SMART Visa and LTR — Routes Replacing the Standard Work Permit
Highly skilled professionals, investors, senior executives, startup founders and qualified remote workers under BOI criteria.
Filing order at a glance
Submit qualification through the BOI system → receive the endorsement letter → obtain the visa → complete formalities at the One Stop Service Centre.
Conditions you must meet
- SMART Visa: qualification endorsement in the relevant category (T talent, I investor, E executive, S startup, O dependants) under BOI criteria.
- LTR: categories for wealthy global citizens, wealthy pensioners, work-from-Thailand professionals and highly skilled professionals, each with published income, investment and health-insurance criteria.
- Holders in the eligible categories may work using the digital endorsement instead of a conventional work permit, subject to the conditions set by the authorities.
Documents to prepare
- Evidence of income, experience or investment for the chosen category.
- Health insurance meeting the published criteria.
- Employer or target-industry endorsement letters as required.
Process
- File the qualification request online with BOI.
- Once endorsed, obtain the visa at a Thai mission abroad or at the One Stop Service Centre in Thailand.
- Report at the prescribed intervals, which are longer than the standard 90-day cycle.
Common pitfalls
- Assuming an LTR allows any work for Thai clients — work rights depend on the category granted.
- Insurance or income evidence not in the format the authorities accept.
Deciding authority
Thailand Board of Investment and the Immigration Bureau.
Talk to our team
Ask about scope, documents and timelines by phone, LINE or email. We cannot guarantee an authority's decision, but we review your file before submission to reduce the risk of rejection.
Contact our teamOfficial sources
Information as of August 2026. Confirm current conditions with the relevant authority before acting.
Other routes
Work Permit with an Ordinary Thai Company (Non-B)BOI Work Permits and the One Stop Service CentreWork Permits for Foreign Teachers and LecturersRepresentative Offices and Regional OfficesOccupations Prohibited or Conditionally Open to ForeignersRenewals, Changing Employer and Notifying ChangesForeign Documents, Translation and Legalization for Work Permits
More: Work Permit FAQ · All Thai visa types