Thailand currently has an influx of working professionals from all over the globe. They often work for foreign companies that receive investment support and opportunities from the Board of Investment of Thailand (BOI).
Many of these companies and the people who work for them face problems when applying for visas, and especially work permits, which have numerous requirements. As a result, employers and employees inevitably end up wasting valuable time.
However, with the help of a Smart Visa, what was once difficult, complicated, and time-consuming can be avoided, whether you’re looking to bring your family from abroad to live in Thailand or just want to make 90-day reports less stressful. In this article, we’ll examine everything you need to know about Smart Visas.
A Smart Visa is a type of visa specially designed to better facilitate foreigners investing or working in Thailand, with the aim of attracting experts, senior management, and entrepreneurs with a high level of skill and expertise to work in a target industry known as S-Curve.
Thailand wants to attract foreign investors and highly skilled personnel in the following S-Curve sectors:
Foreigners can apply for a Smart Visa to work in Thailand in all S-Curve target industries with 5 different types of smart visas as follows:
Highly skilled professionals in science and technology, such as researchers, application developers, program developers, and engineers in various fields, etc.
Foreign investors who invest in businesses that use technology in production processes or services and are in the targeted industries of Thailand.
High-level executives working in businesses that use technology in the production process or service and are in the targeted industries of Thailand.
Foreigners who own technology-based startups and are in Thailand's targeted industries, such as finance, hospitality, and other related fields.
Qualifications for Smart “S” Visa Applicants
SMART Visa O is issued to spouses and legitimate children of all types of Smart Visa beneficiaries.
There are many reasons that make the Smart Visa attractive to foreign investors, including companies that have set up businesses in Thailand. Smart Visas have many more benefits than Non-B Visas. Here’s a comparison:
SMART Visa reports once a year to the Visa and Work Permit Service (OSS)
Non-B Visa reports every 90 days at the immigration office near the residential area
SMART Visa unlimited number of times
Non-B Visa must get re-entry permit before leaving the country
SMART Visa no more than 4 years at a time
Non-B Visa no more than 1 year at a time
SMART Visa does not require a work permit
Non-B Visa requires a work permit
SMART Visa can use special channels
Non-B Visa cannot use special channels
SMART Visa trackable
Non-B Visa trackable
SMART Visa does not require a work permit
Non-B Visa requires a work permit
If you’re searching for further information about a Smart Visa to share with your company or acquaintances interested in investing in Thailand, True Digital Park is here to make the process easier. Whether you're part of a large company that uses modern technology or a startup that sees opportunities in an era when Thai people are stepping into a fully digital world, you can always come and talk to our team of professionals at True Digital Park to get advice.
True Digital Park is ready to support investors and companies that want to invest in digital businesses in Thailand. Companies participating in the Startup Booster program with True Digital Park also have the opportunity to apply for a SMART Visa easier and faster.
In addition, companies registered to establish a business at True Digital Park that meet all the qualifications as specified by the BOI will also be entitled to an additional one-year corporate income tax exemption for a total of up to 8 years.
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