What should an Indian passport holder on an ED visa consider when applying for a DTV visa?

Question

My situation:

• Indian passport holder, currently on an ED visa in Thailand
 • I work at my family’s business (roughly ฿300K/year) and also do independent consulting work (roughly ฿250K/year) — so combined income is around ฿550K/year
 • I have invoices/bills for most of this income, but a portion has been in cash, which I know is less ideal for documentation purposes
 • I don’t currently have the full ฿500K sitting in my account, but I can deposit it within the next week or so

Questions:

1. Since I’m currently in Thailand on an ED visa, would it be better to apply for the DTV from a third country instead? If so, any recommendations on where’s typically smoother for Indian applicants?
 2. I understand the ฿500K needs to be maintained for around 3 months — if I deposit it now and apply shortly after, is that going to look bad or raise flags with the embassy/consulate, versus waiting the full 3 months before applying?
 3. Anyone with an Indian passport specifically who’s gone through this — how much harder is it compared to other nationalities, and is there anything particular I should prepare for?

Any first-hand experience, especially from freelancers/consultants with mixed income sources, would be really appreciated. Trying to get this right the first time rather than risk a rejection.

Thanks in advance!

Ask Thailand · Answer

An Indian passport holder currently on an ED visa in Thailand is seeking advice regarding the application process for a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV). Key considerations include the necessity of applying from outside Thailand, the requirement to maintain ฿500K in a personal bank account for at least three months prior to the application, and the challenges faced by Indian applicants compared to other nationalities. Many commenters mention it is essential to cancel the ED visa before leaving Thailand and highlight variations in requirements across different embassies.

Cragus ******* · Answer

Cancel the ED first then exit Thailand and apply for the DTV from another country.

Applying from inside of Thailand and/or whilst still on any form of visa (ED or tourist) and your DTV application will be cancelled at the first stage.

Za ******* · Answer

Instead of writing this long text, I think it would have been much easier if you just google the answers to your questions

1. If it would be better to apply from a third country? No, it would not be better, it is mandatory to apply for DTV from a third country as you are not allowed to apply while being physically in Thailand

2. If you deposit the 500k now and apply shortly after, it would not look bad or raise red flags, they would just simply reject your applications since it is clearly stated in the requirements that he 500k has to be kept in your personal bank account gor at least 3 months

Steve ******* · Answer

You need to apply for the DTV outside of Thailand

Angelo *********** · Answer

As others mentioned: you have to apply form outside Thailand.

And: you have to cancel your ED visa before leaving Thailand, at your local immigration office. Otherwise: they do not let you out.

Daryl ***** · Answer

1. You must be outside Thailand when applying for the DTV visa. You must remain outside the country until the visa is approved; entering Thailand while the application is pending could affect the application.

2. You must provide proof of income or sufficient funds, along with at least three months of bank statements. Without clear and verifiable financial documentation, your application is unlikely to be approved.

Shayne ********** · Answer

If you are planning long term stay here there's plenty of options in BKK and Chiang Mai.

John ********** · Answer

I assume you can't legally work in Thailand on an ED visa, either directly or remotely, so I'd keep that to yourself.

Many consulates want to see the funds in place for the full 3 months, some don't, but those that do will just reject your application if you don't meet the requirement. They'll also want to see work contracts, payslips and a letter from your employer giving you explicit permission to work remotely from Thailand and stating that you won't interact with any Thai entities or clients inside Thailand

What should an Indian passport holder on an ED visa consider when applying for a DTV visa?

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