What is a startup visa in Thailand?
The startup visa in Thailand is the SMART Visa category S (SMART S).
The SMART Visa S is part of Thailand’s SMART Visa program. This visa type allows you to stay longer without needing a work permit. It also lets you work more freely and includes benefits for your family.
Who is it intended for?
It’s intended for entrepreneurs creating technological startups in targeted industries.
Depending on the stage of the startup’s implementation, the visa can be obtained for a period of 6 months, a year, or two years.
Is the SMART Visa suitable for digital nomads?
No, the SMART Visa program is not designed for digital nomads or those working remotely. SMART Visas are linked to technology and are intended for people who see Thailand as their primary base of operations.
SMART S is a startup visa and is designed for startup entrepreneurs!
Target Industries for SMART Visa S Eligibility
Currently, the following 18 target industries have been identified for the SMART Visa S program in Thailand:
- Automotive Industry
- Electronics
- Luxury Tourism
- Agriculture, Food, and Biotechnology
- Automation and Robotics
- Transportation and Logistics
- Petrochemicals and Chemicals
- Digital Economy
- Medical Industry
- National Defense
- Industries that directly and significantly support the closed-loop economy (fuel production from waste, water resource management, etc.)
- Aviation and Aerospace Industry
- Development of Human Resources in Science and Technology
- Environmental Management and Renewable Energy
- Technology, Innovation, and Startup Ecosystem Management
- Development of Targeted Technologies
- International Business Centers
- Services in Alternative Dispute Resolution
List of Target Industries on the Program's Website
SMART S Visa Options in Thailand: 6-Month, 1-Year, and 2-Year Visas
The SMART S Visa in Thailand offers three options:
- 6-Month Visa: For those planning to establish a tech startup or engage in startup activities, with an endorsed plan and health insurance. Offers a renewable 6-month visa.
- 1-Year Visa: For participants in incubators, accelerators, or similar programs, or with public sector funding. Requires financial and insurance criteria, providing a renewable 1-year visa.
- 2-Year Visa: For foreigners who have already established a certified startup company in Thailand. Involves owning at least 25% of the startup or being a director, a 600,000 Baht deposit, and health insurance. Offers a renewable 2-year visa with comprehensive benefits.
Details on the 6-Month SMART S Visa for Thailand
The SMART S Visa for 6 months is intended for foreigners who plan to open a startup company in Thailand, or participate in startup development activities or startup camps.
Requirements:
- A plan to create a tech startup in Thailand, approved by government agencies like the National Innovation Agency.
- Health insurance for the entire stay in Thailand.
Privileges:
- A 6-month visa, extendable up to 2 years if requirements are met.
- No work permit required for establishing a startup or participating in approved startup activities.
- Annual immigration reporting instead of every 90 days.
- No need for a re-entry permit.
- Access to fast-track services at Thai international airports.
Details on the 1-Year SMART S Visa for Thailand
The SMART S Visa for 1 year is intended for foreigners who have attended an incubation or accelerator program or any other similar program in the targeted industries or received joint venture funding from the public sector or endorsed by relevant government agencies.
Qualifications and Criteria
To be eligible for this visa, you must meet the following qualifications and criteria:
- Participation in an incubation or accelerator program or any similar program within targeted industries, certified by relevant government agencies such as the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) and the Digital Economy Promotion Agency.
- If not participating in an incubator or similar program, the applicant must either receive joint venture funding from the public sector or obtain endorsement from relevant government agencies, such as the Digital Economy Promotion Agency.
- Maintaining a deposit of no less than 600,000 Baht or its equivalent in a bank account in Thailand or in the applicant’s country of nationality or residence, held for a minimum of 3 months.
- In the case of accompanying spouses and children, an additional deposit of no less than 180,000 Baht per person or equivalent is required in a bank account in Thailand or the applicant’s country of nationality or residence, held for a minimum of 3 months.
- Possession of comprehensive health insurance covering the entire duration of stay in Thailand for the applicant, spouse, and children.
Privileges
Once granted, this visa offers the following privileges:
- A maximum 1-year visa, which can be renewed for up to 2 years if the applicant meets specific requirements (the applicant must be a shareholder owning 25% of the registered capital or a director of a company certified to be within targeted industries by relevant government agencies such as the National Innovation Agency and the Digital Economy Promotion Agency).
- No work permit is required for employment in a business certified by relevant government agencies. In case of job changes, additional endorsements must be obtained in accordance with the relevant requirements.
- The 90-day reporting requirement to the Immigration Bureau can be extended to 1 year when processed through the One Stop Service Center.
- No re-entry permit is required for international travel.
- Spouses and children are granted permission to stay in Thailand for the same duration as the Smart visa holder. The spouse is also permitted to work without requiring a separate work permit.
- Access to fast-track services at international airports in Thailand, where available.
Details on the 2-Year SMART S Visa for Thailand
The SMART S Visa for 2 years is intended for foreigners who have already established a certified startup company in Thailand.
Qualifications and Criteria
To qualify for this visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Establishment of a startup company in Thailand, certified as operating in targeted industries by relevant government agencies such as the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) and the Digital Economy Promotion Agency.
- Ownership of at least 25% of the company’s registered capital or holding a position as a director within the aforementioned company.
- Maintaining a deposit of no less than 600,000 Baht, or its equivalent in a bank account in Thailand or in your country of nationality or residence, for a minimum of 3 months.
- If accompanied by a spouse and children, an additional deposit of no less than 180,000 Baht per person, or its equivalent, is required in a bank account in Thailand or your country of nationality or residence, held for at least 3 months.
- Possession of health insurance covering the entire duration of your stay in Thailand, including coverage for your spouse and children.
Privileges
Once granted, this visa offers the following privileges:
- A renewable visa with a maximum validity of 2 years.
- No need for a work permit when working in a business certified by relevant government agencies. If you change jobs, you must obtain additional endorsements in accordance with the relevant requirements.
- The 90-day reporting requirement to the Immigration Bureau can be extended to 1 year when processed through the One Stop Service Center.
- No re-entry permit is required for international travel.
- Spouses and children are granted permission to stay in Thailand for the same duration as the Smart visa holder. The spouse is also permitted to work without needing a separate work permit.
- Access to fast-track services at international airports in Thailand, where available.
How to apply
List of Documents and Useful Links
For a checklist of documents, including pitch requirements, please see here.
Official information about SMART S can be found on the program’s website.