What steps did you take to successfully apply for a DTV visa in Vientiane?

Sep 13, 2024
2 months ago
Colleen **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
DTV success in Vientiane! I applied Sept 11 as a freelancer and picked up on Sept 13. This is what I included in my application (I threw everything I had at it):

FOR THE FINANCIAL REQUIREMENT:

* Bank statements from the past year of 2 accounts adding to the required 500K (neither account has the full amount). Unfortunately my statements are only produced each quarter so I submitted screenshots of the current balance showing the most recent date (3 days before I submitted). At the counter, they asked me to write a short note explaining the discontinuity in the statements, which I did.

FOR MY PORTFOLIO AS A FREELANCE WRITER:

* My CV

* 6 Short "confirmation" letters from a sample of clients stating that I provide ongoing work from them since (date). Letters signed/logo and dated.

* Samples of invoices & pay slips/transfers to Wise over the past year.

* Screenshots of my LI & business FB page showing recent reviews.

* Screenshot of Fiverr profile showing recent reviews and earnings page.

ADDITIONAL:

* Application (obvs)

* Title deed (I own a condo so made sense to include that)

* Photocopies of every page in my passport, including the one showing entry to Laos.

I got there early on my appointment day. I had a number that put me in the 11:30-12 slot but I was out of there by 10am (first come first served). On pick up day, I got there at 12 and was first in line for the 13:30 open time. I was out by 13:31 :)

I was super stressed because my work has been thin and irregular for the past several months. Thankfully, I had enough history to show. So, it doesn't seem like consistent, regular income is required.

Also, I had a still-valid for 6 months education visa and was unsure if they would deny the DTV application on that basis. I got a re-entry stamp before I left just in case my application was rejected then I could still ride out the last months of my current visa. No problems. All good.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user successfully applied for a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Vientiane, Laos, providing extensive documentation including bank statements, client confirmation letters, and portfolio samples. Key financial requirements included showcasing a total of 500,000 THB across two bank accounts and explaining any discrepancies in statements. The user also detailed their experiences during the application processes, such as submitting necessary documents despite having irregular freelance income and managing their existing education visa. Other users engaged by asking questions and sharing their insights about the application process and requirements.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
James *******
Hey
@Colleen *********
, quick question: for your portfolio you submitted, do you have an LLC? Or not a registered business yet? I was just going to submit my business incorporation documents and Employment Identification number.

Have you heard of anyone having success without all these supporting documents?
Colleen **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James ******
I don’t have that no, just a simple freelancer. All I provided I put in my post.
James *******
@Colleen *********
ok thank you very much for your reply😊
James *******
Paul *******
Someone posted in Thai Visa Advice that they brought 6 months of statements but only topped up to 500K 2 days before applying and were approved (in Vientiane).

Don't know what is right anymore because Vientiane told me 3 months is the minimum length of time the money needs to be on your account for but maybe they meant 3 months of statements.
Colleen **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ******
That’s surprising. Why bring 6 months worth of statements then? Unless they were just slightly under the 500K until the few days before it doesn’t make sense. But who knows? There are loads of unique situations and a flexible rule book by the sounds of it.
Ray **********
@Colleen *********
Can I ask for some more info on your application please? I'm applying as a freelancer via Vientiane soon too. So your client "conformation" letters, simply stated that you provide ongoing work for them on a freelance basis from whatever start date, right? Did anything else need to be included? Also, I see you say the letters were "signed/logo and dated". Did they also include the company wet stamp or where they fine without? Thanks you in advance.
Colleen **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ray *********
yes, I included those details in the letters. I wrote the letters. My clients either signed them and added their logo or letterhead and contact information, that’s it. It was a crapshoot, really. I had no idea if it would make a difference. I also included invoices that matched some of those clients. I hope that helps! :)
Ray **********
@Colleen *********
thank you. Much appreciated.
Joel ********
When you say thin and irregular what do you mean like low pay and low jobs?Can I ask how low of pay? Feel free to DM me if you don't want to put in this group chat
Paul *******
Sounds like they've become a little more flexible on the Financials. I assume you've had the funds in both accounts sitting for at least 3 months for each account?
Colleen **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Gobi *******
Thanks for sharing your experience.

Quick question. Do you provide bank statements with every single transactions or just the opening-closing statements for the month?

The bank statement that I will submit to show my proof of funds is my savings account. Not too much transactions every month, wondering if it’s a problem.
Bastien ********
Great ! May I ask because I feel like i didn’t understand this part, you gave them two separate accounts to reach the Amount of 500.000 ? Because if it’s possible you remove a huge worry for me ahah, I have the 500.000 on one but due to my currency weakening against baht I had to add money since July to keep it at 500.000
Colleen **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bastien *******
good luck!🤞
Colleen **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Bastien Toiron Yes you understood correctly. One account was just shy of the required amount but I had another account with enough to cover the deficit. I think as long as the balances total 500K or more and you make that very clear, you should be good.
Bastien ********
@Colleen *********
I’ll give them my 3 account and a letter to explain why each exist, like you did then, because of euro going down I was 2000 baht under the 500.000 but I don’t want any risk
Tom **********
Congrats! When you re enter does the education visa automatically cancel?
Jeiz ***************
Following for updates. Keen to know if this is a good way to go for security of the ED visa in case the DTV doesn't get approved.
Jeiz ***************
I wanted to add to this for reference of others that I called the Immigration Hotline and they confirmed that you can cancel your ED visa after your DTV is approved. It shouldn't be a problem. If it will help for others to validate you may call 1178.
Jeiz ***************
That's amazing, Thank you!
Jeiz ***************
Hi
@Colleen *********
, checking if you didn't get any problems with your ED visa not being cancelled yet, have you reentered?
Colleen **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jeiz **************
No issues at all having both. The immigration officer gave me a thumbs up and congratulations on getting the DTV when I reentered at Nong Khai. My former visa agent is now cancelling the ED visa.
Andy **********
@Tom *********
Colleen Thornton I've been told with the ED visa, you need a letter from your school, stating when your studies will end, and then you need to actually go to the immigration office, and give a date as to when it needs to be cancelled.
Colleen **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andy *********
Thanks! I’ll check with my visa agent on that. Appreciate your help 😊
Colleen **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tom *********
That question remains! When I find out I’ll report back.
Alan *********
Congrats!
Katy *******
Congratulations!!
Tim ********
Congrats!