Hello All..
Today I got my DTV (digital nomad) visa approved, and just wanted to share a few “takeaways” with this group.
First thanks to all the contributors on this topic over the last few months – from the many posts, I pieced together how to approach the visa application process.
Brief background: I reside in Ireland (Irish resident & passport); I have a small, limited company of which I am the sole director / shareholder & employee. I provide IT services to SME’s but always remotely (rarely on client site). I have a modest but active website.
Some lessons learnt: From the posts on this group, I was ready to (and actually HAD) prepare a document with lots and lots of documentation (client contracts / screen shots of code / invoices paid, etc..). BUT – you can only upload one document (PDF / JPG) for each “section” required. And the limit is 3MB. I prepared the document in MS Word, then saved as PDF. When it came time to actually upload, I had to edit the document twice to remove vast sections of the document to eventually trim it down to less than 3MB. In the end, I submitted the following (under the “Employment” requirements) in this order (all in the one PDF):
1. A letter addressed to the Royal Thai Embassy (as was requested). This was printed on Company Letterhead, printed and signed by me as Managing Director. In the letter I stated that Mr {my name} was the sole shareholder, director and employee of {Company Name}; that the Company was engaged in the delivery of digital services and that Mr. {my name} was required to work remotely. It was spread across a few paragraphs but that is the essence of the letter. I then signed it myself as the Managing Director and scanned it. Yes – it was a strange experience referring to myself as a 3rd party.
2. The rest of the document was as follows:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Company Corporation tax summary page (23/24)
- Company P&L Screen shot (from online accounting software)
- Payslip for me for July 24
- Company Bank Account screen shot.
- Company Website screen shots and website address.
Needless to say, I am delighted to have this visa. I am travelling in October and had initially planned to do the TV with extension, and maybe leave mid January. Now I might stay until March - not sure, but I love having the flexibility.
The reason that I went down the DTV route is that, from reading “between the lines” in this group, I am not convinced that the DTV (in its current form) is set in stone – I suspect (just an opinion) that over the next 6-12 months it might get tightened up somewhat. So I felt it best to get on board while I can.
Thanks again – I will answer any reasonable questions that I am able to.
