SMART Visa Services: Innovators, Entrepreneurs, and Specialists Welcome

The SMART Visa is Thailand’s premium visa option for professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors in high-tech industries or innovation-focused roles. If you want to contribute to Thailand’s growing innovation economy, the SMART Visa could be ideal. It offers long-term stay options and a range of benefits tailored for highly skilled talent and their families.

I’ll guide you through the application process, ensuring you meet the requirements and begin your journey with ease.

Alternatively, there are a number of companies working directly with the BOI for people interested in this visa. If you are interested in this method, I can help you connect with them.

This visa category is very large and routinely changes its requirements. As such, I will keep this information as up-to-date as possible; however, changes to the visa may not be instantly reflected on this site.

What is a SMART Visa?

The SMART Visa is a long-term visa aimed at individuals contributing to Thailand’s technological, scientific, and economic development. It is tailored for professionals in industries such as technology, healthcare, education, and research, as well as investors and startup founders.

The list of industries includes:

• Next-Generation Automotive

• Smart Electronics

• Affluent, Medical and Wellness Tourism

• Agriculture and Biotechnology

• Food for the Future

• Automation and Robotics

• Aviation and Logistics

• Biofuels and Biochemicals

• Digital

• Medical Hub

• Alternative Dispute Resolution

• Human Resource Development in Science and Technology

• Environmental Management and Renewable Energy

Who Qualifies for the SMART visa?

The Thailand SMART Visa program is divided into five categories, each tailored to specific needs. Below are the requirements for each type:

SMART Visa “T” (Talent):

• Highly-skilled professional in one of the targeted industries.

• Expertise in science and technology related to the targeted industry.

• Monthly income of at least 100,000 Thai Baht (50,000 Thai Baht for retirees or those working with startups).

• Work/service contract valid for at least 1 year.

SMART Visa “I” (Investor):

• Direct investment of at least 20 million Thai Baht in a technology-based business in Thailand.

• Alternatively, invest at least 5 million Thai Baht in a startup or accelerator program endorsed by Thai agencies.

• The business must be technology-based in manufacturing or delivering services in one of the targeted industries.

SMART Visa “E” (Executive):

• Senior management position such as Chairman or Managing Director in a technology-based company.

• Monthly income of at least 200,000 Thai Baht.

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 10 years of relevant work experience.

• Work/service contract valid for at least 1 year.

SMART Visa “S” (Startup):

• Established a startup in one of the targeted industries in Thailand.

• Must hold at least 25% of the company’s registered capital or be in a director’s position.

• Have a deposit of at least 600,000 Thai Baht in a bank account for at least 3 months.

• Health insurance covering the duration of the stay in Thailand.

SMART Visa “O” (Family Members):

• Spouse and/or dependent legitimate children (biological or adopted) of the primary SMART Visa holder.

• A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity.

• Proof of employment or an offer letter from a qualifying organization or industry.

• Evidence of income meeting the threshold (varies by category).

• Relevant educational qualifications or professional experience.

• A letter of endorsement from the Thai Board of Investment (BOI).

• Health insurance covering your stay in Thailand.

Benefits of the SMART Visa Program

The SMART Visa offers many more advantages than the standard Non-B Work Visa. Not all benefits apply to all 5 categories, but most do.

• Extended Stay: Issued for up to 4 years, depending on the duration of your work, service contract, and category.

• Work Permit Waiver: No need to apply for a separate Thai Work Permit to work in eligible companies.

• Simplified Reporting: Annual stay reporting replaces the typical 90-day requirement, saving time and effort.

• Re-Entry Freedom: No need to apply for a Re-Entry Permit; your visa allows seamless travel in and out of Thailand.

• Family Benefits: Spouses and dependent children over 18 are allowed to work or study in Thailand without needing additional permits, provided it is not within the prohibited jobs for foreigners list.

• Targeted Industry Opportunities: Access to Thailand's most innovative industries and networks, enhancing professional and business growth.

• Access to a fast-track service at international airports in Thailand (where available)

Documents You’ll Need for a SMART Visa

General Documents for All SMART Visa Types:

1. SMART Visa Application Form (specific to the category).

2. Passport (valid for at least 6 months).

3. Criminal Record Check: Police clearance from your home country (notarized) and, if applicable, from Thai authorities.

4. Health Certificate: Showing no prohibited diseases, issued within the last 3 months.

5. Educational and Professional Proofs: Degrees, certifications, employment letters, or other relevant documents.

Additional Documents by Type:

• SMART T: Employment contract (minimum 1 year), company’s annual report.

• SMART I: Proof of investment, list of shareholders, company financial statements.

• SMART E: Organization chart, employment contract, company registration documents.

• SMART S: Business plan (Pitch Deck), proof of capital deposit, startup endorsements.

• SMART O: Family relationship documents, proof of spouse’s/child’s eligibility to work.

Not sure how to collect these? I’ll guide you through the process.

Application Process

Obtaining a SMART Visa involves several steps, including qualification endorsement and document submission. Here’s how the process works:

1. Step 1: Qualification Endorsement

   • Submit an online application via the SMART Visa portal.

   • Attach PDF copies of required documents (e.g., employment contract, proof of income).

   • Endorsement takes up to 30 working days.

2. Step 2: Visa Application

   • Use the Qualification Endorsement Letter to apply for the SMART Visa at:

     • A Thai Embassy or Consulate (if you are abroad).

     • The One-Stop Service Center (OSS) in Bangkok (if you are in Thailand).

3. Step 3: Visa Issuance

   • Processing time for final issuance: 2-10 working days depending on the office.

Extensions and Renewals

The SMART Visa is valid for 1-4 years, depending on your contract and qualifications. You can apply for an extension 60 days before expiry, following the same qualification endorsement process.

Start Your SMART Visa Application Today

📅 Interested in exploring Thailand's Smart Visa options? Contact me to assess your eligibility and begin the application process.