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Which is better for a DTV workcation: Singapore or Hanoi?

Mar 17, 2026
a month ago
Singapore or Hanoi for dtv workcation?

Hi there,

I’m based in Singapore running my own registered business in Singapore as a coach. How is it like to apply in Singapore for dtv? I heard applying in Hanoi is faster. I’m half a mind cos I got all my details here and don’t have to pay for accommodation in Singapore but on the other hand, I heard Hanoi is faster. Advice appreciated please. 🙏🏻
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster seeks advice on whether to apply for a DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) in Singapore or Hanoi. They benefit from not having accommodation costs in Singapore and have heard that Hanoi's application process is faster. Responses indicate varying experiences, with Singapore generally being faster and more reliable for approvals (e.g., approvals within 2-6 days) compared to Hanoi, which has seen recent rejections despite solid applications. Importantly, the financial aspect of the application (dividends vs. salary) is discussed, suggesting that applicants should provide clear evidence of income regardless of how it is received. Overall, applicants seem to have better experiences applying in Singapore.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Ingela ********
Wouldn't recommend Hanoi. A lot of people getting rejected recently despite flawless applications, you can get approved but there's no guarantee even if you qualify. This Muay Thai gym placed Vietnam on the list of countries they are not recommending people to go to:
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Anonymous *************
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@Ingela *******
thank you. this is incredibly useful.
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Ashley******
I applied in Singapore and it was okay for me. I got the approval in 6 business days. The Thai embassy in Singapore is reputed to be strict but if you clearly qualify then there’s no need to go overseas.
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Anonymous *************
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Ashley
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A thank you for sharing. I qualify... just that I usually pay myself by dividends vs monthly salary as a business owner. So was a bit nervous about that.
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Ivan ************
Anonymous participant I suspect they will look at the transfers coming into your account, more than whether they are dividends or salary. There is no income requirement whatsoever for the DTV, but they do want to see an actual business/work and look at the income as evidence of that. I don't think whether it is dividends or salary should matter, simply as it's not a requirement in the first place.

The only specific financial requirement is the 500k in savings, and most consulates that does have to be in a personal bank account, so no company account, no investments.

If your business is registered in Singapore that would be a plus for applying there. The consulate only deals with Singapore residents, so they will will also want to see a Singaporean long-term pass or PR.
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Ashley******
Anonymous participant I applied under soft power rather than workcation, so I really don’t know how strict they are about payment via dividends vs salary. If you plan to take the risk anyway, it may help to include a cover letter to explain why your monthly income comes in as dividends and to show them how much actually comes in monthly e.g. highlight it in your bank statements. The financial component is a very important part of the application. Good luck.
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MK *****
Singapore is very fast. My non B was approved in 2-3 working days.
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Anonymous *************
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@MK ****
does non B mean the DTV?
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James ********
Anonymous participant it does not.

What is your passport nation?
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Anonymous *************
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UK
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Kurt *************
Hanoi
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Anonymous *************
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@Kurt ************
okay how long did it take for you to get it approved? thanks!

also my worry is that i pay myself dividends not a regular salary....
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Kurt *************
Anonymous participant 5 days, depends on how much dividents and how many years you can show
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Anonymous *************
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@Kurt ************
thank you Kurt!
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