This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

What should I do if I don’t have a business registration while applying for a Thai visa as a freelancer?

Jun 4, 2025
23 days ago
Antek *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Just got a request for further documents:

* Other request documents: Please upload a copy of the business registration (in English or accompanied by an official English translation) in the case of self-employed persons/sole proprietors. The document must include the applicant’s personal details.

I have no business registration because I work as a freelancer. Previously, I attached a contract with my long-term client and screenshots from my Upwork account, as well as previous jobs completed. What can I do now?
818
views
0
likes
28
all likes
22
replies
0
images
9
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
A freelancer applying for a visa to Thailand faced a request for a business registration, which he doesn't have. After submitting alternative documentation such as a contract with a client and Upwork job screenshots, he was unsure how to proceed. Community members suggested providing additional supporting documents, such as tax returns, letters from clients, and demonstrating regular income flow into his bank account. One user shared their successful approval experience after also including a cover letter explaining the situation, confirming that thorough documentation helps in convincing the embassy.
Antek *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I got it approved! If anybody has questions, I can answer
Dnatjugweme ************
Congrats! If your situation is legal, usually it helps to stand one's ground politely and to explain why everything is legit. Obviously, it's stressful though.
Antek *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dnatjugweme ***********
Yeah, glad to see it works like that. The process was super fast too - 1 day after the application I got a document request, and 1 day after sending the documents I got the confirmation. Thank you for help by the way!
Dnatjugweme ************
@Antek ******
No worries. You're very lucky. Mine took more than 2 months to be approved.
Alex *********
Since you can provide the registration letter and your 350euro are gone, I'd try to write a cover letter (chatgpt is your good friend) stating that according to the law in your country you aren't supposed to have any but then you should be able to prove that money from your clients goes regularly into your bank account. I'd also send portfolios, example of your previous jobs, emails with your clients and whatever can support the fact you're a freelancer. Even that might not be enough but at least you tried
Fitfac *****************
Since you are applying under the freelancer category—which is one of the most difficult categories to get approved—you should include strong supporting documents. Many applicants have previously submitted unverified or misleading documents, so Thai embassies now require third-party evidence that can be independently verified.

You may submit alternative supporting documents such as:

• Recent tax returns showing your income source

• Professional qualifications or certifications

• Your LinkedIn profile or personal website

• Any official contracts, client invoices, or recommendation letters

These documents will help convince the embassy that you are a legitimate freelancer with a stable and verifiable income.
Jude ****************
Apply as soft power
Rina *****
Oh my god just change country to apply. In my home country of Singapore darn difficult (we don't have bilateral agreement of this arrangement yet 😕) I just head to another SEA country. Approved today.
James ********
@Rina ****
Thank You for your helpful report 👍

Congratulations 👏👏👏

PRINT OUT THE EMAIL THAT HAS YOUR DTV VISA.

That's what you should do... print it out.

You may have to show PROOF of your DTV Visa to airline staff on check-in for your flight ✈️ to Thailand...even to the connecting airline staff. Or to the land border crossing entry Thai Immigration Officer.

Upon arrival into Thailand, show the DTV visa to the Thai Immigration Officer and look at the STAMP placed in your passport to be sure you are STAMPED in for 180 days.
Antek *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Rina ****
Worst case scenario I'll do that, but I had to pay 400$ to apply so I'd rather get it accepted now lol
Andi ***********
I faced the similar same prob as a freelancer. I sent a letter to the Taipei embassy explaining the problem, they said apply with what you can, You could try similar, you can also upload business registration details of your client, which I did in the end.
Anonymous ******************
@Andi **********
btw was your application successful?
Andi ***********
Anonymous participant 137 Yeah, I was successful. Did you submit the agreement you have with Upwork ? Other UPWorkers have been approved.
Dnatjugweme ************
In many countries, you need to register a business to legally work as a freelancer.
Antek *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dnatjugweme ***********
I don't have to do it in Poland. I have a contract with my long-term employer and proof of other projects through Upwork. In fact, I don't even have to pay taxes under a certain amount because I'm a student
Dnatjugweme ************
@Antek ******
Without biz registration and tax returns, it might be difficult to prove that you meet the requirements, but try to write a cover letter to explain your personal situation.
Dnatjugweme ************
@Antek ******
Just made a quick search and it said it's possible only if monthly income is less than ~700 USD, but it might be wrong, was only a quick search.
Antek *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dnatjugweme ***********
It's
*****
USD a year which is around 1900USD per month
Dnatjugweme ************
@Antek ******
This info comes from the official website of the Polish government:

"When you can run a non-registered activity

You can carry out undeclared activities if:

monthly revenues from your business will not exceed the limit, i.e. 75% of the amount of the minimum wage applicable in a given year

The limit of monthly revenues for undeclared activities in 2025 is PLN 3,499.50."

That's 930 USD, not 1,900 USD.
Antek *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
It's very simple - in fact, I'd probably have everything registered in a day or 2, but I'd have to pay 200-300$ a month for insurance and stuff (90$ for the first 6 months, but still...), I'm not earning enough to justify that when I have all that anyway as a student
Antek *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dnatjugweme ***********
Okay, this comment had me concerned, but after some research, I have the answer - I have a civil-law contract with my employer, which does not count towards the 930USD. Other earnings do not exceed 930USD, which means I don't have to register. Thank you though, I had no idea this is a thing, so I will keep that in mind if I do exceed it. I will write the cover letter with the contract attached like you and Andi recommended
Dnatjugweme ************
@Antek ******
I don't know what a civil-law contract is. This sounds more like an employment contract to me, but I've got no idea about the specifics of your country. However, registering a business is usually not much of a pain. If I were you, I would consider registering one. Not for the DTV obviously, it's too late, but it may come in handy in the future.