Written by the Thai Legal & Immigration legal team · Last reviewed · Editorial policy
The SMART Visa is administered by the Board of Investment for experts, investors, senior executives and start-up founders in targeted industries such as digital, smart electronics, biotechnology and advanced manufacturing. Holders benefit from longer permission to stay and reporting relief compared with standard work routes.
Since the LTR visa was introduced, many candidates qualify for both schemes. We compare them side by side — eligibility, dependants, reporting and work authorisation — before committing to one application.
What we handle
- Eligibility and category assessment.
- Comparison against LTR and Non-B routes.
- Endorsement application to the BOI.
- Visa issuance and dependant applications.
How the process works
Step 1
Assessment
Salary, industry and company endorsement checked.
Step 2
BOI endorsement
Application and supporting evidence filed online.
Step 3
Visa
Visa stamped at a Thai embassy or in Thailand.
Step 4
Ongoing
Annual reporting and changes of employer managed.
Not sure this route fits you?
Get a Free Preliminary Eligibility Review from our licensed team.
Why are applications refused, and how do we prepare?
| Common refusal reason | How we prepare |
|---|---|
| Role not within a targeted industry or certification missing | We check endorsement criteria with you first. |
Counsel's note
Industry eligibility is where SMART applications most often fail. We confirm the employer's activity against the BOI's targeted list first.
Frequently asked
Do SMART Visa holders need a separate work permit?
Is SMART better than LTR?
Advice by nationality
Why clients choose us
Six licensed Thai attorneys
Including Notarial Services Attorneys registered with the Lawyers Council of Thailand.
77 provinces covered
Offices in Bangkok and Khon Kaen with field representatives nationwide.
Your passport stays with you
We work from copies and only handle originals for filings you approve.
Honest assessment first
A Free Preliminary Eligibility Review tells you your options before any engagement.
Sources & references
- SMART Visa – BOI official portal — checked 2026-11-03
- Thailand Board of Investment — checked 2026-11-03
General information only, not legal advice. Immigration decisions rest with the Thai authorities. See our disclaimer.