Thai visas are about to get SMARTer
The lure of having a walk along a deserted beach as your commute to work and swapping your office for a sea view is what attracts hundreds, if not thousands, of workers from all around the world to Thailand in the hope of attaining the ultimate in work-life balance.
And don’t get us wrong, it can (and does) happen. But Thailand, in line many other countries, has a certain amount of bureaucracy, and the time to complete it may mean it’s a while before you can hold your head high and work legally in the Land of Smiles.
However, the current popularity and potential of the technology and innovation markets has not gone unnoticed and the Thai authorities are leading the way in Asia with the recent introduction of the SMART Visa – an extended and easy-to-apply-for visa for those who meet a surprisingly diverse criteria.
So what is this new visa and how could it benefit you? Let us run you through the basics:
What is the SMART visa?
The SMART Visa programme has been created to attract talents and technologies to Thailand, to accelerate the development of the country’s targeted industries. In short, if you possess the skills or capital to help this development in one of the ten identified sectors, then you will be eligible for a visa that allows long-term residency. Not only this, the visa application process is simplified and expedited, meaning the package makes an individual’s immigration as smooth as possible.
What are the ‘Targeted Industries’?
At present, the 10 S-Curve industries are:
- Next Generation Automotive
- Smart Electronics
- Affluent Medical and Wellness Tourism
- Agricultural and Biotechnology
- Food For The Future
- Automation and Robotics
- Aerospace
- Biofuels and Biochemical
- Digital Economy
- Medical Hub
Additionally, foreigners working or investing in technology-based production activities and services may also qualify.
How is ‘working or investing’ defined?
The SMART visa identifies 4 categories – specialists, investors, executives, and entrepreneurs. Within each of these, applicants will be expected to hold relevant qualifications and meet specialist criteria dependant on which category is being applied for.
How can I apply?
It is important to understand that the process, although simplified, is very different to any visa application in Thailand. You must first apply for a ‘qualification endorsement’ – basically checking with the relevant certifying body or government department that you do indeed fulfil the criteria. This will save much time and effort later on, as once this is granted, your application for the SMART Visa is pretty much a given (assuming you have all the correct paperwork of course!). This process takes up to 30 days, but once complete you simply need to visit the one-stop visa shop in Bangkok and you are done! The current instructions (valid until 1 May 2018) on how to apply for a SMART Visa are here.
I qualify for a standard working visa already. Why should I choose a SMART Visa?
The benefits of the new visa over the standard B-type visa speak for themselves. A one-off application means you can work for 4 years (If you are applying under the start-up category, this is slightly shorter at 3 years) and with no need for a work permit, you can move within approved companies with ease. With this comes the removal of the need to apply to re-enter the country after an absence and to report to the authorities every 90 days as is currently the case – the time and money required to do this is one of the main dissatisfactions with the current system. Overall, you are pretty much free to stay long-term in Thailand or come and go as you please (as are your children or spouse, who are eligible for the same visa class) and believe us when we tell you that is a reality many of us expats never thought we’d see!
Where can I get further information?
We are always happy to answer any questions you need, being one of the first BOI-approved companies to offer a working space specifically geared towards visiting professionals we want to spread the word!
Further information can be found from the Thailand Board of Investment. An agency of the Government of Thailand, its mission is to promote foreign investment in Thailand by providing information, services, and incentives to interested foreign investors.
The Thai Consulate website also contains up to date information regarding all types of visa.
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