DTV Visa Application Guide

DTV Visa Required Documents Checklist

Common and route-specific documents, organized for pre-application review.

1Check common documents first
2Then check Freelance / Soft Power / Medical differences
3Use Discord for individual case questions
Documents Everyone Needs

Common Required Documents

These documents are required for most DTV applications regardless of route. Always verify with your specific embassy before submitting.

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Passport (Original)

At least 1 year validity remaining. 2+ blank pages required. Include photocopy of photo page.

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Photo (Digital Accepted)

Online applications typically accept JPEG or PDF upload. White background, taken within 6 months. Some in-person embassies require a printed copy β€” check your specific embassy.

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Proof of Current Residence

Documents confirming current address (e.g., national ID, driver's license, residence certificate). This is proof of current address, not Thai accommodation booking.

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Financial Proof (Bank Statement)

500,000 THB or more (JPY equivalent varies with exchange rate). Must be in English. Typically within 3 months of issue.

⚠ Not a fixed JPY amount β€” varies with exchange rate.

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Application Form

Official form from each embassy. Fill in English. Download from embassy website or obtain at the counter.

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Application Fee

10,000 THB. Online applications typically accept credit card or bank transfer. The amount and payment method vary by country and embassy β€” confirm with your specific embassy.

Note: Health insurance may be requested by some embassies. Coverage of USD 40,000+ is recommended. Additional documents may be required depending on the embassy β€” always check the latest guidance.
By Application Route

Additional Documents by Route

In addition to common documents, each route requires different supporting materials.

ItemFreelance / WorkcationSoft PowerMedical*
Key additional documentsEmployment proof, contract, company docs, portfolioParticipation confirmation, acceptance letter, letter of invitation, activity descriptionHospital appointment letter, treatment plan, booking confirmation
Purpose of documentsDemonstrate current work activityShow concrete activity participationShow medical purpose concretely
Common uncertaintiesIs one contract enough? Is a portfolio needed?What to include in the acceptance letterIs a booking confirmation enough, or is a treatment explanation needed?

* Medical purposes may be treated as a type of Soft Power activity under the DTV framework.

Not sure which route applies to you? Clarify first on Discord.

Ask on Discord
Workcation Route

Freelance / Workcation Additional Documents

This route focuses on demonstrating your current work situation. Whether one contract is sufficient depends on circumstances β€” consistency between documents and your actual situation matters.

Document Examples

  • Certificate of employment (English)
  • Employment contract (English)
  • Freelance / service contract (English)
  • Company registration documents
  • Portfolio (work description)

What Reviewers Look For

  • Clear evidence of current work
  • Continuity and stability of contracts
  • Consistency across all documents
  • Contract is with overseas client/employer

Common Pitfalls

  • English documents required
  • Japanese-only contracts may not be accepted
  • Multiple supporting materials recommended for freelancers
  • Check document validity dates
See the DTV Visa Complete Guide for full details on application routes.
Soft Power Route

Soft Power Activity Additional Documents

The Soft Power route centers on activity confirmation documents issued by Thai institutions. Employment contracts are not required, but documents demonstrating concrete activity participation are needed.

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Acceptance Letter / Letter of Invitation / Participation Confirmation

Issued by the Thai institution (golf club, cooking school, etc.). Must include applicant name, activity details, duration, and official stamp.

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Activity Description Materials

Materials showing the venue, activity type, and duration. Brochures, program descriptions, schedules. Strengthens the application when submitted with the acceptance letter.

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Payment Proof (Supplementary)

Receipts or transfer records for program fees. Not strictly required but may strengthen the application.

For more specific guidance on Soft Power route documentation, check the support available for your activity route. Acceptance letter procedures vary by embassy and activity type.
A Type of Soft Power Activity

Additional Considerations for Medical Purposes

Medical purposes may be treated as a type of Soft Power activity (the Taipei office explicitly lists "hospital / medical center"). Documentation centers on materials from the medical institution showing specifics of the treatment.

Key Document Examples

  • Hospital / medical center appointment letter
  • Treatment plan from the medical institution
  • Description of planned treatment and duration
  • Medical facility confirmation / booking documents
Note: Guidance on medical-purpose applications varies by embassy. We recommend confirming directly with your intended embassy in advance.
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Articles

→DTV Visa Complete Guide→Thailand Long-Stay Visa Comparison→DTV vs Retirement Visa

Discord Community

Not sure about documents or which route to take?

General guidance is covered in these pages. For individual circumstances β€” complex freelance docs, format questions, etc. β€” get support in the Discord community.

Ask in Discord Community