Maan, last week I applied for the digital nomad DTV with the London embassy, thinking the whole thing was surprising straightforward (clearly very naive).

They’ve just emailed me saying I now need:

1. Better quality passport scan – I already gave them the same scan I successfully used for another country visa.

2. Proof of current location – I already gave a bank statement with my address, but now they want a utility bill in my name, and I live with my parents in the UK so none are in my name.

3. Stamped bank statements – for closing balance and last three months. I’ve already given statements but not stamped; not sure my bank even does that.

4. Professional portfolio or company description – I already submitted a statement with screenshots of earnings showing consistent freelance activity.

5. Self-assessment tax return / statement of accounts / other HMRC docs – I haven’t been freelancing long enough to submit a tax return; maybe I could just give bank statements again?

6. Letter confirming employment/contract details – I work freelance across multiple platforms. Even though I meet the monthly requirements, none of my “clients” are going to provide a signed letter addressed to the embassy.

Am I just screwed here and out the visa fee?

Hi! I will possibly apply for DTV but when on a side trip from Thailand. I plan to have 45 days in the land, then 2 weeks in Bali. Come back and do another 45 or 50 days (all on visa exempt entries) and have another 2-4 weeks somewhere else. I don't plan on doing it a third time. Just wanted to know which country is the easiest to submit the DTV and if it isn't processed in time can I still enter Thailand while I wait? The other option is we apply through the school my child will attend and therefore won't the DTV but won't know if we are staying more permanently until we have trialled life for at least a few months. The above was the only option I could see working well without spending time and money on visas we may not need. Any advice welcomed. No hate please. Thanks