🧐 Startup visa ✨ Extendable

SMART-T (Talent) Visa

Updated:
Duration 1460 days
Required income Flexible
Program cost $ 215
Processing 20–60 days
Go to official program Check requirements
Thailand is an ideal hub for startups with its thriving ecosystem in Bangkok, government backing through the Thailand 4.0 initiative, DEPA and BOI programs that provide grants and infrastructure support. The country offers access to ASEAN markets, active local and regional investors in fintech, agritech and healthtech, plus numerous accelerators like Techsauce Global Summit and Startup Thailand. The SMART-T Visa enables talented entrepreneurs and specialists to obtain long-term residency with work rights, corporate tax holidays via BOI promotion, and connections to mentors in innovation hubs while benefiting from low living costs and high quality of life.
Official program link: https://www.boi.go.th/index.php?page=smart_visa

✔ List of required documents to obtain Startup visa

  • Completed application form of qualification endorsement for smart visa “T”
  • Copy of valid passport
  • Medical certificate issued from the country of which the applicant is a national or a permanent resident or where the application is submitted, showing no prohibited diseases ( Leprosy, Tuberculosis, drug addiction, Elephantiasis, third phase of Syphilis) as indicated in the Ministerial Regulation No. 14 B.E. 2535 (not more than 3 months old)
  • Evidence of qualification (e.g. copy of university certificate
  • Evidence of previous employment (e.g. copy of letter from previous company)
  • Evidence of employment contract or service contract with an entity in Thailand or a letter signed by an authorized person which includes details of employment e.g. position, contract term, income *the remaining period of employment contract must be at least 1 year and income is not less than 100,000 Baht or equivalent per month
  • Company’s annual report, brochures and catalogues (if any)
  • Evidence of working for a government agency/ Alternative Dispute Resolution

📋 How to apply

  1. Eligibility Check & Business Plan Development
    Confirm your expertise aligns with targeted sectors (digital, biotech, advanced manufacturing). Prepare a detailed business plan showing innovation, scalability, local impact and minimum capital commitment.
  2. Secure Mentor or Accelerator Partnership
    Obtain endorsement from an approved Thai accelerator, incubator or mentor recognized by DEPA or BOI to strengthen the application.
  3. Submit Online Application to BOI
    Apply through the BOI e-submission portal with all documents. BOI reviews the business plan, talent credentials and proposed contribution to the Thai economy.
  4. Receive BOI Endorsement & Apply for Visa
    Upon approval, receive the official endorsement letter and submit it to a Thai Embassy/Consulate or use the e-Visa system to obtain the SMART-T visa stamp.
  5. Entry, Work Permit & Reporting
    Enter Thailand, complete immigration formalities at the One Stop Service Center, obtain a work permit, and report your address within 15 days.
  6. Ongoing Compliance
    Maintain business activity, file annual reports with BOI and renew the visa annually up to the 4-year limit.

✅ Approval tips

  • Emphasize how your startup aligns with Thailand 4.0 priorities and creates high-skilled jobs for Thai nationals
  • Attach strong letters of recommendation from recognized accelerators or industry mentors
  • Provide clear evidence of previous success, patents or technical expertise in your field
  • Demonstrate realistic minimum capital (at least 2 million THB for company registration) and detailed financial forecasts
  • Consider incorporating the company in Thailand before applying to show commitment
  • Highlight any partnerships with Thai universities or research institutions

❌ Common rejection reasons

  • Business plan lacks sufficient innovation or fails to demonstrate clear benefits to the Thai economy
  • Insufficient proof of specialized talent or relevant experience in targeted sectors
  • Missing accelerator/mentor endorsement or weak partnership with Thai entities
  • Incomplete documentation or failure to meet minimum financial/investment thresholds
  • Proposed business falls under restricted categories of the Foreign Business Act without proper approvals
  • Previous immigration overstay or compliance issues in Thailand

💸 Tax information

Effective tax rate: 0–20%

BOI-promoted innovation and technology startups under the SMART-T program can receive full corporate income tax exemption (0%) for 3-8 years. Standard corporate tax rate is 20%. Personal income tax for residents is progressive 0-35%; founders are taxed on worldwide income if staying 180+ days per year.

❓ FAQ

Promoted startups can enjoy 0% corporate income tax for up to 8 years through BOI incentives. Personal income tax ranges from 0-35%. Founders become tax residents if staying more than 180 days and must declare worldwide income.

For foreign company registration, the minimum registered capital is typically 2 million THB. BOI promotion may require additional investment depending on project scale and sector.

The visa is granted for up to 4 years (1460 days) with annual extensions. It is extendable as long as you maintain qualifying employment or business activity and comply with reporting requirements.

While not strictly mandatory, endorsement from an approved accelerator or experienced mentor greatly improves approval chances and is strongly recommended by BOI.

Yes, you can hire foreigners with appropriate visas and work permits. However, the program encourages hiring and training Thai nationals; the ratio of Thai to foreign employees is often reviewed during BOI reporting.

Yes, spouse and children can obtain SMART-O dependent visas. Spouses may apply separately for work permits if they meet the talent criteria or obtain BOI approval.

You must notify BOI immediately. Changing employers usually requires a new SMART-T application. Failure to maintain qualifying activity can result in visa cancellation.
🔗 Official sources

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🔃 Long-term visas in other countries

Startup visa allows you to stay in Thailand for a long time. Perhaps you will be interested in staying longer in other countries as well. Below is a list of visas that will allow you to stay in a country for a year and longer.

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