Your Ultimate Guide:

SMART Visa
in Thailand

Navigating the Visa and Work Permit Process in Thailand to Serve You Better

SMART VISA IN THAILAND: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

SMART VISA IN THAILAND: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

Book a free consultation and receive your Thailand SMART & LTR Visa Requirement Checklist

Book a free consultation and receive your Thailand SMART & LTR Visa Requirement Checklist

Your Ultimate Guide to Obtaining a SMART Visa in Thailand

Your Ultimate Guide to Obtaining a SMART
Visa in Thailand

Acquiring a Thailand SMART Visa

Acquiring a Thailand
SMART Visa

In this article you will find all the details you need to know in Your Ultimate Guide to Obtaining a SMART Visa in Thailand.

The Thailand Smart Visa is a visa category that has been developed specifically to attract highly skilled labor, investors, executives, and startup business owners. It provides a visa opportunity for those who are interested in working or investing in the Kingdom of Thailand in the specific industries listed below:

  • Affluent, Medical and Wellness Tourism
  • Agriculture and Biotechnology
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Automation and Robotics
  • Aviation and Logistics
  • Biofuels and Biochemicals
  • Digital
  • Environmental Management and Renewable Energy
  • Food for the Future
  • Human Resource Development in Science and Technology
  • Medical Hub
  • Next-Generation Automotive
  • Smart Electronics

There are various categories you can apply for depending on the purpose or activity that you wish to conduct.  They include: 

  • T (Talent): Professionals in the scientific and technological fields who earn more than THB 100,000 monthly.
  • I (Investor): Investors willing to invest THB 20 million.
  • E (Executive): Bachelor’s degree or higher, at least ten years of professional experience, and monthly wages over THB 200,000.
  • S (Startup): Founders of startup companies, depositing THB 600,000 with a 3-month hold period and possessing at least 25% ownership of the company within 12 months.
  • O (Others): Members of a smart visa holder’s immediate family.

Even with your SMART or LTR Visa, you need to remain compliant with tax and statutory requirements. Engage Aster Lion to get your visa and look after these requirements while you focus on growing your business!

The Application Process for Acquiring a Thailand Smart Visa

To apply for a Thailand Smart Visa, follow the application process outlined below:

  1. Register for a Thailand Smart Visa qualifying endorsement at https://smart-visa.boi.go.th and set up an online account.
  2. Fill out the application form for the category of Smart Visa you want (T, I, E, S, or O) and have a PDF version of the required papers to upload and submit. You agree to the qualifying endorsement requirements by submitting the online application form.
  3. Then, the OSS will notify the applicant, Immigration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the appropriate agencies of the outcome of the qualification endorsement application within 30 working days of receiving all required documentation.
  4. Within 60 days of the date the endorsement letter was issued—which will be one of the supporting documents for the application—the qualifying applicant can then move forward with applying for the issuance of a Smart Visa. The processing charge is 10,000 Baht in cash for each year of the valid visa.

You can apply directly but if you need assistance with this process, you can reach out to the Aster Lion team for a Free Consultation.  You can also get your Free Digital Nomad Checklist!

Did you know that Thailand offers different types of Visa. Still deciding which option is better for you.  You can check out this article on Thailand Digital Nomad Visa: SMART vs. Long Term Resident to help you decide. Or you can check out our Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Digital Nomad in Thailand as a comprehensive guide with all options available to you. 

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Do Thailand Digital Nomads Have to Pay Tax?

Do Thailand Digital Nomads
Have to Pay Tax?

Your obligation to pay tax will vary greatly depending on the type of Visa you secure.  Because of the complexity, it’s best to engage with a Tax or Employer of Record expert such as Aster Lion to ensure you are compliant with your tax and statutory requirements. 

WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING

WHAT OUR CLIENTS
ARE SAYING

Stephen Park
Stephen Park

Senior Well Test Supervisor

“When you are a professional working remotely from Thailand you need a reliable and efficient agency for your HR related matters. Aster Lion have done exactly that over the last 2 years giving me peace of mind to get on with my work, worry free. Thoroughly recommendable!”.

Bruno Butragueno
Bruno Butragueno

Business Development

"Since the first communication with AsterLion, it has all been great service and easy steps. The team is extremely professional and always is there to solve your questions or doubts.  The whole process of getting established might seem like a big deal, but the AsterLion team walk you through it step by step with the outmost professionalism. What seemed to be hard and slow, becomes easy and fast with the services provided from Aster Lion."

Jane Wang
Jane Wang

Managing Director - D.E. Consulting

“We have worked with Aster Lion for several years. They are professional, efficient and friendly. Tailor made solutions to our needs are the best part of their services. Their staff are very experienced and hard working. We are impressed of their focus and dedication in what they do!“

Andrew Plumridge
Andrew Plumridge

Business Development

“Aster Lion have been supporting me in business now for 2 years and had set the bar very high for their service back in 2020. At every step of the way, they have maintained this high level of service throughout. Their knowledge and experience has given me stress free management for my business requirements.”

Ian Cardno
Ian Cardno

Marine Warranty Surveyor

“I was very lucky to be connected to Aster Lion as they assisted me with my HR requirements to get set up in Thailand. The process was carried out in a very professional and timely manner, without any issues and the communication was also very clearly explained to me throughout the engagement. I would highly recommend Aster Lion to anyone with HR or Payroll requirements in Thailand.”

Capt. Chris Baker
Capt. Chris Baker

Offshore Installation Manager

"During the time that I have been working with Aster Lion Consulting, I have found them to be efficient in handling my business in all respects. I have found their staff to be professional, courteous and timely in both organising my affairs and in keeping personal appointments. I have already recommended them to several of my colleagues who have taken advantage of their service and would do so again without hesitation."

TESTIMONIALS

What Our Clients Says

Discover how our solutions have transformed businesses, directly from those who've experienced our expertise firsthand.

How Hiring a Professional Employer of Record Partner Can Help

How Hiring a Professional Employer of Record
Partner Can Help

Glasses and book on table

A professional Employer of Record (EOR provider) can help your firm fulfill your Thailand staffing requirements and you can save money, paperwork, labor costs, and legal troubles by working with a firm that specializes in Thailand EOR & payroll solutions.

Why?

These specialized firms already know and comply with Thai employment law, whether you need a local labor force supplemented by in-person or remote workers, or you just need assistance paying your employees properly.

How Aster Lion Can Help

How Aster Lion Can Help

Reach out to our team for a free consultation to understand the requirements and steps involved in getting you set up and running a business in Thailand.

We’ll help you navigate through the entire process to ensure you’re up and running with the least amount of steps.  You can reach us directly by entering your details below and someone from our team will reach out.

Aster Lion is an Employer of Record based in Thailand providing the following services:

  • Visa & Work Permits Including Digital Nomad Visa options
  • Corporate Secretary Services
  • HR & Payroll Solutions

Let us know how we can help you!

CONTACT US

Need Help? Contact Us For a Free Consultation

Need Help? Contact Us For a
Free Consultation

And Receive Your Thailand SMART & LTR Visa Requirement Checklist

And Receive Your Thailand SMART & LTR Visa Requirement Checklist

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Regional Headquarters

Asoke Towers Building, Sukhumvit 21 Road, Bangkok 10110 Thailand

Call Us

+66 (0) 2 1209413

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China, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam

Email Address

team@asterlion.com