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What is the process for obtaining a Digital Work (DTV) Visa in Thailand as a freelancer on Upwork?

Oct 24, 2025
6 months ago
Hello everyone!

I’ve just received my DTV visa approval as a freelancer on Upwork, and I’d like to share my full experience — it might be useful for anyone going through the same process.

I applied through the Royal Thai Consulate in Warsaw, Poland.

I’m originally from Ukraine, but I entered Poland before starting my visa application.

During the process, I encountered a few confusing parts of the online form, so here’s how I handled them.

## Travel Document

Place of Issue — my Ukrainian passport doesn’t include this field, only “Authority,” which is a 4-digit code of the issuing office.

I simply wrote “UKRAINE”, as most people on forums suggested. It worked fine.

## Employment Details

I stated that I am a freelancer with an annual income below $20,000 USD.

## Travel Information

This part was a bit strange — they ask for a round-trip ticket and accommodation details even before granting the visa, LOL.

I wrote that I plan to stay in Thailand for 151 days (you can’t exceed 180 days per entry) and that I would enter and leave by airplane.

I’ve never been to Thailand before.

For the flight number, I simply put “TBA” (To Be Announced) — many applicants on forums said it’s completely fine. I didn’t buy or reserve any tickets at that stage.

## Accommodation in Thailand

For accommodation, I made a free 7-day Booking reservation and used that address in my application.

I indicated that I would stay at a hotel for 7 days and selected “No” for additional accommodation.

# Supporting Documents

For proof of current location, I uploaded a photo of the entry stamp in my passport showing that I entered Poland on October 9, 2025.

For financial proof (500,000 THB), I provided a USD bank statement for the last 6 months (they only require 3, but I uploaded 6).

It showed around 15 transactions — mainly my freelance earnings in USD transferred to my local UAH account.

About a month before applying, I deposited $15,000 in cash into the account to meet the balance requirement.

## Professional Portfolio

As a video editor, I created a professional portfolio PDF using a clean online template.

I included my photo, name, background, education, and skills, plus:

* a screenshot of my Upwork profile,

* descriptions of several projects,

* and 8 invoices from the past 4 months, showing payments through Upwork from U.S. clients (LLC, Inc, and individuals).

I didn’t include direct links — I think it’s better to keep it clean for official purposes.

ChatGPT actually helped me prepare and format the entire portfolio.

# Visa Application Timeline

* 11 Oct 2025 (Saturday, 19:23) – Submitted and paid for the visa application.

* 16 Oct 2025 (Thursday, 16:42) – Received a request for additional documents:

1. Document indicating current location:

Please upload copy of Ukrainian ID card/internal passport, both front side and back side/all pages. Documents that consist of several pages must be merged into a single multi-page file.

I uploaded my Ukrainian ID card (both sides) in JPEG format.

2. Other request documents:

Please upload copy of all passport pages (including empty pages). Documents that consist of several pages must be merged into a single multi-page file.

I took photos of all pages of my passport and merged them into one PDF.

3. Other request documents:

Please upload a copy of the business registration (in English or accompanied by a certified English translation) in the case of self-employed persons/sole proprietors. The document must include the applicant’s personal details and activity description.

I’m officially registered in Ukraine as a sole proprietor since January 27, 2025 (even though I’ve been freelancing since 2023).

I ordered a certified English translation of my registration document on October 17, 2025 (Friday) and received it on October 20, 2025 (Monday).

4. Other request documents:

Please upload Letter of Confirmation (in English) stating that the applicant is permitted to work remotely and outlining the scope of duties during stay in Thailand. Document must be signed by an authorized person and bear the official company seal.

One of my clients (a U.S. LLC) kindly agreed to sign the letter. I drafted it myself using online examples and guidance from ChatGPT.

It was signed and returned to me on October 22, 2025 (Tuesday), and I uploaded it the same day.

* 22 Oct 2025 (Tuesday, 22:12) – Uploaded all additional documents.

* 23 Oct 2025 (Wednesday, 12:40) – Status changed to “Pending approval.”

* 23 Oct 2025 (Wednesday, 16:40) – Visa approved!

If anyone has questions about any step — I’ll be happy to answer.

It’s absolutely possible to get the Digital Work (DTV) Visa as a freelancer on Upwork — just be clear, organized, and consistent with your documents.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user shared their experience obtaining a Digital Work (DTV) Visa as a freelancer through Upwork. The application process involved clear steps taken at the Royal Thai Consulate in Warsaw, Poland. Key aspects included filling out the online form, providing proof of income and accommodation, and dealing with requests for additional documentation such as an ID card, passport pages, business registration, and a Letter of Confirmation from a U.S. company. After submitting all required documents and a well-prepared professional portfolio, the user successfully received visa approval on the first try.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Natalie **********
Thank you for posting such a detailed process. If I offer my services on Upwork as a freelancer to only US and Canadian clients, but I have an LLC (US), can I generate my own "Letter of Confirmation" stating that I give permission for myself to work remotely in Thailand?
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Lucas ********
Thanks for the detailed steps, would you mind sharing an example of the letter that you have used that allows you to work in Thailand?
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Kuba *******
It shows your name and passport number. Not a good idea!
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kuba ******
Don't worry, this is not my data, it is fictional 😉
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Anonymous *************
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Anonymous *************
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@Lucas *******
If you mean the Letter of Confirmation, yes, of course. I've attached a screenshot of it. I used the exact same format and structure with my own details.
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Lucas ********
Anonymous participant yes, thank you
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Lucas ********
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Anonymous ******************
Hi :), which travel date did you indicate in the application?
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Anonymous participant 263 Hi, arrival date: December 3, 2025; departure date: May 3, 2026.
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Anonymous ******************
Got t, thank you :)
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Anonymous ******************
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Kristina *********************
Thanks for sharing your experience and process.
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Amit ********
Grats! Well done
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Klee **************
It’s much easier to get the DTV using soft power category
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Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Klee *************
I've heard about the soft power category, but I wasn't sure if freelancers like me could apply under it.
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Klee **************
Anonymous participant anone can, we used a letter from our dentist in Hua Hin, we regulary get dental work done in Thailand, ongoing treatment, although I am not sure if that is a requirement when returning to Thailand or not, we will find out in early December.
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Klee **************
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Midiah ********
Thanks for sharing and congratulations. 🎊🎉🥳
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Anonymous *************
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@Midiah *******
Thank you 😊
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Anonymous *************
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Jeff ********
Hahahaha…Freelancer is a whole different title in Thailand. Maybe…Consultant..lol
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Jeff ********
#JOKE
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Jeff ********
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Max *****
Thanks for sharing
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Max *****
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