BOI Smart Visa Thailand: A Practical Guide for Foreign Entrepreneurs and Experts

gentlelawlawfirm
Aug 29
4 min read

Why this guide: If you run or plan to join a BOI-promoted business in Thailand, the BOI Smart Visa Thailand program can remove friction that normally comes with visas and work permits. Used correctly, it lets key talent, executives, investors, and startup founders live and work in Thailand with fewer renewals and fewer ancillary filings. This guide explains what the Smart Visa is, who qualifies, how to apply, and how to stay compliant.

Key privileges in brief: up to 4-year stay, no separate work permit, multiple re-entry allowed, and annual address reporting instead of every 90 days for Smart Visa holders and eligible dependents.

What is the BOI Smart Visa Thailand

The Smart Visa is a special long-stay visa class issued to five groups: Talent (T), Investor (I), Executive (E), Startup (S), and spouse or dependents (O). It is administered jointly by the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), the Immigration Bureau, the Ministry of Labour, and other agencies. Legal authority and procedures are set out in the Immigration Bureau Order No. 20/2561 and subsequent BOI announcements.

🔎 Update — August 2025

Only SMART S (Startup) and SMART O (Dependents) are currently being issued. The former SMART T/I/E tracks have been discontinued as part of Thailand’s 2025 visa reforms that consolidate most professional/investor use-cases into the LTR visa framework. Always verify the latest BOI notices before you file. Who can apply: categories and headline criteria

Currently issued categories Smart S — Startup Founders. Innovation-driven founders under the BOI Smart S track (set-up → 1-year with incubator → renewable 2-year once shareholding/directorship thresholds are met). Smart O — Spouse and Dependents. Spouse and children of a Smart S holder (spouse can work without a separate work permit under the Smart framework).

Former categories (Smart T/I/E) were phased out in 2025. Consider LTR (e.g., Highly Skilled Professional) where appropriate. Smart T — Talent or Experts

For highly skilled experts employed in targeted industries. Headline conditions include evidence of expertise, an employment contract of at least one year, and minimum income thresholds as specified by BOI criteria.

Smart I — Investors

For investors who invest at or above BOI-specified thresholds in tech-based or targeted-industry businesses, or through qualified venture vehicles. Endorsement focuses on investment amount and that the business is within BOI targeted sectors.

Smart E — Executives

For senior executives in BOI-targeted sectors. Typical conditions include senior role, relevant qualifications and experience, minimum income thresholds, and a remaining employment term of at least one year at an endorsed company.

Smart S — Startup Founders

For innovation-driven founders. Sub-tracks cover first 6 months for setting up, 1 year with incubator support, and up to 2 years for an established startup that meets shareholding or directorship thresholds.

Smart O — Spouse and Dependents

Spouses and children of Smart Visa holders can obtain Smart O. One key privilege is that a spouse may work in Thailand without a separate work permit in accordance with the Smart Visa framework.

What industries qualify

Smart Visa applies to BOI targeted industries such as next-generation automotive, smart electronics, digital, medical hub, automation and robotics, among others. The current consolidated list is maintained by BOI. Always check the latest BOI announcement before you file.

Core privileges you actually feel day to day

Stay up to 4 years depending on category and employment or investment terms
No separate work permit for Smart T, I, E, S when working with the BOI-endorsed entity
Multiple re-entry without a re-entry permit
Annual address reporting in place of the standard 90-day notification for Smart Visa holders
Spouse and dependents stay under Smart O, with spouse eligible to work without a separate work permit These privileges are set out in BOI’s official materials and Immigration Bureau guidance.

BOI Smart Visa Thailand eligibility checklist

Use this shortlist before you start:

Your activity fits one of the Smart categories and sits inside a BOI targeted industry
Your employer or target company is eligible and willing to support the endorsement
You meet minimum role, expertise, and income thresholds where applicable
You can show contracts, corporate proof, and qualifications that match category criteria
Your passport validity covers the requested stay

Criteria and proofs are evaluated during BOI endorsement under the BOI Certification Process.

The two-phase process: endorsement then visa

Phase 1. BOI Endorsement

File an online application with supporting evidence for your category
BOI evaluates eligibility against targeted industry criteria and role-specific thresholds
If approved, BOI issues an endorsement letter valid for 60 days for visa issuance or extension

Phase 2. Immigration Issuance

Apply for Smart Visa at the One Stop Service Center for Visa and Work Permit or a Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate
Submit the BOI endorsement within its validity window with the immigration application forms and fees
Immigration issues the Smart Visa with multiple entries aligned to the endorsed period and passport validity

Ongoing compliance after issuance

Keep your employment or investment conditions aligned with what BOI endorsed
File the annual status or address report required under the Smart framework instead of the standard 90-day cycle for Smart holders
Update changes of employer, role, or location with BOI and Immigration promptly These duties flow from the Smart Visa rules and Immigration Order No. 20/2561 and BOI notifications.

Practical pitfalls we see and how to avoid them

Assuming any BOI company is enough. Your role must align with targeted industries and category thresholds.
Missing the endorsement validity window. If the BOI endorsement expires, expect to refile or revalidate.
Vague job descriptions or startup plans. Provide concrete scope, KPIs, and traction.
Ignoring dependent work rules. Smart O for spouse is powerful but must be obtained properly.
Letting status lapse. Track passport validity, annual reporting, and any role or location change tied to your Smart Visa. These mirror BOI’s process of certification and Immigration practice notes.

How GENTLE LAW IBL helps

Eligibility and category mapping against BOI targeted industries
End-to-end application: BOI endorsement, immigration filings, dependents
Documentation strategy: employment contracts, investor proofs, startup plans
Post-issuance compliance: annual reporting calendar, change notifications, renewals

Thinking about the BOI Smart Visa Thailand for yourself or your team Book a Smart Visa strategy session with GENTLE LAW IBL to reduce trial and error and move forward with confidence.