SMART VISA THAILAND

WHAT IS THE THAILAND SMART VISA?

The Thailand Smart Visa is a special visa designed to attract highly skilled professionals, investors, executives and start-up entrepreneurs to work or invest in targeted industries in Thailand.

The SMART Visa Program offers long-term residence and special privileges to qualified applicants. SMART visa holders may be granted permission to stay in Thailand for up to 4 years, along with additional benefits such as exemption from the standard work permit requirement.

Benefits of The Thai SMART Visa

• Visa validity of up to 4 years (depending on the category).

• No work permit is required for employment with endorsed companies.

• An extended reporting period, with immigration reporting required only once per year.

• No re-entry permit is required for travel in and out of Thailand.

• Fast-track immigration service at international airports (where available).

• Family privileges allow spouses and children to stay in Thailand. In certain cases, spouses are permitted to work without a work permit.

Thailand SMART Visa Categories

1. SMART T Visa (Talent)

For highly skilled professionals working in technology-based industries in Thailand.

3. SMART E Visa (Executive)

2. SMART I Visa (Investor)

4. SMART S Visa (Startup)

For startup entrepreneurs establishing or developing technology-based businesses in Thailand.

For senior executives working in technology-based companies in Thailand.

For investors supporting or investing in technology-based businesses in Thailand.

The Thailand Smart Visa Program supports professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs involved in technology-based businesses within Thailand’s targeted industries.

Thailand SMART Visa Requirements

1. SMART T Visa (Talent)

General case:

Applicants for the SMART T visa in Thailand must typically meet the following requirements:

• A minimum monthly income of 100,000 THB (or 50,000 THB for experts working with start-ups or retired specialists endorsed by a relevant agency).

• Having an employment or service contract with a company or organization, either in Thailand or overseas, which assigns them to work in Thailand for at least 1 year.

• Having proven expertise in science or technology related to the targeted industries, endorsed by an agency within the Strategic Talent Center (STC) network.

• The employing company in Thailand must be certified as operating in targeted industries by relevant government agencies, such as the National Innovation Agency (NIA) or the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA).

Experts working in government or academic institutions:

Highly skilled experts may also qualify for a Thailand Smart Visa (SMART T category) if they work with:

• Government agencies

• Higher education institutions

• Specialized training institutions

• Alternative dispute resolution organizations

Additional requirements include the following:

• An employment contract or cooperation agreement issued by the relevant institution, confirming the assignment in Thailand.

• Certification of expertise in science, technology, or relevant professional fields, issued by the employing institution or related authorities.

• For dispute resolution professionals, expertise must be recognized by a relevant arbitration institute.

2. SMART I Visa (Investor)

Applicants must meet the following Thailand Smart Visa requirements:

• Make a minimum investment of 20 million THB in technology-based businesses operating in Thailand’s targeted industries, either as an individual investor or through a venture capital company; or

• Invest at least 5 million THB as an individual investor in a start-up company or an incubation/accelerator program endorsed by the relevant government agencies. Investors may invest in more than one business, provided they maintain the investment throughout the SMART Visa Thailand's validity period.

The business receiving the investment must be certified as technology-based and operating within Thailand’s targeted industries by authorized government agencies, such as the following:

• The National Innovation Agency (NIA)

• Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA)

• The National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA)

If the investment is made through a venture capital company, the investment structure must also be recognized and certified by the relevant government authorities.

3. SMART E Visa (Executive)

Applicants must generally meet the following Thailand Smart Visa requirements:

• Minimum monthly income of 200,000 THB or equivalent.

• A bachelor's degree or higher, together with at least 10 years of relevant professional experience.

• An employment or service contract with a company or organization (in Thailand or overseas) assigning the applicant to work in Thailand for at least one year.

• A senior management position, such as Chairman, Managing Director, or equivalent executive role.

The employing company must be certified as operating in targeted technology industries by relevant government agencies, including:

• The National Innovation Agency (NIA)

• Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA)

• The National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA)

4. SMART S Visa (Startup)

There are three visa options available, depending on the stage of the start-up:

4.1 2-Year SMART S Visa

This option is intended for entrepreneurs who have already set up a certified start-up company in Thailand. Applications must:

• Have established a startup operating in targeted industries, certified by relevant agencies such as the National Innovation Agency (NIA) or the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA).

• Hold at least 25% of the company’s registered capital or serve as a company director.

• Maintain a bank deposit of at least THB 600,000 for at least three months.

• Maintain an additional THB 180,000 per dependent if accompanied by spouse or children.

• Hold health insurance covering the entire stay in Thailand.

4.2 1-Year SMART S Visa

This option is available to entrepreneurs who have participated in an approved start-up incubator or accelerator program or who have received joint venture funding or endorsement from the relevant government agencies. Applications must:

• Participate in an incubation or accelerator program related to the targeted industries or receive endorsement from agencies such as DEPA or NIA.

• Maintain a bank deposit of at least 600,000 THB.

• Maintain an additional 180,000 THB per dependent.

• Hold health insurance covering the entire stay in Thailand.

4.3 6-Month SMART S Visa

This option is designed for entrepreneurs who plan to set up a start-up company in Thailand or participate in start-up promotion activities. Applications must:

• Present a startup business plan endorsed by relevant agencies such as the Board of Investment (BOI) or the National Innovation Agency (NIA).

• Hold health insurance covering the full duration of stay in Thailand.

Thailand SMART Visa Application Process

1. Online Application

• Applicants must register and submit their SMART Visa application online, including supporting documents.

2. Qualification Review

• Relevant Thai authorities review the application to confirm eligibility under the Thailand Smart Visa program.

3. Visa Issuance

• Approved applicants can obtain the Thailand Smart Visa at:

  • Royal Thai Embassies or Consulates abroad, or

  • The One Stop Service Center for Visa and Work Permit in Bangkok.

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