Answereda year ago
What challenges did you face when applying for the DTV visa in Taipei?
Got my DTV approved in taipei through soft powers. It has been a hell, they require you to be employed and show dozens of documents (work contract, certificate of employment, company license authorized with seals, pay slips going into your account, certifications from the gym that are out of ordinary). Despite of showing them all (plus a bank account with 1M) I still got an interview (which took place 2 weeks after submitting the documents for the first time) which felt everything but relaxed with most of the questions related to my job (I applied for soft powers but it doesn't seem there's much difference here). It might be better than malaysia or japan but do yourself a favor, don't apply here. I repeat, don't apply here because they are extra picky. ps: if you think you still wanna get a shot cuz your documents are perfect plz read what I wrote above, avoid this embassy
Answer summary
The post discusses the difficulties and stringent requirements faced when applying for a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) through the Thai embassy in Taipei. The author describes the extensive documentation needed, including proof of employment and financial stability, and recounts a stressful interview process despite having submitted all required documents. Commenters share their experiences, suggesting that other countries like Vietnam or Laos offer a more favorable application process, while some have faced similar or even stricter scrutiny in Taiwan. Overall, applicants are advised to be thoroughly prepared and consider alternative locations for visa applications.
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Anonymous ******************
Tokyo can Also be super strict. Laos, Vietnam and Philippines seem more relaxed
James ********
Thank You for your helpful report 👍
Congratulations 👏👏👏
PRINT OUT THE EMAIL THAT HAS YOUR DTV VISA.
That's what you should do... print it out.
You may have to show PROOF of your DTV Visa to airline staff on check-in for your flight ✈️ to Thailand...even to the connecting airline staff. Or to the land border crossing entry Thai Immigration Officer.
Upon arrival into Thailand, show the DTV visa to the Thai Immigration Officer and look at the STAMP placed in your passport to be sure you are STAMPED in for 180 days.
Congratulations 👏👏👏
PRINT OUT THE EMAIL THAT HAS YOUR DTV VISA.
That's what you should do... print it out.
You may have to show PROOF of your DTV Visa to airline staff on check-in for your flight ✈️ to Thailand...even to the connecting airline staff. Or to the land border crossing entry Thai Immigration Officer.
Upon arrival into Thailand, show the DTV visa to the Thai Immigration Officer and look at the STAMP placed in your passport to be sure you are STAMPED in for 180 days.
Anonymous ******************
Hanoi is the best place to apply at the moment
Rowan *********
When you applied through the Soft Power routedid selected "employed" in the section asking about your employment status? From what I’ve seen, most people using the Soft Power route choose "unemployed" instead. This could be the reason why they asked for all the extra docs?
Rowan *********
This is the information I found on the website of the Thai Consulate in Taipei. Nowhere does it state that being employed is a requirement when applying through the Soft Power visa category.
B. Purpose of Visit: Thai Soft Power-related activities (e.g. Muay Thai, Thai culinary training, or medical treatment)
Required Documents:
A passport or travel document valid for at least 6 months, with at least one completely blank visa page.
A certificate of entry and exit dates issued by the National Immigration Agency (valid for 1 month).
One recent color photograph (2 inches, white background, full-face view), taken within the past 6 months. Photocopies are not accepted.
Proof of financial means: A minimum of 500,000 THB or the equivalent in foreign currency, such as bank statements or a sponsorship letter covering living expenses.
Confirmation of participation in the activity (e.g. training program or course), or a letter of appointment from the hospital/medical center (for medical treatment purposes).
B. Purpose of Visit: Thai Soft Power-related activities (e.g. Muay Thai, Thai culinary training, or medical treatment)
Required Documents:
A passport or travel document valid for at least 6 months, with at least one completely blank visa page.
A certificate of entry and exit dates issued by the National Immigration Agency (valid for 1 month).
One recent color photograph (2 inches, white background, full-face view), taken within the past 6 months. Photocopies are not accepted.
Proof of financial means: A minimum of 500,000 THB or the equivalent in foreign currency, such as bank statements or a sponsorship letter covering living expenses.
Confirmation of participation in the activity (e.g. training program or course), or a letter of appointment from the hospital/medical center (for medical treatment purposes).
Shandy ********
@Rowan ********
From what I've seen in this group, SP applicants get questioned about their source of income, even though it's not required to be employed. The exception is one person whose proof of funds far exceeded the required proof of funds. I think it could be that they are verifying whether the applicant's financial means are adequate to do their planned activity. For example, if soemone really only has 500K baht but no additional income, then I'd say they're in a precarious position to do a 6-month sports course in Thailand.
Luit *****************
@Shandy *******
Since the 500K is meant for emergency situations, they might as you how you plan to pay for the daily cost of living when you are unemployed.Rowan *********
@Shandy *******
Yeah, that does make sesne.
Kyle **********
OP@Rowan ********
When I mailed the embassy (several weeks ago) I got this reply...Rowan *********
@Kyle *********
That is extremely unusual..Shandy ********
Are you a frequent traveler to Thailand, if you don't mind my asking?
Kyle **********
OPdid 4 months in 2023, 2 months last year. 2 extensions and one visa run
Benjamin *********
Very strange
Andi ***********
Yes, it is not the best for SP due to the similar requirements as for workcation. When i applied in person last Dec there were SPERs turned away for not having work related docs. It is definitely better than Malaysia and Japan, you just need to be on point with the docs they require. Someone posted recently of same day approval online with Taipei, surprised it took 2 weeks for you.
Brittany ******
That's so interesting. I was just in Taipei when I contacted a cooking school about the DTV. They basically said to me to apply in either Vietnam or Laos (and not Taiwan), as they are the friendliest and easiest. I'll be heading to Vietnam shortly to try my luck 😅
Rowan *********
@Brittany *****
I recommend going to Hanoi to apply — the turnaround time is very fast. 4-5 working days.
Anonymous ******************
@Rowan ********
someone just posted its much longer nowRowan *********
Anonymous participant 487 That's not true. Processing times can of course vary depending on the specific application, and especially if there are public holidays or weekends during the period it was submitted. Many people overlook these factors and end up thinking it's taking longer than it actually is.
Anonymous ******************
I applied there with no job, told
Them I had no job nor intention to work. But I showed 2.8m thb in an account and they were happy with me answer “I’m just taking a few years off working”
Them I had no job nor intention to work. But I showed 2.8m thb in an account and they were happy with me answer “I’m just taking a few years off working”
Tan ************
Can I DM you?
To ask for your advice?
To ask for your advice?
Kyle **********
OP@Tan ***********
my advice is easy, go to vietnam/philippines/indonesiaTan ************
@Kyle *********
Taiwan is known for being easy.Nonetheless. It's difficult for you probably because you are not used to the paperwork trail that Chinese expected. Which is a huge pain. Especially since you are employed in Taiwan.
Not sure if those employed outside Taiwan would face so much pain.
Kyle **********
OP@Shandy *******
I also read that especially for those who applied in person in 2024. During the past couple of months they've become really strict and careful besides of asking tons of documentationShandy ********
@Tan ***********
I think it depends on your circumstances. They're actually NOT picky in a few areas that were relevant to my case (NB-my experience is several months out of date). I got approved in Taiwan with SP.Kyle **********
OP@Tan ***********
the same, actually being employed here was supposed to make things easier (at least in my opinion). I expected a lot of question regarding how I'd support myself in thailand but most of questions were related to my workActivity
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