While DTV has a defined set of required documents, that doesn't always mean a bare-minimum submission is sufficient. When reviewers seek clarification or when you want to present a stronger case for your remote work situation, supporting documents can make a meaningful difference.
What you'll learn: What supporting documents are, how different types function, and how to match them to your employment situation.
What Are Supporting Documents?
Supporting documents are materials that are not mandatory for DTV but serve to supplement and reinforce the credibility, continuity, and reality of your professional activities.
If required documents satisfy "what must be proven," supporting documents serve as "concrete evidence behind that proof."
Types and Roles of Supporting Documents
Certificate of Employment / Employment Verification Letter
A document confirming active employment with a company. Submitted alongside an employment contract, it reinforces that the employment relationship is ongoing. Requesting this in English from your employer is standard.
CV (Curriculum Vitae)
An English-language CV organizing your work history, skills, and job duties is particularly useful for freelancers and self-employed applicants to clearly explain the nature of their work.
LinkedIn Profile
Some applicants include a URL or printed screenshot of their public LinkedIn profile as supplementary evidence. It provides an externally verifiable summary of professional history and activities. Note that this alone cannot substitute for primary documents.
Payment Records / Bank Statements
Bank statements showing regular incoming payments from clients or employers demonstrate income continuity. They serve as a supplement to the balance certificate by showing actual cash flow patterns.
Tax Returns / Withholding Tax Certificates
Documents from your home country demonstrating business activity — such as tax returns — may be used as reference materials. If in Japanese, consider attaching an English-language summary.
Client Recommendation Letters / Transaction Confirmations
Letters or transaction records from current or past clients can serve as supplementary evidence of the existence of a business relationship.
Supporting Documents by Employment Type
| Employment Type | Prioritized Supporting Documents |
|---|---|
| Overseas company employee | Employment certificate, payslips, remote work authorization (supplemental) |
| Freelancer | CV, payment records, LinkedIn profile, client recommendation letters |
| Self-employed | Tax return (with English summary), client transaction history |
| Side income / multiple income sources | Contracts and invoices per income source + payment records showing full picture |
Tips for Preparing Supporting Documents
Keep content consistent with primary documents
Verify that supporting documents don't contradict your primary documents in any detail — employer name, period, compensation, etc. Inconsistencies can raise questions during review.
Don't over-attach
Include only documents that meaningfully contribute to your explanation. Submitting large amounts of loosely relevant materials can be counterproductive.
English is the standard
Prepare supporting documents in English as the default.
FAQ
Q. Is a CV a required document? A. It is not listed in the official DTV required documents. However, many applicants voluntarily include it to supplement their explanation of professional activities.
Q. Can a LinkedIn profile alone prove my work? A. No. LinkedIn is a supporting document and should be used alongside primary materials such as contracts and invoices.
Q. Can I attach supporting documents through the e-Visa system? A. The e-Visa system may have limits on the number of files or total size. If attachment isn't possible, check with your application embassy for alternatives.
Q. Do I need a certified translation of my tax return? A. Whether certified translation is required depends on the embassy. At minimum, attaching an English-language summary of the content is advisable.
Related Articles
- DTV Freelance Work Proof: Contracts, Invoices & Portfolio
- DTV Required Documents Checklist
- Common DTV Document Mistakes
Based on Thai embassy official guidance. Last updated: May 2026