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Answered2 years ago

What was the process for obtaining a Thai remote work visa in Tokyo, Japan?

Ben ********
asked Mar 10, 2025
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Approved in Tokyo, Japan 😀

Finally got the approval today, thank you to everyone for the advice and tips along the way. Here is how my process went:

February 17th: Applied under the remote work category.

February 21st: Requested additional documents: Company Registration Certificate and Recommendation Letter issued by company.

March 3rd: Requested to attend interview at Thai Embassy in Tokyo on March 6th (wasn't given choice, it just said be there at 2PM on March 6th). Fortunately I was available then.

March 6th: Interview day. It was quite rigorous and intense. Was interviewed by 3 women at once; one Japanese and two Thai. They mainly wanted to know about my employment. I work in recruitment in Japan and have been doing for 20+ years. I had to explain that I can work fully remotely and that all of my clients / business takes place in Japan. I had to show proof of 2 of my clients, proof that I can do the job remotely, they wanted to see my business card, look at my LinkedIn profile and payslips.

They they touched on other topics; they wanted to know how I know my guarantor, why I cannot speak Japanese completely fluently, where my ex-wife lives, where my adult son lives, why I like Thailand and can I speak any Thai.

I always knew that applying in Japan might be more strict than other countries, because, well, Japan is just like that.

At the end of the interview, I asked them if I will qualify since I checked all of the boxes and they said maybe. They said perhaps they might offer me another type of visa. I told them that I am not interested in any other type of visa.

The three woman were all very pleasant.

March 10th: Approved 👍
Answer summary
The user shared their experience of obtaining a remote work visa at the Thai Embassy in Tokyo. They applied on February 17, 2025, provided additional documents when requested, and attended a rigorous interview on March 6. Despite concerns about strict requirements, they were ultimately approved on March 10. The comments included inquiries about their residency status in Japan and discussions about the intensity of the interview process.
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Christopher ******
Christopher ******
Do you live there? I took a train all the way up to Osaka and they told me I couldn't apply since I didn't live there.

I then reapplied in Cambodia and got approved in 3 days.
Andi ***********
Andi ***********
@Christopher *****
Fukouka is now accepting non residents to apply for the DTV. It is the only one in Japan i believe.
Christopher ******
Christopher ******
@Andi **********
Good to know! :)
Ben ********
Ben ********
OP
@Andi **********
Unless you really have to apply in Japan, I wouldn't recommend it. From seeing other people's experiences, it seems way easier and quicker to do it in south east asian countries
Andi ***********
Andi ***********
@Ben *******
Agreed, it is much quicker in other places.
Tammi *****
Tammi *****
@Christopher *****
Cambodia seems pretty quick!
Christopher ******
Christopher ******
@Tammi ****
It's not... I just have a monster of an application.

I applied on Friday.. approved Monday. I don't even think they're open on the weekend.
Ben ********
Ben ********
OP
@Christopher *****
nice, enjoy Akiba!
Christopher ******
Christopher ******
@Tammi ****
I actually applied 1 week before but expected a consulate visit as I had my profile from 3 months prior. (Apparently I completely skipped the notification on the website as I'm impatient.. :/ )Then they requested my stamp so I had an incomplete application. I booked a flight to Cambodia.. arrive Friday morning and submitted my stamp. Approved monday morning.

Im actually in Tokyo atm... having a beer in Akihabara. I fly back to Thailand on Friday.
Tammi *****
Tammi *****
@Christopher *****
What was your travel date indicated? That affects the approval too
Ben ********
Ben ********
OP
@Christopher *****
I wouldn't be suprised if Japan is the most strict place to apply for the DTV
Andi ***********
Andi ***********
@Ben *******
It is the most strict, a guarantor is needed for all applicants.
Christopher ******
Christopher ******
@Ben *******
It probably is.. I came prepared though. They wanted proof of residence. So I got stonewalled at the door.
Ben ********
Ben ********
OP
@Christopher *****
Do I live in Japan? Yes, in Yokohama area
Ahwu *************
Ahwu *************
Are you PR or long term resident there?
Ben ********
Ben ********
OP
@Ahwu ************
I have permanent residency
Andi ***********
Andi ***********
@Ahwu ************
He is PR im LTR
Ben ********
Ben ********
OP
@Andi **********
What is the meaning of LTR in Japan? You are in Japan on some kind of visa?
Andi ***********
Andi ***********
@Ben *******
Long Term Resident, on 3 year renewable visa
Ahwu *************
Ahwu *************
@Andi **********
I see, so no hope for LTR 🤣🤣
Andi ***********
Andi ***********
@Ahwu ************
ok, so that is an option but check the paperwork that is needed as it is a lot compared to other embassies.
Ahwu *************
Ahwu *************
Andi ***********
Andi ***********
@Ahwu ************
You called Fukouka Embassy ?
Ahwu *************
Ahwu *************
@Andi **********
Exactly what I am thinking and tracking. I even called and they replied they accept ltr application. 🤞
Andi ***********
Andi ***********
@Ahwu ************
No, they do not. I tried very hard when it first came out to do it in Tokyo as i been here 20 plus years. They said no, PR only. I got my DTV in Taipei and met other LTRs from Toyko there too. Now Fukouka is issuing DTVS to residents and tourists so you could go there.
Andi ***********
Andi ***********
I had a feeling the interview would be intense but friendly. The documentation required by Japan is more than most embassies. You spoke in English during the interview or mix of Japanese/English? Did you manage to find out if they had many other applicants? As i have said i think you are the first to actually apply in Tokyo ..as far as this group goes.
Ben ********
Ben ********
OP
@Andi **********
I spoke mainly English and some in my broken Japanese. I did not ask about other applicants
Andi ***********
Andi ***********
Yasmin ***********
Yasmin ***********
Sounds really strict😅but congrats to you 🥳

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