Thailand’s Smart Visa program was introduced in 2018 as part of the government’s efforts to attract highly skilled professionals, investors, executives, and startup entrepreneurs in targeted industries that support the country’s “Thailand 4.0” economic development policy. The Smart Visa provides an alternative to conventional visa and work permit processes, offering streamlined procedures and enhanced benefits for eligible applicants and their families.
This article provides an in-depth analysis of the Thailand Smart Visa, covering its legal framework, categories, eligibility requirements, application process, rights, limitations, and practical considerations.
The Smart Visa is implemented under the authority of:
The Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979) (as the primary immigration law of Thailand).
The Alien Working Act B.E. 2551 (2008) and subsequent amendments.
Cabinet resolutions and regulations adopted to operationalize the Smart Visa policy.
The Smart Visa is administered by the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) in collaboration with:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ministry of Labour.
Immigration Bureau.
Other government agencies, depending on the applicant’s sector.
The Smart Visa aims to:
✅ Attract experts, investors, executives, and startups in industries identified as critical for Thailand’s economic modernization.
✅ Promote technology transfer, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
✅ Provide a streamlined process for long-term residence and employment without the bureaucratic burdens of traditional work permits.
The Smart Visa focuses on 10+ targeted industries, including:
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 industry.
Medical hub.
Additional industries (as approved by the BOI).
| Type | Eligibility | Main Features |
|---|---|---|
| Smart T (Talent) | Highly-skilled professionals in target industries, earning at least THB 100,000/month (lower threshold for some roles). | Up to 4-year visa, no work permit required. |
| Smart I (Investor) | Investors in technology-based firms in target sectors, with minimum investment thresholds (THB 20 million or as specified). | Up to 4-year visa, no work permit required. |
| Smart E (Executive) | Senior executives in technology firms, with salary ≥ THB 200,000/month and relevant experience. | Up to 4-year visa, no work permit required. |
| Smart S (Startup) | Entrepreneurs establishing startups in target sectors. Requires minimum deposit (THB 600,000) and other conditions. | 1-year visa (renewable), no work permit required. |
| Smart O (Others) | Dependents (spouse, children) of Smart Visa holders. | Same validity as principal holder, right to stay and work (in some cases). |
No work permit required: Smart Visa holders may work directly under the scope of approval.
Renewable long-term stay: Up to 4 years, depending on category.
90-day reporting reduced to once per year (instead of quarterly).
No re-entry permit required.
Dependents (Smart O) enjoy the right to stay for the same duration, with spouses eligible to work without a separate work permit (Smart T category dependents).
Employment or assignment in a company or institute in a targeted sector.
Minimum salary: THB 100,000/month (THB 50,000/month for experts in startups or retired experts in academia).
Employment contract valid for at least 1 year.
Endorsement by relevant government agency.
Direct investment in technology-based firms in targeted industries.
Minimum investment: THB 20 million (or as specified).
Investment must be in technology-based enterprises.
Senior management or executive role.
Minimum salary: THB 200,000/month.
Bachelor’s degree or higher.
At least 10 years’ experience in relevant field.
Employed by a technology-based company in a target industry.
Plan to establish a startup in a target sector.
Must have at least THB 600,000 deposit in Thai bank, maintained for 3 months prior to application.
Health insurance covering Thailand.
Participation in an endorsed startup incubator or accelerator program (or business plan approved by relevant agency).
1️⃣ Submission of application
Applications are submitted online or at the BOI One-Stop Service Center.
Required documents include employment contracts, company registration, investment proof, educational and professional credentials.
2️⃣ Qualification endorsement
Relevant agencies (e.g., Digital Economy Promotion Agency, National Innovation Agency) review the applicant’s qualifications.
BOI issues an endorsement letter if criteria are met.
3️⃣ Visa issuance
The applicant uses the endorsement letter to obtain the Smart Visa at:
Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate (if abroad), or
Immigration Bureau (if in Thailand).
Validity: 1 to 4 years depending on visa type and contract/investment term.
Renewal: Requires updated documentation and continued qualification (e.g., employment, investment).
Annual report at the Immigration Bureau (instead of the usual 90-day reporting).
Notification of changes (e.g., employer, job scope, investment) must be submitted to the BOI.
Non-compliance may result in visa revocation.
⚠ Strict eligibility
Salary, role, and industry requirements are strictly applied. Applicants must match target sectors.
⚠ Limited to approved scope
Work outside the approved employer or scope is not permitted without further endorsement.
⚠ Sector-specific focus
Not suitable for professionals or investors outside targeted industries.
⚠ Health insurance
Mandatory for Smart S and dependents, and strongly recommended for others.
⚠ Ongoing compliance
The Smart Visa status is contingent on continued adherence to qualifying conditions (employment, investment, business progress).
Processing time: The qualification endorsement can take 30–60 days or more depending on case complexity.
Cross-agency coordination: The involvement of multiple authorities can lead to procedural delays.
Document requirements: Comprehensive documentation and precise compliance with criteria are necessary to avoid rejection.
| Feature | Smart Visa | Standard Non-B + Work Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Work permit | Not required (work approved via Smart Visa) | Required separately |
| Duration | Up to 4 years | Typically 1 year (renewable) |
| 90-day reporting | Once per year | Every 90 days |
| Spouse work rights | Allowed (Smart T dependents) | Not allowed without work permit |
| Re-entry permit | Not required | Required for leaving and re-entering Thailand |
The Thailand Smart Visa represents a significant innovation in the country’s immigration policy, designed to attract and retain foreign professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs who can contribute to Thailand’s future economy. While offering clear advantages over traditional visa and work permit structures, the Smart Visa demands careful preparation, precise eligibility, and ongoing compliance. It is a valuable tool for qualified individuals and businesses aligned with Thailand’s strategic industries.