Thank you for sharing have a nice day🙏😊
Cliff *********
Krystian **********
How long you wait for approved ?
Rory *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Krystian *********
about a week from start to finish, very efficient from the embassy staff in London
Cee *******
Would having any staff had bearing on your application? Or must be sole trader /registered freelancer ?

Thanks for sharing
David *******
@Cee ******
how would the OP know this?
Rory *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I don't know, but wouldn't think so. I think that the letter of authority was signed by the MD, and explicitly stated "remote work" was the salient point..
Don ******
Are 90 day check ins required?

TIA
Duncan *******
@Don *****
90 day reporting rules have not been changed.
Don ******
@Duncan ******
Gotcha, thx man
Rory *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I assume so..
Don ******
@Rory ******
Gotcha, thx man
Amy *****
Thank you for sharing with us! 🙏
Rory *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am happy to share if it helps anyone else. I am a firm believer in Karma.. 😎
Jodie **********
Thank you for the detailed explanation 🙌🏽 do they send the visa digitally or did you have to collect at the London Embassy?
Rory *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
its emailed as a PDF..
Jodie **********
@Rory ******
thank you 🙏🏽
Joseph **********
Chok dee!!
Samantha *********
Thanks for the information. Did you have to provide evidence of having 500,000 baht in your bank account? I'm in the process of applying for my own too.
Rory *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
yes. but just the current bank statement so it's a "moment in time" that you have to have the 500k. I put some money in there to bring it up and then got the statement. No questions about that
Samantha *********
Great thanks
Frank-Steven ***********
Thank you for sharing your report. How long was the turnaround time from submission to issuance? I submitted similar documents for Berlin. But they have not even bothered to do the first step (checking of documents), yet.
Eva *********
@Frank-Steven **********
hey :) sent you a DM a few days ago. Curious with what documents you applied in Berlin. I also plan on applying in Germany.
Frank-Steven ***********
I will share my report once I got the visa or any requests from Berlin RTE. Submitted a company registration papers of company I own 100% + letter stating me being CEO of said company and free to work remotely from wherever (including Thailand) + latest bank statements of one of my savings accounts.
Rory *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Frank-Steven **********
The day after the initial submission I got an email for additional information (a better quality picture, and the Employment requirements which I detailed in the post). I submitted them Thursday and got the email of approval today (yes - on a Thai national holiday); strangely the email was sent at 17.20 so maybe the holiday was technically over..? Nevertheless was a quick turnaround (about week). I should have mentioned this was the Royal Thai Embassy in London.
Frank-Steven ***********
@Rory ******
Thank you. Yes, London is known for their fast service with the DTV. Enjoy your stay in Thailand.
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