Smart S Visa
Thailand
Last updated: December 29, 2025
2 years (renewable)
$318
6-8 weeks
High
About this Visa
A 2-year work visa for foreign entrepreneurs with established, government-approved startups in Thailand. You can work in your company without a work permit and bring your spouse and children to live with you. Your company must be registered in Thailand and approved by the Thai government in one of 17 advanced industries like technology, robotics, medical devices, renewable energy, or biotechnology. This visa is designed for real entrepreneurs with existing businesses, not business ideas. Your company must have been operational for no more than 2 years at the time of application. The government must approve your company as a legitimate startup before you can apply for the visa. This visa is active and accepting applications. Thailand reformed the Smart Visa program in February 2025, discontinuing other categories and keeping only the 2-year Smart S option for startups.
Key Benefits
- Work in your company without a work permit
- Bring spouse and children with you
- Spouse can work without work permit
- Travel internationally without special permits
- Annual reporting instead of every 3 months
- 2-year stay with renewal option
- Government recognition as official founder/director
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Must have an established, working startup already registered in Thailand
- Company must be approved by Thai government (NIA or DEPA)
- Must own at least 25% of company OR be a director
- Company must not exceed 2 years of operational status
- Company must be in one of 17 approved industries (tech, medical, robotics, renewable energy, etc.)
- Must have $18,750 in bank account
- Must have valid health insurance covering $14,000+
- Must have clean criminal record and obtain police certificate
- No minimum age requirement
- No education or work experience requirement
- No language requirement
Financial Requirement
$18,750 in bank account (held for minimum 3 months before applying). Additional $5,625 per spouse or child. Health insurance required covering minimum $14,000 in medical costs.
Documents
- Application formCompleted Smart S visa application
- Passport copyCopy of your valid passport
- Police certificateOfficial criminal record clearance from your country, certified
- PhotographRecent passport photo with white background
- Bank statementsProof of $18,750 held for 3+ months
- Health insurance certificateCertificate covering $14,000+ medical costs
- Business planDetailed pitch deck with 11 required sections
- Company registrationOfficial company registration certificate
- Investment proofProof you invested money into the company
- Ownership listList of all company owners and percentages
- Financial statementsCompany annual report or financial statements
- Company profileCompany profile, brochures, or marketing materials
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.