SMART Visa: current startup-focused measure — Review overdue

BOI Announcement Por.5/2568, dated 18 February 2025, repealed the former SMART qualifications after the Cabinet approved retaining only the special temporary residence measure for foreign startup entrepreneurs. Por.6/2568 replaced the qualification-endorsement procedure. Older BOI pages and third-party guides may still show the former T, I, E and other tracks; do not use them as evidence that those routes remain open.

Prospective startup applicants must use BOI's current SMART portal, current Por.5/2568 criteria and Por.6/2568 procedure. Qualification endorsement, visa issuance, permission to stay and permission to work remain distinct legal and administrative questions.

Uncertainty

The English instruments are labelled unofficial translations and some legacy BOI pages remain accessible. Obtain BOI confirmation and qualified Thai immigration and employment advice before relying on a category, duration, dependent or work-right conclusion.

Do not send passport, financial, business, employment or immigration documents through a general enquiry form. Optional referrals are to independent providers; compensation may be received and disclosed before transfer. No qualification, issuance or outcome is guaranteed.

Review status: Review overdue. Last recorded review 3 January 2025; the supersession evidence was checked 9 August 2026 without marking this guide current.

Professional review: Not performed. No qualified Thai immigration, employment or legal approval.