Thailand SMART Visa 2025 requirements after the reform: who still qualifies, what changed, and how to apply

Thailand SMART Visa 2025 requirements after the reform: who still qualifies, what changed, and how to apply

Introduction

In February 2025 the Board of Investment announced a reform to the SMART Visa program that narrows new eligibility to startup entrepreneurs and their dependents. Talents, executives, and investors who would previously apply under SMART T, E, or I should now consider the LTR Visa tracks instead. This article explains the Thailand SMART Visa 2025 requirements, what changed, the exact documents and timelines, and the alternatives. We cite the BOI announcements and the official SMART Visa and LTR portals so you can check every rule before you file.

What changed in 2025

• The BOI states that, following the Cabinet decision on 13 January 2025, SMART Visa has been amended to maintain only the special temporary residence visa for startup entrepreneurs, with dependents allowed. The change reduces overlap with the LTR Visa, which becomes the primary visa for high potential foreign nationals.

• The application procedure was reissued in 2025. It sets a 30 working day target to complete the qualification endorsement after a complete filing, and gives applicants 60 days from the endorsement letter to proceed with visa issuance at e Visa or the Immigration office. Annual status reporting is required.

Who qualifies now under Thailand SMART Visa 2025 requirements

SMART S for startup entrepreneurs

You must run a startup in a targeted industry, hold equity or be a director, and meet deposit and insurance requirements. Key points from the official pages and the 2025 announcement:

• Your startup must be certified as operating in a targeted industry by a government agency such as NIA or DEPA.

• You must hold at least 25 percent of registered capital or be a director.

• You must keep a bank deposit of not less than 600,000 THB for at least three months before applying. If bringing dependents, add 180,000 THB per dependent under the same three month rule. Health insurance covering the entire stay is required.

• Visa validity is up to 2 years and renewable, with 1 year reporting instead of 90 day reporting. No re entry permit is required.

SMART O for dependents

• Spouses and children of SMART S holders are eligible for SMART O. Spouses may work without a separate work permit, subject to conditions and not exceeding the work rights of the main holder. Children must meet age rules and work limits.

• BOI forms updated on 1 May 2025 set out documents for SMART O and note the independent filing per family member, with children generally not over 20 years old for dependent status in extension filings.

• Work must not fall within the prohibited occupations for foreigners under Thai labor rules. The BOI procedure sends SMART O work cases to the Department of Employment to verify this condition.

Targeted industries for SMART S remain aligned with the government’s S curve sectors such as digital, automation and robotics, smart electronics, medical hub, logistics, and others. The BOI site lists the categories and explains how agencies certify eligibility.

When to use the LTR Visa instead

If you are a highly skilled expert, senior executive, or investor who would previously have used SMART T, E, or I, check the LTR Visa categories. LTR offers four tracks and remains the main program for these profiles in 2025. Review types and criteria on the official portal before choosing your path.

Step by step application path

1) Qualification endorsement

• Register and apply online for qualification endorsement on the SMART Visa portal. Upload all required PDFs and confirm that you meet the Thailand SMART Visa 2025 requirements.

• The One Stop Service Center forwards your file to the relevant agencies within 3 working days, and agencies should respond within 20 working days. The OSS then screens and notifies the result within 7 working days. The entire endorsement process should complete within 30 working days after a complete submission.

2) Visa issuance

• After endorsement, apply for visa issuance within 60 days via e Visa if abroad or at Immigration at Thailand Investment and Expat Services Center in Bangkok if in country. A 10,000 THB per year fee applies.

3) After arrival

• Keep evidence for annual reporting to BOI as required under the 2025 procedure.

• Follow the Immigration guidance for reporting and documents. The How to manage your SMART Visa page also notes use of the Thailand Digital Arrival Card for entries after 1 May 2025.

Privileges and limits to plan for

• No work permit required for eligible work in the certified startup or endorsed activities. If you add or change work, you must seek additional certification.

• Reporting once per year instead of every 90 days.

• Spouse work rights exist but cannot exceed the main holder’s rights. Children have stricter limits and minimum age to work. All work for dependents must pass DOE checks for non prohibited roles.

Document checklist for SMART S and SMART O

SMART S

• Corporate proof of targeted industry certification by NIA, DEPA, or another competent agency

• Evidence of shareholding of at least 25 percent or director appointment

• Bank letter showing a deposit of 600,000 THB maintained for at least three months before filing, plus 180,000 THB per dependent if applicable

• Health insurance covering the entire stay

• Passport, photos, and any notices from BOI during endorsement review

• Confirmation that your duties are not on the prohibited list for foreigners

SMART O

• Marriage certificate and or birth certificates

• Copy of the main holder’s passport and endorsement

• Health insurance for the dependent where required and the SMART O application form last updated 1 May 2025

• If the spouse intends to work, follow DOE steps for endorsement and confirm the job is not a prohibited occupation

Frequently asked questions tied to the new rules

How long does endorsement take under the 2025 procedure BOI targets 30 working days after receiving a complete application. Agencies have 20 working days to give opinions, and the OSS screens in 7 working days.

Do I still report every 90 days SMART holders benefit from 1 year reporting instead of 90 days. Keep Immigration and BOI reporting separate and current.

Can my spouse work Yes. A SMART O spouse may work without a separate work permit, within the scope that does not exceed the main holder’s rights and not in prohibited occupations.

Are digital nomads eligible for SMART No. The program specifically says remote workers without a Thai employment or assignment are not eligible for SMART. Some remote workers may fit LTR Work from Thailand Professionals criteria instead.

Compliance pitfalls we prevent for clients

• Using outdated SMART categories such as T, E, or I for new applications. Post reform, these profiles should be evaluated under the LTR program.

• Missing the 60 day window after endorsement to convert at e Visa or Immigration. Build a calendar buffer to avoid expiry.

• Under documenting targeted industry eligibility. Submit clear NIA or DEPA certifications to avoid back and forth.

• Dependent work without DOE confirmation. Ensure SMART O work plans respect the prohibited occupation rules and are endorsed where required.

How GENTLE LAW IBL executes your case

• We verify your business model against Thailand SMART Visa 2025 requirements and obtain the correct industry certification path.

• We assemble a complete endorsement pack and monitor agency responses to hit the 30 working day target.

• We coach dependents on SMART O filings and set up DOE compliant work endorsements.

• We handle the LTR vs SMART decision, including cross referencing BOI’s LTR portal when SMART is not the right fit. Contact us now gentlelaw.lawfirm@gmail.com