If you are traveling to a country where an American citizen needs a visa, whether on arrival, or via that country’s embassy, and you are self-employed, you need to write them a self-declaration letter.
A self-declaration letter is usually written to deliver proof of service or income in situations where someone is self-employed, or if a previous employer or company no longer exists, and to provide information of the sender’s self-employment and/or income status.
These letters are legally binding; if the recipient; usually an authority figure, finds out that any information in the letter is forged or disingenuous, they have the right to use it against the person who has submitted it.
You may or may not address it “whom it may concern,” depending on where you intend to send it. Most letters of this sort open with a “declaration” header and may not really be addressed any specific person. However, it is important to provide your name, address and contact information in a self-declaration letter.
Sample Self-declaration Letter for Visa
June 20, 2018
H.E. (name of visa officer)
Embassy of the United Arab Emirates
3522 International Court,
NW Suite 400
Washington, DC 20008
Your Excellency:
I am writing in regards to the application that I have submitted for the Dubai visitor’s visa for a period of 3 weeks to participate as an exhibitor at the GITEX Technology Week at the Dubai World Trade Center, which is being held on (date). My visit is of utmost importance for my startup, where I develop software for luxury apartment complexes. My clientele is the high-end real estate market, and Dubai is one of the cities where my clientele is in abundance.
I started my company in 2000, and now have a net worth of $40 million. Over the past 7 months, I have provided luxury apartment complexes with state-of-the-art management information systems, designed exclusively to meet the needs of the premium lifestyle for their residents.
I am enclosing my exhibitor information, dates and travel itinerary, and passport details, for your review and verification. Should Your Excellency have any questions for me, or require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me at (000) 770-4964.
With my experience and expertise, I intend to make this visit a great success and contribute to the comfort and fulfillment one finds in residing in one of the best luxury real estates on the planet. Looking forward to your positive response, and the opportunity to make this a reality.
Sincerely,
Andrew Caruso
1792 Michael Street
Houston, TX 77030
(000) 770-4964