Why is the Thai Embassy in The Hague so strict about residency requirements for the DTV visa application?

Question

I wanted to share my frustrating experience applying for the DTV through the Thai Embassy in The Hague because I’ve seen so many people in other countries getting easy approvals without strict residency requirements.

I’ve been a digital nomad for 12 years and currently live in the Netherlands, but I’m not a Dutch citizen and don’t have a Dutch ID. Despite this, I provided clear proof of my residency, including:

✅ A lease agreement for my home in Alkmaar

✅ Bank statements & utility bills with my Dutch address

✅ A passport entry stamp confirming my stay

✅ Immigration-stamped documents from when I imported my service dog

🚨 The embassy flat-out refused to accept any of this and insisted I needed a Dutch residence permit or national ID, which was never stated as a requirement in their own guidelines.

📉 What makes this worse?

I previously applied and was even approved for an interview, but my application was canceled when I was temporarily out of the country. Now, with this new application, suddenly the requirements have changed, and they are completely ignoring my requests for proper communication.

Meanwhile, I’m seeing people in Jakarta, Vietnam, Taipei, and Laos getting easy approvals, even though they’re clearly not residents of those countries. So why is the embassy in The Hague making this process impossible?

I’ve now had to escalate my case to Thai Immigration directly because of how unprofessional and inconsistent the Dutch embassy has been. If you’re thinking about applying for the DTV and you’re not a citizen of the country you’re applying from, I strongly recommend choosing a different embassy to avoid this mess.

Has anyone else faced issues like this?

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user shares their frustrating experience applying for the Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) at the Thai Embassy in The Hague, highlighting strict residency requirements that were not clearly stated in the embassy's guidelines. Despite providing multiple forms of proof of residency in the Netherlands, the embassy refused to accept the application, insisting on a Dutch residence permit. Users in the comments discuss their own experiences and the varying requirements at different embassies, noting that the embassy's strict rules may lead to difficulties for non-residents. Some suggest applying at embassies in neighboring countries where the process might be easier.

Ivan *********** · Answer

You do not pay taxes anywhere, right?

Joe ******* · Answer

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Pascal *********** · Answer

Did you upload any tax filings ? If not, then you didn’t proof you can make a living out of it or you’re dodging taxes.

Shandy ******** · Answer

BTW, how'd they know you had left the country? Did you volunteer that information, or did they get alerted somehow?

John ******* · Answer

It looks like you just joined this group and maybe you would have benefited from joining earlier.  The requirements for applying for the DTV vary by embassy/consulate.  Many/most in Europe and a few others only allow residents to apply, while those in the neighboring countries around Thailand allow almost all to apply (there is a list of countries that receive much more extensive vetting, and not sure how it can take place in 30 days on a tourist visa in a neighboring country).  You also seem to misunderstand the difference between residency and living somewhere.  This is a topic raised with the DTV, you can live in Thailand for 5 years, but still not a resident.  Need the correct paperwork.  When you say you were “approved for an interview” that means they actually had a concern. 99% of applicants don’t receive an interview.  There was a red flag with your first application.  You also highlight you understood the guidance, but the Huage guidance is also clear that you can’t leave the county and you did. So that too is on you.  Not sure what you mean when you say you have escalated to Thai immigration as immigration is a different government agency than ministry of foreign affairs.  All I see is someone not doing the appropriate research and blaming everyone but themselves

Dnatjugweme ************ · Answer

I understand your frustration, but look, it's the way it is, and it was no secret. Escalating whatever you think is unfair won't change anything. Why don't you just travel to Việt Nam or Cambodia, stay there a couple of weeks and apply from there?

Wannikea ********* · Answer

Immigration has nothing to do with the embassy, It's under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You should have very carefully read the residency requirements if you are not a citizen and possibly even emailed beforehand. There's a reason you're seeing lots of approved applications at other embassies. It's because there are no problems there.

Anonymous ****************** · Answer

Hague embassy is known as one of the worst to apply from! Netherlands in general has too many strict rules and regulations.

Elías ******** · Answer

Don't bother escalating the case, that won't make any good. Just do as they ask, or apply elsewhere.

Also, read well the guidelines of each embassy/consulate. When I applied in Seoul, Korea, it was writen in red capital letters on their website that 1) only residents could apply (which seems has changed since them, and now tourists also can apply) 2) they would cancel your application without refunds if you left Korea while the application was being processed.

Anonymous ****************** · Answer

It does say on the website that proof of residency may be required!

I was hoping to get mine whilst on a 3 week vacation in the UAE, I emailed them ahead to check if they would accept non resident and they said no. Each embassy has their own requirements regarding residency. My second vacation stop (Taiwan) thankfully (at the time) allowed for non residents to apply.

Georgijus ************ · Answer

Most embassies in EU require residence permit and it’s always clearly stated same is in Hague [url redacted]

Why is the Thai Embassy in The Hague so strict about residency requirements for the DTV visa application?

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