SMART Visa – Thailand
The 4-year visa for talents and investors (2026)
What is the SMART Visa?
The SMART Visa is a special visa designed to attract highly skilled talents, investors, executives and startups in target industries ('S-Curve Industries') like Tech, Health, or Environment. It offers exceptional benefits such as exemption from a classic work permit and a duration of 4 years.
Who is this visa for?
Compatible Profiles
- • SMART T (Talent): Experts earning > 100k THB/month.
- • SMART I (Investor): Direct investors (> 20M THB).
- • SMART S (Startup): Tech startup founders.
- • SMART E (Executive): Senior executives.
Ineligible Profiles
- • Remote workers in non-tech industries (use DTV).
- • General tourists (use TR or Exemption).
- • Low-skilled labor or non-BOI companies.
- • Passive investors without active business involvement.
Target Industries
- • Digital & Tech, Automation.
- • Health & Wellness, BioTech.
- • Green Energy, Aviation, Agriculture.
Length of stay and validity
Main conditions and criteria
- Approval by the BOI (Board of Investment) is mandatory.
- Minimum salary of 100,000 THB (Talent) or 200,000 THB (Executive).
- Direct investment of 20 Million THB (Investor).
- Certified company in target industries.
Work and authorized activities
No Work Permit Required
The SMART Visa replaces the work permit. You do not need to apply for the blue book (Work Permit) separately. Additionally, your spouse and children enjoy the same status and can live (and work, under conditions) in Thailand.
Renewal and extensions
The visa is renewable every 4 years (or at the end of the contract) as long as you meet the BOI criteria. The major advantage is immigration reporting which is done once a year instead of every 90 days on other visas.
FAQ - SMART Visa 2026
Do I need a classic work permit?
No. The SMART Visa replaces and exempts you from the classic Work Permit. You can work legally as soon as your visa is validated.
Can I bring my family?
Yes. Your legal spouse and children can obtain a SMART Visa as dependents, giving them the right to stay and work (under conditions).
Is it better than the LTR Visa?
The LTR is for 10 years and has different criteria. The SMART Visa is ideal for those who don't meet the LTR financial wealth requirements but have high salaries in tech.
What is the 1-year reporting?
Unlike other visas requiring a report every 90 days, SMART Visa holders only need to report to Immigration once a year.
Limitations and points of vigilance
BOI Dependency
Your visa depends on maintaining your status with the BOI. If you lose your job or the company loses its certification, your visa may be revoked.
Need help with this visa?
We support companies and employees through the BOI process.