Everyone was so helpful in this group, I wanted to share my experience getting approval on my workcation/freelance DTV in Vientiane, Laos. It’s long, but hopefully helpful!
In advance of my arrival, I prepared all my documents.
Here’s everything I submitted, and I also submitted a cover page for each, explaining what I was including.
Financial Documents
1/ Bank Statement Summaries for three months (includes ending balance).
(I also offered them full bank statements (17 pages!) with all transactions, but they didn’t request them)
2/ Payments from clients (past three months)
3/ Client letters confirming self-employment status and that none of them were based in Thailand or had any offices there, along with 1099s (independent contractor tax form)
4/ Tax Return from 2024 (to show business income)
Professional Portfolio
1/ Cover letter explaining why I wanted to be in Thailand. Again, I mentioned I had no clients with business in Thailand, that I would be working remotely. I also mentioned wanting to immerse myself in the culture.
2/ Portfolio (I’m a freelance copywriter, so it was samples of client work, and an explanation of my role in the project)
3/ Resume
Proof that I was in Laos:
1/ Photo of plane ticket with arrival in Laos
2/ Photo of passport page with Laos entry stamp
3/ Hotel receipt
Tuesday, 11/11, arrived in Laos and submitted all documents online. PRINT OUT the payment voucher.
Wednesday 11/12, I went to the Embassy of Thailand (15 Rue Bourichane) to pay the $10,000 baht.
They open at 9am, but get there early! I was there at 8:45am and there were already 5 people in front of me. Go to the bank window, present your payment voucher and baht. They’ll stamp your voucher, but you don’t get any receipt.
Thursday, 11/13, they asked for a clearer passport page, and the full page of the passport page with entry stamp (I’d only sent the entry stamp). Respond quickly to any requests for additional information.
Friday, 11/14. I received my request for interview for Monday, 11/17! Just to be on the safe side, I printed out all my bank statements, and everything else I’d submitted.
Monday, 11/17. Interview at 10am. Again, go EARLY. They give the same time slot to multiple people.
The interview was 10 minutes at most: What are your plans while you’re in Thailand, wanted to see online bank balance, and again see client payments. I showed my website, explained my business, and where I’d be living in Thailand. I was told if I’d been approved, I’d hear by 2pm, and the answer was yes!
So amazingly, the whole process took less than a week!
I should mention that I applied before in August (Washington, DC Embassy) and was denied because my 500,000 baht had only been in my account for 2, not 3 months. I was offered the Multiple Entry Visa, which I declined. Having applied and been rejected before had no impact on this application in Laos.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post shares a detailed account of the author's experience applying for a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Vientiane, Laos, including required documents, application steps, and tips for a smooth process. The author emphasizes the importance of submitting complete documentation, responding promptly to requests, and recommendations for the interview day. Community comments highlight the usefulness of the information and provide additional advice for future applicants.
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