The Thailand SMART Visa is a long-term, employment-based visa introduced by the Thai government in 2018 to attract highly skilled professionals, investors, startups, and executives in targeted industries. Designed to complement Thailand’s push toward a technology- and innovation-driven economy, the SMART Visa program offers extended stay privileges, work authorization without a traditional work permit, and simplified immigration procedures for both the visa holder and their dependents.
Unlike conventional Non-Immigrant B or O visas, the SMART Visa program is sector-specific, merit-based, and regulated by multiple agencies, including the Board of Investment (BOI) and Immigration Bureau, under a cross-ministerial strategy to foster economic development in priority sectors.
This article offers an in-depth legal and procedural overview of the SMART Visa in Thailand, including the different visa categories, application and endorsement processes, renewal conditions, and sectoral eligibility criteria.
1. Legal Framework and Policy Background
1.1 Governing Authorities
- Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) – manages application screening and endorsement
- Immigration Bureau – responsible for visa issuance and stay permits
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) – handles overseas issuance through embassies
- Relevant line ministries (e.g., Ministry of Science, Ministry of Higher Education, Industry) – issue technical endorsements
1.2 Legal Basis
- Created under Cabinet Resolutions and administrative orders of the BOI
- Supported by Section 35 of the Investment Promotion Act B.E. 2520 (1977)
- Visa issued under the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979)
2. SMART Visa Categories and Eligibility
There are five main SMART Visa categories, each with specific requirements:
| Category | Target Group | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| SMART T | Talent | Highly skilled professionals in targeted industries |
| SMART I | Investor | Investors in innovation-based businesses |
| SMART E | Executive | Senior executives of technology-driven firms |
| SMART S | Startup | Startup founders in selected industries |
| SMART O | Dependents | Spouses and children of SMART visa holders |
Let’s examine each in detail.
3. SMART T (Talent)
Eligibility
- Employment in a company operating in a targeted industry (see Section 7)
- Minimum salary:
- THB 100,000/month for general applicants
- THB 50,000/month if working for a startup, public university, or research institute
- Must have expertise recognized by a relevant government agency
- Employment contract of at least 1 year
Visa Privileges
- Up to 4 years’ stay (based on contract)
- No work permit required
- 90-day reporting extended to once per year
- Spouse and children can work and study (via SMART O visa)
4. SMART I (Investor)
Eligibility
- Must invest at least:
- THB 20 million in a tech company endorsed by a relevant government agency
- Investment must support innovation in a targeted industry
- May invest personally or through venture capital/company equity
Visa Privileges
- Renewable up to 4 years
- No work permit needed
- Investor must provide proof of fund transfers and shareholding
5. SMART E (Executive)
Eligibility
- Hold an executive role (C-level or equivalent) in an eligible company
- Minimum salary of THB 200,000/month
- Employment contract of at least 1 year
- Bachelor’s degree or higher + 10 years of work experience
Privileges
- Similar to SMART T
- Applicable for companies with BOI status or innovation-driven designation
6. SMART S (Startup)
This sub-category is split into two tracks:
6.1 For Applicants with No Registered Company Yet
- Initial visa of 6 months
- Must:
- Have THB 600,000 in a Thai bank account (for at least 3 months)
- Have a business plan endorsed by relevant agency
- Plan to register a startup in a targeted industry within 1 year
6.2 For Registered Startups
- Eligible for renewable 2-year visa
- Must:
- Register a company in Thailand within 1 year
- Hold at least 25% ownership or serve as director
- Operate in a targeted sector
7. Targeted Industries
Eligibility for all SMART Visas is conditional on activity within Thailand’s 13 targeted industries, which align with the Thailand 4.0 economic strategy:
- 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
- Defense
- Circular Economy
- Human Resource Development in Science and Technology
All companies must be verified as operating within these sectors by BOI or the line ministry.
8. Application and Endorsement Process
Step 1: Online Application
- Submit via SMART Visa Portal
- Include:
- Resume/CV
- Passport copy
- Employment contract or business plan
- Financial evidence (salary or capital)
- Proof of company registration or BOI certificate
Step 2: Endorsement Evaluation
- Reviewed by BOI and line ministries (e.g., Ministry of Science, Digital Economy)
- Timeline: 30–60 days
- Successful applicants receive an endorsement letter
Step 3: Visa Issuance
- Visa obtained at:
- Thai Embassy or Consulate abroad
- Immigration Bureau in Thailand (if switching in-country)
- Validity based on category (6 months to 4 years)
9. Rights and Obligations of SMART Visa Holders
| Right/Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Stay in Thailand | Up to 4 years, no 90-day reports (only once per year) |
| Work Authorization | Automatic—no work permit required |
| Family Rights | Spouse and children eligible for SMART O, work permitted |
| Tax Status | Must file taxes if residing >180 days/year |
| Re-entry | Multiple re-entry allowed |
Obligations:
- Must report address change (TM.28)
- Must comply with business continuation or employment requirements
- Renewal requires updated endorsement
10. Limitations and Revocation
A SMART Visa may be revoked if:
- The visa holder ceases to work for the endorsed company
- The business plan is not implemented within the timeframe (SMART S)
- Fraud or misrepresentation is discovered in the application
- Visa holder violates immigration or criminal laws
Once revoked:
- The foreign national must leave Thailand or apply for a new visa
- Spouse and children’s visas may also be terminated
11. SMART Visa vs. Other Thai Long-Stay Visas
| Criteria | SMART Visa | Non-B Visa | LTR Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work Permit Needed | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (via BOI) |
| Visa Validity | Up to 4 years | 90 days + extensions | Up to 10 years |
| Employer Restrictions | Yes (must be BOI or endorsed company) | No | Yes (target sectors) |
| Spouse Work Rights | ✅ Yes (SMART O) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Reporting Requirement | Once per year | Every 90 days | Once per year |
Conclusion
Thailand’s SMART Visa program represents a legally robust and economically targeted framework to attract foreign experts, investors, and entrepreneurs in sectors aligned with Thailand’s long-term development strategy. By removing traditional barriers such as the need for work permits and offering multi-year stays, the program facilitates innovation and investment in a legally secure manner.
However, the program’s strict requirements—particularly on salary, sector eligibility, and official endorsements—mean that it is best suited for qualified professionals and established startups who can clearly demonstrate their role in advancing Thailand’s targeted economic priorities.