What to consider when applying for a DTV in Thailand with a newly established LLC?

Question

Hi everyone,

I would like to briefly explain our current situation and hopefully get some feedback from people who have been in a similar position.

We are planning to relocate to Thailand on 17 March 2027 and intend to apply for the DTV under the Workcation category in mid-January 2027.

For this purpose, we are establishing an LLC on 1 January 2027, through which we will carry out our self-employed activities. We already have our first client, for whom we will be providing social media management services. The first payment for our services will also be made on 1 January 2027, once the company has officially been established.

In addition, we have more than €20,000 in savings in a separate personal bank account, which we can use to provide the required financial proof for the DTV application.

Now, here is our main concern:

Due to changes in the visa regulations, we understand that we need to apply for the DTV while we are still residing in Germany. Therefore, we had to bring forward the establishment of our company.

However, by the time we submit our application in mid-January, our LLC will have been in existence for only approximately two weeks.

Has anyone had experience applying for the DTV with a company that was only established a few weeks before the application?

Could the fact that the company is so new potentially cause problems with the visa application, or is it mainly important that the company is officially registered, that there is already an existing client relationship, and that we can provide evidence of our business activities and sufficient financial funds?

I would really appreciate any experiences, especially from people who applied for their DTV as self-employed individuals or through a newly established company.

Thanks a lot in advance! 🙏

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user intends to apply for Thailand's Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) under the Workcation category after establishing a new LLC while residing in Germany. They raised concerns about applying with a newly formed company, questioning if having only one client and limited business activity could jeopardize their visa application. Responses highlight risks related to the LLC's short operational history, challenges in proving sustainable income, and skepticism that the LLC was created solely to obtain a visa, suggesting that documentation of prior experience and business activities is essential. Recommendations include confirming requirements with the Thai Embassy and considering alternative visa routes.

Gerry ******** · Answer

You said in a previous comment: "the company is still so new", yet you've also said you haven't yet registered your company.

You don't need a company in order to be in business. If you're already doing legitimate business without a company, I'd consider documenting that and running with it.

If you really feel you need a company structure, then register your company ASAP, making sure you are reasonably well versed in company law.

Many 'nomadic' folks establish an LLC believing it's some sort of life hack, when the legal (tax) reality is most often very different.

Please be careful.

ZenMa****** · Answer

Das wird leider nicht funktionieren. Der Grund für die Prüfung ist ja gerade das die Thai Immigration sich davon überzeugen will, das ihr laufende Einnahmen habt welche euch finanzieren. Wenn ihr dann ein neues Business mit lediglich einem Kunden für zwei Personen habt halte ich das für schwierig besonders weil ihr nicht drei Monate Gehaltseingang nachweisen könnt. Ich würde eher versuchen über die aktuelle Anstellung und Remote Position den Antrag zu stellen. LG

Henrik ***** · Answer

Would be prepared that such a new established “company” would lead to rejection, it looks like it is made only with the purpose to get a visa.

Why didn’t you start it 1. November ?

Not that it would have made any big difference, but start company and apply for in the same month may look suspicious.

Remember you don’t get to know why a visa is rejected and you loose the 10.000 baht visafee (x2)

Ivs ***** · Answer

High risk of rejection following an assessment. They evaluate whether you earn sufficient revenue from your clients—which is why they look at client invoices, your portfolio, etc., especially if your business is new.

The only opportunity lies with the customer; the invoice or contract is designed for a long-term arrangement.

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Za ******* · Answer

If you are not married each one of you will need about 13.500€ in their personal bank account held for at least 3 months prior to application.  The LLC will probably be still too new for the application to be approved and might be interpreted like you created it only for the application

CapableC******** · Answer

This sounds extremely complicated why not just apply for a cooking course and you’ll have it in a few weeks? Less paperwork etc

Wannikea ********* · Answer

A brief cover letter/CV/portfolio showing that you have experience in the field before you set out on your own, would probably go a long way ensuring that you're a legitimate entity.

John ********** · Answer

I think that's a tough ask. How have you been earning money up until the establishment of the LLC?

Ali ************* · Answer

My main concern would be the company's extremely short operating history.

If your LLC is established on January 1 and you apply in mid-January, how will you demonstrate an established business activity and a reliable income history?

The three months of bank statements required for financial proof are not necessarily the same as three months of business income. However, having sufficient savings doesn't automatically prove that your business is genuinely operating.

I would strongly recommend checking directly with the Thai Embassy in Germany whether a newly registered company, a client contract, and just one payment would be sufficient evidence for the Workcation category before submitting your application.

What to consider when applying for a DTV in Thailand with a newly established LLC?

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