Last updated 2024-10-03
Startup visa
Visa overview
Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
Substantial investments in Thailand's targeted industries. Requires a letter of qualification endorsement from the SMART Visa Unit (BOI), proof of investment meeting financial thresholds, and a detailed investment plan. Allows an initial stay of up to four years, extendable based on the continuation and success of the investment.
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
4 years
Validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
Dates of start and end of validity are indicated on the visa. The start date is the day the visa is issued (when it is affixed in the passport). Validity period indicates a timeframe during which the visa can be used for entry into Thailand, but it does not limit a duration of stay in the country after entry. Foreign travelers are required to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card form no more than 3 days prior to their arrival in Thailand.
1 year
Length of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
If the applicant selects 1 year stay when applying for a visa, then he/she will get this period with the corresponding dates on a stamp in the passport upon arrival in Thailand. The stay can be either continuous or with an unlimited number of entries within this period. If necessary, the stay can be extended; however, the total period, including extensions, cannot exceed 4 years. Visas are generally issued with the maximum validity for multiple entries, eliminating the need to obtain a re-entry permit. Upon entry, an immigration officer stamps the passport with the entry date and the date by which the visitor must leave the country or submit an application for an extension of stay. If the stay is extended, a new stamp with updated dates is added to the passport, serving as proof of the foreigner's legal stay in the country. For continuous stays in Thailand exceeding 90 days, a report confirming the current home address must be submitted to a local Immigration office every 90 days. The report can be submitted in person, by mail, or online. It must be filed no earlier than 15 days and no later than 7 days before the end of each 90-day period.
3 years
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
An extension of stay is only possible within the maximum allowable 4-year period for the visa, so the total period in Thailand under the visa cannot exceed this duration. Each year of stay costs 10,000 THB, whether paid initially when applying for the visa or as an extension. To extend the stay, an application for qualification endorsement must be submitted to Smart Visa Extension at least 60 days before the current stay period expires. After receiving notification of the qualification endorsement result, an application for the stay extension must be submitted at the Immigration Bureau’s One-Stop Service Center for Visas and Work Permits (OSS).
multiple-entry
The ability to enter and exit the country an unlimited number of times, unless otherwise specified, within the visa's validity period.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
from 7 days to 2 months
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
Visa application processing times depend on the place of submission, the applicant's nationality, the purpose of the visit and its documentation, the workload of the consulate, and other factors. Typically, the qualification assessment and visa issuance process takes up to 2–3 months from the date of document submission. Almost all Thai embassies around the world stopped accepting paper applications and switched to online visa processing.
THB 10,000
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
Payment of the consular fee is typically made in the local currency of the submission country or in US dollars, and may vary based on exchange rates. It is advisable to confirm the exact fee directly with the local embassy or consulate at the time of document submission. The consular fee is an official charge for processing visa applications by the Thai embassy or consulate and does not include any additional payments that may be required depending on the place and method of submission, such as visa center fees, costs for permits and other documents, postal or courier delivery, and others.
4 years
Validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
Dates of start and end of validity are indicated on the visa. The start date is the day the visa is issued (when it is affixed in the passport). Validity period indicates a timeframe during which the visa can be used for entry into Thailand, but it does not limit a duration of stay in the country after entry. Foreign travelers are required to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card form no more than 3 days prior to their arrival in Thailand.
2 years
Length of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
If the applicant selects 2 years stay when applying for a visa, then he/she will get this period with the corresponding dates on a stamp in the passport upon arrival in Thailand. The stay can be either continuous or with an unlimited number of entries within this period. If necessary, the stay can be extended; however, the total period, including extensions, cannot exceed 4 years. Visas are generally issued with the maximum validity for multiple entries, eliminating the need to obtain a re-entry permit. Upon entry, an immigration officer stamps the passport with the entry date and the date by which the visitor must leave the country or submit an application for an extension of stay. If the stay is extended, a new stamp with updated dates is added to the passport, serving as proof of the foreigner's legal stay in the country. For continuous stays in Thailand exceeding 90 days, a report confirming the current home address must be submitted to a local Immigration office every 90 days. The report can be submitted in person, by mail, or online. It must be filed no earlier than 15 days and no later than 7 days before the end of each 90-day period.
2 years
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
An extension of stay is only possible within the maximum allowable 4-year period for the visa, so the total period in Thailand under the visa cannot exceed this duration. Each year of stay costs 10,000 THB, whether paid initially when applying for the visa or as an extension. To extend the stay, an application for qualification endorsement must be submitted to Smart Visa Extension at least 60 days before the current stay period expires. After receiving notification of the qualification endorsement result, an application for the stay extension must be submitted at the Immigration Bureau’s One-Stop Service Center for Visas and Work Permits (OSS).
multiple-entry
The ability to enter and exit the country an unlimited number of times, unless otherwise specified, within the visa's validity period.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
from 7 days to 2 months
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
Visa application processing times depend on the place of submission, the applicant's nationality, the purpose of the visit and its documentation, the workload of the consulate, and other factors. Typically, the qualification assessment and visa issuance process takes up to 2–3 months from the date of document submission. Almost all Thai embassies around the world stopped accepting paper applications and switched to online visa processing.
THB 20,000
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
Payment of the consular fee is typically made in the local currency of the submission country or in US dollars, and may vary based on exchange rates. It is advisable to confirm the exact fee directly with the local embassy or consulate at the time of document submission. The consular fee is an official charge for processing visa applications by the Thai embassy or consulate and does not include any additional payments that may be required depending on the place and method of submission, such as visa center fees, costs for permits and other documents, postal or courier delivery, and others.
4 years
Validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
Dates of start and end of validity are indicated on the visa. The start date is the day the visa is issued (when it is affixed in the passport). Validity period indicates a timeframe during which the visa can be used for entry into Thailand, but it does not limit a duration of stay in the country after entry. Foreign travelers are required to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card form no more than 3 days prior to their arrival in Thailand.
3 years
Length of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
If the applicant selects 3 years stay when applying for a visa, then he/she will get this period with the corresponding dates on a stamp in the passport upon arrival in Thailand. The stay can be either continuous or with an unlimited number of entries within this period. If necessary, the stay can be extended; however, the total period, including extensions, cannot exceed 4 years. Visas are generally issued with the maximum validity for multiple entries, eliminating the need to obtain a re-entry permit. Upon entry, an immigration officer stamps the passport with the entry date and the date by which the visitor must leave the country or submit an application for an extension of stay. If the stay is extended, a new stamp with updated dates is added to the passport, serving as proof of the foreigner's legal stay in the country. For continuous stays in Thailand exceeding 90 days, a report confirming the current home address must be submitted to a local Immigration office every 90 days. The report can be submitted in person, by mail, or online. It must be filed no earlier than 15 days and no later than 7 days before the end of each 90-day period.
1 year
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
An extension of stay is only possible within the maximum allowable 4-year period for the visa, so the total period in Thailand under the visa cannot exceed this duration. Each year of stay costs 10,000 THB, whether paid initially when applying for the visa or as an extension. To extend the stay, an application for qualification endorsement must be submitted to Smart Visa Extension at least 60 days before the current stay period expires. After receiving notification of the qualification endorsement result, an application for the stay extension must be submitted at the Immigration Bureau’s One-Stop Service Center for Visas and Work Permits (OSS).
multiple-entry
The ability to enter and exit the country an unlimited number of times, unless otherwise specified, within the visa's validity period.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
from 7 days to 2 months
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
Visa application processing times depend on the place of submission, the applicant's nationality, the purpose of the visit and its documentation, the workload of the consulate, and other factors. Typically, the qualification assessment and visa issuance process takes up to 2–3 months from the date of document submission. Almost all Thai embassies around the world stopped accepting paper applications and switched to online visa processing.
THB 30,000
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
Payment of the consular fee is typically made in the local currency of the submission country or in US dollars, and may vary based on exchange rates. It is advisable to confirm the exact fee directly with the local embassy or consulate at the time of document submission. The consular fee is an official charge for processing visa applications by the Thai embassy or consulate and does not include any additional payments that may be required depending on the place and method of submission, such as visa center fees, costs for permits and other documents, postal or courier delivery, and others.
4 years
Validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
Dates of start and end of validity are indicated on the visa. The start date is the day the visa is issued (when it is affixed in the passport). Validity period indicates a timeframe during which the visa can be used for entry into Thailand, but it does not limit a duration of stay in the country after entry. Foreign travelers are required to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card form no more than 3 days prior to their arrival in Thailand.
4 years
Length of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
If the applicant selects 4 years stay when applying for a visa, then he/she will get this period with the corresponding dates on a stamp in the passport upon arrival in Thailand. The stay can be either continuous or with an unlimited number of entries within this period. Visas are generally issued with the maximum validity for multiple entries, eliminating the need to obtain a re-entry permit. Upon entry, an immigration officer stamps the passport with the entry date and the date by which the visitor must leave the country. For continuous stays in Thailand exceeding 90 days, a report confirming the current home address must be submitted to a local Immigration office every 90 days. The report can be submitted in person, by mail, or online. It must be filed no earlier than 15 days and no later than 7 days before the end of each 90-day period.
Not applicable
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
If the maximum possible stay duration is selected when applying for the visa, extensions are not permitted. The maximum duration for this visa is 4 years. To stay in Thailand beyond this period, other immigration options should be considered, or a new visa should be obtained.
multiple-entry
The ability to enter and exit the country an unlimited number of times, unless otherwise specified, within the visa's validity period.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
from 7 days to 2 months
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
Visa application processing times depend on the place of submission, the applicant's nationality, the purpose of the visit and its documentation, the workload of the consulate, and other factors. Typically, the qualification assessment and visa issuance process takes up to 2–3 months from the date of document submission. Almost all Thai embassies around the world stopped accepting paper applications and switched to online visa processing.
THB 40,000
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
Payment of the consular fee is typically made in the local currency of the submission country or in US dollars, and may vary based on exchange rates. It is advisable to confirm the exact fee directly with the local embassy or consulate at the time of document submission. The consular fee is an official charge for processing visa applications by the Thai embassy or consulate and does not include any additional payments that may be required depending on the place and method of submission, such as visa center fees, costs for permits and other documents, postal or courier delivery, and others.
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Photograph
Taken within the past six months. The photograph must have a light color background with a full-face view of the person without wearing a hat or dark glasses and covering up shoulders.
Passport
Must be valid within 6 months from travel date.
Proof of accommodation
A copy of hotel reservation/rental contract/deed. In case of residing with a family, an invitation from the host family along with a copy of their undersigned Thai ID or house registration is required. The name of the applicant must be indicated clearly.
Financial evidence
Amount of no less than 20,000 Baht per person or 40,000 Baht per family, e.g. bank statements, sponsorship letter (not required for E-visa).
Document indicating current location
Local ID, driving license, bank statement, or proof of stay.
Visa application form
Completely filled out (not required for E-visa).
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Letter of qualification endorsement
Issued from SMART VISA Unit (BOI).
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Letter of proof of employment
Confirming the position and work status, hand-signed by the authorized HR Department or Manager. Or a letter explaining and confirming sufficient funds for unemployed.
Letter of full-time student status
Issued by an educational institution, confirming student status, indicating the course/class and contacts of the educational institution.
Business license or registration
For self-employed, indicating the applicant’s name and business license or registration details.
Birth certificate
For minors under 20 years old.
Marriage certificate
For minors under 20 years old. In case of sole custody, notarized copy of the court order.
Passports or ID of parents/legal guardian
For minors under 20 years old.
Consent for the minor to travel abroad
For minors under 20 years old. Original letter of notarized consent for the minor to travel abroad from parents / legal guardian if the applicant is traveling alone.
Medical certificates
Yellow Fever vaccination, certificate attesting the absence of any infectious diseases, depending on the citizenship or country of residence of the applicant.
Certificate of criminal record
Confirming no criminal record in the applicant’s home or residence country.
Registration documents
For companies, schools, businesses and organizations inviting the applicant.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.
Strong ties with the home country and valid reasons to return there, ensuring compliance with the terms and duration of stay.
Insurance policy for the entire period of stay, meeting the minimum mandatory or recommended requirements for the country.
Valid permanent resident status or proof thereof; all preliminary procedures for visa application have been completed.
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
Non-Immigrant
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
SMART visa
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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terranasupp@outlook.comValidity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
4 years
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
THB 40,000