Smart Visa in Thailand

The Smart Visa is a relatively new type of visa designed to attract highly qualified foreign professionals, executives, entrepreneurs, and investors who wish to work or invest in Thailand’s targeted industries:

— Biofuels and biochemicals
— Digital economy
— Medical hubs
— Automation and robotics
— Aviation and logistics
— Environmental management and renewable energy
— Alternative dispute resolution
— Agriculture and biotechnology
— Smart electronics
— High-income medical and wellness tourism
— Next-generation automotive industry
— Future food
— Human resource development in science and technology

There are ongoing discussions about expanding eligibility beyond these targeted industries.

Types of Smart Visas

Depending on the applicant’s role, the following categories are available:

Smart T (Talent) — Highly skilled professionals
Smart I (Investor) — Investors in technology businesses
Smart E (Executive) — Senior executives
Smart S (Startup) — Startup entrepreneurs
Smart O (Other) — Spouses and children of Smart Visa holders

Official website:
https://smart-visa.boi.go.th/smart/pages/smart_t.html

Smart Visa T (Talent)

Key requirements:
— Minimum income: THB 100,000/month (THB 50,000 in certain cases, e.g., startups or approved retirees)
— Employment contract (Thailand or abroad with assignment in Thailand) valid for at least 1 year
— Expertise in science/technology approved by the Strategic Talent Center (STC)
— Employer must be certified by relevant authorities

Privileges:
— Visa validity up to 4 years
— No work permit required
— Annual reporting instead of 90-day reporting
— Multiple-entry visa (no re-entry permit required)
— Spouse and children (18+) may work without a work permit
— Fast-track immigration service (where available)

Smart I (Investor)

For startup-stage applicants (initial 6-month visa):

Requirements:
— Plan to establish a tech startup or participation in approved startup programs
— Health insurance

Privileges:
— 6-month visa, extendable up to 2 years
— No work permit required for startup activities
— Annual reporting instead of 90-day reporting
— No re-entry permit required
— Fast-track immigration service

Smart I (Investor) – Full Version

Requirements:
— Income from THB 100,000/month (or THB 50,000 in specific cases)
— Employment or service contract (≥ 1 year remaining)
— Relevant expertise approved by STC
— Employer certified in targeted industries

Privileges:
— Renewable visa up to 4 years
— No work permit required
— Annual reporting
— Family members may stay and work (children 18+)
— Fast-track immigration service

Smart O (Other) — Family Members

Requirements:
— Legal spouse and children (under 20) of Smart Visa holders
— Financial proof: THB 180,000 per person (for Smart S cases)
— Health insurance (for Smart S cases)

Privileges:
— Spouse can work without a work permit
— Annual reporting instead of 90-day reporting
— Multiple-entry visa
— Fast-track immigration service

Smart S (Startup)

One of the most accessible options for entrepreneurs.

Options:
— 6 months / 1 year / 2 years depending on project stage

Requirements:
— Approved startup plan or participation in startup programs
— Health insurance

Privileges:
— No work permit required (within startup scope)
— Annual reporting
— Multiple-entry visa
— Fast-track immigration service

How to obtain a 1-year Smart S visa:
— Choose a targeted industry
— Provide bank statement (THB 600,000 for the last 3 months)
— Obtain health insurance
— Develop a startup plan
— Join a business incubator
— Apply for the visa

Within 1 year:
— Register a company
— Hold at least 25% of shares or become a director
→ Then extend the visa for 2 more years

Smart E (Executive)

Requirements:
— Bachelor’s degree or higher + at least 10 years of experience
— Salary ≥ THB 200,000/month
— Employment contract (≥ 1 year remaining)
— Senior management position (e.g., CEO, Managing Director)
— Employer certified in targeted industries

Privileges:
— Renewable visa up to 4 years
— No work permit required
— Annual reporting
— Family members can stay; spouse can work without a permit
— Fast-track immigration service