What should I do if the embassy requires a certified business registration as a freelancer?

Question

Hello everyone,

I’m a freelance programmer, and I work with a platform called xolo.io to issue invoices. My agreement with them is a partnership agreement.
I’m in Hanoi, trying to get a DTV, and the embassy keeps asking for an official certified business registration of my company.
I don’t have a registered company; I’m a freelancer, like someone working on Fiverr.
I sent them my agreement with xolo and two contracts with clients, but it seems they got confused and think the client contract represents my company.
I’m not sure what to do. Has anyone experienced a similar situation?

Ask Thailand · Answer

A freelance programmer is facing issues with the Thai embassy while applying for a DTV visa, as they request an official certified business registration that the programmer does not have. The programmer uses xolo.io to issue invoices and has provided agreements and client contracts, but the embassy may be confused about the nature of freelance work. Other commenters share their experiences and suggest potential solutions, including showing tax filings, clarifying contracts, and providing a portfolio of work.

Anonymous ****************** · Answer

I’m not totally surprised they would ask for this evidence, as even as a freelancer then compliance to local tax laws in your country would require you to register at least as a sole proprietor.  If you don’t then you would be earning undeclared income.  Or do you report your income to the relevant tax authorities, in which case maybe can show your tax filings?

Wesley ******** · Answer

Show them a portfolio of your work

Lalph ****** · Answer

They made a visa for digital nomads but have no understanding of the nature of freelance digital nomad work.

Anonymous ****************** · Answer

Following

I applied in LA and they sent a request for secondary documents and one was a request of a official business registration (even though I already submitted my clients EIN registration doc and a contract between me and this client) so I’m wondering if that’s what’s happening with mine too? I’m also a freelancer but work with her long term (2 years) and we renew the contract each year

Maybe update the contract to make it very clear you work on a contract basis with these clients and it’s renewed per project?

What should I do if the embassy requires a certified business registration as a freelancer?

Activity

Related

Resources