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SMART Visa in thailand: A Comprehensive Guide to Thailand’s Special Visa Category
28/04/2023
Thailand’s SMART visa program is a special visa category designed to attract high-skilled professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs to the country. This program offers a range of benefits and privileges, including a four-year visa, tax incentives, and streamlined visa processing.
This comprehensive guide will explore everything you need about the SMART Visa program, including eligibility criteria, application procedures, and the benefits of obtaining a SMART visa.
Key points
- Thailand’s SMART Visa program is designed to attract highly skilled professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs to the country and offers a range of benefits and privileges.
- SMART stands for “Thailand’s Smart Visa,” which includes five industries: Science and Technology, Manufacturing, Agriculture, Robotics, Tourism, and Hospitality.
- Four types of SMART visas are available, each with specific eligibility criteria and requirements, including SMART T for highly-skilled professionals in the targeted industries, SMART S for high-skilled professionals in science and technology fields, SMART I for investors in targeted industries, and SMART E for executives and high-level managers of companies operating in Thailand.
- Eligible industries for the SMART visa include First and Second S-Curve Industries, emerging industries, health and medical services, environmental management and renewable energy, educational services, digital businesses, startups, and alternative dispute resolution and arbitration.
What is a SMART visa?
A SMART Visa is a special visa category introduced by the Thai government, aimed at attracting highly-skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors to Thailand. SMART stands for “Thailand’s Smart Visa”, which stands for “S” for Science and Technology, “M” for Manufacturing, “A” for Agriculture, “R” for Robotics, and “T” for Talent.
The SMART Visa program offers qualified applicants a range of benefits and privileges, including streamlined visa processing, a longer visa duration, and various tax incentives. This program is part of Thailand’s effort to promote the country as a hub for high-tech industries, innovative startups, and advanced manufacturing.
Four types of SMART Visas are available, each with specific eligibility criteria and requirements. These include the SMART T Visa for highly-skilled professionals in the targeted industries, the SMART S Visa for high-skilled professionals in science and technology fields, the SMART I Visa for investors in the targeted industries, and the SMART E Visa for executives and high-level managers of companies operating in Thailand.
What are the Thailand SMART visa-eligible industries?
The Thailand SMART visa program is designed to attract highly skilled professionals and entrepreneurs to work and invest in targeted industries in Thailand. The following industries are eligible for the Thailand SMART visa:
First S-Curve Industries: These are the ten targeted industries that the Thai government has identified as key drivers of economic growth and development. They include next-generation automotive, smart electronics, affluent medical and wellness tourism, agriculture and biotechnology, food for the future, robotics, aviation and logistics, biofuels and biochemicals, digital, and medical hub.
Second S-Curve Industries: These are emerging industries that the Thai government has identified as having high growth potential. They include automation and robotics, aviation and logistics, biofuels and biochemicals, digital, medical hub, and smart devices.
Other industries: In addition to the above industries, the Thailand SMART visa is also available to highly skilled professionals and entrepreneurs working in the following sectors:
- Health and medical services
- Environmental management and renewable energy
- Educational services
- Digital businesses and startups
- Alternative dispute resolution and arbitration
Please note that eligibility criteria for the SMART visa may change, and it is important to check the latest information on the official website of the Thailand Board of Investment.
Who is eligible for a SMART visa?
Applicants must meet specific requirements and criteria based on their respective visa categories to qualify for a SMART Visa in Thailand. Here’s a general overview of the eligibility requirements for each SMART Visa category:
SMART T Visa (Talent): For Highly skilled professionals in the targeted industries.
- Applicants must have a minimum income of 100 000 baht per month or equivalent.
- Must have an employment or service contract for a minimum of one (1) year with an entity in Thailand or an overseas entity with an assignment to work in Thailand.
- Possessing expertise in science and technology relevant to the targeted industries, with endorsement from a relevant government agency.
- The employing entity in Thailand must receive endorsement from relevant government agencies for its involvement in targeted industries.
Holders of a SMART T visa are eligible for the following:
- Four-year visa but not exceeding the contract term
- No work permit is required for work in the endorsed company
- 90-day Immigration reporting extended to one-year
- No re-entry permit required
- Similar benefits extended to spouses and children
- Access to a fast-track service at international airports in Thailand
SMART S Visa: For high-skilled professionals in science and technology fields.
- Applicants must have a minimum annual income of 1.2 million baht or equivalent.
- Must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field.
- Must have a job offer from a qualified employer in Thailand.
- Must have at least five years of work experience in their field of expertise.
- Must have a valid professional license or certification in their respective field.
Holders of a SMART S visa are eligible for the following:
- One-year visa issued and renewable for two (2) years if requirements are met
- No work permit is required for work in the endorsed company
- 90-day Immigration reporting extended to one-year
- No re-entry permit required
- Spouse and children granted permission to stay in Thailand
- Spouse granted permission to work without work permit requirement
SMART I Visa: For investors in targeted industries.
- Applicants must have a minimum annual income of 1.2 million baht or equivalent.
- Must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field.
- Must invest a minimum of 20 million baht or equivalent in a Thai company or government bond.
- Must have a valid job offer or be the company owner in Thailand.
Holders of a SMART I visa are eligible for the following:
- Maximum four-year visa
- No work permit is required for work in the endorsed company
- 90-day Immigration reporting extended to one-year
- No re-entry permit required
- Spouse and children granted permission to stay in Thailand
- Spouse granted permission to work without work permit requirement
SMART E Visa: For executives and high-level managers of companies operating in Thailand.
- Applicants must have a minimum annual income of 2 million baht or equivalent.
- Must have at least five years of work experience in a managerial position.
- Must have a job offer from a qualified employer in Thailand.
- Must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field.
Holders of a SMART E visa are eligible for the following:
- One-year visa issued and renewable for two (2) years if requirements are met
- No work permit is required for work in the endorsed company
- 90-day Immigration reporting extended to one-year
- No re-entry permit required
- Spouse and children granted permission to stay in Thailand
- Spouse granted permission to work without work permit requirement
In addition to meeting the above criteria, applicants must meet other requirements, such as having a clean criminal record, obtaining health and travel insurance, and providing all necessary documents to support their application.
What is the process for applying for a SMART visa in Thailand?
To obtain a SMART Visa in Thailand, candidates must meet the standards set by the Office of the Board of Investment, and relevant agencies will verify their qualifications. Once the technical and non-technical endorsements are received, the SMART Visa Unit will issue a letter of qualification endorsement. The applicant must present this letter to the Royal Thai Embassies or Royal Consulates (if residing abroad), the Immigration Bureau at the One-Stop Center for Visas and Work Permits, or the EEC Labour Administration Center in Chonburi to obtain the visa.
The procedures to obtain a SMART Visa in Thailand are as follows:
Step 1: Register for an online qualification endorsement application for SMART Visa at https://smart-visa.boi.go.th and activate an online account via a confirmation e-mail.
Step 2: Complete an application form for the SMART Visa type (T, I, E, S, and O if applicable) and upload all required documents in PDF format. Accept the qualification endorsement requirements by completing the online application for certification.
Step 3: Within 30 working days of receiving complete documentation, the OSS will notify the applicant, Immigration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other relevant agencies of the result of the qualification endorsement application.
Step 4: Within 60 days of the issuance date of the endorsement letter, the qualifying candidate can apply for a SMART Visa at the Royal Thai Embassies/The Royal Thai Consulate Generals (if residing overseas), the Immigration at One-Stop Service Center for Visa and Work Permit (OSS) in Chamchuri Square Building in Bangkok, or the EEC Labour Administration Center in Chonburi. The processing fee is 10,000 Baht per year of visa authorization (cash only).
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Frequently asked questions
What is a SMART visa in Thailand?
A SMART visa is a special visa category introduced by the Thai government to attract highly-skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors to Thailand. SMART stands for “Thailand’s Smart Visa” and includes five industries: Science and Technology, Manufacturing, Agriculture, Robotics, and Tourism and Hospitality. Four types of SMART visas are available, including SMART T for tourism and hospitality entrepreneurs, SMART S for high-skilled professionals in science and technology fields, SMART I for investors in targeted industries, and SMART E for executives and high-level managers of companies operating in Thailand. The eligible industries for the SMART visa include First and Second S-Curve Industries, emerging industries, health and medical services, environmental management and renewable energy, educational services, digital businesses, startups, and alternative dispute resolution and arbitration.
How do I get a SMART Visa for Thailand?
To get a SMART visa in Thailand, applicants must meet specific requirements and criteria based on their respective visa categories. SMART T visa applicants must have a minimum annual income of 1.2 million baht or equivalent, hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field, have a business plan related to tourism and hospitality approved by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, invest a minimum of 20 million baht or equivalent in a Thai company or government bond, and have a valid job offer or be the company owner in Thailand. SMART S visa applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field, have a minimum salary of 200,000 baht per month, and have at least three years of work experience in science and technology fields. SMART I visa applicants must invest at least 20 million baht or equivalent in a Thai company or government bond. SMART E visa applicants must be a high-level executive or manager of a company operating in Thailand. Applicants can apply for SMART visas through the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI).
How much is Thailand SMART Visa?
The cost of Thailand SMART visas varies depending on the type of visa and the applicant’s country of origin. Applicants should check the latest information on the official website of the Thailand Board of Investment.
How do I get a 10-year Thai visa?
To get a 10-year Thai visa, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and apply for the Non-Immigrant Visa “O-A” (Long Stay) at a Thai embassy or consulate. Applicants must be at least 50 years old, have no criminal record, have health insurance, and provide proof of a monthly income of at least 65,000 baht or a deposit of 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account.
How do I get a 60-day tourist visa for Thailand?
To get a 60-day tourist visa for Thailand, applicants must apply at a Thai embassy or consulate in their home country or country of residence. Applicants must provide a valid passport, return air ticket, proof of financial means, and a completed visa application form. The visa fee varies depending on the applicant’s nationality.
Can I get a 90-day tourist visa for Thailand?
Yes, tourists can get a 90-day tourist visa for Thailand. Applicants can apply for a 90-day tourist visa at a Thai embassy or consulate in their home country or country of residence. Applicants must provide a valid passport, return air ticket, proof of financial means, and a completed visa application form. The visa fee varies depending on the applicant’s nationality.
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