SMART Visa 'S' for start-up founders (BOI)
Build a tech start-up from Bangkok or Chiang Mai with a visa that lets you, and your spous…
Record checked Oct 27, 2026 · official source confirmed 14 Nov, 06:01 UTC
Summary
Thailand Board of Investment visa for founders of certified technology start-ups in targeted industries: a renewable stay of up to 2 years with no work permit needed, annual (instead of 90-day) reporting, no re-entry permit, and the same stay plus work rights for a spouse and children.
Dream spread
Build a tech start-up from Bangkok or Chiang Mai with a visa that lets you, and your spouse, work without separate permits.
Relocation reality check
You must hold at least THB 600,000 (plus THB 180,000 per accompanying family member) in a bank account for 3+ months, have health insurance for everyone, and either already run a Thai start-up certified by an agency such as NIA or depa, or take part in an endorsed incubator/accelerator or government joint venture and set up the company within a year. You need 25%+ of the shares or a director seat. Endorsement takes about 30 working days; changing jobs needs a new endorsement.
Your fit signals
The real program is below — the 0–100 scoring is a paid feature.
Full match score — Solo / Household
The 0–100 move-match score, quality score, and would-stay breakdown — with confidence and full reasoning — unlock on Solo and Household.
See Solo & Household plansReality engine
Four lenses on whether this move fits you — tap a panel to see the logic behind each signal.
Eligibility
Technology-based start-up founders in BOI targeted industries with a start-up certified by a relevant agency (e.g. National Innovation Agency, Digital Economy Promotion Agency) or an endorsed incubator/accelerator/government programme; ≥25% shareholding or directorship; deposit ≥ THB 600,000 held 3 months (+ THB 180,000 per dependant); health insurance covering the whole stay.
The long game
If Thailand becomes home, here is the road from first visa to a second passport.
Thailand · residency → PR → citizenship
Verify rules- Y0ArriveYear zero
- Y3Permanent residency~3 years
- Y5
Costs & money
The amounts & terms on record from the official source. USD figures are estimates.
- Duration
- 24 months (about 2 years)
- Property purchase
- Not required
No amounts on record. Check the official source.
True cost to move
Upfront cash, reimbursements, and net position after approval — not headline incentive amounts.
- Flights & logistics$1,200
- Temporary housing (90 days)$2,400
- Deposit / first month rent$2,000
- Visa & consular fees$500
- Health insurance$600
- Legal & translation
Application roadmap
A practical sequence — adjust for your consulate and timeline.
1. Confirm official eligibility
Read the primary government source.
2. Gather income & employment proof
Bank statements, contracts, or tax records.
3. Book consulate / immigration appointment
Slots vary by country and season.
4. Prepare health coverage
Meet minimum coverage rules before arrival.
Meet people before you go
Existing communities already talking about life in 🇹🇭 Thailand. Lurk, ask, make a friend — before the flight.
- r/Thailand
Large sub with long-running visa and cost-of-living threads.
Facebook groups
Source trail
Official links, the line we checked, and when we last checked it.
“Having a deposit of no less than 600,000 Baht or equivalent … held for at least 3 months … Maximum renewable 2-year visa. No work permit required … Spouse and children granted permission to stay in Thailand for the same duration”
Primary official sourceLast checked Oct 27, 2026- Secondary referenceLast checked Oct 27, 2026
Rule changes
CasaSedora last checked the official source on 14 Nov 2026. Changes appear here once two independent automated checks agree on them, or a person confirms them.
No rule changes recorded since monitoring began.
Our summaries point you to what moved — always confirm details on the official source.