Can I borrow the 500,000 THB just for the application?

Technically you could, but this is risky and often backfires. Embassies look for consistent balance over months, not sudden deposits. If they ask about the source and you can't explain legitimate income, you risk rejection.

Do I need to keep the 500K in my account after approval?

There's no official requirement to maintain the balance after your visa is approved, though immigration could theoretically ask to see funds upon entry or extension. Most approved applicants use their money normally after receiving the visa.

My freelance income varies wildly month to month - is this a problem?

Variable income is common for freelancers. Provide longer statement period (6-12 months) to show overall consistency, include signed contracts for future work, and maintain higher balance as buffer.

DTV Proof of Income - What Immigration Actually Accepts

The DTV proof of income requirement is where most applications succeed or fail. While the 500,000 THB bank balance seems straightforward, what embassies actually accept varies dramatically between locations. Some approve portfolios and varied income streams, others demand pristine 6-month statements showing consistent deposits. Understanding what your target embassy really looks for can mean the difference between approval and a non-refundable rejection.

This guide breaks down exactly what works for remote employees, freelancers, business owners, and those with irregular income. Based on hundreds of successful and failed applications across different embassies, here's what actually gets approved.

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New to the DTV? Read our Complete DTV Guide first, or check the DTV FAQ for quick answers. Also see: DTV Soft Power vs Remote Work comparison.

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The 500,000 THB requirement is non-negotiable, but HOW you show it and WHAT supporting documentation you provide varies significantly by embassy and your employment situation.

The 500,000 THB Bank Statement Requirement

Every DTV application requires proof of 500,000 THB (approximately $14,000-15,000 USD) in your bank account. This is the baseline financial requirement regardless of whether you're applying via remote work or soft power route.

Basic Bank Statement Rules

Statement period: Most embassies want 3-6 months of statements, not just current balance
Account holder: Must be in YOUR name - joint accounts rarely accepted as primary proof
Consistency: The 500K should have been there for several months, not deposited right before applying
Currency: Can be in any major currency, embassy converts to THB equivalent
Format: Original bank statements (PDF from bank), not screenshots or edited documents
Multiple accounts: You can combine balances from multiple accounts if needed

What Counts and What Doesn't

Accepted as proof of funds:

Regular checking or savings accounts
Multiple accounts combined (provide statements for all)
Foreign currency accounts (converted to THB at current rate)
Business accounts if you're self-employed and it's in your name
Some embassies accept brokerage/investment accounts with easily liquidated assets

Generally NOT accepted:

Cryptocurrency wallets or accounts (too volatile, hard to verify)
Joint accounts where you're not the primary holder
Credit card limits or lines of credit
Retirement accounts that can't be easily accessed
Property valuations or assets
Loan documents or borrowed funds that will be returned

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If you need to combine multiple accounts to reach 500K, ensure all statements cover the same time period and are in your name. Some embassies are fine with this, others prefer one account with the full amount.

For Remote Employees: What You Need

If you work remotely for a single company, your documentation is relatively straightforward but embassies want to see proof of ongoing employment, not just that you have savings.

Required Documents

Employment contract: Must explicitly state remote work is allowed, show your position, and include employment start date
Company letter: On official letterhead confirming you can work from Thailand, signed by HR or manager
Recent pay slips: Last 3-6 months showing regular salary payments
Bank statements: Showing salary deposits matching your pay slips
Company proof: Business registration, website, or LinkedIn page proving the company exists

For Freelancers: The Complex Documentation

Freelance income is more complex because embassies want confidence you have sustainable ongoing work, not just that you did some gigs and now have money saved. The key is demonstrating recurring client relationships and consistent income flow.

What Freelancers Should Provide

Multiple client contracts: Not just one client (that looks like employment) - show 3-5+ active clients
Service agreements: Formal contracts or engagement letters showing ongoing work
Invoices: Last 6-12 months showing regular billing to different clients
Payment records: Bank statements showing deposits matching invoices
Portfolio: Professional website, LinkedIn, or work samples proving expertise
Business registration: If you operate as registered business, include documentation
Tax returns: Previous year's tax filings showing freelance income
Client testimonials: Optional but helpful - letters from clients confirming ongoing work

Red Flags That Get Applications Rejected

These patterns frequently lead to rejections:

Sudden large deposit: 500K appears right before application then will clearly be withdrawn after
Borrowed funds: Loans or money borrowed specifically for the application
No income history: Large balance but no deposits showing how it was earned
Inconsistent story: Bank statements don't match employment claims
Balance drops below 500K: During the statement period, even briefly

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