Answered2 years ago
Why was my DTV visa application denied in Taipei despite meeting other criteria?
Denied in Taipei🥲
Type: remote worker (for 1 company, not freelance)
Situation: coming from non B visa
Heartbroken to say that I was denied in Taipei. It is a specific situation, as I have worked in Thailand, legally for 3 years. I accepted a remote job and came to Taipei to switch my visa type to DTV.
Even with a current contract and first payment made by current company (+600,000 tbh banked and consistent income for past 6 months from past job), they denied because they wanted me to have 6 months of income *from my current contract.*
Note: I also had everything else in order, including the employment letter (stating remote position), company registration documents etc.
The issue they had, specifically, was was that I hadn’t been in my current role for 6 months. Pretty much they told me to leave and try again in 6 months time when I am established at my new job. There was no remedying it with them.
— and genuinely this was so shocking because I’d never heard of this being the case for anyone else before. Am I wrong on this?
So, if you are coming from a non B and are switching to remote work, please be aware that this is the way Taipei approaches this scenario.
If you have a similar work history but successfully gotten a DTV visa, can you please comment? I’d really like to understand what else I can do and how I can better plan my application in the future.
Type: remote worker (for 1 company, not freelance)
Situation: coming from non B visa
Heartbroken to say that I was denied in Taipei. It is a specific situation, as I have worked in Thailand, legally for 3 years. I accepted a remote job and came to Taipei to switch my visa type to DTV.
Even with a current contract and first payment made by current company (+600,000 tbh banked and consistent income for past 6 months from past job), they denied because they wanted me to have 6 months of income *from my current contract.*
Note: I also had everything else in order, including the employment letter (stating remote position), company registration documents etc.
The issue they had, specifically, was was that I hadn’t been in my current role for 6 months. Pretty much they told me to leave and try again in 6 months time when I am established at my new job. There was no remedying it with them.
— and genuinely this was so shocking because I’d never heard of this being the case for anyone else before. Am I wrong on this?
So, if you are coming from a non B and are switching to remote work, please be aware that this is the way Taipei approaches this scenario.
If you have a similar work history but successfully gotten a DTV visa, can you please comment? I’d really like to understand what else I can do and how I can better plan my application in the future.
Answer summary
A user shares their experience of being denied a DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) in Taipei after trying to switch from a non-B visa due to their new remote job. Despite having a strong application with a contract and sufficient bank balance, the authorities required proof of 6 months of income from the new position, which the user had not yet accumulated. They recount the shock of this requirement, expressing frustration and asking for others' similar experiences or advice. The comments reveal a broader sentiment about the challenging nature of visa applications in Taipei, especially regarding the scrutiny and inconsistencies in approval processes.
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Dean *****
taipwei was never as easy as people said i saw two people rejected last month at the application counter
Andi ***********
@Dean ****
Yes, very true. A lot depends on the person who you speak to as well.
Koin ******
you work for a thai company in remote and u want dtv ? 🤔🤔I dont understand why the Reason for denied it was the six months account. In dtv it s totally forbideen to work for thai company. I miss something for sure
Anonymous *************
OP@Koin *****
I have been in Thailand on non b visas. I have a new remote job now. The company is based in Europe. Now that I have a new remote job, I quit old job, cancel work permit, and I am trying to get on correct visa type (DTV).Koin ******
oh ok 👍🙏in that case Come in France. Tapei seems very strict with dtv
Anonymous *************
OPAnd just for anyone wondering why I’d want to switch from a non B to DTV
1) I *actually* changed jobs. A non B for me was never a thing I paid for to stay in Thailand. It was an actual status that was applicable to my work. I got an international, remote job, therefore I need a different visa type that matches (main reason).
2) I work in social and environmental impact — and I worked at a Thai foundation. Fun fact, unless a foundation has royal patronage, you don’t get a non B for a year, like with a company. You get it for 30 days and then you extend another 60. That means I had to do something with immigration 8 times per year minimum.
3) I leave the country often for work (before and now). Each time I used to leave, it’s 1000 baht for re-entry. Because the non B for foundation are so short, it wasn’t worth it to do multiple entry. So last year cost around 8000 baht on re-entry permits.
4) My new job is better in every way. More money, progressively increasing responsibility, it covers a larger geography. Why would it be fishy to take a better job that also has non of the visa hassle..?
Anyway, I thought I’d mention this all because, well, I applied for a DTV for what I believe are very valid reasons, and I’ve always followed the rules and been on the right visa type for my situation — until what I am being forced to do now, going back to being a tourist😢
I’ll try again. Fingers crossed. Thanks all for the nice words.
1) I *actually* changed jobs. A non B for me was never a thing I paid for to stay in Thailand. It was an actual status that was applicable to my work. I got an international, remote job, therefore I need a different visa type that matches (main reason).
2) I work in social and environmental impact — and I worked at a Thai foundation. Fun fact, unless a foundation has royal patronage, you don’t get a non B for a year, like with a company. You get it for 30 days and then you extend another 60. That means I had to do something with immigration 8 times per year minimum.
3) I leave the country often for work (before and now). Each time I used to leave, it’s 1000 baht for re-entry. Because the non B for foundation are so short, it wasn’t worth it to do multiple entry. So last year cost around 8000 baht on re-entry permits.
4) My new job is better in every way. More money, progressively increasing responsibility, it covers a larger geography. Why would it be fishy to take a better job that also has non of the visa hassle..?
Anyway, I thought I’d mention this all because, well, I applied for a DTV for what I believe are very valid reasons, and I’ve always followed the rules and been on the right visa type for my situation — until what I am being forced to do now, going back to being a tourist😢
I’ll try again. Fingers crossed. Thanks all for the nice words.
Devin *********
That's so sad! I'm so sorry to hear that. Will you have to go back to the 60 day tourist VISA a few times for 6 months so that you can apply again? Or will you not be able to apply again for a while?
Anonymous *************
OP@Devin ********
yes I’ll go back as a tourist a few times. I have an APEC business travel card so immigration is always really nice — at the airport 😆 because they think you’re something special. It’s silly, but it’s really nice. But I have a lot of regional work travel planned, so it’s okay. Just really sad because I wanted all of this immigration and visa strife to be in the rear view.
Not the end of the world though. Thank you for the nice words🌱
Brian ****
The DTV belt is tightening.
Francky ********
They are very stricts and also ask all the invoices for 3 months for a business owner
Luis ******
Send me a message I have a connect for you...this is why I did mine this way also.
Eric *****
You got denied before you paid the visa fee, correct?
Anonymous *************
OP@Eric ****
yes. Thank goodness.Andi ***********
@Eric ****
Yep, that is a USP of Taipei.
Kool *******
The requirements are getting stricter as time goes by, and they recognize the abuses people are doing to scam the system. This is how Thailand operates with anything new like this visa.
Wesley ********
Why would you leave a job in BKK with work permit, to change to DTV? I’d find it suspicious too.
I also did my DTV in Taipei after working in BKK for 5 years and they were very suspicious of why and how. But I did Soft Power , and they seemed to be ok with just me wanting to chill for a while.
I also did my DTV in Taipei after working in BKK for 5 years and they were very suspicious of why and how. But I did Soft Power , and they seemed to be ok with just me wanting to chill for a while.
Anonymous *************
OP@Wesley *******
the other thing is, I’m not applying for this visa to stay in Thailand. I’m applying for this visa because it’s the correct visa for my situation and my career progression. I’ve always *actually* worked in Thailand, it’s never been a gimmick or a farce. I’m here doing the work that is important to me, and when I could switch from doing it on a national level to a regional level, I jumped at the chance.
Anonymous *************
OP@Wesley *******
because working for Thai foundations sucks? I got a better job that’s remote, excellent for me and I don’t have to go into immigration all the time and work from an office building. I never want to work for a Thai organization again
Chris *****
@Wesley *******
Yes. Why would anyone leave a location dependent position for location independent one. The mind boggles. Daft comment
Greg ********
@Chris ****
I think they may suspect the person might be continuing the work in Thailand they previously had a B and WP on. They want to see the remote position actually exists and the evidence they want is a history of payments from the non Thai legal entity? Just a guess. I have no idea.
ThuRein *****
I got approved in Vientiane, Laos. I went in on appointment date Dec 11 and approved on Dec 13. (After Dec 20 Thai Embassy in Vientiane will be closed until January 1 to upgrade their system to e-visa application)
My previous visa was in language school.
My employment contract with a Singapore-based company started in October. I submitted my Oct, Nov payslips. But the officer gave them back to me over the counter.
I saw that the most important documents the officer carefully checked were
- Employment contract
- Company verification letter for remote job
- Company registration docs (Singapore ARCA)
- Bank statement (I submitted Thai Bank account. The officer carefully checked at the end of each month transaction. I think it should be an account you are using regularly)
I wrote a neat cover letter "Request for Visa Approval" mentioning my purpose to apply DTV. The officer carefully read it and asked me a few questions about my remote job.
Lucky for me my company supported all the necessary documents and everything went well at the embassy.
I don't know about Taipei. I hope you can try again and get approved.
My previous visa was in language school.
My employment contract with a Singapore-based company started in October. I submitted my Oct, Nov payslips. But the officer gave them back to me over the counter.
I saw that the most important documents the officer carefully checked were
- Employment contract
- Company verification letter for remote job
- Company registration docs (Singapore ARCA)
- Bank statement (I submitted Thai Bank account. The officer carefully checked at the end of each month transaction. I think it should be an account you are using regularly)
I wrote a neat cover letter "Request for Visa Approval" mentioning my purpose to apply DTV. The officer carefully read it and asked me a few questions about my remote job.
Lucky for me my company supported all the necessary documents and everything went well at the embassy.
I don't know about Taipei. I hope you can try again and get approved.
Esther ******
I got mine in Hanoi switching from Non B They did ask for 6 months of tax from thai company I was working
Gail ***********
@Esther *****
Hi, I am also switching from a non b and have paid tax for the last 9 months in Thailand. Did you need to show proof of showing tax in another country also? I am setting up as self-employed in January.Anonymous *************
OP@Gail **********
this wasn’t what they asked me though, it wasn’t about taxes at all. They wanted 6 months of income, but they only cared about income related to my current remote contract.Esther ******
@Gail **********
they didn't ask tax from another country for me
Rumi ******************
I've been denied in Taipei last week , even I was soft power/ medical treatment. Short story i went to Manila in the same night, next day I apply and I got approved.
P.S i have all of the documents, all of the money, just I don't work with company, I'm freelancer and I have daughter as well, so I don't have contract with company, I guess thry don't like someone to have money and no contract .
P.S i have all of the documents, all of the money, just I don't work with company, I'm freelancer and I have daughter as well, so I don't have contract with company, I guess thry don't like someone to have money and no contract .
Anonymous *************
OPCameron ***********
@Rumi *****************
Is manilla walk in and 1 day?Rumi ******************
@Cameron **********
I applied 11 December Wednesday, 16 Monday was ready. I think if u apply Monday is ready Friday.Rumi ******************
What I meant is i apply for medical treatment.
They was looking at my bank statement and they asked me if I work. I work as freelancer , I do crypto and stocks, but there is not contract for what I do. Overall I have daughter and my job right now is to be mother.
Basically I have money, they can see but I guess for them "Taipei" is red flag if you don't work with company and you have money coming and money going out.
I specially I asked in Manila if I'm selling apartment and the money which are gonna come in my account do I need any proof and they said "Yes is better if you show as proof tge contract for the selling.
(I have to apply for my daughter)
And that's absolutely okay.
They was looking at my bank statement and they asked me if I work. I work as freelancer , I do crypto and stocks, but there is not contract for what I do. Overall I have daughter and my job right now is to be mother.
Basically I have money, they can see but I guess for them "Taipei" is red flag if you don't work with company and you have money coming and money going out.
I specially I asked in Manila if I'm selling apartment and the money which are gonna come in my account do I need any proof and they said "Yes is better if you show as proof tge contract for the selling.
(I have to apply for my daughter)
And that's absolutely okay.
Andi ***********
@Rumi *****************
I just got back from the Twipei embassy another soft power applicant was asked for a contract of employment. Taipei not as easy as before for any optionWesley ********
@Rumi *****************
“even I was soft power/ medical treatment” “I’m free lancer and don’t have contract” You just listed all 3 options. How on earth did you apply for 3 at once?
Andi ***********
@Rumi *****************
That is my next move if Taipei rejects me this afternoon.Rumi ******************
@Andi **********
I was really shocked. First I'm in private hospital, my insurance does not cover the costs of my medical treatment, I already had 3 past appointments with paid 6-7k bath per appointment.The only thing which I add as documents is x-Ray of my leg in Manila.
I don't really understand why I've been denied in Taipei , because I don't work with contract?
Money are coming in my bank and they can see it.
In Manila i couldn't apply for my daughter for DTV because they wanted another 500k bath for her. But this I can understand and I really respect it.
But it's good reason
Andi ***********
@Rumi *****************
I have heard someone was asked for a work contract in Taipei and also Malaysia when applying for Medical Soft Power. The reasons for rejection are not consistent as the DTV footnotes detail embassies can exercise their own discretion with applying the rules.
John ********
I applied for the DTV as a remote worker owning my own business in America this week there and all they really focused on was the contract with my client and payment history from this client. Everything else required for the application was just glanced over. But they were approving soft power visas with no issues for several people while challenging every document I provided for 30+ minutes.
Anonymous *************
OP@John *******
that’s what I witnessed too. I guess I’ll try again in 6 months and hope for the bestAndi ***********
I just submitted my application this morning also in Taipei. They rejected one of my contracts for same reason. "We want to see the payments from this job on your bank statement for 6 months"
Annie ************
@Andi **********
Nooooo! I was keeping my fingers crossed for you!!Andi ***********
@Annie ***********
I will go back on Monday for result. Submitted, grilled and interview today.Andi ***********
@Annie ***********
Thanks...i hope so too., as today was way more than expected. Big increase in applicants there as the walk ins end next week.Annie ************
@An**
, sending good vibes your way, hope everything will work out! 🍀Cameron ***********
@Andi **********
hi are you applying under workcation?Andi ***********
@Cameron **********
Yeah,Cameron ***********
@Andi **********
brilliant thanksAndi ***********
@Cameron **********
No, I did all mine in English. I gave Japanese company registration, employment contracts, employment certificates, bank statements with English translation I did myself via ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot.Cameron ***********
@Andi **********
thanks, does any of your docs needs to be translated to thai?Andi ***********
@Cameron **********
Ok, I was gonna say I think it better to do it in person in Taipei. I have a feeling, Evisa is going to be a lot off back n forth with docs and questions and much longer to approve..Cameron ***********
@Andi **********
yes in person on Monday, have all the docs and everything etcAndi ***********
@Cameron **********
ok, you applying as a remote worker via your own business. I also get inconsistent income amounts on different dates, that is not the issue they really care about. Your bank statements should show income from the company you work for. Not having any income at start of business is fine, make sure you have registration docs, they love that. Are you applying in person in Taipei?Cameron ***********
@Andi **********
yes have a business, I pay myself through a directors loan account not salary, so payments aren't a consistent amount each month, nor the same date normally, only been doing this since sep, before that was working alongside business so didn't draw any incomeAndi ***********
@Cameron **********
I work for a company on a contract basis. You have your own business and pay yourself a wage?Cameron ***********
@Andi **********
thanks, sorry think I might be misunderstanding, are your contracts freelance personal contracts? What makes the business different, think I would still be applying under freelancer rather than remote worker, or have I misunderstoodAndi ***********
@Cameron **********
it is a business so they view it differently. You have income coming into the business so it is ok. They accepted 2 other contracts I have but be prepped for the "grilling".Cameron ***********
@Andi **********
I have only drew a wage from my business since September despite it being 2 years old as i was working full time before this, guessing this would flag under the not 6 months?
Zerh *******
Hello is that possible to know your nationality ? Be careful too when returning to Thailand; I have someone who was working legally as you for few years then stopped the job in Thailand went out from Thailand to her home and back on exemption visa few weeks ago at airport got denied because no visa. If you come back in Thailand; try to get at least a tourist visa…
Anonymous *************
OP@Zerh ******
I’m American, it’s not a weak passport thing. I’m also a woman, and a working professional I’m the impact sector. I have an APEC card as well, so coming back in should be perfectly fine
Incognia **********
Anonymous participant problem is not weak passport or strong.Problem is you worked and stayed long time in Thailand.
HZ ************
You seem to think money and stature would win you favor, but this is Thailand, and only Thai's can do that, but... they feel the same trying to come/stay in your country. 🤣
HZ ************
Public Forum? Really? But only when everyone says what Fakebook and others deem relevant.
Anonymous ******************
@Christopher *******
@HZ ***********
are you both like 5 years old or something?HZ ************
Anonymous participant 405 You must be as well, because you can't stay the f*ck out of a conversation. MYOB.
Christopher ********
@HZ ***********
it’s a public forumHZ ************
@Christopher *******
so you think an Embassy employs just anyone to issue a visa for your country? and if they do, you would think it has channels to go through for a final approval? or do you just want everyone to be wrong so you can seem a know-it-all and have useless arguments with strangers on the internet? 🤣
Jon **********
@HZ ***********
so why are you harping on about money and stature? You made a pointless comment. Well done 👏HZ ************
@Jon *********
my definition of "harping" is way different than yours, but you have a point? about my pointless comment? wouldn't that make your point, pointless? Well done. ✌️HZ ************
@Christopher *******
Who said it did? Royal Thai Embassies and Royal Thai Consulates-General have the authority to issue visas to foreigners for travel to Thailand. But using common sense it would seem to be a Thai that decides, wouldn't think a foreigner would decide who can come into my country, even as woke as it is. 🤣
Anonymous ******************
Try another embassy. I got approved there with soft power but they are really nasty...
Anonymous ******************
Yes, this is how nonsensical this visa is. You could probably obtain it by taking some Muay Thai classes, but you can't get it despite having been employed in Thailand under the correct visa for the past few years and earning your income legally (which is not allowed under the DTV criteria). Logical, as the proof of salary is based on another visa, and illogical, as some people can obtain a DTV without being asked anything in that regard. Maybe try applying again with a focus on soft power. Good luck!
Anonymous *************
OPAnonymous participant 120 thank you for this comment. It feels non sensical to me too, and it’s nice to know I’m not crazy.
In a way I was too late and too soon for this visa. My plan is to go in and out for next six months (have much work travel planned luckily) and try again when case is stronger. But I hope that DTV doesn’t get progressively more difficult in the next half a year🥹
In a way I was too late and too soon for this visa. My plan is to go in and out for next six months (have much work travel planned luckily) and try again when case is stronger. But I hope that DTV doesn’t get progressively more difficult in the next half a year🥹
Greg ********
Wow. Surprised at that. I wonder if it is a policy in Taipei or an individual officers discretionary decision?
Andi ***********
@Greg *******
I think it is down to individual, I just left that office and the inconsistency from email to in-person is stunning.Greg ********
@Andi **********
Given other posts I wonder if they are worried the person is going to do same job in Thailand they did on B and WP but using DTV? They want to see evidence of payment from non Thai legal entity?Anonymous *************
OP@Greg *******
I had payment from a non-Thai legal entity, the one with which I have a contract and registration documents and employment letter🥲 they just said they wanted 6 months of consistent month on month paymentAndi ***********
@Cameron **********
No, not needed as you have to come back in person to be approved or rejected. They told me I had an interview when I came back to hear if they approved the application.I just gave my regular numbers. No questions on your stay in Taipei as well.
Cameron ***********
@Andi **********
hi did you need to provide a Taiwan phone number to be called for interview? Where did u get a sim?Andi ***********
@Greg *******
oh, I got to up my LOS Geography.Greg ********
@Andi **********
It's the province Pattaya, Rayong etc are in.Andi ***********
@Greg *******
i see..I thought Chonburi was in Bangkok.Greg ********
@Andi **********
Covers Pattaya a d surrounds. They like renting the large villas here and close to airport plus Cambodia. With the amount of investment coming in from the Chinese for the EEC (Eastern Economic Corridor) the size of the Chinese expat community will grow.Andi ***********
@Greg *******
Why Chonburi?Greg ********
@Andi **********
I have no doubt the Chinese mainland will provide the most numerous group with DTVs. They will congregate in Chiang Mai, Bangkok and Chonburi. This will get very interesting. Could end up like Sihanoukville on steroids :-).Andi ***********
@Greg *******
Oh, i see. I read agents are a making a lot via Chinese wanting long term stays in Thailand. Quite a few Thai agents today in Taipei.Greg ********
@Andi **********
I do not know if there is an office address. I cannot read Mandarin. Lol Def promoting real estate exactly the same as before and after DTV.. I think the corker will be when there are 20 arrested at a scam call centre in a luxury villa and all are on DTVs. I would put a bet on that and I never bet:-)Andi ***********
@Greg *******
Really, in bricks n mortar real estate office?Andi ***********
@Greg *******
Yes, evidence from non-Thai business is key.Greg ********
@Andi **********
OK. Sound reasonable. I have said previously just waiting for the first DTV holders to be caught working in Thailand on it. I have seen a very blatant one in Real Estate.Andi ***********
@Greg *******
Exactly, they are concerned about doing the same work and very much focused on non Thai connection with work. I was surprisingly called for an interview for clarification on my job and that I would only be working with non-Thai clients.Greg ********
@Andi **********
Well they do have discretion. It is also not possible to write policy for every possible situation.Gail ***********
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