Thailand SMART Visa. The SMART Visa is a government-initiated long-term visa aimed at attracting highly skilled professionals, executives, entrepreneurs, and investors in targeted industries to Thailand. Launched in 2018, it is a joint initiative by the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), Immigration Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Labour, aligned with Thailand’s Thailand 4.0 policy to promote innovation-driven industries.
Unlike conventional visas, the SMART Visa provides long-term stay rights, streamlined work permission, and other regulatory exemptions.
Legal Foundation and Governing Authorities
The SMART Visa scheme operates under the authority of:
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Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979)
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Cabinet resolutions issued in 2018
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Ministerial regulations on foreign employment and BOI eligibility guidelines
The program is regulated and jointly administered by:
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Thailand Board of Investment (BOI)
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Immigration Bureau
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Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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Ministry of Labour
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National Innovation Agency (NIA)
SMART Visa Types and Target Groups
There are five core categories under the SMART Visa program:
| SMART Visa Type | Target Individual |
|---|---|
| SMART T | Highly skilled Talent in targeted sectors |
| SMART I | Investors in technology-based businesses |
| SMART E | Senior Executives in qualified companies |
| SMART S | Foreign Startup entrepreneurs |
| SMART O | Dependents (spouse and children) |
Note: Targeted industries include biotechnology, digital, smart electronics, robotics, agriculture and food, aviation and logistics, alternative energy, and more.
Key Features and Benefits
| Benefit | SMART Visa Holders |
|---|---|
| Visa Validity | Up to 4 years (T/I/E), 1 year renewable (S) |
| Work Permit Exemption | Not required; digital endorsement replaces traditional permit |
| Extended Stay | No need for 90-day reporting (once per year only) |
| Multiple Entry | Unlimited re-entry rights during visa term |
| Family Benefits | Spouse and children can stay and work (with proper documentation) |
| Fast-Track Immigration | VIP lanes at airports, prioritized service from BOI |
Eligibility Criteria by Visa Type
SMART T (Talent)
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Employment in a target industry certified by a BOI-qualified company.
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Monthly salary ≥ THB 100,000 (THB 50,000 for specialists in startups or public institutions).
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At least 3 years of experience (or advanced degree + lesser experience).
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Must hold a job offer or employment contract valid for at least 1 year.
SMART I (Investor)
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Investment of at least THB 20 million in technology-based companies promoted by the BOI.
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Proof of ongoing business and funding activities.
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Documentation of company’s industry classification and technological scope.
SMART E (Executive)
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Senior executive role (e.g., managing director, chairman) in a qualified company.
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Salary ≥ THB 200,000/month.
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Minimum of 10 years’ experience.
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Employment contract for at least 1 year.
SMART S (Startup)
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Must establish a startup in a target sector within 1 year.
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Minimum deposit of THB 600,000 (THB 180,000 for dependents), held in Thai bank ≥ 3 months before application.
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Health insurance covering at least THB 500,000.
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Participation in BOI-endorsed startup incubators or accelerator programs is often required.
Application Process
1. Pre-Screening and Qualification Endorsement
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Submit application to the One Start One Stop Investment Center (OSSIC) or EEC OSS.
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Documentation includes resumes, employment contracts, proof of investment or incorporation, and industry certifications.
2. Endorsement Review
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Inter-agency review coordinated by the BOI.
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Endorsement issued if qualifications are met (approx. 30 working days).
3. Visa Issuance
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SMART Visa can be affixed at a Thai embassy abroad or at the Immigration Bureau in Thailand.
4. Digital Work Permit
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Issued simultaneously (if applicable) through the Department of Employment.
Compliance Obligations and Restrictions
| Compliance Area | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Annual Reporting | Once-per-year at Immigration Bureau |
| Job Change | Must notify BOI and seek re-endorsement |
| Business Status | Investors and startups must show ongoing activity and financial solvency |
| Dependents | Spouse must have valid employment contract to work in Thailand |
Failure to comply with any of the conditions may result in revocation of visa privileges.
Comparison: SMART Visa vs. Standard Non-Immigrant B Visa
| Feature | SMART Visa | Non-B Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Work Permit Requirement | Not required (digital included) | Mandatory |
| Visa Validity | Up to 4 years | 1 year (renewable) |
| Reporting Frequency | Once per year | Every 90 days |
| Eligibility Threshold | High (BOI endorsement required) | Medium (employer-based) |
| Family Work Rights | Allowed (if criteria met) | Not automatically granted |
Revocation and Renewal Conditions
A SMART Visa may be revoked if:
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Holder fails to meet financial, employment, or investment criteria.
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BOI certification is withdrawn.
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Holder engages in non-permitted work or misrepresents credentials.
Renewal requires re-submission of supporting documentation and proof of continued compliance.
Conclusion: A Strategic Immigration Channel for Foreign Talent and Capital
The SMART Visa program is one of the most forward-looking elements of Thailand’s immigration framework, offering a high-privilege path for qualified foreign professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors. However, the entry bar is high and the compliance regime is strict.
Success under this program requires accurate qualification alignment, clear documentation, and careful management of regulatory obligations.
