Thailand · Work visa

SMART Visa

Processing: 30 business days
Cost: From THB 10,000 first year
Validity: Up to 4 years

BOI program for experts (SMART-T), investors (SMART-I), executives (SMART-E) and startup founders (SMART-S) in targeted S-curve industries. Still operating separately from the LTR visa, though LTR now covers most senior cases.

Requirements

SMART-T (talent): expertise in a targeted industry, generally THB 100,000+/month income, endorsed employer
SMART-S (startup): fixed deposit (approx THB 600,000), business plan endorsed by an agency, set up a Thai startup within 1 year
SMART-I (investor): direct investment (approx THB 20 million) in targeted-industry companies
SMART-E (executive): senior management in a targeted-industry company, THB 200,000+/month income, degree + 10 years experience
Endorsement of qualifications by relevant Thai agencies via BOI

Time and cost

Processing time: 30 business days for endorsement, then visa issuance
Validity: Up to 4 years (SMART-S initially 2 years)
Cost: From THB 10,000 first year
Required
THB 10,000/year visa fee (per year of visa validity)
Path to residency: Time on SMART status counts toward the 3 consecutive years needed for permanent residence

Documents

Valid passport
6+ months validity
Qualification endorsement
BOI/agency endorsement for your category
Employment/investment evidence
Contract, deposit certificate or investment proof
Health insurance
Covering the stay in Thailand

Tips

The SMART visa includes work rights, so no separate permit is needed
90-day reporting is replaced by annual reporting
Compare against LTR before applying: LTR is 10 years for a flat THB 50,000 and has broader tax perks