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What are the requirements and experiences for applying for the DTV visa in Thailand without an agent?

DTV Visa Visa Application Process Freelance Work Thailand Immigration UK Tax Returns Expat Life Visa Requirements

Apr 17, 2025

2 days ago

Matthew *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hey all.. been ‘travelling’ around Thailand for the past few months. Now got to a point where I’ve realised it’s somewhere I’d settle for the short-medium term. 

Work freelance for multiple clients (some UK based, Swiss, UAE). Income over £2500/month - can get the 500,000 baht ‘savings’ for the DTV visa. 

Has anyone tried applying for this without an agent? I’m looking for potential blockers that one may not be aware of without advice. 

I have invoices, can get letters from my clients confirming employment - I can showcase work. 

The only thing I don’t have is UK tax returns as I have been outside of the UK for some time ‘travelling’. 

Could this void the application? How many months of bank statements have people put through?

I have done research on all of the above, and have answers, but I’d also like to collect some first-hand experiences if anyone has applied for the DTV in the past year without a visa agent. 

(Or knows anyone who has…) 

Enjoy your week!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user is considering settling in Thailand and wants to apply for the DTV visa as a freelancer. They have a strong income and the necessary 500,000 baht savings but lack UK tax returns due to prolonged travel. They seek to know about the experiences of applying for this visa without an agent, any potential blockers, how many months of bank statements are typically required, and the importance of client invoices and letters for proof of employment.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
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Anna *********

Most people have got the DTV without an agent Join DTV FB group and just follow the requirements A covering letter explaining anything odd is a good idea but don't confuse things with TOO much info. Good luck

2 days ago

Myles *******

Join the DTV group and search Hanoi for a detailed post on my application process. Or you can search for other countries if you want to apply elsewhere

2 days ago

Stephen ********

I'd say you'll be ok. If you are a UK resident, or citizen. Apply in the uk, it seems to raise suspicion if you go elsewhere. Go for the work based version, that's solid and not these MT or cooking or something, customs going to keep asking questions on those types.

2 days ago

Stephen ********

You don't have to be in the uk. You just can't be in Thailand

2 days ago

Helen ********

@Stephen *******

that's incorrect and can, in some cases, result in your application being cancelled and loss of the visa fee. You are supposed to apply in the country that you are physically located in. They can and have asked people to come in for interviews, proof of location and copies of passport pages.

a day ago

Matthew *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Helen *******

yeah I’m currently physically in south east Asia luckily, so I will be in the country of whichever embassy I apply from (likely Vietnam)

a day ago

Helen ********

@Matthew ********

that's supposed to be one of the better embassies to use. They are also strict with passport pages and proof of entry but easy enough if in the area.

a day ago

Matthew *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Helen *******

strict in what sense, not quite sure I got that?😅

a day ago

Reply to

Matthew *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stephen *******

problem is I’m already out in south east Asia and no plans to return home😂 hence why I’m a bit cautious about which embassy I choose. Hanoi seems best option . Muay Thai visa (although I train regularly) too restrictive with movements for me anyway.

2 days ago

Myles *******

@Stephen *******

lol raise suspicion! Its the whole point of the visa and 1000s have been approved from other countries than their own

2 days ago

Stephen ********

@Myles ******

yes, but when you here of those getting stopped. Its nearly always on a powder puff version and applied in a country what the agents use and not where the applicant originated. The customs ain't the brightest, but even they can work that one out.

2 days ago

Myles *******

@Stephen *******

customs? What do they have to do with visas? Not heard of anyone being stopped by customs nor not granted entry once the visa had been issued. Any links to these?

2 days ago

Stephen ********

@Myles ******

not been reading on here much then, obviously🙄🎩

2 days ago

Myles *******

@Stephen *******

yes plenty and not seen anything hence asking for the link to anyone being denied entry after their DTV approval. The fact that you think customs has anything to do with this says it all really

2 days ago

Stephen ********

@Myles ******

well imagration, customs, border control, passport control, depends where you come from really. But those ones who allow you in on the day of arrival. As you well know Mr fooking awkward.

a day ago

Myles *******

@Stephen *******

customs are totally different to immigration and have no say regarding your visa. Still waiting to see links to these people who have been denied entry after DTV approval. Maybe dont speak out your ass and give people wrong info

a day ago

Stephen ********

@Myles ******

you knew what I meant bum boy. You look for stuff if you want to find it. There have been many post on many forums of people being refused, detained for questioning and being asked to provide information.

a day ago

Stephen ********

@Myles ******

calm down hun. It'll be ok. You are myles from being normal.

a day ago

Reply to

Stephen ********

Graham ******

Ask the Embassy where you will be applying what their specific requirements will be as they do differ

2 days ago

Hans *********

O applied to Muay Thai school in Chiang Mai I'm literally heading to Hanoi tomorrow, supposed to be easiest,quickest turnaround. maybe Indo as well. It's

*****

for classes ,

*****

for visa. They send you a certificate with all the necessary stamps. Tell you what you need to do .

2 days ago

Matthew *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Hans ********

I’m in chiang mai too now! Muay Thai visa too restrictive for me, although I’ve been training for months. Thanks though, I have that option already if I need to!

2 days ago

Hans *********

I applied

2 days ago

Reply to

Hans *********

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