Smart Visa to Thailand

Thailand’s SMART Visa program offers a streamlined path for highly skilled professionals, investors, executives, entrepreneurs, and their families to work and live in the country. Launched to attract global talent and investment, the SMART Visa is divided into several categories catering to specific groups, making it easier for them to contribute to Thailand’s targeted industries such as next-generation automotive, robotics, and biotech.

Categories of SMART Visas

SMART Visa for Talent

• Who is it for? Highly skilled professionals in technology or expertise aligned with Thailand’s targeted industries.
• Documents Required:
  1. Biodata page of Passport or Travel Document
  2. A photograph taken within the last six months
  3. Document indicating current location
  4. Letter of qualification endorsement from the SMART Visa Unit (BOI)
• Validity: 1, 2, 3, or 4 years
• Number of Entries: Multiple
• Benefits: The visa provides up to 4 years of residency, with multiple re-entry, making it ideal for long-term work commitments in Thailand.

SMART Visa for Investors

• Who is it for? Individuals investing in companies that fall under Thailand’s high-potential sectors.
• Documents Required:
  1. Biodata page of Passport or Travel Document
  2. A photograph taken within the last six months
  3. Document indicating current location
  4. Letter of qualification endorsement from the SMART Visa Unit (BOI)
• Validity: 1, 2, 3, or 4 years
• Number of Entries: Multiple
• Benefits: This visa facilitates long-term investors who play a crucial role in bolstering Thailand's economy through high-value investments.

SMART Visa for Executives

• Who is it for? Senior executives and high-level managers working in companies related to Thailand’s targeted industries.
• Documents Required:
  1. Biodata page of Passport or Travel Document
  2. A photograph taken within the last six months
  3. Document indicating current location
  4. Letter of qualification endorsement from the SMART Visa Unit (BOI)
• Validity: 1, 2, 3, or 4 years
• Number of Entries: Multiple
• Benefits: This visa is aimed at experienced professionals who are managing key business operations in Thailand, offering long-term stability and multiple entries.

SMART Visa for Startups

• Who is it for? Entrepreneurs establishing startups in Thailand, especially in innovative sectors such as biotech or automation.
• Documents Required:
  1. Biodata page of Passport or Travel Document
  2. A photograph taken within the last six months
  3. Document indicating current location
  4. Letter of qualification endorsement from the SMART Visa Unit (BOI)
• Validity: 6 months, 1 year, or 2 years
• Number of Entries: Multiple
• Benefits: With a shorter initial duration, this visa provides the flexibility to startups, enabling founders to initiate projects and establish a presence in Thailand with the possibility of extending the visa further.

SMART Visa for Spouses and Children

• Who is it for? The family members (spouses and children) of the SMART Visa holders.
• Documents Required:
  1. Biodata page of Passport or Travel Document
  2. A photograph taken within the last six months
  3. Document indicating current location
  4. Letter of qualification endorsement from the SMART Visa Unit (BOI)
• Validity: 1, 2, 3, or 4 years
• Number of Entries: Multiple
• Benefits: This visa allows the family to accompany the primary SMART Visa holder, offering stability for families residing in Thailand.

General Process

For all categories, obtaining a SMART Visa requires a qualification endorsement from the SMART Visa Unit, Board of Investment (BOI). The necessary documents include basic identification materials such as passport biodata pages and photographs, along with the crucial letter of endorsement.

The SMART Visa program simplifies long-term stays in Thailand for professionals, investors, executives, and their families, making it a key gateway for high-skilled talent to contribute to Thailand’s innovative industries. Each visa type offers multi-year validity with multiple entries, providing a flexible and beneficial framework for both visa holders and their families.

For those considering a move to Thailand, whether to work, invest, or start a business, the SMART Visa program offers excellent benefits tailored to specific needs. For detailed application steps and additional documentation, consult the relevant embassy or the SMART Visa Unit.