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What is the best way for self-employed musicians to obtain a DTV in Thailand?

Thailand Visa DTV Visa Self-Employment Visa Application Process Income Requirements Soft Power Program Expats in Thailand Bank Account Requirements

Mar 28, 2025

3 days ago

Anonymous *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Me and my significant other aim to move to Thailand in a few months. We make music full time which makes around 7k a month gross, though we are considering doing a soft power (we don't officially run a registered business, very DIY). We have always shared funds from my account. Since we are self employed and share funds, what is the best course of action for obtaining a DTV for both of us? 

We have the 500k baht each and make a good amount to our (my) main account, so not really a money issue - maybe just in the wrong places. Is there a monthly requirement for how much she should be making a month? What are the exact requirements for a soft power as far as income and documentation? Should we apply in the USA beforehand or try from Vietnam like many have suggested? 

I'm mainly just looking for overall advice to our unique situation, and a general best course of action. Any advice is appreciated.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A couple planning to move to Thailand as self-employed musicians seeks advice on obtaining a DTV visa. They have sufficient funds but are uncertain about income requirements, documentation for a soft power program, and whether to apply from the USA or Vietnam. Responses suggest applying from the USA for better scrutiny familiarity, highlight that earning income from music in Thailand on a DTV is not allowed, and emphasize the importance of providing accurate financial documentation.

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Henrik *****

Best to apply from your homecountry since they will be familiar with the way documents are issued in that country, and it can expedite the visa proces, and make it easier.

You will also save travel expenses to go to, and stay in a 3 country, for the duration of the visa proces.

Better to wait in the comfort of your home instead of a hotelroom.

2 days ago

Kool *******

If you are married, and have the documents to prove that, you get the DTV based on whoever's name the bank account is in, as I assume it is not a joint account, even though you use it as a joint account. Then after that visa is issued, you get the trailing spouse DTV based on the same bank account. That is the easiest way if you are married, and can prove it. If not legally married then you are each on your own, with your own bank accounts. The one thing to be very aware of now, in the recent few weeks, most embassies, and consulates, are asking for most recent income tax filings, especially in Vietnam. Get it in the USA if you qualify for the remote workers option. Those getting it in Vietnam are starting to be heavily questioned at the borders because of lots of illegal agents starting to popup, with people getting them that don't really qualify.

2 days ago

Marks *********

I just got my wife, her spouse DTV. We both have the proper amount of money in our bank account. The application asked for her employment status and I put unemployed. It was not an issue. We applied at the Royal Thai Embassy in Washington DC.

3 days ago

John **********

You won't be able to make money from music in Thailand, the DTV doesn't allow that

3 days ago

Panphailin *********

Incase you are interesting to learn Lanna Northern Thai cooking class as soft power program, please check out our program from our site,

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3 days ago

Greg ********

As you are in USA and have time I would apply there in your home country. Visas from neighbouring countries have recently come under a little more scrutiny by some Immigration Officers.

3 days ago

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Greg ********

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