SMART Visa Thailand

The Gateway for Professionals, Entrepreneurs, and Investors in Thailand’s Target Industries

What is Thailand SMART Visa?

Thailand has undertaken continuous initiatives to promote economic growth through innovation and technological advancement. As part of this policy, the Royal Thai Government has introduced additional measures to attract highly skilled professionals and advanced technologies in order to support the development of its targeted industries, commonly referred to as the “S-Curve industries.”

One of the key initiatives is the Thailand SMART Visa program. Thailand SMART Visa is a special visa program created by the Royal Thai Government and Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) to attract foreign experts, executives, investors, and startup entrepreneurs to work and live in Thailand. Unlike standard visas, the SMART Visa is designed to support Thailand’s economic development by focusing on 13 S-Curve industries such as technology, innovation, healthcare, and next-generation industries.

It provides a long-term stay, simplified work authorization, and family inclusion — making it an attractive choice for skilled foreigners and innovative investors.

What are the key features of Thailand SMART Visa?

Thailand SMART Visa offers the following benefits:

    • Validity: 4 years, depending on the category.
    • Number of Entry: Multiple (You may leave and re-enter Thailand as many times as you wish while this visa is valid.)
    • Work Permit: No work permit required for working with an entity or government agency in any of the S-Curve industries. 
    • Family Inclusion: Dependents (spouses and children) can be included on a Non-Immigrant Visa.
    • Reporting: Annual reporting to the Thai Immigration Bureau. No need for 90-day reporting like other visas.
    • Accessibility: Opportunity to access to Thailand’s fast-growing innovation and business ecosystem.

Who are Thailand SMART Visa designed for?

Thailand SMART Visa is ideal for professionals and businesses who want to live, work, and grow in Thailand’s future industries. Below is the list of eligible persons: 

    • Foreign experts 
    • Executives 
    • Startups entrepreneurs 
    • Investors 
    • Other highly-skilled professionals and talents

Note: This visa is designed for highly skilled professionals and individuals working in the 13 S-Curve industries. With its requirements, the visa is more difficult to obtain than the standard Thailand Business Visa (Non-Immigrant B Visa).

What are Thailand targeted industries (S-Curve industries)? 

The 13 S-Curve industries include: 

    • Automotives, i.e., Next-Generation Automotive
    • Electronics, i.e., Smart Electronics
    • Tourism, i.e., Affluent, Medical and Wellness Tourism
    • Agriculture and Biotechnology
    • Future Food/Food for the Future
    • Automation and Robotics
    • Transportation and Logistics
    • Biofuels and Biochemicals
    • Digital Technologies
    • Medicine and Medical Hubs
    • National Defense
    • Aviation and Aerospace
    • Management of Technological Innovation and Startup Ecosystem
    • Targeted Technological Development
    • International Business Center (IBC)
    • Alternative Dispute Resolution
    • Human Resource Development in Science and Technology
    • Environmental Research/Management
    • Renewable Energy

What are Thailand SMART Visa Categories?

Thailand SMART Visa is divided into five main categories, each targeting different groups of applicants and having its own unique eligibility conditions. Below is the summarized table for five Thailand SMART Visa categories.

No.

SMART Category 

Purpose

1

T

 Talent

2

I

 Investor 

3

E

 Executive

4

S

 Startup entrepreneur

5

O

 Spouse and legitimate children of Thailand SMART Visa holders

1. SMART Talent (T) Visa

This stream is available to highly-skilled professionals and talents in the 13 S-Curve industries.

Requirements and qualifications

  • Minimum income of no less than THB 100,000 (or the international equivalent) per month. Note: For (i) experts having an employment contract with a startup; or
                    (ii) retired experts having endorsements from a relevant agency, the minimum income threshold is only   THB 50,000 (or the international equivalent) per month.
  • Having an employment or service contract with either a company in Thailand or overseas with an assignment to work in Thailand, with a validity of 1 year remaining.
  • Having expertise in science and technology relevant to the targeted industries (S-Curve industries) and endorsed by an agency within the Strategic Talent Center (STC)’s network. This includes employment or expertise in industries such as next-gen automotive, biotechnology, digital, healthcare, robotics, renewable energy, etc. 
  • Employers in Thailand must be endorsed for being engaged in the targeted industries (S-Curve industries) by relevant government agencies including:
    (i) National Innovation Agency (Public Organization), and
    (ii) Digital Economy Promotion Agency.

Applicants working for a government agency, higher education institution, specialized training institute, or in the field of Alternative Dispute Resolution are NOT required to meet the criteria listed above. 

Instead, a different set of requirements will apply to their application. The requirements are as follows:

  • Having an employment or service contract or a document showing cooperation or employment issued by a government agency, higher education institution, specialized training institution or arbitration institution.Note: Arbitration institutions include the Thailand Arbitration Center and the Thailand Arbitration Institute.
  • In case of working for a government agency, you experience must be endorsed by the hiring or employing government agency. 
  • In case of working in a higher education institution and specialized training institution in the private sector, you experience must be certified by the employing agency in the Strategic Talent Center (STC)’s network.
  • In case of delivering Alternative Dispute Resolution services, you experience must be certified by an arbitration institute.

2. SMART Investor (I) Visa

This category is available to foreign investors who wish to invest in technology-based business in the targeted industries (S-Curve industries). The investment methods include shares, property, goods, services, or funds. 

Requirements and qualifications

  • Minimum investment of the following amounts:
    1. Investing at least THB 20,000,000 in technology-based business in the targeted industries (S-Curve industries) in Thailand, whether as an individual investor or through a venture capital company in Thailand; or
    2. Investing at least THB 5,000,000 as an individual investor, in a startup or an incubation or accelerator program endorsed by relevant agencies (Note: The investor can invest in more than 1 business, but must maintain the investment throughout the validity period of SMART Visa.); or 
    3. Investing at least THB 20,000,000 through a venture capital company. (Note: The investment must be certified by relevant agencies as being either a venture capital company investing in the technology-based business in manufacturing or delivering services in the S-Curve industries.)
    4. The business to be set up or invested in must be certified as technology-based in manufacturing or delivering services in the S-Curve industries by relevant government agencies which include:
      (i) National Innovation Agency (Public Organization),
      (ii) Digital Economy Promotion Agency, and
      (iii) National Science and Technology Development Agency.

3. SMART Executive (E) Visa

This stream is for senior executives working in the companies using technology in manufacturing or delivering services and being in the targeted industries (S-Curve industries).

Requirements and qualifications

    • Holding a senior management position, such as Chairman or Managing Director, in a company.
    • Minimum income of no less than THB 200,000 (or the international equivalent) per month.
    • Having a Bachelor’s degree or above or equivalent. 
    • Having at least 10 years of work experience in the relevant fields.
    • Having an employment or service contract with a company in Thailand or overseas with an assignment to work in Thailand, with 1 year of validity remaining.
    • The employing companies must be certified as being technology-based in manufacturing or delivering services in the S-Curve industries by relevant government agencies including:
      (i) National Innovation Agency (Public Organization),
      (ii) Digital Economy Promotion Agency, and
      (iii) National Science and Technology Development Agency.

4. SMART Startup (S) Visa

This stream is for entrepreneurs who want to establish or expand a startup in Thailand. However, SMART Startup (S) Visa is slightly different than other steams as it allows applicants to reside in Thailand for a shorter period of 6 months, 1 year, or 2 years, depending on the applicant’s circumstances, rather than the standard four-year duration.

Requirements and qualifications for a 6-month SMART Startup (S) Visa

  • Having either of the following:
    • An official plan to set up a tech startup in Thailand, which must be endorsed by relevant agencies, such as the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization); or 
    • Be engaged in an activity aimed to promote startups, or an activity similar to Startup Camp, endorsed by government agencies, such as the Board of Investment (BOI) and National Innovation Agency (Public Organization).
  • Having health insurance covering the entire period of stay in Thailand.
  • Thus, 6-month SMART Startup (S) Visa is suitable for foreigners who plan to set up a startup company in Thailand or engage in promotional activities for startups or Startup Camps

Requirements and qualifications for a 1-year SMART Startup (S) Visa

  • Having either of the following:
    1. Attending an incubation or accelerator program or any other similar program which is in the S-Curve industries. The program must be certified by relevant government agencies, such as the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) and Digital Economy Promotion Agency; or
    2. Receiving joint venture funding with the public sector or be endorsed by relevant government agencies, such as the Digital Economy Promotion Agency.
  • Having a deposit of no less than THB 600,000 Baht (or the international equivalent) in a bank account in Thailand or in the country of their nationality or residence, which has been held for at least 3 months.
    • For spouses and children, an additional amount of deposit of no less than THB 180,000 per person (or the international equivalent) in their savings account is required. The deposit must have been maintained for a minimum of 3 months.
  • Having health insurance covering the entire period of stay in Thailand for the applicant (as well as spouse and children if being accompanied).
  • Thus, a 1-year SMART Startup (S) Visa is suitable for foreigners who have attended an incubation or accelerator program or any other similar program in the targeted industries, or received joint venture funding from the public sector or endorsed by relevant government agencies.

Requirements and qualifications for a 2-year SMART Startup (S) Visa

  • Having established a startup company in Thailand which has been certified as being the ones in the targeted industries (S-Curve industries) by relevant government agencies, such as the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) and Digital Economy Promotion Agency.
  • Holding no less than 25% of the company’s registered capital, or a position of a director of the above mentioned company.
  • Having a deposit of no less than THB 600,000 Baht (or the international equivalent) in a bank account in Thailand or in the country of their nationality or residence, which has been held for at least 3 months.
    • For spouses and children, an additional amount of deposit of no less than THB 180,000 per person (or the international equivalent) in their savings account is required. The deposit must have been maintained for a minimum of 3 months.
  • Having health insurance covering the entire period of stay in Thailand for the applicant (as well as spouse and children if being accompanied).
  • Thus, a 2-year SMART Startup (S) Visa is suitable for foreigners who have already established a certified startup company in Thailand.

5. SMART Other (O) Visa

This category is designed for spouse and children of Thailand SMART Visa holders.

Requirements and qualifications

  • Must be the legal dependents (spouse and children under 20 years old) of a SMART Visa holder.Note: Children of a SMART Talent (T) Visa holder who are over 20 years old may be eligible under certain conditions.
  • Having an amount of deposit of no less than THB 180,000 per person (or the international equivalent) in their savings account for a minimum of 3 months.
  • Having health insurance covering the entire period of stay in Thailand for each additional applicant.

What is the application process for Thailand SMART Visa?

Applying for Thailand SMART Visa involves two stages:

1. Qualification Endorsement

  • You must create an account on the SMART Visa section in Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) website. 
  • You then select the applicable SMART Visa category and complete the online application, including submit a PDF version of all the required documents. Your qualifications, experience, or investment will be verified by the One Stop Center for Visas and Work Permits (OSS). 
  • At least 30 working days after having received complete documents, the OSS will then notify you of the results. If successful, you will be issued a Letter of Qualification Endorsement. 

2. Visa Issuance

  • You must apply for the SMART Visa, within 60 days from the date of issuing the Letter of Qualification Endorsement, at the following organizations:
    • The Immigration Bureau at Thailand Investment and Expat Services Center (TIESC) in Bangkok (if in Thailand)
    • EEC Labour Administration Center in Chonburi (if in Thailand) 
    • the Royal Thai Embassies/the Royal Thai Consulate Generals via Thai E-Visa system(if abroad)
  • Then, you will receive your SMART Visa stamp for long-term residence. 

At Skyinterlegal, we manage both steps — ensuring your documents meet BOI requirements and liaising with Thai authorities for smooth approval.

Thailand SMART Visa Issuance 

You have to book an appointment to get your SMART Visa at either:

  • The Immigration Bureau at Thailand Investment and Expat Services Center (TIESC) in Bangkok; or
  • the Royal Thai Embassies/the Royal Thai Consulate Generals via Thai E-Visa system (for overseas).

Note: Advance booking can be made at least 2 working days but not exceeding 30 days. Book an appointment here. 

For obtaining visa at Thailand Investment and Expat Services Center (TIESC), you will need to present several documents at your appointment date and time. The required documents include:

  1. Passport or Travel Document
    – Provide your passport or travel document along with photocopies of all pages containing immigration or consular stamps, including the most recent entry stamp.
    – At least two to three blank pages must be available in the passport for the Smart Visa stamp.
  2. Letter of Qualification Endorsement
    – Submit a valid notification letter issued by the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) to the Immigration Bureau.
    – The document must be printed single-sided.
    – The letter is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance and can be collected from the Smart Visa Unit.
  3. Thailand SMART Visa Form
    – Complete and sign the TM.90 – Application for Smart Visa form.
    – The document must be printed on both sides of the page.
  4. STM.6 Acknowledgement Forms
    – Submit two copies of the STM.6. Each form must be completed, signed, and printed double-sided.
  5. Visa Overstay Penalty Acknowledgement Form
    – Complete and sign the acknowledgement form relating to penalties for visa overstay. The document should be printed on one side only.
  6. Smart Visa Recipient Acknowledgement Form
    – Complete and sign the acknowledgement form outlining the rules and practices for Smart Visa holders. This document should also be printed single-sided.
  7. Passport Photograph
    – Provide one passport-sized photo (4 cm x 6 cm) taken within the last six months.
    – The photo must have a white background, and the applicant should wear business attire. Glasses and headgear are not permitted. Low-quality or photocopied images will not be accepted.
  8. TM.6 Arrival/Departure Card (if applicable)
    -Provide the original and a copy of your TM.6 arrival/departure card.
  9. 90-Day Reporting Receipt (if applicable)
    – Proof of the report is required at the time of visa issuance.
  10. Work Permit (if applicable)
    -Applicants currently holding a Non-Immigrant B visa must present their valid work permit, along with a copy.

For obtaining visa via the E-Visa system issued by the Royal Thai Embassies/the Royal Thai Consulate Generals (overseas), the procedure is as follows:

  1. After receiving your Thailand SMART Visa approval notification, you should inform the Smart Visa Unit at smartvisa@boi.go.th of the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate-General where you intend to receive your Smart Visa. This notification should be sent at least one month before your planned travel date to Thailand.
  2. Once your request has been submitted, the Smart Visa Unit will forward your notification letter to the selected Thai Embassy or Consulate-General. You will receive confirmation by email once the transfer has been completed. This process generally takes approximately 7–14 business days.
  3. Upon receiving the confirmation, you can apply for the E-Visa through Thai E-Visa’s website. The Royal Embassy/Consulate may request for additional documents.

Note: The notification letter is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. If the letter expires, applicants will need to obtain a new certification. 

You should also be aware of any possible discrepancies between the E-Visa, the Smart Visa notification letter, and arrival stamp to ensure that you will not be denied in entering Thailand. 

You can send a copy of the E-Visa document and arrival stamp to smartvisa@boi.go.th. to receive the notification letter of rights for Thailand SMART Visa holders.

Fees

1. Thailand SMART Visa Cost

  • THB 10,000 THB (or the international equivalent if applying abroad) per person per year. The processing fee at each Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate-General may vary depending on the currency rate and the additional fee which might be applying in some countries.
  • Case examples
    – the permitted duration of 8 months will cost THB 10,000.
    – the permitted duration of 1 year and 2 months will cost THB 20,000.

2. Service Fee

  • Quotation provided after initial assessment. 

Required Documents 

The basic required documents include:

  • Completed application form of qualification endorsement for Thailand SMART Visa
  • Copy of valid passport (first page and all pages with Thai visa stamps)
  • Employment contract or investment documents (depending on category).
  • Proof of income, funds, or investments.
  • Health insurance policy (for some categories).
  • Evidence of qualification (for some categories).
  • Police clearance and medical certificate.

Exact requirements are varied by category and applicant profile.

How can we help?

At Skyinterlegal, we guide you through every step of the SMART Visa application:

  • Free consultation
  • Eligibility assessment – determine which SMART Visa category suits you. Note: If none of SMART Visa category suits you, we will not encourage you to proceed with an application. Instead, we will assist you in exploring other visa options that may be more appropriate for your situation. The alternative visa options available for long-stay include the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV Thailand), Thailand Privilege/Elite Visa, and Thailand Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR visa).
  • Document preparation & review – avoid delays and rejections.
  • BOI coordination – we handle the endorsement process with Thai authorities.
  • Visa application support – embassy submission, e-visa, or in-country processing.
  • After-visa services – work authorization, dependent applications, report preparing, tax planning, and business setup in Thailand.

With our legal expertise, your SMART Visa application is efficient, compliant, and stress-free.

Alternative Visa Options 

If the SMART Visa is not suitable for your circumstances, there are several alternative visa options available. Depending on your objectives—such as working remotely, investing, conducting business, or residing in Thailand for an extended period—other visa categories may provide a more appropriate pathway. This includes the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV Thailand) for remote workers, Thailand Privilege/Elite Visa for lavish experience, and Thailand Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR visa).

Our team carefully assesses each client’s situation, including their professional activities, investment plans, and intended length of stay, to identify the most suitable visa option. Where appropriate, we may recommend alternatives such as long-term residence programs, business-related visas, or other specialized visa categories available to foreign nationals in Thailand. By providing a thorough evaluation and tailored advice, we assist clients in selecting the visa solution that best aligns with their circumstances and long-term plans in Thailand.

FAQ Highlights on SMART Visa Thailand

Eligible applicants include highly-skilled professionals (SMART T), investors (SMART I), executives (SMART E), startup founders (SMART S), and dependents (SMART O). Each category has specific requirements.

Up to 4 years, depending on your category.

SMART Visa holders are generally exempt from the work permit requirement. This simplifies employment in Thailand.

Yes, dependents are eligible certain category of Thailand SMART Visa. It is to note that they are granted the same length of stay as the main applicant.

Yes, with a work permit.

No, the dependents may work in any industries they want to after they have obtain work permit. Nevertheless, they cannot work in the prohibited occupations and professions as specified by the Department of Labour.

The targeted industries (S-Curve industries) include next-generation automotive, biotechnology, digital, healthcare, robotics, renewable energy, aviation, agriculture and food processing, and other sectors promoted by the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI).

Typically, 30 days for BOI endorsement and another 1–2 weeks for visa issuance.

Feature

Thailand LTR Visa

Thailand SMART Visa
Purpose Attract wealthy foreigners, retirees, remote workers, and skilled professionals to live long-term in Thailand Attract skilled professionals, executives, investors, and entrepreneurs in targeted industries
Validity 10 years 4 years (depending on category)
Work Permit Required, but fast-track BOI work permit available Not required (most categories exempt)
Eligible Applicants Wealthy global citizens, wealthy pensioners, remote workers, highly-skilled professionals, dependents Talent (T), Investor (I), Executive (E), Startup (S), Dependents (O)
Industries No industry restriction Must be in targeted industries (S-Curve industries)
Dependents Yes Yes (depending on category)
Re-entry Yes Yes
Ideal For Wealthy individuals, retirees, digital nomads, high-income professionals Skilled professionals, tech executives, investors, startup founders in innovative industries
  • SMART T: THB 100,000/month (THB 50,000 for certain science & tech experts).
  • SMART E: THB 200,000/month.
  • SMART I & S: No income requirement, but investment or funds are required.

Applicants must invest at least (i) THB 5,000,000 as an individual investor or (ii) THB 20 million in companies or projects in the targeted industries.

Applicants must show proof of at least THB 600,000 (or the international equivalent) in deposit. If bringing dependents, an additional THB 180,000 (or the international equivalent) per person is required.

Yes, applicants under certain categories, such as SMART S (Startup), must have valid health insurance covering their stay in Thailand.

Thailand SMART Visa holders only need to report once a year, compared to every 90 days for other visas.

Yes, Thailand SMART Visa is a multiple-entry visa, allowing visa holders to travel in and out of Thailand without needing re-entry permit.

You can complete an online application at the SMART Visa section in the Thailand Board of Investment’s website.

Documents vary by category. Generally, the documents may include passport, employment contract, investment proof, financial statements, health insurance, police clearance, and a letter of endorsement.

If you are not eligible, you may still qualify for other visas such as the Thailand LTR Visa, Thailand Elite Visa (Thailand Privilege Visa), Business Visa, or Retirement Visa.

Yes, they can legally invest in property under Thailand’s foreign ownership laws, subject to regulations.

Yes, some SMART Visa holders (particularly SMART T in science/tech fields) may qualify for personal income tax reduction to 17%, compared to the standard progressive rate up to 35%.

Thailand SMART Visa requires strict BOI qualification and detailed documentation. At Skyinterlegal, we ensures:

  • Accurate eligibility assessment
  • Professional preparation of documents
  • Direct communication with BOI and Immigration
  • Higher chance of approval and reduced processing delays

For more inquiries, please feel free to contact us:

Sky International Legal Co., Ltd.
725 S Metro Building, 20th Floor, Room 174, Sukhumvit Road, Khlong Tan Nuea Subdistrict, Vadhana District, Bangkok 10110.
See map (click here)

Tel. 081-9151522, 090-0700080
Email: skyinterlegal@gmail.com