What is the Thai SMART Visa?
The Thai SMART Visa is a special visa that allows you to live and work in Thailand without a work permit. It’s designed for skilled professionals, investors, business leaders, and startup entrepreneurs who want to contribute to Thailand’s growing industries.
This visa has great benefits like long stays, fewer immigration rules, and support for your family. Let’s go over everything you need to know!
Who Can Apply for the Thai SMART Visa?
There are 4 groups of people who can apply for a SMART Visa:
Highly Skilled Professionals:
If you’re an expert in fields like science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) and plan to work in one of Thailand’s targeted industries.Investors:
If you want to invest a large amount of money in Thai businesses, startups, or projects in the targeted industries.Executives:
If you’re a senior manager or business leader with relevant experience in the targeted industries.Startup Entrepreneurs:
If you plan to start a business in Thailand, especially one focused on technology or innovation.
What Industries Does Thailand Want to Grow?
The SMART Visa is meant to help industries that will strengthen Thailand’s economy. These industries are called the S-Curve industries and include:
- Next-Generation Automotive
- Smart Electronics
- Affluent, Medical, and Wellness Tourism
- Agriculture and Biotechnology
- Food for the Future
- Robotics
- Aviation and Logistics
- Biofuels and Biochemicals
- Digital Industries (like apps, AI, or software development)
- Medical Hub (hospitals and medical research)
Benefits of the Thai SMART Visa
The SMART Visa offers big advantages compared to regular visas:
- Stay Longer: You can stay for up to 4 years (instead of the usual 1-year visa).
- No Work Permit Needed: You can work in Thailand without applying for a separate work permit.
- Less Immigration Reporting: You only need to report to immigration once a year (instead of every 90 days).
- Family Benefits: Your spouse and children can live in Thailand for the same duration as your visa. Your spouse can also work without needing a work permit.
- Unlimited Travel: You can enter and leave Thailand as many times as you want during your visa period.
What Types of SMART Visas Are Available?
There are 5 types of SMART Visas:
1. SMART T (Talent):
For skilled professionals working in Thailand’s targeted industries.
Requirements:
- A job offer in a targeted industry with a salary of at least 100,000 THB/month (~3,000 USD).
- Proof of skills in science, engineering, technology, or mathematics (STEM).
- At least 5 years of work experience in the field (or 3 years if you have a Master’s or PhD).
Cost:
- 10,000 Thai Baht (~300 USD).
- Valid for up to 4 years.
2. SMART I (Investor):
For people investing in Thai businesses or projects in targeted industries.
Requirements:
- Minimum investment of 20 million Thai Baht (~600,000 USD).
- The business must be in a targeted industry.
- Proof of investment documents and company registration.
Cost:
- 10,000 Thai Baht (~300 USD).
- Valid for up to 4 years.
3. SMART E (Executive):
For senior executives in eligible companies in Thailand.
Requirements:
- A job offer in a company in a targeted industry.
- Minimum salary of 200,000 THB/month (~6,000 USD).
- At least 10 years of management experience.
Cost:
- 10,000 Thai Baht (~300 USD).
- Valid for up to 4 years.
4. SMART S (Startup):
For entrepreneurs starting a new business in Thailand.
Requirements:
- A business plan approved by the relevant Thai government agency.
- Minimum deposit of 600,000 THB (~18,000 USD) in a Thai bank.
- Proof of health insurance covering the entire stay.
Cost:
- 5,000 Thai Baht (~150 USD).
- Valid for 1 year at first, renewable for up to 2 years.
5. SMART O (Other):
For family members (spouse and children) of SMART Visa holders.
Requirements:
- Must be the dependent of a SMART Visa holder.
- Proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificates).
Cost:
- 5,000 Thai Baht (~150 USD).
- Valid for the same period as the primary visa holder
How Do You Apply for a SMART Visa?
The application process may seem tricky, but don’t worry – we’ll take care of everything for you! Here’s how it works:
Eligibility Check:
- We’ll check if you qualify for the SMART Visa based on your profession, investment, or business plans.
Document Preparation:
- We’ll help you collect everything you need, like financial records, job contracts, and proof of your skills or business.
Submit Application:
- We’ll submit your application to the SMART Visa Unit, where they’ll review and approve your eligibility.
Visa Issuance:
- Once approved, we’ll guide you on how to get your SMART Visa at a Thai Embassy or Consulate.
Ongoing Support:
- Need help renewing your visa, reporting to immigration, or anything else? We’ve got you covered!
How Much Does the Service Cost?
At SiamConsult, we offer a full-service package to make the process easy and stress-free:
- Service Fee: 35,000 Thai Baht (~1,050 USD).
- This covers everything, from eligibility checks to document preparation and follow-up support.
Why Choose SiamConsult?
Applying for a visa can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not familiar with Thailand’s rules and processes. That’s why we’re here to help!
- We handle everything so you don’t have to.
- We make sure your application is correct and complete.
- We explain everything in simple terms, step by step.
Contact Us for Help with Your SMART Visa!
We’re happy to answer any questions and guide you through the process. Reach out to us today!
- Phone: +66 82 419 1993
- Email: info@krabi-accounting-law.com
- Website: krabi-accounting-law.com
Ready to apply for your SMART Visa? Let us take care of everything for you! 😊