Phuket Extension update (posting for science. I don’t care if you think flying out is easier):

Went with the wife and kids this morning to extend (DTV— Digital nomad / remote worker + follower). Did not receive it, but I’ll be going back in a few days. Here’s why—

What I brought (for me):

- Application, 4x6 photo, copy of TM30, passport copies, copy of 90 day notification, copy of lease agreement, proof of payment to landlord

- copy of bank statement (Jan. 26-Feb. 26) showing 500,000 THB (Chase Bank, $15,000+)

- screenshot of current balance

- Articles of Organization for (my own) LLC

- Annual report for LLC

- Document from IRS showing Employer Identification Number

- A copy of one of our digital products

- (self written) Letter of Authorization for remote work (from my own company)

For my wife:

- Application + photo + passport copies + 90 day notification copy

- Bank statement + current balance

- Copy of marriage certificate

- copy of lease agreement, TM30, payment

Outcome

The officer was very kind. He let me know that I truly had everything in order. However there were two problems:

1. The Remote Work Auth. letter was the same copy I used when I applied for the visa originally. It was dated September, 2024. He wanted a newer copy (presumably from 2025). Takeaway: you may need to request a new letter from your company.

2. He wanted to see a bank statement from the current month (truly the last 30 days), not simply my previous statement + current balance. Mine won’t be auto-generated for a few more days, hence the screenshot of current balance. He noticed that the screenshot showed (page 1 of 5). He wanted all 5 pages, not just the one with the balance on it. He was willing to take either what I had (with all 5 pages) or wait for the bank statement to come out. He said “bank statement is better.”

I plan to return after my statement is generated and I update the letter.

Further takeaways and clarifications

- it seems that the process goes like this:

— gather documents and get a queue number

— bring docs to counter for trainee to check

— trainee hands to officer for more detailed check while you wait a few minutes

— officer briefs you on what you still lack (if anything) before submitting, answering any questions

— once you have everything, they will submit for processing

— you come back after a few days after they’ve checked through the documents (even more!) thoroughly for stamp + pickup.

I didn’t have to pay anything today. I’m assuming that you’ll have to attach money to the application when you submit it, and then after a few days they’ll let you know if you were accepted or denied (potentially losing your fee). That’s only after a pre-check and one more thorough check by an officer who (seemed to) be really optimistic that I had everything in order.

The frustration is that this feels like I’m applying for the DTV all over again. I truly wish the requirements were unilaterally consistent and understandable across every immigration office throughout the country, because I think it would really save everyone (including staff) frustration. Ultimately, the staff and officers were very kind and helpful for the whole process.

DTV Approved

Hey DTV crowd! First of all: Thanks for alle the valuable information in this group 💛 Without you, applying for the DTV would have been a nightmare.

So here is my experience applying in Phnom Penh, Cambodia under the Worcation category:

I prepared all documents in advance and uploaded them to the e-visa website, without submitting my application. So, when I arrived in Phnom Penh, I just had to add my "proof of current location".

For each PDF I created a clickable table of contents.

For all German documents I created an automatic translation with Google Translate and added it as a screenshot.

These were the documents I supplied:

1. PDF file for "Proof of current location":

- Entry stamp into Cambodia

- Visa for Cambodia

- Flight tickets Bangkok-Phnom Penh and Phnom Penh-Bangkok

- Hotel Booking for the first 4 nights in Phnom Penh

- Rental contract for my condo in Bangkok (I know, this doesn't fall under "current location" but due to file size restrictions this was the best place to proof my future location in Thailand)

2. PDF file for "Financial proof of no less than 500.000 THB":

- 3 months of bank statements (German)

- Screenshot of the English translation from Google Translate

- Screenshot from Bangkok Bank about the current exchange rate (as my account is in Euros)

Note: I had a little less than 500.000 THB in my bank account for several months and only topped it up in February. So, I added a note that due to exchange rate fluctuations I had to add more money recently.

3. PDF file for "Business Portfolio":

- Short CV with work related information

- Information about my products & services and my clients

- Confirmation of employment letter written and signed by myself

- Authorization of remote work written and signed by myself

- Operating agreement & Articles of organization of my US LLC

- Service Level Agreements with my main clients

- Bank statements showing my income plus related invoices for 6 months

The application process took the full 10 business days (plus the day of application), just as indicated on the embassy's website. The approval came pretty late, after the business hours of the embassy. So, don't be alarmed if you haven't heard anything by 5 pm on day 10!

Also, be warned that it's impossible to contact the embassy in Phnom Penh! They don't pickup the phone, they don't answer any emails and - according to second-hand information - they don't let you in if you visit in person!

And one more thing to consider for my nomad friends: Internet in Cambodia is a nightmare! So, be prepared to take a holiday or watch the hour glass forever!

Hi everyone, will fly to Taipei next week. I just want to make a recap of what i’ll need with me for DTV:

- Employment letter

- Employer authorization to work remotely from Thailand, stating that i won’t work illegally in thailand and have Thai clients.

- 6 months Bank statement with 500k minimum (I had it for all the 6 months). I guess I’ll have to print it? Or can I give them a PDF copy?

- Passport pictures

Am I missing anything else ?

Thankss