Thailand SMART Visa Guide and Categories

The SMART Visa is a specialist BOI route for founders of qualifying startups already established in Thailand. It is not a general self-employment visa, and a plan to start a business is not enough.

Rules checked: 4 September 2026. BOI changed the programme for new applications from 18 February 2025. The current routes are SMART S for startup entrepreneurs and SMART O for their eligible dependants. Older descriptions of SMART T, I and E should not be used to choose a new application.

SMART Visa categories

BOI's Por.5/2568 announcement narrowed new applications to:

SMART S: founders of certified startups in Thailand's targeted industries.
SMART O: their lawful spouse and legitimate children, subject to the dependant requirements.

SMART T (talent), I (investors) and E (executives) existed under the earlier programme. BOI still publishes information for those holders, which makes the website confusing. If you already hold one, ask the SMART Visa Unit about your status and next steps. The new-applicant change does not, by itself, tell you what happens to an existing permission to stay.

Targeted industries matter

The startup must already be established in Thailand and certified by the relevant government agency as a startup in a targeted industry. BOI names the National Innovation Agency and Digital Economy Promotion Agency as examples of certifying bodies.

A company registration and a strong pitch deck do not establish that fit. Start with the business activity and certification route before spending money on an application.

Main benefits

BOI's current SMART S page lists a renewable permission of up to two years, no separate work permit for the certified business, annual Immigration reporting and no re-entry permit requirement.

The work exemption is limited to certified work or activities. Changes or additional work require further certification, and prohibited occupations remain prohibited. The 2025 announcement also limits a spouse's work rights to no more than those of the main holder. Do not read dependant status as unrestricted family work permission.

How to apply

Read the current SMART S criteria and check the startup's certification route.
Gather the company, personal and family evidence required for your application.
Apply for qualification endorsement through the official SMART system.
Respond to requests from BOI or another reviewing agency.
After endorsement, complete visa issuance through the instructed Immigration office or Thai mission.

The endorsement stage is the real heart of the process. It is why this route can be very good for the right applicant and a complete waste of time for someone trying to force an ordinary job into the SMART label.

SMART S for startup founders

The current SMART S checklist requires the applicant to:

hold at least 25% of the certified company's registered capital, or be a director;
have at least 600,000 baht, or its equivalent, in a bank account in Thailand or their country of nationality or residence, held for at least three months;
hold another 180,000 baht, or equivalent, per accompanying spouse or child for at least three months;
have health insurance covering the entire stay for themselves and accompanying family.

Applicants and dependants must also meet the immigration conditions. These figures are part of the checklist, not a guarantee of endorsement.

If you are not a startup founder

For ordinary Thai employment, read the Non-B guide. If you work for an overseas employer, compare DTV and LTR. Each has its own conditions; none is an automatic replacement for an old SMART category.

Fees and validity

The SMART site states a visa fee based on the number of years granted. Check the current issuance instructions and local mission fee after endorsement. The two-year SMART S maximum is not a promise that every applicant receives two years.

BOI's procedure requires the visa application within 60 days of the endorsement letter's issue. For a renewal, apply for qualification endorsement at least 60 days before the existing permission expires; do not wait until the final week.

Reporting after approval

There are two separate annual reports: an address report to Immigration and a status report to the SMART Visa Unit confirming continued eligibility. Completing one does not complete the other. Follow BOI's current reporting instructions and your own notification dates.

Common mistakes

Assuming all technology jobs qualify.
Ignoring the targeted-industry endorsement.
Using old SMART T, I or E criteria for a new application.
Assuming the maximum validity will be granted.
Changing an endorsed role or company without telling the programme.
Confusing "no separate work permit" with permission to perform any work in Thailand.

Official sources

The linked announcements are BOI's unofficial English translations; the Thai text controls. Ask the SMART Visa Unit when your role, company or family circumstances do not fit the published requirements cleanly.