DTV application at the Royal Thai Consulate in Hong Kong 🇭🇰
Swedish passport, applied as freelance worker/digital nomad (Content copywriter/Translator).
Process took 5 business days (10 days total):
Applied on July 27th, got it approved on August 3rd.
💰 Cost: 300 HKD (around 14300 baht at time of application)
☑️ Step 1, application:
I left Thailand and flew to Hong Kong. Sent my application literally as soon as I got to Hong Kong.
I sent them a work contract from one of my clients, showing that I am employed as a freelancer, and that the position is fully remote. The contract clearly listed the contact information to my client. No info about salary in the contract.
Also uploaded a detailed bank statement, showing all activity in my account from February 1st to July 27th. The balance never went below 500,000 THB during that time.
For proof of location I sent them a photo of my entry slip, that I got when I entered Hong Kong.
☑️ Step 2, request for more documents:
On July 31st, I got an email from the consulate where they asked me to upload a "CV with details including education, employment history and Portfolio" and "Full bank statement(s) with applicant’s name showing secure/stable liquid financial asset with ‘latest 6-month’ account activity details".
So I added a few pages to my current CV where I showed screenshots of my work, both in the original word/excel-files and screenshots of my work published on the clients websites. I included links to every published website I was showing in my portfolio. I also added a page with a cover letter for the consulate, explaining my situation, that I have multiple clients but that the client I sent a contract from, pays me enough to support my ife in Thailand. I also told them that none of my clients are in Thailand and how much my average salary is per month.
I uploaded a bank statement for the same account as earlier, but changed the dates to 31/1 - 31/7 (since they asked for exactly 6 months).
☑️ Step 3, visa approved:
I got the visa in the evening of August 3rd, around 20:00. The consulate closes at 17:00, but I guess the visa is made and sent out through systems that run automatically even after the consulate closes.
I emailed them twice during the process asking for a status update as I had a booked flight on 31/7, but didn't get a reply. So I just waited and booked a new flight after I got my visa.
Landed in BKK today, and got my first 180 day stamp 🥳
Hope this helps some of you! 👌
Also, the HK consulate website says that only residents can apply there. I emailed them beforehand and asked about this and they said I could apply, even though I'm not a resident.
TLDR : Answer Summary
A Swedish freelancer detailed their application for a Digital Visa (DTV) at the Royal Thai Consulate in Hong Kong, outlining steps taken including submission of a work contract and bank statement proving financial stability. They faced a brief wait and were asked for additional documentation, which they provided before receiving approval in five business days. They noted that the Hong Kong consulate had allowed them to apply despite not being a resident. The entire experience, including costs, documentation, and the timeline, offers valuable insights for other digital nomads considering this route.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
