This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

What are the requirements and considerations for applying for a DTV workation in Thailand?

May 30, 2025
5 days ago
Hello everyone,

I'm planning to apply for a DTV workation in Hanoï in the next few days.

Here is the rationale: I have spent the last 9 months in Thailand doing pretty much nothing, travelling and diving, and catching up with my friends (I used to work in Bkk for 3 years with work permit).

I do have a french company that I have opened last year but never used it.

I want to start my activities now online but have no history.

For all I read, you all had a legitimate business before requesting DTV, so I'm a bit concerned.

All advices will be much appreciated 🙂

Thank you 🙏
333
views
0
likes
14
all likes
12
replies
0
images
4
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is planning to apply for a DTV (Digital Work Visa) workation in Thailand after spending 9 months there without engaging in formal work. They express concerns about their lack of prior legitimate business activity and seek advice from the community. Comments suggest that applying under a soft power or medical DTV might be easier due to fewer document requirements, while also highlighting the need for financial documentation like pay slips and bank records.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Fitfac *****************
Softpower will give you a much higher chance to get dtv.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Fitfac ****************
it's also more expensive and in my case, it's true I have a company
Dnatjugweme ************
Participant(e) anonyme It's true that you have a registered business (not a "company" since it's not an incorporated business), but if said business hasn't generated any income, you may have a hard time proving that it is legit. But you may be lucky too, it's not impossible.
Fitfac *****************
Anonymous participant

If you’re lucky, the embassy might issue the DTV visa without requesting any additional documents.

If you’re unlucky, they may ask you to translate all of your company documents into English using a certified (notarized) translator. You may also be required to provide detailed information about your company—what it does, how much revenue it generates, and possibly submit tax returns from recent years. To make things more complicated, all of these documents must be translated and notarized, as the embassy often requires notarization.

You can try applying with your startup company, and if it fails, the most you would lose is the 10,000 THB application fee.

However, we recently encountered an issue at the Netherlands embassy. One of our customers applied for the DTV visa under the Workcation category and was rejected. When they reapplied under the Soft Power category, they were rejected again. We refunded 100% of the course fee. The customer later checked with the embassy and was informed that once you apply under one category (Workcation or Soft Power), you cannot switch to another category if the first attempt is unsuccessful.

As the saying goes: “Trying to avoid a small loss may end up costing you even more.”
Amber *******
I think soft power or medical DTV is much more straightforward than workation as the application requires much fewer docs. Less of a headache!
Bob **********
The are going to ask for pay slips and bank records good luck
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bob *********
bank record, I have no pb, I have the money on my personal account. What do you mean by payslip? I have no employees it's a personal company.
Bob **********
Anonymous participant that went to see that your getting paid so you’ll need that plus the 500k baht or equivalent
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bob *********
I have a bit more than the 500k let's hope it's ok
Dnatjugweme ************
Participant(e) anonyme Proof of income basically. Not all embassies ask for it, but some do. You own an unincorporated business, but if you're making any money there should be transactions appearing on your bank statements.

In general, if your business has not been active at all, obviously you may find it difficult to prove that it has substance, i.e. a genuine economic activity, even if the embassy does not request proof of income.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dnatjugweme ***********
it's the launch of my company
Dnatjugweme ************
Participant(e) anonyme Yeah of course, but they want to make sure genuine freelancers get the visa, not people who register as freelancers just to meet the requirements. In all seriousness, it's perfectly understandable.