SMART Visa (Talent, Investor, Executive, Startup)
Highly skilled talent (T), investors (I), executives (E), startup entrepreneurs (S) and their spouse/children (O) in the targeted industries.
Up to 4 years depending on the sub-category and contract length.
Qualifying SMART holders do not need a separate work permit and report annually instead of every 90 days.
Eligibility and documents
- Qualification endorsement from the relevant agency in the targeted industry
- Employment contract or investment/shareholding evidence per sub-category
- Minimum income evidence as announced for the T and E categories
- Health insurance covering the full stay
Application process
- File for qualification endorsement at the BOI SMART Visa unit
- The endorsing agency assesses technical and industry criteria
- Collect the visa at a Thai mission or the One Stop Service Center
- Report annually and notify any change of employer as required
Extension of stay in Thailand
Renewed in line with the endorsed contract or business plan while the category criteria are maintained.
Common pitfalls
- The employer's industry falling outside the targeted list
- Changing employer without a new endorsement
- Degree and experience documents not certified as the endorsing agency requires
FAQ — SMART Visa (Talent, Investor, Executive, Startup)
Who can apply for the SMART Visa (Talent, Investor, Executive, Startup)?
Highly skilled talent (T), investors (I), executives (E), startup entrepreneurs (S) and their spouse/children (O) in the targeted industries.
What is the difference between visa validity and permitted stay?
Up to 4 years depending on the sub-category and contract length. — Qualifying SMART holders do not need a separate work permit and report annually instead of every 90 days.
Which documents are required?
Qualification endorsement from the relevant agency in the targeted industry · Employment contract or investment/shareholding evidence per sub-category · Minimum income evidence as announced for the T and E categories · Health insurance covering the full stay
What is the application process?
File for qualification endorsement at the BOI SMART Visa unit → The endorsing agency assesses technical and industry criteria → Collect the visa at a Thai mission or the One Stop Service Center → Report annually and notify any change of employer as required
How do I extend my stay in Thailand?
Renewed in line with the endorsed contract or business plan while the category criteria are maintained.
What are the most common reasons for refusal?
The employer's industry falling outside the targeted list · Changing employer without a new endorsement · Degree and experience documents not certified as the endorsing agency requires
Which authority decides the application?
BOI SMART Visa Unit and the endorsing agencies. — every approval is at the discretion of the deciding officer; we do not guarantee outcomes.
How much does your service cost?
Fees depend on the visa category, document volume and filing location. Contact our team by phone, LINE or email for a quotation for your case.
Other Thai visa categories
Talk to our team
Ask about eligibility and service fees for your own case by phone, LINE or email — Mon–Sat 9:00–18:00 ICT.
Contact us →Sources: SMART Visa (BOI) · Thailand BOI — criteria, processing times and permitted stay can change by official announcement, and every approval is at the discretion of the deciding officer. Please verify with the responsible authority before acting.
Official sources referenced
- • สำนักงานตรวจคนเข้าเมือง (immigration.go.th)
- • ระบบ e-Visa กระทรวงการต่างประเทศ (thaievisa.go.th)
- • กรมการจัดหางาน — ใบอนุญาตทำงาน (doe.go.th)
- • สำนักงานคณะกรรมการส่งเสริมการลงทุน BOI (boi.go.th)
Government fees and processing times on this page were last verified in July 2026 by our Notarial Services Attorneys registered with the Lawyers Council of Thailand. Figures follow published agency schedules, may change without notice, and actual turnaround depends on each authority's queue. Please reconfirm with the issuing authority before you file.