Smart Visa in Thailand: The complete guide

Are you interested in moving to Thailand? The country has recently introduced the new Smart Visa, which is specifically designed to reduce the administrative hassle of relocating for highly skilled professionals, business leaders, and entrepreneurs. 

If your experience is within one of the targeted industries concerned by the Smart Visa, then you could benefit from several advantages if you meet the necessary criteria. This article will guide you through the different types of Smart Visas in Thailand, the requirements for applying, and how the process works. 

Overview of the Thailand Smart Visa Program

How does the Smart Visa work in Thailand? 

The Smart Visa Thailand program was introduced in 2018 as a new measure aimed specifically at attracting highly skilled foreign talent to relocate to the country for periods of one to four years. The overall aim of this program is to help the country develop its economy through technological and strategic innovation.

Unlike standard visas, the Thai Smart Visa exempts applicants from work permit requirements and has a specifically design application process that is purposefully expedited and less bureaucratic to ensure a simplified relocation process. Keep in mind that the visa’s primary function is to facilitate business relocation for applicants from the following categories:

1. Highly skilled workers within relevant industries
2. Subject Matter Experts in research or technology-based fields
3. Senior Executives or start-up entrepreneurs
4. Investors within targeted industries

What are the eligibility requirements for securing a Smart Visa?

Eligibility for the Smart Visa Thailand is determined by the Thai Board of Investment (BOI). If you fall under one of the aforementioned categories of accepted forms of expertise, you must also demonstrate that your experience is within one of the BOI’s targeted industries for economic development:

Determining the right Smart Visa for your purpose in Thailand

Thailand Smart Visas for working 

As an eligible professional working within one of the BOI’s targeted industries, then you can bypass standard work permit requirements and relocate to Thailand for work purposes through the Smart Talent “T” Visa. This type of visa is applicable only if you first obtain a work contract or endorsement from a recognized Thai company.

The Talent visa is extendable for up to four years, as long as your work contract is still valid as well. Applicants also need to meet the following visa-specific requirements:

• Minimum income of THB 100,000 per month
• An existing work contract with a BOI-approved Thai company with a remaining period of over one year
• Meet skill-based eligibility requirements (Science and technology expertise, verifiable credentials, educational background, or demonstrated relevant work experience)

Emerhub’s advisors can help you determine whether you meet the eligibility criteria for applying for a Smart Talent Visa. We can also help you prepare your application and manage the process for you to ensure compliance with relocation regulations.

Investment-related Smart Visa in Thailand

Foreign investors who specifically invest capital into one of the country’s BOI-targeted industries can also benefit from the Smart Visa Thailand program. The Smart Investor “I” Visa is purposefully designed to allow simplified relocation for anyone who directly invests over THB 20 million into tech-based businesses.

To promote its growing startup environment, Thailand also offers the 4-year  “I” Visa to investors who invest at least THB 5 million into Thai startup or incubation programs. Keep in mind that in either case, investments must be maintained for the entire duration of the stay permit. Investments can be either direct or managed through Thai-certified venture capital companies.

Visas for senior executives and startup entrepreneurs

As a senior executive or startup entrepreneur within the tech industry, you may also be eligible for the Smart Visa Thailand program. The Smart Executive “E” and Startup “S” Visas are specifically geared towards simplifying entry requirements to attract foreign business leaders to work in recognized Thai companies in leadership roles. 

Eligibility is determined primarily based on whether you intend to work within a standard Thai company or in the startup environment:

Visa classification	Smart Executive	Smart Startup
Financial requirements	Minimum income of THB 200,000 / month	Minimum bank account balance of THB 600,000
Experience	Holding a senior management position or bachelor’s Degree combined with at least 10 years of relevant experience	Director position or holding at least 25% of Thai startup’s registered capital (startup must be within targeted industries)
Other requirements	Existing employment contract with Thai company operating within targeted industry	Health insurance coverage for the entire period of stay

It is important to note that Smart Visa holders’ legal dependents (spouses or children) can also relocate to Thailand through the Smart Other “O” category. However, if you are a Startup Visa holder, you will need an additional THB 180,000 deposited in your bank account per dependent.

How to apply for the Smart Visa in Thailand

The Thai Smart Visa is issued by the BOI directly. The application process is managed directly via the Smart Visa website, however, it is crucial to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the specific category that you intend to apply for. 

Emerhub’s local advisors can help you with the entire process, from identifying which classification is right for your situation, to preparing and reviewing your application. We will also monitor your application and assist you if the BOI requests additional information or supporting documents to reduce the overall processing time.

If you are interested in relocating through the Smart Visa Thailand program, contact us via the form below and we will put you in touch with our local experts to assess your situation and start the application process!