Smart Visa for freelancers

Smart Visa benefits in Thailand include a number of significant benefits and conveniences for foreign professionals, investors, executives and entrepreneurs working in targeted industries. The main benefits are:

1. Duration of stay. The Smart Visa entitles you to a long-term stay in Thailand for a maximum of 4 years, depending on the visa category (Smart Visa Startup is issued for a maximum of 2 years).
2. Work Permit Exemption. Smart Visa holders are exempted from the need to obtain a work permit to work in Thailand within their specialization and activities related to their target industries.
3. Family Benefits. The Smart Visa holder's spouse and children are granted the right to live and work in Thailand without the need for a work permit (for children over 18 years of age and subject to prohibited activities for foreigners).
4. Simplified reporting procedure. Periodicity of reporting to the immigration service is increased to 1 year.
5. Expedited processing services at airports. Access to expedited processing services at Thailand's international airports where available.
6. No requirement for visa re-issuance. No re-entry permit required for Smart Visa holders.

These benefits make Smart Visa attractive to foreign professionals and entrepreneurs who wish to work or do business in Thailand in line with the country's targeted destinations.

The following categories of people are eligible for the Smart Visa in Thailand:

1. Highly qualified professionals (Smart T). This category is intended for specialists in the fields of science and technology.
2. Technology Entrepreneurs (Smart S). Designed for those who launch technology startups.
3. Investors (Smart I). This category is for investors investing in Thailand's target industries.
4. Executive Directors (Smart E). High-level executives working in companies that use technology in manufacturing or service delivery and are in target industries.
5. Dependent Family Members (Smart O). This category is for legal dependents of primary Smart Visa holders, such as spouses and children.

To successfully apply for a Smart Visa, candidates need to meet the set criteria including financial requirements, professional experience and future plans in Thailand.

The requirements to obtain a Smart Visa in Thailand for each of the categories:

Smart T (Talent):

• Working for a company or legal entity in the field of science and technology registered in Thailand.
• An employment contract of at least one year is required.
• Official monthly salary of at least 200,000 baht.

Smart S (Startup):

• A deposit of 600,000 baht is required and must be in the account for at least 3 months.
• If accompanied by spouse and children, an additional deposit of at least 180,000 Baht per person (or equivalent) in a bank account is required, which must also be held for at least 3 months.
• Health insurance for the applicant (and for each member of his/her family who are enrolled with him/her) is required.
• Participating in an approved incubation, gas pedal program, or receiving approval from an appropriate state agency.
• Startups must be established in the target industries in Thailand within the 1st year, with at least 25% ownership or be a board member.

Smart I (Investor):

• Direct investment of at least 20 million baht in technology-oriented businesses in targeted industries in Thailand (if the investment is made by an individual investor or through a venture capital company in Thailand).
• Direct investment by an individual investor of at least 5 million baht in a startup or incubation or gas pedal program approved by relevant agencies. The investor can invest in more than 1 business, provided the investment is maintained throughout the Smart Visa validity period.
• The business in which the investment is made must be certified as technological in production or service provision in the target sectors by the relevant government agencies, such as the National Agency for Innovation, the Agency for Digital Economy Support and the National Agency for Science and Technology Development.

Smart E (Executive Director):

• The applicant has a minimum of a bachelor's degree in higher education.
• At least 10 years of working experience in relevant fields.
• Work for companies that utilize technology in manufacturing or service delivery in targeted industries.
• The company (or a branch of a foreign company) must be registered in Thailand.
• The company must be technology-based and certified in manufacturing or service provision in the target industries by approved government agencies such as the National Agency for Innovation (Public Organization), the Agency for Digital Economy Support and the National Agency for Science and Technology Development.
• Availability of an employment contract with this company, the term of which is at least 1 year.
• The salary requirements are at least 200,000 baht per month.
• The applicant must hold a senior position in the company (e.g., Chairman of the Board of Directors, CEO).

Smart O (Other):

• The applicant must be the legal spouse or child of the Smart Visa holder.
• It is necessary to provide official documents confirming family relations with the main Smart Visa holder (e.g. marriage certificate, children's birth certificate).
• Proof of financial solvency or support from the main visa applicant. (+ 180,000 Baht for each family member applying)
• Health insurance for each family member applying under the Smart Startup Visa of the principal applicant.
• Allows you to live and work in Thailand under similar conditions as basic Smart Visa holders.

Thailand emphasizes the following target industries to attract investment and develop the economy:

• Automotive industry
• Electronic industry
• High-end tourism industry
• Agro-industry, food and biotechnology industry
• Automation and robotics industry
• Transportation and logistics industry
• Petrochemical and chemical industry
• Digital industry
• Medical industry
• Defense Industry
• Circular economy (e.g. fuel production from waste and water management)
• Aviation, aerospace and space industry
• Human resource development in science and technology
• Environmental and renewable energy management
• Technology, innovation and startup ecosystem management
• Development of targeted technologies
• International Business Center
• Alternative dispute resolution services

These industries reflect Thailand's efforts to stimulate economic growth and attract foreign investment.

The Smart Visa offers a number of benefits, including long-term stays of up to 4 years, multiple entry and no requirement for work authorization. The application process for these visas usually includes the submission of a detailed proposal or business plan, and processing times may vary.

The processing time for a Smart Visa application in Thailand is approximately 30 business days.

The process of obtaining a Smart Visa involves several steps:

Collection and preparation of the necessary package of documents.

Application and review stage. At this stage, the application and prepared documents are submitted. The application is forwarded to the Board of Investment (BOI) of Thailand for review. BOI assesses whether the applications meet the established criteria and requirements and plays an important role in certifying companies and startups within the targeted industries. Once approved, BOI issues a confirmation letter. This stage takes about 30 working days.

This process can take from 1 to 3 months. The exact time depends on the complexity of the application and the workload of the visa services.

Visa approval and issuance stage.

Once the application has been processed and all requirements have been met, a decision on the visa is made. If approved, visa issuance can take from a few days to a week, depending on the specific procedure at the visa center or embassy.

The overall Smart Visa process can take anywhere from 2 to 4 months from the time you apply to the time you receive your visa.

Please note that processing times can be affected by a variety of factors, including the volume of applications, accuracy of information provided, BOI response times, and public holidays. To potentially expedite the process, it is recommended that all required documents be carefully prepared and that peak application periods be avoided.