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Why don't freelance photographers qualify for DTV in Thailand if their clients are abroad?
DTV VisaFreelancerPhotographerVideographerVisa EligibilityDigital NomadRemote WorkIncome DocumentationThai Immigration Rules
Oct 27, 2024
2 years ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERDTV Visa : Photographer / Videographer
Hi all, can someone please explain how come freelancer (photographer / videographer) do not qualify for DTV if their clients are based abroad, and not working for any local based (Thai) clients.
Does "artist" qualify for DTV in that case? I can show a portfolio of images for exhibition in galleries.
Thanks for your help.
Hi all, can someone please explain how come freelancer (photographer / videographer) do not qualify for DTV if their clients are based abroad, and not working for any local based (Thai) clients.
Does "artist" qualify for DTV in that case? I can show a portfolio of images for exhibition in galleries.
Thanks for your help.
TLDR : Answer Summary
The main discussion revolves around why freelancers, specifically photographers and videographers, do not qualify for the Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand despite having clients abroad. Participants explain that the visa is intended for work that does not compete with local Thai jobs. They emphasize that if the freelancer needs to be physically present in Thailand to carry out their work, it can be seen as a job that could potentially be held by a Thai resident, leading to disqualification. Suggestions include documenting income and using specific job titles to strengthen the visa application, while some point out that successful applicants often have established methodologies for proving their remote work status.
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Henrik *****
Only the Embassy you apply at, can give a precise answer to what they allow.
Artur **********
Is it not making sense for You to apply by being video / photo „editor” ? And not a „photographer”..
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Artur *********
true, I can probably do that and apply as "editor" as that's part of my job being a photographer / videographer too 🙂Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
Cliff *********
We’re you actually rejected? What office? What reason for the rejection? Did it actually have something to do with the job description? What specific work description did you give?
This will help us guide you better.
This will help us guide you better.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Cliff ********
i didn’t apply yet, but I asked around and it’s seems like I don’t qualify.Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
George *******
It sounds like you’re attempting the application as a professional portfolio, highlighting remote worker status .
The discretion applied in my opinion would be whether or not your earning money working remotely as a digital nomad and not working photography and videography jobs in Thailand. Can you show deposits from invoices earned in your Home country account from working remotely? Do you have a tax return from a previous year supporting the same? How is your business or professional portfolio documented and registered?
The discretion applied in my opinion would be whether or not your earning money working remotely as a digital nomad and not working photography and videography jobs in Thailand. Can you show deposits from invoices earned in your Home country account from working remotely? Do you have a tax return from a previous year supporting the same? How is your business or professional portfolio documented and registered?
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@George ******
all my clients are Canadian / US based magazines. I have invoices from them. But I have no intention taking pictures for Thai clients and will only travel outside of Thailand when I have specific projects. Thailand is where I want to be based, not work within the country.Tore *********
Anonymous participant id be surprised if you don’t qualify, but it can vary allot from embassy to embassy (or consulate). The usually look for contracts with clients for verification.
Otherwise the medical DTV route is very easy if you have any medical issues.
Otherwise the medical DTV route is very easy if you have any medical issues.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tore ********
Thanks for the info 🙂 Is there any specific clinics in Bangkok for "medical DTV route"? Thanks!Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
George *******
I would present the report with the cover sheet and index. The explanation, such as above how your income is obtained with the Correlating invoices and deposits. They may ask for your proof of filing the most recent taxes. So including that tax return could save some time and make it easier. Depending on which consulate or embassy you apply, they Have all the discretion in deciding what they accept or don’t accept. How do you file your taxes and how your business is registered could be a consideration. Good luck
Reply to
George *******
Reply
Luit *****************
I think for artist you should have an explanation that you work digitally and location independant. When your work can be done everywhere and online you qualify.
When you need to be specifically in Thailand to do the work, you do not qualify, because that normally means it is work that could be a job for a Thai.
As a photographer you make pictures in Thailand. The fact that your clients are abroad is not enough to qualify for DTV.
Compare this to somebody who wants to sell Thai flowers to customers outside Thailand, I think everybody understands that does not qualify for DTV.
For DTV work in Thailand is not allowed, it is mentioned on the visa.
When you need to be specifically in Thailand to do the work, you do not qualify, because that normally means it is work that could be a job for a Thai.
As a photographer you make pictures in Thailand. The fact that your clients are abroad is not enough to qualify for DTV.
Compare this to somebody who wants to sell Thai flowers to customers outside Thailand, I think everybody understands that does not qualify for DTV.
For DTV work in Thailand is not allowed, it is mentioned on the visa.
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Luit ****************
all my clients are Canadian / US based magazines. I have invoices from them. But I have no intention taking pictures for Thai clients and will only travel outside of Thailand when I have specific projects. Thailand is where I want to be based, not work within the country. Do you think that qualify me?Luit *****************
When you take the pictures in Thailand, you are working in Thailand, that will disqualify you for DTV, when you make all pictures outside Thailand you might qualify, when you do processing on the pictures from within Thailand.
But photographer is not a remote job, that is the main problem.
The fact that you say you will be Thai based already suggests you are working in Thailand.
But photographer is not a remote job, that is the main problem.
The fact that you say you will be Thai based already suggests you are working in Thailand.
Reply to
Luit *****************
Reply
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Luit ****************
thanks a lot for the explanation 🙏🏻Reply to
Anonymous *************
Reply
John **********
Depends if your taking the photos/videos inside Thailand or are you taking them elsewhere from inside Thailand. I don't understand how a photographer could work remotely
Lola ********
I am a journalist and had no issues
David ******
@Lola *******
as a freelancer?Ko *****************
I met a journalist who was coming to apply DTV at Kota Bharu Thai Consulate General, She has probably obtained visa.
Elías ********
@Ko ****************
that's different, as she would be writing or posting articles on a foreing media website.Reply to
Elías ********
Reply
Wesley ********
How you gonna take photos and videos outside of Thailand from within Thailand?
But the spirit of the not doing work in Thailand is all about making sure Thai jobs are secured.
If you’re taking photos and videos from within Thailand, you’re taking someone’s job in Thailand.
But the spirit of the not doing work in Thailand is all about making sure Thai jobs are secured.
If you’re taking photos and videos from within Thailand, you’re taking someone’s job in Thailand.
Deepak *******
@Wesley *******
Can I write books about 1. Thai life and culture 2. Fantasy fiction sitting on my condo in jomtien and sell them on Amazon to make money. Do I qualify? (hypothetical)Henrik *****
@Deepak ******
Don’t put off topic questions inside another persons thread.Luit *****************
@Deepak ******
In my opinion digital nomad means you're doing digital work that can be done independent from location. In your hypothetical case you can write those books everywhere, that is a bit different from photographer, videographer, who needs to be at a specific location.Wesley ********
@Deepak ******
I’m not the authority, but I’m sure you could easily just say author. I’m actually pretty sure you could get it with photographer too, but I would be generic and broad with the description and not specific that it’s to do with it based in Thailand
Reply to
Wesley ********
Reply
Josep *********
I think you can qualifay if in your documentation include your recent invoices.
Greg ********
Interesting one. Earning money online with Thai pics and videos would be OK but taking wedding photos for example for clients in Thailand would be a no no.
Vic ********
Did you try and apply?
Reply to
Vic ********
Reply
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