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Thai Visa Reviews

SMART Visa

Special visa for highly skilled professionals and investors

30-45 days
Processing Time
10,000 THB
Visa Fee
95%
Success Rate

SMART Visa Benefits

  • 2-year renewable visa with work permit
  • Spouse can work without separate work permit
  • No minimum Thai employee ratios
  • Fast-track services at airports
  • Annual reporting instead of 90-day
  • Spouse and children included

Who Can Apply?

  • Establish certified startup in targeted industries
  • 25%+ ownership or director position in startup
  • 600,000 THB bank deposit (3 months minimum)
  • 180,000 THB additional per dependent
  • Startup certified by NIA or DEPA
  • Comprehensive health insurance required

About SMART Visa in Thailand

The Smart Visa underwent major reform in January 2025, now focusing exclusively on SMART-S (Startup) category for foreign entrepreneurs. The previous SMART-T (Talent), SMART-E (Executive), and SMART-I (Investor) categories were discontinued following Cabinet resolution. SMART-S targets startup founders establishing certified companies in Thailand's targeted S-Curve industries including robotics, aviation, biofuels, digital economy, and medical services.

Foreign entrepreneurs must hold at least 25% ownership or a director position in a startup certified by the National Innovation Agency (NIA) or Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA). With streamlined processes and unique spouse work authorization, Smart visa offers unprecedented support for innovative entrepreneurs contributing to Thailand's high-value economy transition.

Visa Fee10,000 THB
Agency Service40,000-80,000 THB
Processing Time30-45 days

Application Process

  1. 1.Confirm qualification in targeted industry
  2. 2.Obtain endorsement from relevant agency
  3. 3.Submit application to One-Stop Service Center
  4. 4.Expert committee review and approval
  5. 5.Receive Smart visa with embedded work permit
  6. 6.Activate visa upon entry to Thailand

Required Documents

  • •Employment contract or investment documents
  • •Expert endorsement from relevant agency
  • •Educational and professional certificates
  • •Company registration in targeted industry
  • •Health insurance coverage
  • •Criminal background check

SMART Visa Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about Thai visa agencies and our platform

Qualifying industries include next-generation automotive, smart electronics, agriculture and biotechnology, robotics, aviation and logistics, biofuels and biochemicals, digital economy, medical services, and other S-curve industries as designated by the Thai government.
Yes, one of the key benefits is that spouses of SMART visa holders automatically receive work permit privileges without needing employer sponsorship. They can work for any company in Thailand.
As of January 2025, only SMART-S (Startup) category remains available. You need 600,000 THB bank deposit maintained for 3 months prior to application, plus 180,000 THB per dependent. The previous SMART-T (Talent), SMART-E (Executive), and SMART-I (Investor) categories were discontinued in the 2025 reform.
SMART visa includes work permit exemption, requires only annual reporting, permits spouse to work without separate authorization, and is valid for 2 years (renewable) versus typical 1-year work permits. SMART-S holders focus on building certified startups in targeted industries rather than traditional employment.
SMART-S visa is tied to your certified startup company where you hold 25%+ ownership or director position. If you want to start a different company, you would need to apply for a new SMART-S visa with the new startup, ensuring it meets certification requirements from NIA or DEPA in targeted industries.
As of 2025, SMART visa requires establishing a certified startup in targeted industries. Freelancers and consultants no longer qualify unless they establish a startup company with at least 25% ownership or director position, certified by NIA or DEPA.
Following Cabinet resolution on January 13, 2025, Thailand discontinued SMART-T (Talent), SMART-E (Executive), and SMART-I (Investor) categories. The program now focuses exclusively on SMART-S (Startup) for foreign entrepreneurs establishing certified startups in targeted industries. Existing T/E/I visa holders can complete their current terms but cannot renew.