SMART Visa: current startup-focused measure

BOI Announcement Por.5/2568, dated 18 February 2025, repealed the former SMART qualifications after the Cabinet approved retaining only the special temporary residence measure for foreign startup entrepreneurs.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.

The Thai Por.5/2568 and Por.6/2568 instruments control. Any unofficial English translation or summary is explanatory only; contradictory legacy BOI landing-page categories are non-controlling.

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: Reviewed on 20 September 2026 against Thai BOI Por.5/2568 and Por.6/2568 and the current portal. The Thai instruments control; English material is an unofficial aid. Next scheduled review: 20 December 2026.

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