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Jurisdiction: Thailand

Thailand SMART Visa

A current guide to Thailand’s BOI-administered SMART Visa, its qualification-endorsement stage and the 2025 programme reform.

Last reviewed: 2026-07-14

What this page covers

SMART Visa is administered with a qualification-endorsement process through the BOI’s SMART Visa Unit. It is not simply a remote-work visa: applicants must meet the current BOI programme and endorsement requirements before visa issuance.

Official classification

  • SMART S (two-year) for qualifying technology-based startup entrepreneurs in targeted industries
  • SMART O for qualifying spouses and children connected to an eligible principal holder

Prepare the application carefully

  • Use the official Thai e-Visa portal to select the live visa category for the passport/travel-document country and current application location.
  • Applicants must be outside Thailand when applying through the e-Visa process. Do not start from an assumption that a visa is available solely because a category appears in a general list.
  • Create the e-Visa account, complete the form accurately, upload the documents requested for that exact route, pay the applicable fee and keep the approval confirmation sent by email.
  • A SMART Visa qualification-endorsement application and the documents required by the BOI programme
  • Passport and evidence of the startup, role, investment/financial position, health insurance and targeted-industry conditions where applicable
  • The BOI endorsement letter before applying through e-Visa from overseas or through the relevant in-country issuance route
  • Family relationship evidence for SMART O applicants

Visa, entry and stay are separate decisions

The BOI explains that qualified applicants receive an endorsement result and then proceed to e-Visa issuance when overseas or the relevant Immigration issuance route in Thailand. The endorsement has its own validity period, so the issuance timing matters.

Activity boundary

The BOI expressly distinguishes SMART Visa from a generic digital-nomad route. A person without the required Thai employment, assignment or qualifying startup basis should not assume eligibility.

Known developments and changes to watch

The official BOI 2025 SMART Visa announcements reformed the programme. The BOI’s current public programme presents SMART S (two-year) and SMART O, while older material and some category labels may still mention Talent, Investor and Executive routes. Use the current BOI criteria and announcement documents rather than an older online summary.

Official references reviewed on 14 July 2026

Preparation points

Requirements can change and may depend on your nationality or circumstances. Confirm them with the cited source before acting.

  1. Check the live e-Visa pathway

    General information

    Use the official portal with the passport/travel-document country, application location and real purpose. The portal and responsible Thai mission determine the current route and document list.

    Source: Thai e-Visa official portal

  2. Prepare the core identity and travel file

    General information

    Keep the passport/travel document, photograph and any travel, financial, accommodation or location evidence requested for the selected route consistent and readable.

    Source: Thai e-Visa official portal

  3. Add evidence for the real purpose

    General information

    Include only the category-specific letters, invitations, relationship records, institutional documents or approvals that support the purpose selected in the application.

    Source: Thai e-Visa official portal

  4. Confirm the post-approval steps

    General information

    Print or retain the e-Visa approval confirmation, check carrier and entry requirements, and obtain separate Immigration, labour or sector permissions where the activity needs them.

    Source: Thai e-Visa official portal