🧐 Startup visa ✨ Extendable

Thailand SMART Visa for Investors (I)

Updated:
Duration 365 days
Required income Flexible
Program cost $ 150 000
Processing 30–90 days
Go to official program Check requirements
Thailand is an ideal launchpad for startups thanks to its dynamic ecosystem in Bangkok, supported by government agencies like DEPA and BOI, world-class accelerators (Techsauce, Startup Thailand) and a growing network of local and international VCs. The SMART Visa for Investors (I) targets entrepreneurs in 12 S-Curve industries (digital, biotech, robotics, medtech, etc.), offering long-term residency, work rights and family inclusion. Significant tax holidays through BOI promotion, low operating costs, strategic ASEAN location and modern infrastructure make it highly attractive for scaling technology businesses.
Official program link: https://www.smartvisathailand.com/

✔ List of required documents to obtain Startup visa

  • Completed application form for qualification endorsement for smart visa “I”
  • 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)
  • Shareholder list (not more than 3 months old) or other evidence showing shares ownership and value

📋 How to apply

  1. Develop Business Plan & Secure Investment
    Create a comprehensive 5-year business plan aligned with Thailand’s target industries and arrange transfer of at least THB 5 million into a Thai corporate bank account.
  2. Incorporate Company & Apply for BOI Promotion
    Register a Thai limited company and simultaneously apply for BOI promotion to secure tax exemptions and additional privileges.
  3. Prepare and Submit Documents
    Compile all required documents and submit the SMART Visa application online via the official portal or through a One-Stop Service Center.
  4. Approval & Visa Issuance
    After vetting (usually 30–90 days), receive an approval letter, enter Thailand and complete visa stamping and work permit issuance at immigration.
  5. Post-Arrival Compliance
    Register address, obtain TM.30, open Tax ID and begin annual reporting to maintain visa status.

✅ Approval tips

  • Clearly demonstrate how your startup fits one of the 12 S-Curve industries and will benefit Thailand’s economy
  • Use audited financial proofs and legal opinion letters to verify the investment source
  • Obtain a letter of support from a recognized accelerator, university or government agency
  • Apply for BOI promotion at the same time — this greatly increases approval chances
  • Highlight job creation targets and technology/knowledge transfer in the business plan

❌ Common rejection reasons

  • Investment below THB 5 million or funds not properly transferred to a Thai company
  • Business plan does not align with any of the 12 targeted S-Curve industries
  • Incomplete documentation or failure to prove genuine entrepreneurial intent
  • Negative security or criminal background check
  • Previous overstay or immigration violations in Thailand

💸 Tax information

Effective tax rate: 0–20%

BOI-promoted companies in target sectors receive 3–8 years of corporate income tax exemption (0%). Standard corporate tax rate is 20%. Personal income tax is progressive 0–35%. No dividend withholding tax for BOI projects during exemption period.

❓ FAQ

THB 5,000,000 (approximately USD 145,000–150,000) that must be injected as paid-up capital into a Thai company operating in a target industry.

Yes. BOI-promoted projects can enjoy 0% corporate income tax for 3 to 8 years depending on the sector and additional incentives.

Initial validity is up to 1 year. It is extendable annually provided the investment is maintained and annual compliance reports are filed. Maximum continuous stay is typically 4 years before re-application.

Yes. SMART Visa holders can easily sponsor work permits for foreign talent in targeted industries without the usual quota restrictions.

Not strictly mandatory, but a letter of support from a recognized Thai accelerator or mentor significantly improves approval chances.

No direct path. After several years of continuous legal stay, substantial investment and tax compliance you may apply for Thailand Elite, Long-Term Resident (LTR) or standard PR routes.

Minimum outpatient coverage of THB 400,000 and inpatient coverage of THB 4,000,000 valid for the entire stay in Thailand .
🔗 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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