Visa service
Thailand Smart Visa
The Thailand Smart Visa is a 4-year multiple-entry visa administered by the Board of Investment (BOI) for senior executives, technical experts, investors, and startup founders in Thailand''s target industries. It includes bundled work authorisation — no separate work permit required — and replaces annual reporting with once-yearly address notification. Visa Centre assists with Smart Visa eligibility assessment and full BOI application preparation across all four categories.
THE FOUR SMART VISA CATEGORIES
SMART T — TALENTED PROFESSIONAL
For technical experts employed by a BOI-promoted company in a target industry.
Salary requirement: THB 100,000/month minimum (approximately USD 2,800/month).
Qualifications: bachelor''s degree in a relevant field OR 5+ years of proven experience in the target industry area.
The Smart T is designed for software engineers, biotech scientists, aerospace engineers, automotive technology specialists, and similar senior technical roles at BOI-promoted companies.
SMART I — INVESTOR
For investors committing capital to Thai target-industry companies.
Investment requirement: THB 20,000,000 (approximately USD 570,000) invested in: a BOI-promoted company, a venture capital fund approved by the SEC, or a government-endorsed investment vehicle.
No salary or employment requirement — the Smart I is purely investment-based.
Who applies: angel investors, fund-of-funds managers, private equity principals investing in Thai target-industry companies.
SMART E — EXECUTIVE
For C-suite and senior management at target-industry companies.
Salary requirement: THB 200,000/month minimum (approximately USD 5,700/month).
Qualifications: bachelor''s degree with 10+ years of experience in the relevant industry sector.
Roles that qualify: CEO, COO, CTO, Managing Director, and equivalent senior leadership positions at companies in BOI-target sectors.
SMART S — STARTUP FOUNDER
For founders of innovative startups admitted to a BOI-endorsed accelerator or hub.
Proof of innovation: a registered business or a detailed business plan demonstrating an innovative product, service, or process.
Endorsement: must be accepted into a BOI-endorsed startup programme (EECi, digital park, DEPA-endorsed hub, or equivalent). A list of endorsed programmes is maintained at smartvisa.boi.go.th.
Funds requirement: THB 600,000 in personal funds demonstrated by bank statement.
Who applies: tech startup founders, deep-tech innovators, social enterprise founders working in BOI-target sectors.
TARGET INDUSTRIES
The current BOI target industry list includes: digital technology, smart electronics, next-generation automotive, biotech and genomics, food innovation, medical devices and medical hub, robotics and automation, aerospace, biofuels and biochemicals, smart farming, and defence technology. BOI reviews and updates the list periodically.
WHAT THE SMART VISA PROVIDES
• 4-year visa, multiple-entry — renewable while employment/investment criteria are met
• Bundled work authorisation — Smart T and Smart E holders can work in their qualifying role without a separate work permit. Smart I and Smart S holders working in an operational role may still need a work permit for that role — confirm with BOI.
• Annual address reporting — replaces the quarterly 90-day reporting
• Family inclusion — spouse and under-20 children receive Smart Visa status
• Fast-track BOI One Stop Service counters for extensions and related matters
• Airport fast-track at major international airports
• 10,000 THB government fee
APPLICATION AND CHANGE NOTIFICATION
Applications submitted to the BOI Smart Visa unit at ChamChuri Square, Bangkok, or via smartvisa.boi.go.th. Target processing: 20 working days.
Important: if you change employers while holding a Smart T or Smart E, you must notify BOI within 30 days. The Smart Visa is tied to the qualifying employer — a job change that takes you to an ineligible employer or industry will require a visa change. Visa Centre manages this notification process for clients.
SMART VISA vs LTR VISA — WHICH TO CHOOSE
The Smart Visa (4 years, 10,000 THB) is appropriate when you have a qualifying employer in a target industry. The LTR Visa (10 years, 50,000 THB) requires higher income/asset thresholds but is employer-independent and longer-lasting. For senior professionals who meet both: the LTR provides more stability long-term since it is not tied to a specific employer.
HOW VISA CENTRE HELPS
We confirm whether your employer operates in an eligible BOI target industry, identify which Smart Visa category applies to your role and salary, prepare the full document package, submit to the BOI Smart Visa unit, and manage the 30-day employer-change notification process.
General guidance only. Smart Visa requirements and target industry lists verified against BOI guidance as of June 2025 (smartvisa.boi.go.th). No outcome guaranteed. Independent assistance agency; not affiliated with any government body.
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