§ SMART-T
SMART-T (Talent) — Highly-Skilled Expert
SMART-T (Talent) — ผู้เชี่ยวชาญทักษะสูง
Engineers, scientists, researchers, specialty physicians in 13 S-curve industries.
Quick Answer
SMART-T lets foreign experts work in an S-curve industry for 4 years without a Work Permit, provided monthly pay is ≥ THB 100,000 and the sector authority endorses the role.
Timeline: 60–90 working days end-to-end.
Who qualifies
Foreign experts hired by a Thai employer (private, BOI-promoted, government, or university) into a targeted S-curve industry: Biotech, EV, Aerospace, Robotics, Digital, Automation, Medical Hub.
- Monthly salary ≥ THB 100,000 (THB 50,000 for government / university / NIA-endorsed startups).
- Employment contract ≥ 1 year.
- ≥ 2 years relevant experience (waived for Ph.D. researchers).
- Destination entity must sit on the S-curve list and be endorsed by the sector authority (depa, NIA, NSTDA, etc.).
Documents required
- Endorsement letter from the sector authority (depa / NIA / NSTDA / professional council).
- Full employment contract + job description.
- Certified translations of degree + transcript.
- Reference letters covering prior relevant experience.
- Thai employer's company affidavit, VAT (ภพ.20), and audited financials for the last 3 years.
- Passport, photos, medical certificate, police clearance.
Workflow
- Secure the sector Endorsement Letter (14–30 days).
- File the SMART Visa application on BOI's online portal with certified translations.
- BOI adjudication: 30 working days; issues Qualification Endorsement Letter.
- Collect the Endorsement Letter and either apply at a Royal Thai Embassy abroad or convert an existing Non-B at BOI One Stop Service, Chamchuri Square.
- 1-year reporting (instead of 90-day) and 4-year renewal thereafter.
Benefits
- 4-year visa, no separate Work Permit.
- Annual reporting (not 90-day).
- Spouse and children get SMART-O automatically with permission to work.
- Unlimited multiple re-entry built-in.
§ LEGAL BASIS
BOI Announcement 3/2561 (as amended 2023 & 2025) governs SMART Visa across the 13 S-curve target industries.
FAQ
- Do I need a separate Work Permit?
- No — SMART-T covers both the visa and the right to work in the endorsed role.
- Can I switch employer while holding SMART-T?
- You must notify BOI within 15 days and obtain a new endorsement from the sector authority of the new employer.
- What do dependants get?
- Spouse and minor children receive SMART-O for the same term; spouse gets permission to work.
- Fees?
- Document translation THB 1,300–2,500 each (5–7 working days) plus BOI government fees at cost.
Contact: 083-249-4999 · LINE @NYC168 · contact@ilc.ltd