SMART Visa 2026 — now startup-only
In February 2025, BOI Announcements 5/2568 and 6/2568 restructured the SMART Visa: only SMART-S (Startup Entrepreneur) remains active. Talent, Investor, Executive, and dependent (O) applicants are now redirected to the LTR Visa. If you've already established a certified startup in a BOI-targeted industry, SMART-S is still the fast-track route.
Active category
SMART-S
Startup only
Validity
2 yrs
Renewable
Reporting
Annual
Not 90-day
Work permit
Included
What changed in February 2025
BOI Announcement Nos. 5/2568 and 6/2568 (issued 18 February 2025) eliminated the Talent (T), Investor (I), Executive (E), and Other/dependent (O) categories. Officials cited overlap with the LTR Visa as the reason. Only SMART-S — for entrepreneurs who have already established a certified startup in a targeted industry — remains active.
SMART-S: who qualifies now
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Business | Already established and certified as a startup by a competent Thai agency (NIA, DEPA, or another BOI-recognised body) |
| Industry | One of Thailand's S-curve targeted sectors: digital, automation/robotics, smart electronics, medical hub, logistics, biotech, agritech, etc. |
| Ownership | Hold ≥25% of registered capital, OR serve as a director |
| Deposit | ≥600,000 THB held for at least 3 months |
| Health insurance | Required throughout stay |
If you used to qualify under T, I, E or O
| Old SMART category | New route as of 2025 |
|---|---|
| SMART-T (Talent) | → LTR Highly-Skilled Professional (17% tax cap) or Work-from-Thailand Professional |
| SMART-I (Investor) | → LTR Wealthy Global Citizen (≥$1M assets + investment) or BOI corporate route |
| SMART-E (Executive) | → LTR Highly-Skilled Professional or Wealthy Global Citizen |
| SMART-O (Spouse/dependent) | → Dependent visa attached to LTR primary holder (spouse work right preserved under LTR) |
If you were issued a SMART-T/I/E/O before February 2025, your existing visa remains valid until expiry. Renewal will require switching tracks.
SMART-S benefits that survived
- 2 years validity, multiple entry, renewable
- Annual reporting only (vs 90-day for Non-B)
- No re-entry permits needed
- Work without a separate work permit in the endorsed startup
- Fast-track service at OSOS (Bangkok) or EEC Labour Administration Center (Chonburi)
Pattaya / EEC angle
SMART-S holders running startups in EEC-promoted industries (Chonburi/Pattaya area: automotive, electronics, food, robotics, logistics) can use the EEC Labour Administration Center in Chonburi instead of Bangkok OSOS for visa issuance, extensions, and reporting. A meaningful time-saver for Pattaya-based founders.
SMART-S vs LTR — which is right now?
Post-reform the choice is much sharper. Both are BOI-managed and reduce reporting to annual.
- SMART-S — only fits if you've already certified a startup in a targeted industry. 2-year validity. Faster path for founders.
- LTR — broader: 4 sub-categories (Wealthy Global Citizen, Wealthy Pensioner, Work-from-Thailand Pro, Highly-Skilled Pro). 10-year validity. Tax exemption on foreign income for W/P/T; 17% flat rate for H.
Founder of a certified Thai startup? SMART-S is still simpler. Anyone else? LTR is now the route — that's where T/I/E applicants were redirected.
Frequently asked questions
I held a SMART-T / I / E / O before 2025 — am I still legal?
Does SMART-S still come without a separate work permit?
Is my startup in a targeted industry?
I'm a talent / investor / executive — should I just apply for LTR instead?
Get matched with a BOI-experienced specialist.
Our partners handle SMART applications regularly — including the targeted-industry verification, salary documentation, and EEC Labour Administration Center processing for Pattaya/Chonburi placements.