Ask question

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

What should I do if the embassy requires a business registration and certification from my employer as a self-employed digital artist in Thailand?

visa requirements self-employment business registration digital nomad Thailand immigration tax obligations DTV visa freelancing in Thailand

Nov 7, 2024

5 months ago

Somari *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

The embassy requested that I provide a business registration with the government as well as certification from my employer.  I'm  a self employed digital artist who sells  directly to computer gamers. Any  members out there run into this problem who can suggest  a solution?

2,203

views

3

likes

61

all likes

26

replies

0

images

9

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

A self-employed digital artist facing difficulties with the embassy due to a requirement for business registration and employer certification is seeking advice. Community responses suggest registering a company to avoid issues with immigration and tax fraud, as working without a registered business status in Thailand can lead to complications. It's highlighted that providing proper documentation, like your trading account and tax records, is essential. Users recommend exploring alternatives like the 'soft power' route for potentially less paperwork.

DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

Pelle Eriksson

Pelle Eriksson★★★★★

Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...

recently on Facebook

Luca G.

Luca G.★★★★★

I used this agency for my DTV Visa...

recently on Google

Trusted DTV Visa Agent

OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED

#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND

Romain ****

Well after reading the comments, I believe you first need to fix your situation as a tax fraud professional before applying as a digital nomad…

Like

Reply

John ******

This is the type of request that made me go soft power route. Fraction of paper work

Like

Reply

Shin *******

I was approved for the DTV and definitely had to provide my business registration, I would just register my business, then that means the government will require you to pay taxes on the money you earn. You can try the soft power options🤷🏿‍♀️. Best of luck to you!😊

Like

Reply

Toni *******

If you dont have a company registered anywhere, I think they consider you work here in Thailand and for DTV, thats prohibited. Register a company and pay taxes, then apply again...

Like

Reply

Andi ***********

Which embassy ? You are registered self-employed with govt/tax office?

Like

Reply

Deepak *******

@Andi **********

Self employed in the US has to pay income taxes + double the amount of FICA (SS + Medicare) taxes on their incomes. Many try not to report income generated from something they consider to be a hobby.

Like

Reply

Somari *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Andi **********

Los Angeles. Registering,? "not going to happen". This is more of a hobby just generating money and plenty of it.

Like

Reply

Thomas ********

@Somari ********

You’re required by law to pay taxes on all income. The IRS doesn’t care if you call it a hobby or not - income is income. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Like

Reply

Deepak *******

@Thomas *******

He must pay both the income tax and the full FICA taxes, including the employer's portions.

Like

Reply

Thomas ********

Semantics. The point is that he’s evading taxes and illegally operating a business where he lives.

Like

Reply

Somari *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Thomas *******

stop. That's not true.

Like

Reply

Luit *****************

@Somari ********

Technically it might be true you are now working illegal. You are working and obviously not paying tax in any other country. You live in Thailand, and you cannot say you work remote in another country, because not registered and paying tax.

Like

Reply

Thomas ********

@Somari ********

Okay 🤡🤡

Like

Reply

Reply to

Thomas ********

Reply

Deepak *******

@Somari ********

Please don't tell IRS it is a hobby. There is no category for hobbies in the vocabulary of the IRS. You must pay your taxes no matter what.

Like

Reply

Andi ***********

@Somari ********

ok, you won't be able to get round that request. More and more embassies are requesting company registration info even if you are an employee.

Like

Reply

Somari *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Andi **********

defeats the idea of being a true digital nomad if you have people to answer to

Like

Reply

Elías ********

@Somari ********

not at all... digital nomad means you can be working from anywhere and on a computer, not that you don't have a boss. I'm a fully regular employee AND digital nomad (my working hours and salary are both fixed, but I can work from anywhere).

Like

Reply

Luit *****************

@Somari ********

The idea of a true digital nomad is not that you pay tax nowhere...

Even if that might be fantastic

Like

Reply

John **********

@Somari ********

even true digital nomads should be registered for tax somewhere. If you aren't then you're probably not going to get a visa based on work. You might have more luck with soft power

Like

Reply

Andi ***********

@Somari ********

Well, you are going to another country, so you have to respect the laws. You have visa exempt which loads of digi nomads use around SE Asia.

Like

Reply

James ********

@Somari ********

not really. Meet the requirements for the DTV visa and you get it.

Like

Reply

Reply to

James ********

Reply

Sefton ********

So where are you paying your income taxes ?? Show your self employed trading account and tax record.

Like

Reply

Somari *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Sefton *******

I'm actually retired and pay my taxes in Nevada, but because my earnings from my digital art was a hobby I didn't report it. I may need to next year because cashapp just started tracking my earnings and requested I register.

Like

Reply

Mark *******

@Somari ********

I was asked for this and as an independent contractor I couldn’t provide these - they asked for my previous years tax returns and I explained my position in a word document and I was approved. Best of luck to you. (I also scheduled a dentist appointment and showed a copy of that, but I’m not sure if that influenced the decision)

Like

Reply

James ********

@Somari ********

You are still required to file a US Federal Income Tax Return. Now you need to show PROOF of providing your services out of Thailand with proof of income from your customers. You should have a way to show the sales made to your varied customers AND income earned.

Like

Reply

Reply to

James ********

Reply

Tore *********

Self employed providing services but no registered company? Register your company.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Tore *********

Reply

Can I submit my business registration card and portfolio instead of an employment contract for my Thailand dtvisa application?

7 comments

5 months ago

Do I need to provide tax and business registration documents for a Thai visa application as a self-employed freelancer from the UK?

7 comments

5 months ago

What documents can I use as a sole director of my UK company working online without a portfolio or employment certificate?

23 comments

6 months ago

What documents should I provide for my DTV application as a self-employed contractors?

30 comments

6 months ago

What should I do if my Business Registration for visa application in Thailand does not have my name, only the business name?

3 comments

6 months ago

What is the application process like for a Thai visa as a self-employed portfolio manager from Germany?

5 comments

6 months ago

How can self-employed individuals demonstrate proof of their portfolio for visa applications in Thailand?

1 comments

6 months ago

What are the requirements and process for applying for a DTV visa in Thailand as a self-employed individual without a registered company?

6 comments

6 months ago

What are the steps and considerations for applying for a DTV visa from Thailand while on a business visa?

6 comments

6 months ago

Is an Employment Certificate for a Remote Job Enough for the Thai Embassy in Vientiane?

21 comments

7 months ago

Can I apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Thailand with just a registration and employment letter?

15 comments

7 months ago

Can I obtain a Thai visa in London with only a portfolio of work and no company registration?

28 comments

7 months ago

What do I need to submit for a DTV application as a business owner without a contract?

16 comments

7 months ago

What documents do forex traders need to prove their status for the DTV visa in Thailand?

13 comments

7 months ago

What portfolio or proof of work documents are needed for a DTV freelance visa application in Thailand?

7 comments

7 months ago

Is it necessary to provide an employment contract when applying for a Thailand DTV visa?

10 comments

7 months ago

What documentation is needed for applying for a visa as an eCommerce business owner in Thailand?

1 comments

7 months ago

What documents do I need to prepare for a DTV visa application as a freelance makeup artist in Thailand?

11 comments

7 months ago

What are the bank statement and job requirements for applying for a visa from Singapore?

5 comments

8 months ago

What documents do I need to provide for a DTV application as a self-employed business owner in Thailand?

31 comments

8 months ago

What visa options are available for expats wanting to live and work online in Thailand?

17 comments

a year ago

What are the visa requirements for self-employed musicians in Thailand?

8 comments

6 years ago

Do freelancers or unemployed individuals need proof of employment to apply for a multi-entry tourist visa to Thailand?

11 comments

8 years ago

What documentation do I need as a sole trader to apply for a multi-entry tourist visa to Thailand from the UK?

19 comments

8 years ago

What is the best cannabis dispensary in Bangkok?

7 comments

a month ago

Where can I find the best cannabis dispensary in Chon Buri?

9 comments

a month ago

What are the best dispensaries in Phuket?

21 comments

a month ago

What is the best cannabis dispensary in Surat Thani?

16 comments

a month ago

Where can I find the best weed in Chiang Mai?

8 comments

a month ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.