Thailand: Smart S (Startup) Visa
Startup founders can move to Thailand with their family for 6 months to 2 years with a Smart S Visa.
Benefits
- Bring family
- Could include right to work
- Renewable after 6+ months
- Low cost of living
- Sunny weather & beautiful beaches
- Unlimited entry and exit
Introduction
Beautiful beaches, entrancing jungles, tropical weather, uniquely delicious food, and friendly people tempt many travelers to stay in Thailand permanently. Combine these benefits with a low cost of living, booming economy, and a central location in Southeast Asia, and it’s clear why Thailand is an ideal place to start a business.
Long-term visas to Thailand are typically difficult to obtain, but the Smart Visa welcomes innovators and entrepreneurs. In particular, this program targets these industries: Next-Generation Automotive; Smart Electronics; Affluent, Medical, and Wellness Tourism; Agriculture and Biotechnology; Food for the Future; Automation and Robotics; Aviation and Logistics; Biofuels and Biochemicals; Digital; Medical Hub; Human Resource Development in Science and Technology; Environmental Management and Renewable Energy.
Internet Speed
Fixed broadband: 214.28 Mbps download/166.46 Mbps upload
Mobile: 50.28 Mbps download/15.75 Mbps upload
Cost of living
No. 75 globally
Requirements
Several tiers of eligibility exist.
6-month visa:
- New startup founders need a government-approved business plan
1-year visa, with the right to work for applicant and spouse:
- Startup must be accepted into an approved accelerator or receive outside funding
- $18,500 bank balance plus $5,560 per person for applicant, spouse, and dependents
2-year visa, with the right to work for applicant and spouse:
- Business already started in Thailand
- $18,500 bank balance plus $5,560 per person for applicant, spouse, and dependents
Fees
- $310 per year of validity, with some additional fees
Application Process
Apply online. Complete the application form and upload all documents in PDF.
You will get a response within 30 working days.
If you are approved, apply for the Smart Visa from your local Thai embassy or consulate. You can also apply within Thailand at these processing centers:
- The Immigration at One Stop Service Center for Visa and Work Permit (OSS), Chamchuri Square Building, Bangkok
- EEC Labour Administration Center, Chonburi
Read the instructions then print out and complete these forms and bring cash to pay visa fees.
After your appointment, you will receive your visa within 60 days.
Documents Required
Full checklist and description of pitch deck
Documents required vary based on your tier and situation. All applicants require:
- Passport
- Business plan
- Proof of health insurance
- Pitch deck
Other required documents could include:
- Proof of bank balance, in Thailand or abroad, held for at least 3 months
- Evidence of relationship to dependents (such as marriage and birth certificates)
- Shareholder list
- Proof of incubator or accelerator acceptance
- Proof of participation in startup promotion activities
- Company profile, annual report, and brochures or catalogues
- Clean criminal records check from country of origin
- Certificate of incorporation
- Memorandum of association in Thailand
Other documents may be requested. Documents should be submitted in English or with a certified translation.
