Answered2 years ago

Will my tax-exempt status in the UK affect my DTV application in Thailand?

DTV visa Thailand immigration freelancing UK tax exemption entrepreneurs in Thailand visa application process

Anonymous *************

asked Jan 7, 2025

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Hey, 

I’m from the UK currently in Thailand. I’ll go to Hanoi soon to apply for my DTV as a freelancer. 

I’m registered as a sole trader in the UK, I have clients signed into contracts, I have a website, portfolio, invoices for the best 4 years if they need. 

I’ve been paying tax ever since going freelance, however for the 23/24 tax year I was approved tax-exempt due to me not being in the UK at all that tax year. 

Does anyone know if that will cause me an issue with the DTV? I have proof of paying the previous tax years and a letter from HMRC approving my tax-exempt for the last tax year.

Answer summary

A UK freelancer in Thailand is concerned about applying for a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) while being tax-exempt in the UK for the 23/24 tax year. Community responses indicate that the tax exemption should not affect the DTV application as long as he can demonstrate legitimate work and maintain the required financial liquidity.

13 repliesnewest first

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Carl *******

Just a pointer. Have you been doing work whilst been in Thailand? If on a tourist visa, be careful they don't pull up on the fact you've been working (if you have) whilst been in Thailand 😃

2 years ago

Anonymous *************

@Carl ******

I’ve been on an education visa or visa on arrival and any work I’ve done is for UK or UAE businesses, which shouldn’t be an issue.

2 years ago

Carl *******

Anonymous participant no judgement here mate. Just bear it in mind if the question is asked. Technically (though I’m unsure if they enforce) working (even remotely for overseas companies or clients) whilst on a tourist visa, is not permitted. Not trying to be a Di**, just making sure you bear it in mind bud

2 years ago

Jon ************

Anonymous participant Exactly. It's specifically stated that tourists can maintain their remote work while on tourist visa. As long as they aren't dealing with Thai business. It would be impossible to enforce people that have online businesses to cease their entire living just because they are spending time as a tourist.

2 years ago

Carl *******

Anonymous participant if dealing thru a visa agent, you should be ok tbh. You know how it works thru them for sure…. lol 😅😅 please keep the post updated mate, would be good to hear your experience at the end of it :))

2 years ago

Anonymous *************

@Carl ******

no completely appreciate it, thank you🙏🏼 my understanding has always been that it’s only not allowed if you’re working with Thai businesses. But I’ll speak with the visa agent and double check 🤝

2 years ago

Omar *************

No worries ur good

2 years ago

Andi ***********

It won't cause you any issue. The focus is on you showing you have legit work and the 500k.

2 years ago

Anonymous *************

@Andi **********

great to know thank you

2 years ago

Taelon *********

I’m interested to know your outcome. I’m also a UK passport but in Thailand (not applied yet as gathering that liquid cash requirement), I have confirmation from HMRC as well about being an overseas person. I assume it wouldn’t be an issue as they seem more concerned about the money in the bank and the ability to show you will continue to be working so you will be bringing money into Thailand to spend.

2 years ago

Anonymous *************

@Taelon ********

yes also gathering the cash requirement haha. Let’s see if anyone else has experience regarding the tax return 🙏🏼

I almost was denied entry back into Thailand so I don’t want to leave to do my DTV unless I know I’ve got everything I need, otherwise I ain’t coming back in 😅

2 years ago

Taelon *********

Anonymous participant Gossshhh yeah I think I would be pushing the limits, I’ve just come off an Ed and now on a tourist to gather my bits so similar situation to you wanting to make sure this is the last time sweats about a visa 😅😂🤣

2 years ago

Anonymous *************

@Taelon ********

haha literally same, can off ED now scrambling to sort the next thing 😂 good luck 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

2 years ago