VISA SERVICES · SMART
SMART visa for startup founders
The SMART visa is a Board of Investment programme for founders of tech startups in Thailand's targeted industries. Since 2025, only the SMART S (startup) and SMART O (dependant) categories accept new applicants. It gives stays of up to two years at a time, renewable, with no work permit needed for your own startup.
At a glance
Up to 2 years
Renewable while your startup still qualifies.
THB 600,000
In your bank account, held for at least three months.
No work permit
Not needed to work in your certified startup.
Annual reporting
One report a year instead of every 90 days.
Who can apply?
The SMART programme was narrowed in 2025. These are the routes open today.
Talent, investors, executives
The SMART T, I and E categories closed to new applicants in 2025. The LTR visa is now the usual alternative.
Best for: skilled professionals (see the LTR)
Not sure you qualify?
We'll check your company and documents and tell you honestly whether the SMART or LTR visa suits you better.
Best for: anyone comparing options
You own at least 25% of the company or are a director, and your business is certified in a targeted industry.
Best for: tech founders
Startup founders
Your family
Your spouse and children can join you on a SMART O visa, with THB 180,000 more in savings for each dependant.
Best for: founders moving with family
What you'll need
Passport
Valid for your planned stay, with a recent passport photo.
Proof of funds
THB 600,000 in your account, held for at least three months.
Company documents
Proof of your shareholding or directorship in the startup.
Industry certification
Certification of your business by NIA, DEPA or the BOI.
Health insurance
Cover for your whole stay, for you and any dependants.
What it costs
Our service fee is THB 19,500 per person. The government fee of THB 10,000 per year of permission is paid separately when your visa is issued.
How it works
​1
Free consultation
A 45-minute online call to check you and your startup qualify.
​2
BOI endorsement
We prepare your online application to the SMART Visa Unit. Endorsement usually takes around 30 working days.
​3
Visa issue
Within 60 days of endorsement, your visa is issued at a Thai embassy or in Thailand.
4
Staying on
You report once a year and renew at least 60 days before your visa expires.
SMART visa questions
Not on a SMART visa. The T, I and E categories closed in 2025, and the LTR visa is now the usual route.
Not for work in your certified startup. Working for another employer needs a work permit.
Yes. A spouse on a SMART O visa may work without a work permit.
No. You can travel in and out of Thailand without one.
READY TO APPLY?
Book a free call and we'll check your startup against the SMART criteria.
Our visa team is led by Savannah.
Related services: Visa Services · Company Registration · Accounting & Tax
What’s new in 2026
No major changes to this visa. No major changes have been announced for 2026. Requirements can still differ between embassies and immigration offices, so we check the current list for your case.
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Visa-free entry is now 30 days. Since 15 September 2026, visitors from 60 countries and territories can stay up to 30 days without a visa, extendable once by up to 30 days for THB 1,900. It is no longer a practical way to start a long stay.
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TDAC before you fly. You still need to complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card online within three days before you arrive.
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Last updated: September 2026
Doing it yourself vs with Solutions Thailand
You can apply for the SMART Visa on your own. Here is what changes when we handle it with you.
ON YOUR OWN
Work out whether you qualify and which rules apply to your nationality and where you apply.
Keep up with requirements that differ between embassies and change often.
Prepare, translate and check every document yourself.
Handle any questions from the embassy or immigration office on your own.
WITH SOLUTIONS THAILAND
Free consultation. On Google Meet, to confirm the right route and your costs.
Personalised document checklist. Tailored to your case and updated in real time as Thai immigration requirements change. Embassies can ask for extra items at any stage; we track policy changes so you don’t have to.
Dedicated customer support. A real person from our English-speaking support team stays with you on WhatsApp from start to finish, as your link to our Visa Services Team.
Experienced Visa Services Team. Seasoned specialists review every document, complete every form and submit for you, so you know your application is in safe hands.
HOW WE HANDLE EVERY VISA
Personalised checklist. Sent by email and WhatsApp the moment your payment is confirmed, based on your consultation and where you are applying.
Documents in. Send what’s on your list, such as your passport and a head-and-shoulders photo (a selfie against a white wall works). Our automated system files each document to your case and alerts the team as soon as it arrives.
Ongoing review. Our AI checks each file’s metadata, as the embassy does, then a team member reads every line of every page. If anything needs fixing, you hear straight away and Customer Support helps you sort it.
Senior sign-off. When your file is complete, a senior member of our Visa Services Team rechecks everything and signs it off, usually within 24 to 48 hours.
Embassy submission. We let you know when it’s time and submit to the Thai embassy or consulate on your behalf. Customer Support helps you set up the account, so the outcome is emailed straight to you.