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What were the steps and requirements for getting a DTV visa approved while applying from HCMC?

Aug 8, 2025
a day ago
Denise *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Very happy to get DTV approved yesterday and thanks to all those who helped me when I had some uploading glitches, much appreciated. And of course I read others' updates on here regularly to help me prepare, hence I'm giving my update in the hope of helping others.

Here’s details of my application and what else I was asked to supply, and I hope the information can help anyone applying from HCMC under workation.

NZ passport

I have lived in HCMC for the past 10 years and applied in HCMC

Remote worker – Online teacher

Friday 1st August – Completed online application

Monday 4th August – requested 3 more documents

Tuesday 5th August – uploaded new information requested.

Thursday 7th August – Approved

I thought I had been very thorough and uploaded everything with cover letters/summaries, explanations etc. but still got asked for 3 extra documents:

1.Proof of current location – they asked for a photo of every page of my passport, including blank pages and with time and date stamp.

I was surprised because I have already uploaded by apartment contract (In Vietnamese and English) signed by landlady and with my address, my bank account with the same address, and my passport page with the last entry stamp into Vietnam.

2.Proof of payslips matching bank account – It simply said show proof of monthly payslips matching bank deposits. (They didn’t question the 500,000 THB, but my balance was significantly more.)

I thought this was odd too as I had already uploaded 6 months of bank statements showing salary, 6 months of payslips with company stamp and a little table on the cover page explaining it all.

The covering table listed the months, amount earned in GBP, amount deposited in NZD in bank account and a Thai conversion.

I couldn’t think of any way to make it simpler or more obvious so I just uploaded the same 6 payslips and the same bank statements again but put coloured highlights over the amounts and inserted a comment box saying – January payslip and January salary deposit.

3.Samples of work or portfolio – I had already sent my linkedIn link and a letter of recommendation from the organization I freelance to, stating what I do; tutor students, write course curriculum etc.

So, I decided to upload my CV, some lesson plans, a course I wrote, some IELTS speaking and writing marking templates I’d developed. I honestly thought this might be way off the mark, but didn't know what else could be relevant, and anyway it worked.

And of course I had already supplied all the company stuff; business registration, letter of recommendation, letter stating my work was all remote and no Thai clients and my work contract – all stamped with company stamp.

So, that was the screening process I experienced this week in HCMC. Now, you might get a different officer who checks different things, and they may get stricter or more lenient over time, but that was the state of play this week. I hope it’s helpful for someone thinking of applying in HCMC.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user successfully obtained a DTV visa while living in Ho Chi Minh City, detailing their application process. They shared that their application included a NZ passport, living in HCMC for 10 years, and working as a remote online teacher. After completing the online application on August 1, they were requested to submit additional documents (proof of location, payslips corresponding with bank statements, and work samples). They emphasized the importance of detailed documentation and highlighted the changes made to their application in response to requests from immigration. The post aims to assist others in a similar situation.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
MoniRent ***********************************
Congrats!
Denise *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I just realised that I wasn't specific about something. In my application I provided 6 months of payslips and 6 months of bank statements. When they requested more info about this from me (Me highlighting the relevant deposits to show they matched the monthly pay details) they specifically asked for 6 months (not 3 months as others have experienced)
Ploysrii **********
Congratulations 🎉 and Welcome to Thailand. Your post is very useful for everyone in this group 💖🙏🏻
James ********
Well done Professor 👏👏👏
James ********
Thank You for your helpful report 👍

Congratulations 👏👏👏

PRINT OUT THE EMAIL THAT HAS YOUR DTV VISA.

That's what you should do... print it out.

You may have to show PROOF of your DTV Visa to airline staff on check-in for your flight ✈️ to Thailand...even to the connecting airline staff. Or to the land border crossing entry Thai Immigration Officer.

Upon arrival into Thailand, show the DTV visa to the Thai Immigration Officer and look at the STAMP placed in your passport to be sure you are STAMPED in for 180 days.
Denise *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
Thanks for the reminder, very useful advice.
James ********
@Denise ********
Enjoy your next 5 years of the DTV visa 🤗
Andi ***********
Congrats! useful update. colour highlighting pay deposits is favoured by a few other embassies