A SMART Visa route for technology-based startup founders establishing or developing a certified business in Thailand's targeted industries.
Route overview
SMART Startup Entrepreneur
Typical timeline / duration: Up to 2 years
Important notes
Build or join a technology- or innovation-based startup in Thailand that is certified by a relevant agency, such as the National Innovation Agency or Digital Economy Promotion Agency, as operating in a targeted industry.
For the two-year founder route, hold at least 25% of the startup's registered capital or be a director of the company. A Thai partner is not automatically required; Thai or foreign ownership may be possible subject to the business and foreign-business rules.
For the two-year route, show a deposit of at least THB 600,000 or equivalent held for at least three months in Thailand or in the applicant's country of nationality or residence. Add THB 180,000 per accompanying spouse or child.
For the six-month or one-year routes, provide a credible technology or innovation business plan or acceptance into an approved incubator or accelerator programme. The one-year route is intended to lead to company establishment and the two-year founder route.
Obtain the SMART Visa qualification endorsement, maintain health insurance for the stay, and follow the approved startup, work, reporting, and renewal conditions.
BOI means Thailand's Board of Investment. The SMART Visa Unit coordinates the startup qualification endorsement with the relevant agency; the National Innovation Agency or another authorised body assesses whether the business is genuinely technology- or innovation-based and fits a targeted industry.
SMART S has different validity options. The six-month version can be used while the founder is preparing the company and can be supported by a pitch deck even before the company is established. The one-year version is linked to an approved incubator or accelerator or the company-establishment phase. The two-year version requires the Thai startup to be established and the founder to hold at least 25% or be a director.
A useful pitch deck or establishment plan should explain the team, the problem and product or service, technology or innovation, target customers, Thailand operating plan, revenue model, source of funds, company-establishment plan, and intended hiring or expansion.
Typical evidence includes company registration where established, shareholder register or director appointment, NIA or other agency certification, programme acceptance letter, pitch deck, business plan, bank statements showing the three-month deposit, proof of health insurance, passport, and documents showing the source of funds.
The two-year visa can be renewed for another two years only if the original criteria and conditions continue to be met. A one-year holder generally needs to establish and register the company before moving to the two-year route. If the founder changes the approved business or work arrangement, obtain the required additional endorsement.
The holder does not need a work permit for work in the certified startup. SMART S holders generally report once a year rather than every 90 days and do not need a re-entry permit. A spouse can work without a work permit; children normally must be under 20, subject to the applicable dependent rules.
SMART Startup Entrepreneur is separate from SMART Investor and SMART Executive: it is based on developing a certified Thai startup, founder ownership or directorship, and the relevant startup plan or funds.
Preparation checklist
Passport, SMART Visa application, photograph, and qualification-endorsement notification.
Pitch deck or business-establishment plan covering the team, technology or innovation, product or service, target market, Thailand operations, revenue model, source of funds, and growth plan.
For an established startup, company registration, shareholder register or director appointment, and targeted-industry certification; for a programme route, the official incubator or accelerator acceptance letter.
For the two-year route, evidence of at least 25% registered-capital ownership or directorship, plus bank statements showing THB 600,000 held for at least three months; add THB 180,000 per accompanying spouse or child.
Health insurance covering the applicant and accompanying family for the stay, identity documents, and any translations or certifications required by the endorsing authority.
SMART Visa variants
These routes serve a similar purpose or sit within the same visa family, so they are shown together for comparison; each has its own page.