Answered5 months ago
Why Are Many Expats Applying for the DTV Visa in SEA Instead of Their Home Countries?
Genuine question.
Why most of you are applying through other countries in SEA and get rejected massively instead of applying in your European countries or US. I assume most of us are from those lands.
I applied online, had 0 problems, they requested extra information from me in an email and I got my DTV in 5 weeks.
Why most of you are applying through other countries in SEA and get rejected massively instead of applying in your European countries or US. I assume most of us are from those lands.
I applied online, had 0 problems, they requested extra information from me in an email and I got my DTV in 5 weeks.
Answer summary
The discussion centers around why many expats prefer applying for the Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Southeast Asia rather than their home countries in Europe or the US. Factors highlighted include the convenience of being in Southeast Asia, shorter processing times, and a perception of easier application processes at local embassies. Expats already living in Asia may have logistical challenges or legal issues applying from their home countries, making regional applications more appealing. Experiences vary, with some seeing quick approvals, while others face prolonged waits or rejections due to application errors or local embassy requirements.
39 repliesnewest first
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Sophie *****
Many people do not have address proof in their country of origin any more. Typically someone doesn't live in a Western country and suddenly decides to move to Thailand for 5 years. I'm sure some people do but it's probably less common than people that already live in SEA.
ExcitingO*********
Many people are already in Asia when they decide to stay long term
David *********
Because most of the peole are at the moment of applying not in there country of residence. If somebody has questions, feel free to contact or agency. We are german lead and based in Phuket with years of expertise, experience and goverment contacts, as well.
Anonymous ******************
We didnt apply at home as home in NZ and it cost 4x as much there than to apply anywhere else.
David *******
I think that many applicants are already ‘living’ in Thailand on a combination of visa free entry and extensions. Now that this is being more rigidly scrutinized these applicants want to continue living in Los but with greater legality.
Anonymous ******************
The DTV Visa was never intended to be for foreigners already living or staying in Thailand under other types of visas. Immigration is closely screening each application as there is an influx of quite a few that generally don't qualify for it and are simply trying to falsify their qualifications in an effort to get it.
Mairtín **************
They’re probably in Asia trying to stay in Asia
Tore *********
5 weeks? Holy moly. Im glad i applied i Asia lol
Michael ********
Most of us living here in Asia 😊
Felicia *********
It was our mistake. I hadn’t joined this group yet so the information we got was inaccurate. We listened to an expat group about how much money we needed to liquidate and put in the bank and it was too low. And we were told it was too early to apply so we waited. And then the rules changed in January when we thought we were ready to apply.
I keep up with everything now. It’s been a journey
I keep up with everything now. It’s been a journey
Asso ******
I dont think any embassy has set their aim at rejecting as many visa applications as possible. All they do is
check what a person has submitted vs what is required, ask for additional documents, if they see a need to, and then make a decision based on documents and other info they have.
check what a person has submitted vs what is required, ask for additional documents, if they see a need to, and then make a decision based on documents and other info they have.
Christopher ***********
@Asso *****
Not all applicants receive requests for additional documents before being rejected. Of course, as Embassies won't give their reason for rejection there's no way of knowing whether doing so would have made any difference.
Dany ********
@Christopher **********
i believe if you have normal documentation as its required for the visa then you will have no problem in any of the many embassies. a normal remote worker that is employed for multiple years, steady income and has the money in the account will 99% get approved unless he makes an error in the application.these rejections that you see are most likely cases of soft power that isnt sufficiently documented or freelancer / self employed people with their dubious own company that makes peanuts. every bob with their 500 or 1000 $£€ a month online revenue tries to get a dtv.
BeautifulP**********
OP@Dany *******
I thought I might get rejected as I am not employee, as applied showing them two companies in two different countries that exceed expected income, as well as considerable presence of my personal brand in social networks. The only problem I had is that they asked to explain in details what I do. Although I have done it in the application PDF, I was happy to explain it again through email.
Juta **********
I have applied in Europe, I have been waiting since April 8th :( No answer yet :( So, I think that if you apply, for example, from Vietnam, it can be processed much faster, within a week, and there is a greater chance that it will be accepted.😉
Beautiful**********
@Juta *********
wow!
Waqar ********
As others mentioned, they are already in SEA. If they apply from their home country, and if an interview is called, it will be impossible. Plus, they are breaking law by applying from where they are not present physically. Proof of location is a must field in visa application.
Andi ***********
There are more approvals than rejections in SEA. Many applicants are legal residents in Asia so they apply where they live or nearby. Some are on extensive travels in Asia so it makes sense to apply in SEA rather than fly all the way to USA/EU. The DTV was set up for people to apply worldwide not just in your home country .
Anonymous ******************
I applied in Hanoi, had 0 problems, no additional documents were asked for, and I got approved in 4 days
Beautiful**********
Anonymous participant 508 in 2025?
Johan **************
In my case, I was already living in thailand for many years before applying for DTV in cambodia. I have no connection to my home country other then my passport.. I also had 0 issues applying btw.
Mercy *********
For one thing, a lot of people are already disconnected from their home country. There are loads of expats who apply.
Secondly, not every embassy is the same in terms of speed or approval rates. So people go where they feel they aren't risking their time and money as much. Up until recently, SEA applications were pretty easy.
But a lot of people make mistakes on their application as well. So they likely would've been rejected at home too.
Secondly, not every embassy is the same in terms of speed or approval rates. So people go where they feel they aren't risking their time and money as much. Up until recently, SEA applications were pretty easy.
But a lot of people make mistakes on their application as well. So they likely would've been rejected at home too.
James ********
What's your passport nation?
Where did you apply for the DTV visa?
For what purpose for the DTV visa did you apply?
Workcation or Soft Power Activity?
Where did you apply for the DTV visa?
For what purpose for the DTV visa did you apply?
Workcation or Soft Power Activity?
BeautifulP**********
OP@James *******
I have residence permit in Portugal, that's where I have applied. Workation.
Mason *******
@James *******
Did he print it out?Activity
23 joined23
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