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What are the requirements for obtaining a DTV visa in Thailand without proof of income?

Jun 12, 2025
2 days ago
Hi all.

I need some assistance in applying for a DTV visa.

Me and my husband is from S.A and he work in Thailand as a teacher.

I have a Ed visa study Thai but it ends now and I have to get another visa.

He's school don't assist with a letter to follow him on Non O Visa and I know to run borders with a tourist visa will also just be temp and short term so I was looking into a DTV visa.

I applied for Preply but not active yet but like to start to working online with DTV visa

My question is.. If I don't have a proof of income now will Thai Immigrations approve my registration?

I also notice they request a registred buss documents.Will Preply approved assist on application?

I notice the amout of 600 000 THB saving in 6 months bank statements and its not the problem.Only my recent income and registration.

Any advise will be so much appreciated.

Thank you🧘‍♀️
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user seeks assistance in applying for a DTV visa due to the expiration of their ED visa. They are uncertain about the income proof required for the visa approval as they are currently not active on Preply, an online teaching platform. Comments suggest potential alternatives and insights on applying under different DTV categories, including the Thai Soft Power route, which may have fewer requirements than the Workation category. There are also discussions around the implications of remote work under Thai law and the need for proof of income or employment history for the visa application.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Theresa ********
We can help you get your visa with full refund if it's denied. Just text me.
Arun ***************
Hi! You actually have two options under the DTV visa — Workation or Thai Soft Power.

Applying under the Workation category does have a bit more scrutiny with the requirement of employment letter, regular salary (for remote worker) or contracts and previous work samples for freelance workers.

Based on your situation, the Workation category may be difficult as you have applied for Preply but are not active yet.

An easier alternative might be the Thai Soft Power route, which has fewer requirements. For example, you can enroll in cultural activities like Muay Thai or Thai cooking classes, which are eligible under this category.

We’ve successfully supported over 90 DTV applicants through our cooking school, in partnership with leading visa agents and law firms who regularly use our programs for their clients. So if you need help understanding the process or want guidance, feel free to reach out. Happy to answer any other questions you may have 🙏
Andi ***********
New Preply teachers have been approved.Your income should not be an issue with a 'friendly" embassy. Their posts should be in the threads.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andi **********
great news thank you allot.
Pete *******
Why complicate things? Just book a cooking course.
Luit *****************
@Pete ******
Why should applying for the real purpose of stay be complicating things?

Remote work will not cost anything extra, while soft power for 5 years can be quite expensive.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Luit ****************
Agree with this.My aim is to study and work from home online and legally.I study Thai on ED Visa bu it all start getting very costly and time consuming.
Pete *******
@Luit ****************
because it sounds like she won’t qualify under workcation.
Luit *****************
@Pete ******
I think she qualifies, but because there are very much people cheating for this visa, she might be rejected by some embassies.

There is no income needed, but it might be the best idea to work online first for a short time to make a better chance, but with a good motivation it might work with some embassies as startup.

I would in her case not make a problem of remote working for sometime, she can even ask if that is allowed.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Pete ******
with Ed visa I am not allow to work right.I want to start earning my income online.That is why I want to follow the DTV route.Cooking Thai food sounds like fun.l though🤣
Pete *******
Anonymous participant the ED visa and the DTV are two separate animals, each with their own rules and requirements, don’t confuse the two. You cannot work on an ED visa but you can work online for non Thai customers with a DTV.
Pete *******
Anonymous participant you can work online (for non Thai customers) with a DTV issued for cooking classes.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Pete ******
I dont really understand saying for DTV issued for cooking classes.With applying cooking classes you apply for an ED visa right. Having a DTV visa you allow to work online.On tourist visa can work but not Thai citizens.Do I understand this right?Cause what I read is you are not allowed to work in Thailand with ED,NonO or tourist visa. So if I understand correct if you work online only to non Thai Citizenships.Sorry if I sound paranoid but Im so new in this.
Andi ***********
Anonymous participant You can take cooking classes under the Softpower option of the DTV. Many SPers will work online for non Thai companies. Online work for non Thai companies is not really considered employment so it it is tolerated althought best to keep it on the DL on retirement, non o etc visas
Wannikea *********
Soft power
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Wannikea ********
Thank you I watch the Soft Power info
Johan **************
It's not a requirement to proof you have income. It is however a requirement to proof you are working online. Just signing up to preply without a working history may not be accepted I think. You could try adding a cover letter to explain your situation. Good luck.
John **********
The most recent definition is from 2018, I'd been working remotely for well over 20 years by then. But that update does include freelancers and people working for overseas companies and they all require work permits except for very short stints such as attending exhibitions, meetings, etc. But it does provide ministers with the flexibility to authorise other methods, which I guess is what the DTV is all about, they are authorising DTV holders to work remotely from Thailand without them being required to obtain a work permit. My interpretation and I'm no expert on Thai employment legislation.
John **********
Why not just sign up for a 6 month course within approved provider. Muay Thai, cooking, whatever
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
I done my Ed Visa doing Thai classes but it is not working for me cause I want to study online and work part time Preply
John **********
Anonymous participant i don't think online is acceptable for an ED visa so getting an extension on it might be difficult, immigration generally want to see you have been regularly attending school. They don't monitor DTV classes in the same way, currently at least. While not strictly legal people do work remotely on ED visa, you just need to keep it quiet
Luit *****************
@John *********
Thai authorities should clearly tell how they see remote working, but they don't.

Before DTV I asked Thai embassy if I could work remote during my stay in Thailand and they said it was no problem.

On the DTV workcation now is clearly stated working prohibited, so the conclusion might be they do not see the remote work you do as working in Thailand.

On the other hand, when I am in my own house in Thailand, using a VPN, who can see I am working?

But a clear statement about this would be nice.
John **********
@Luit ****************
I agree, it is at best a grey area and I don't understand the comment on the DTV. You'd think it would say something like "Remote work only" or similar. The concept of work is defined in Thai law and is pretty all encompassing including unpaid work such as volunteering. It makes no distinction between working inside Thailand and working from Thailand as far as I can ascertain
Luit *****************
@John *********
I think the moment the definition in law was made, nobody thought about remote work.

Remote work all over the world is very complicated, because there are no general agreed definitions where the work is done, which makes it very complicated for all kind of legal situations, like taxing and rules you have to adhere to, so as with which employment law you should comply.
John **********
@Johan *************
you won't get approved using preply if you have no history with it
Johan **************
@John *********
I think so too which is why I adviced to work for a few months first ;-)
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Johan *************
Awesome Thank you so much for your info.I am already approve at Preply but haven't start to be active cause I don't want to take any risk working without a valid working visa first that is a big concern.
Johan **************
Anonymous participant dont have to explain to me. Explain to the embassy. Personally I would increase my chances of approval and spend a few months working first. Anyway up to you, good luck.