My DTV workcation was approved today after submitting on the morning of the 4th of April before the HCMC consulate opened.

Knowing there was 3 days of holidays meaning the consulate was going to be closed (the following Monday + the next Monday + Tuesday for Songkran).

I didn't expect to get my visa until maybe the 18th.

Was asked for additional documents on the 8th (payslips/statement with deposits highlighted + portfolio).

Status change to pending approval on the 9th.

Received my approval email at 6:20pm today the 16th.

Notes about my application.

I used a Wise account statement to show my funds and to show my pay from my company. I was mildly concerned with using Wise as the bank, but having read everyone else's experience with Vietnam and HCMC I felt that it was fine.

I had only moved my funds into the Wise account a few days beforehand as well. No seasoning at all. Though my statement displayed ample activity of transactions from the last six months.

My portfolio was quite long at 27 pages and to fit it under the 3mb upload limit, the images were compressed heavily. I was worried that would be a demerit in my application so I included in my cover letter for the portfolio a web link to an uncompressed version of the PDF.

Not sure whether that helped or not.

APPROVED! 🎉

DTV Soft Power Visa - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

HUGE thanks to everyone here in the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) group for all the helpful info! 🙌

TIMELINE

* Mid March - Researched DTV categories, requirements, Muay Thai schools. Chose Wildcat Muay Thai (in Chiang Mai).

* March 26: Finalized details and paid for a 6-month course. Shout out to Meaw for answering all my questions! :)

* March 27: Received the required documents from the school for the Soft Power DTV application.

* March 28: Prepared supporting documents: cover letter, bank statements, proof of accommodation, etc. Decided to wait till April for my banks to produce the most recent, March account statement.

* April 1: Submitted my application (documents + fees).

* April 3: Received a request for updated financial proof (bank statements for the last 6 months) and explanation of how I’ll support myself. Sent the additional documents the same night.

* April 8: Status updated to “Pending Approval” (visible on the portal; no email notification).

* April 16: APPROVED! Received my visa as a PDF via email.

If I had to do it again - I would submit all 6 months of bank account statements AND the most recent month right away.

And in a case you're unemployed - definitely include a COVER LETTER explaining how you're going to support yourself.

Hope this helps anyone navigating the process.

Thanks everyone!

Hello, I was just granted approval for my dtv visa under soft power Muay Thai via Wildcat gym in Chiang Mai. I applied at the Hanoi embassy on Sunday March 30th and was granted approval 4 working days later. Meaw at Wildcat gym was extremely helpful in getting papers organized for submission and answering any questions I had along the way. I had attended Muay Thai classes at her gym prior to asking to get the visa and it’s a really solid gym with great trainers and fun atmosphere! If anyone is looking at going the Muay Thai route with their dtv visa then Wildcat is a great place to look into!

Good Morning, quick question: Retirement extension is possible 40/30 days in advance? Expires June, 2nd. I remember i was refused once as i was too early. CW BKK, thanks for a quick clarification.

Hello and good morning.

As 6 month have pass for first extension of DTV visas I would like to know

1. Which documents is the immigration offices are asking?

2. Are the same documents in all immigration offices? I will do the extension in Ko Samui next week, does someone have an experience in this offices and want to share it?

3. Finally, Is there a period of time (one week early or after) that I have to or need to apply for extension? (my 180 day will be on April 03)

Thank you very much

Approved in Hanoi

Submitted March 9th Sunday 11am

Pending Approval March 10th 10am

Approval sent March 13th 1250pm

I sent in a pretty complete and detailed packet.

Cover letter naming each document and explaining my work, why I want I live in Thailand , follow the rules and local laws and last but not least , not work with anyone in Thailand and have no interest either.

Docs included-

Real estate license

Employment contract

Employment certificate

Tax return fir 2024

Client testimonials x2

Facebook and IG social presence

Bangkok bank statements for 6 months. Shows alot going on and out but balance was below 500k

SoFi bank statements 3 months to show the 500k needed. Balance was in there for the 3 months.

The bank statements I wrote on in red showing the conversion rate and the balance with both accounts.

E visa to Vn

Immigration stamp

Airbnb receipt

Boarding pass

Pic of me next to the apartment

Location docs also included a basic cover letter.

Went pending a few hours after doc check. I used to process loans and transaction coordinate so I know the more detailed the better.

Anyways , now I can breathe. Any questions or help feel free to ask.

Thank you for this group for the valuable info.

Anyone know how long the Washington DTV takes? I submitted my paperwork as a business owner on 3/05/25 but….. still on Pending document review (1)…

Are there any rules or limitations on what the timeframe is to enter Thailand after having been granted a DTV? We are looking to apply for DTV now but potentially only arrive in thailand in 3-4 months. Many thanks if anyone has any info around this.

DTV process in Vientiane, Laos. My experience.

4 days.

Arrived the 03 of march in Vientiane. Prepared all my documents in the train. Arrived early on the morning. I add the laotien entry stamp to my folder, bought sim card in the train station and submitted my application at the station. Run to the embassy and pay (the place accept paiement till 12h30).

03 march aftenoon documents accepted, then march processing pending approval status

04 interview requested

06 interview on the afternoon. Received my e-visa by mail directly after interview and could leave laos by night.

I applied as freelancer. Just submitted porfolio + paylips.

Thank for the informations on the group, very useful to prepare everything correctly.

The annual extension on my Non-O based on family is up on April 1st. I'll be out of the country before then. What is the last date that I can apply for the next annual extension? All docs and funds are in place and ready to go again. Monday 24th March should be okay? or is the week before too close? TIA.