What challenges do expats face when applying for a DTV visa through the Japanese Embassy?

Yes, we will have problem getting the DTV visa at Japanese Embassy because they don’t issue the visa. Only the Royal Thai Embassy in Japan issues the DTV visa.

You can find posts about Toyko in the threads. Fukuoka and Osaka are 'friendlier' than Tokyo. There are way easier embassies to apply from in SE Asia.

They have a habit of issuing Ed visa instead of DTV which is a massive problem as DTV gyms are usually not licensed schools with the education authority. Causes so many problems. We completely avoid japan now. Waste of time and money

I did my dtv in Osaka, everything went well with no problem and approved after 14 days

1. Frequent rejections / “they prefer giving TR visas instead”

• Some applicants say their DTV application was rejected, and instead offered a Tourist Visa (TR) visa as an alternative. 

• Especially people applying from Japan report stricter interviews, more scrutiny. 

2. Requests for additional documentation / “brutal interview”

• Applicants have said that even when they think they meet the basic requirements, the Tokyo Embassy asks for extra materials: proof of tax payments, proof of remote work, more bank statements, etc. 

• Some say the interviews are more demanding compared to other embassies. 

3. “Cancelled” status / loss of fees with little explanation

• There are reports of DTV applications being cancelled without clear reasons and no refund of the visa/processing fee. 

• One post:

“I applied to DTV workcation(100% sure I meet all requirements), after 1 day my application got status ‘cancelled’, meaning that my $400 is gone and I need to reapply.” 

4. Strict requirement about “country of residence”

• Some applicants were told you must be in your home country or country of residence during the whole application process. If you are applying from Japan but your “residence” is elsewhere, that might pose a problem. 

• The Embassy in Tokyo’s own instructions include a requirement for “proof of current address” (for Japanese nationals, My Number Card or Driver’s License; for non-Japanese, residence card) as part of the application. 

5. Financial proof & tax history

• They ask for bank statements, proof of sufficient funds (≥ 500,000 THB usually) etc. 

• Some applicants say that lack of past tax filings or proof of income/taxes in Japan is a red flag. 

6. Inconsistency / unclear requirements

• Different applicants say the Embassy sometimes has “hidden” or additional requirements not clearly stated on the website. Things like more documentation than listed. 

• Also, delays: more documents requested after submission, causing application timelines to “restart” for some. 

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What the Embassy in Tokyo does require (from official sources)

To balance the anecdotal with the official, here are some of the formal requirements / updated document instructions from the Royal Thai Embassy in Tokyo:

• “Proof of current location” (residence in Japan): for Japanese nationals, either My Number Card or driver’s license; for non-Japanese, residence card. 

• Financial requirement: statement of bank balance (in many cases ≥ 500,000 THB). If under 20 years old and without your own bank account, might need a sponsor / parent statement + birth certificate etc. 

• For dependents (spouse, minor children), specific proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate), proof of residence, etc. 

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What to watch out for / suggestions if applying via Japan

If you’re considering applying via the Japanese embassy or from Japan, here are some tips to avoid or reduce these issues:

1. Have very clean, strong documentation

• Remote work proof (contract, employer letter)

• Portfolio or evidence of income sources

• Bank statements with clear incoming transfers and enough balance

• If possible, proof of tax paying or financial history

2. Proof of residence in Japan

• Have your current address documentation (My Number Card, Japanese driver’s license, or residence card) in good shape.

• If your usual residence is elsewhere, make sure you can show that you are legitimately residing in Japan if applying from there.

3. Prepare extra documents

• Even if the Embassy list doesn’t ask for something, expect they might. It’s better to have extra: e.g. tax returns, certified documents, supporting letters, etc.

• Be ready for interviews or clarifications.

4. Avoid mistakes

• Check every detail of your application: passport number, name spelling, consistent addresses, dates. Minor errors have reportedly led to rejections. 

• Make sure your documents are well scanned/readable, in the formats required.

5. Be cautious about fee loss

• Since many report that rejection leads to “no refund”, if possible check with the embassy beforehand how much of fee is refundable (if any) in case of rejection.

• Consider waiting until your documents are all perfect.

6. Consider applying somewhere else

• Based on what people report, other embassies might have an easier time, or less strict additional document requirements. In some forums, people suggest applying from nearby countries (Vietnam, Laos, etc) when feasible.