Thailand SMART Visa

The Thailand Smart Visa program was introduced in 2018 as part of the Thai government’s broader policy to attract high-value foreign professionals, entrepreneurs, executives, and investors to support the growth of ten targeted industries, collectively known as the “S-Curve” and “New S-Curve” sectors. Unlike conventional Thai visas, the Smart Visa allows qualified foreigners to live and work in Thailand for up to four years without a work permit, offering streamlined procedures and direct eligibility for spouses and dependents.

The Smart Visa is administered jointly by the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), the Immigration Bureau, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other related agencies.

1. Legal and Regulatory Framework

The Smart Visa program operates under:

• Section 35 of the Investment Promotion Act B.E. 2520 (1977)

• Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979), with special provisions introduced via Cabinet resolutions

• Inter-agency regulations between:

  • The BOI

  • The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society

  • The National Innovation Agency

  • The Science and Technology Ministry

  • And the Immigration Bureau

These regulations override certain conventional immigration requirements, including the need for a separate work permit under the Alien Working Act B.E. 2551 (2008).

2. Objectives and Target Sectors

The Smart Visa aims to promote innovation, technological advancement, and knowledge transfer into Thailand by facilitating foreign participation in designated sectors:

Targeted Industries:

1. Next-Generation Automotive

2. Smart Electronics

3. Affluent, Medical and Wellness Tourism

4. Agriculture and Biotechnology

5. Food for the Future

6. Automation and Robotics

7. Aviation and Logistics

8. Biofuels and Biochemicals

9. Digital Industries

10. Medical Hub

In 2023, the Thai government extended the program to include alternative energy, defense technology, and certain deep tech startups.

3. Smart Visa Categories

There are five core categories, each with specific requirements:

3.1 Smart “T” (Talent)

For highly skilled professionals in science, technology, or engineering.

• Requirements:

  • Employment in a Thai entity in a targeted industry

  • Monthly salary: THB 100,000 minimum (or THB 50,000 if working for a startup or in academic research)

  • Employment contract valid for at least one year

  • Endorsement from the relevant government body (e.g., NSTDA)

• Rights:

  • 4-year visa validity (aligned with employment contract)

  • No work permit required

  • Spouse and children eligible for dependent Smart Visas

3.2 Smart “I” (Investor)

For foreign investors investing in companies in targeted sectors.

• Requirements:

  • Minimum direct investment of THB 20 million in one or more qualified companies

  • Investment must be in a company endorsed by BOI or other relevant authority

• Rights:

  • Up to 4-year stay

  • No work permit required if also acting as an executive

  • Dependent visas for family

3.3 Smart “E” (Executive)

For senior executives in qualified companies.

• Requirements:

  • Employment in executive-level position (e.g., managing director)

  • Monthly salary of at least THB 200,000

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher and 10+ years of experience

  • Employer must be engaged in targeted sector and certified

• Rights:

  • 4-year visa (up to employment contract duration)

  • Spouse and children eligible

  • Work permit exemption

3.4 Smart “S” (Startup)

For entrepreneurs building a tech startup in Thailand.

• Requirements:

  • Must establish a startup company in a targeted industry within 1 year

  • Must hold at least 25% of shares or serve as director

  • Show evidence of THB 600,000 in savings (THB 180,000 for spouse or dependent)

  • Valid health insurance

• Rights:

  • 1-year visa, renewable if criteria are met

  • May apply for spouse and children

  • Eligible to work in the startup without separate work authorization

3.5 Smart “O” (Other)

Available for dependents (spouse and children) of Smart Visa holders.

• Permitted to stay for the same duration as the primary Smart Visa holder

• Spouses can work in Thailand without a work permit, provided the activity is not restricted by the Alien Working Act

4. Application and Endorsement Process

4.1 Pre-Endorsement Phase

Before applying for the visa, applicants must seek endorsement from the relevant authority, depending on the Smart Visa type.

• BOI handles endorsements for investors and executives

• National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) endorses talent-based applications

• Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) handles digital industry applications

• National Innovation Agency (NIA) evaluates startups

4.2 Required Documents

• Passport and personal documents

• Employment contract or business registration

• Academic qualifications (if applicable)

• Company certification (BOI or sectoral)

• Investment or financial statements

Once endorsement is approved, the BOI issues a “Smart Visa Endorsement Letter”, which must be presented at a Thai consulate or Immigration Bureau office.

4.3 Visa Issuance

Smart Visas can be issued at:

• Thai embassies or consulates abroad

• Immigration Bureau offices in Thailand (if already residing legally in the Kingdom)

Processing time: 30–45 days from submission of complete documents.

5. Privileges and Exemptions

Smart Visa holders enjoy several notable benefits not available to traditional Non-Immigrant visa holders:

However, Smart Visa holders remain subject to other immigration obligations, such as reporting changes in residence or company.

6. Renewal and Revocation

6.1 Renewal

• Visa is renewable if the underlying employment, investment, or business activity continues to qualify

• Requires updated endorsement

• Renewal should be started at least 60 days before expiry

6.2 Revocation

Smart Visas may be revoked for:

• Violation of visa conditions (e.g., unauthorized work)

• Termination of qualifying employment or investment

• Providing false information during application

• Criminal conviction

Upon revocation, the visa is canceled and the holder must exit Thailand or apply for a new visa under another category.

7. Challenges and Practical Considerations

Despite the policy incentives, practical implementation of the Smart Visa can be bureaucratically burdensome:

• Endorsement delays: Particularly in sectors requiring cross-agency approvals

• Inconsistent interpretations: Between BOI and Immigration Bureau

• Limited awareness: Among regional immigration officers

• Sector eligibility: Companies must prove they operate within a listed target sector, often requiring audits or documentary support

Applicants are strongly advised to engage legal counsel or relocation experts with Smart Visa experience, particularly in the startup and tech segments.

Conclusion

The Thailand Smart Visa represents a significant evolution in the country’s immigration and economic development policy. By eliminating the work permit requirement, extending visa durations, and opening employment pathways for spouses, the program aims to attract and retain skilled human capital and innovation-led entrepreneurs.

However, the Smart Visa is also procedurally complex, with multi-agency coordination, rigid documentary requirements, and sector-specific thresholds. Its success depends not only on meeting the formal criteria but also on a clear understanding of the relevant endorsement bodies, regulatory compliance, and post-issuance responsibilities.

For qualified professionals, investors, and founders in the targeted industries, the Smart Visa offers a pathway to live, work, and build in Thailand—under a modernized and more flexible legal framework.