Thailand Business & Investor Visa

Thailand offers visas for business, work, or investment purposes. Knowing the differences between these visa types will help you choose the right visa for your visit.

Types of Thailand Business & Investor Visas

Employment Visa (BOI)

• This visa is for individuals who have secured employment with a company promoted by the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI).
• Best suited for: Professionals engaged in full-time roles with a Thai employer.

Business Visit Visa (BOI)

• Intended for short-term visits involving business-related interactions with BOI-promoted companies, without entering into employment.
• Best suited for: Individuals attending meetings, participating in discussions, or exploring business opportunities.

SMART Visa (For Investors)

• Focused on investors participating in BOI-approved sectors, including technology, digital and innovation-driven industries.
• Best suited for: Investors establishing or expanding business operations in Thailand.

Note: The Business Visit and Employment categories are generally issued under the Non-Immigrant “B” Visa (Business Visa) classification, whereas the SMART Visa is a separate programme introduced by the Thailand Board of Investment for targeted professionals and investors.

What is BOI and Why It Matters

The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) is a government authority that approves and supports selected businesses and investment projects in the country.

Working with a BOI-promoted company or investing in a BOI-approved project means your activities are recognised officially. This leads to a more structured visa process and clearer alignment with permitted business activities.

Document Requirements for Dedicated Visa Types

For Employment and Business Visit Visas

• Passport biodata page or a valid travel document
• Recent photograph (taken within the last 6 months)
• Proof of your current location
• BOI support letter and financial proof (bank statements or sponsor letter)

For SMART Visa (Investor Programme)

• Passport biodata page or a valid travel document
• Recent photograph (taken within the last 6 months)
• Proof of your current location
• Endorsement letter from the SMART Visa Unit (BOI)

Note: Document requirements may vary; please verify them on the appropriate embassy or consulate-general website.

Validity, Stay Duration and Work Permissions

Business Visit Visa

• Single Entry: Valid for 3 months
• Multiple Entry: Valid for 1 year
• Work Permission: Not allowed to work or receive income in Thailand

Employment Visa

• Single Entry: Valid for 3 months. Can be extended in Thailand for 1 year based on employment
• Work Permission: Allowed with a valid work permit

SMART Investor Visa

• Multiple Entry: Valid for 1, 2, 3, or 4 years
• Work Permission: No separate work permit required for approved activities

Additional Requirements for SMART Investor Visa

To get the SMART Investor Visa, applicants must meet specific investment requirements set by the Thailand Board of Investment.

• Invest at least 20 million Baht in technology-based businesses in Thailand, either directly or through a venture capital company.
• The investment must be in approved technology or innovation sectors recognised by the relevant Thai authorities.
• The investment must be maintained throughout the visa validity period.

Note: Lower investment amounts (such as 5 million Baht) apply only to certain startup-related SMART Visa categories and not to the SMART Investor (I) Visa.

Application Process for Thailand Business & Investor Visas

The application process varies depending on the visa type and the applicant’s location. The visa type is selected during the application process.

• Determine the appropriate visa type (Business Visit, Employment, or SMART visa).
• Prepare the required documents based on the visa category
• Submit the application:
  • Through a Thai embassy or consulate, or
  • Via the official eVisa system (if available)
• Pay the applicable visa fee
• Attend an appointment or provide biometrics (if required)
• Wait for processing and approval

For SMART Visa Applicants:

• Obtain endorsement from the Thailand Board of Investment before visa issuance

FAQs