How to Apply for a Thailand SMART Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide for High-Value Talents and Investors

How to Apply for a Thailand SMART Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide for High-Value Talents and Investors

Thailand’s SMART Visa is a special immigration initiative designed to attract global talents, investors, executives, and startup entrepreneurs in targeted industries under the supervision of the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI). This visa offers unmatched benefits, including long-term stay, exemption from a work permit, and extended privileges for family members.

In this guide, GENTLE LAW IBL—your trusted legal partner in Thailand—walks you through the legally accurate steps, eligibility criteria, required documentation, and common pitfalls for securing a SMART Visa in 2025.

🔍 What Is the Thailand SMART Visa?

The SMART Visa (Startup, Manager, Analyst, Researcher, Talent) is administered under the BOI's SMART Visa Programme. It is governed by the Investment Promotion Act B.E. 2520 and aligned with BOI-promoted activities in technology, innovation, and digital sectors.

SMART Visa Categories:

• T-code (Talent): Specialists with an employment contract, expertise in a BOI-promoted sector, and salary ≥ THB 100,000/month.

• I-code (Investor): Foreign investors allocating ≥ USD 500,000 (or THB 16 million) into BOI-approved activities or venture capital funds.

• E-code (Executive): Senior executives in C-level or VP roles working for BOI-promoted companies.

• S-code (Startup): Founders of innovative tech startups certified by an authorized BOI Startup Certification Center.

• O-code (Other): Spouses and legal children (under 20 years) of SMART Visa holders.

Key Benefits of the SMART Visa

• Renewable 4-year stay

• No separate work permit required

• Multiple re-entry privileges

• Full family benefits under O-code

• Centralized post-arrival processing at BOI’s One-Stop Service Center (OSOS)

✅ Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility for Thailand SMART Visa

1. Identify Your Visa Code

T-code (Talent):

• Contract with a BOI-promoted entity

• Salary ≥ THB 100,000/month

• Field must fall under targeted industries (e.g., AI, robotics, biotech)

I-code (Investor):

• Foreign direct investment ≥ USD 500,000 into BOI-approved projects or qualified venture capital

• Proof of lawful fund remittance through Thai financial institutions (via FET form)

E-code (Executive):

• C-level or VP-level role in BOI-promoted company

• Must have at least 10 years of experience and educational background relevant to the industry

S-code (Startup):

• Certified by BOI’s SMART Startup Center

• Viable business model and innovation-oriented focus

O-code (Other):

• Must provide legal documentation (marriage or birth certificate) linking to primary SMART visa holder

2. Align with BOI-Promoted Activities

Ensure that:

• Your employer is listed under BOI-promoted activities (e.g., software development, renewable energy, automation)

• Your role or investment corresponds with eligible sectors under BOI’s guidelines

Refer to: BOI Target Industries List

🗂️ Step 2: Gather Required Documentation

Category	Required Documents
All Applicants	- Valid Passport (≥ 6 months)

• Two photographs (4 × 6 cm)

• Medical certificate (Thai or certified foreign)

• Police clearance (from home country, if required) | | T-code | - Employment contract

• BOI company affidavit

• Degree or credentials

• Evidence of salary ≥ THB 100,000/month | | I-code | - Proof of investment (bank statements, project agreements)

• Investment/business plan

• BOI promotion certificate

• FET form from Thai bank | | E-code | - Appointment letter/board resolution

• BOI promotion certificate

• CV showing minimum 10 years of experience | | S-code | - BOI Startup Certification

• Business plan

• Innovation focus evidence (e.g., patent application, tech prototype) | | O-code | - Marriage or birth certificate

• Copy of SMART visa holder’s passport and visa |

Note: All non-Thai documents must be officially translated into Thai and notarized.

📝 Step 3: Submit Your Application Online

1. Register at the SMART Visa E-Service Portal

2. Select the correct visa code (T/I/E/S/O)

3. Upload your digital documents

4. Pay the application fee:

   • THB 10,000 for a 4-year visa (non-refundable)

5. Attend an Interview (if required):

   • Conducted by BOI or Immigration Bureau to confirm eligibility

Processing Time:

• Approx. 30–60 days until approval letter issuance

🛂 Step 4: Obtain Your Thailand SMART Visa

A. Overseas Application

• Visit a Thai Embassy or Consulate with:

  • Approval letter

  • Passport and photos

  • Application fee receipt

  • FET-form (for I-code)

B. In-Country Application

• Apply at Immigration Bureau HQ (Chaeng Wattana)

• Bring approval letter and full document set

You will receive a multiple-entry SMART Visa valid for 4 years.

🔄 Step 5: Post-Arrival Processing – SMART Visa Card & Work Authorization

After arrival in Thailand:

1. Visit the One-Stop Service Center (OSOS) at BOI Headquarters

2. Receive your physical SMART Visa card, which serves as:

   • Government-issued ID

   • Legal work authorization (no work permit needed)

Key Conditions:

• Visa is linked to your BOI-approved role or investment

• Any job change or employer switch requires re-approval by BOI

⚠️ Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Pitfall	Strategy to Avoid
Sector Misalignment	Ensure your investment/employer matches a BOI-promoted activity code
Incomplete Documents	Use GENTLE LAW IBL’s legal checklist and document review service
Missed Renewal	Apply for extension at least 30 days before visa expiry
Changing Employers	Obtain new BOI approval before resignation or job change
FET Form Errors (I-code)	Remit funds via BOI-compliant Thai bank and retain documentation

🛡️ How GENTLE LAW IBL Supports Your SMART Visa Journey

• Legal consultation to determine the correct SMART Visa category

• Documentation support: notarization, certified translations, and BOI compliance

• Liaison with BOI and immigration for efficient application processing

• Preparation for interviews and direct coordination with government officers

• Post-arrival onboarding: SMART Visa card pickup, compliance briefing

• Ongoing support: renewals, company transitions, and dependent management

Our team ensures a streamlined and legally secure SMART Visa journey—typically completed within 45–60 days.

📌 Final Thoughts: Why Choose GENTLE LAW IBL?

The SMART Visa is one of the most powerful tools for high-value talents and foreign investors entering the Thai economy. However, the legal nuances, BOI criteria, and immigration procedures require accurate execution.

GENTLE LAW IBL combines legal precision with strategic immigration planning to ensure your success—whether you're an innovator, startup founder, or investor.

📩 Ready to secure your SMART Visa? Schedule a SMART Visa Strategy Session at www.gentlelawibl.com today.