Thailand · Investor / Golden Visa
SMART-S
SMART-S grants certified startup entrepreneurs a maximum renewable 2-year visa, exempting holders from work permit and r…
SMART-S grants certified startup entrepreneurs a maximum renewable 2-year visa, exempting holders from work permit and re-entry permit requirements, with the standard 90-day immigration reporting extended to once per year.
At a Glance
Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Range | 18+ |
| Job Offer Required | No |
| Sponsorship Required | No |
| Health Insurance Required | Yes |
Financial Requirements
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Minimum Savings | €15,840 |
Family & Rights
| Right | Details |
|---|---|
| Path to Permanent Residency | No |
Related Pathways
Cost of Living
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SMART-S?
SMART-S grants certified startup entrepreneurs a maximum renewable 2-year visa, exempting holders from work permit and re-entry permit requirements, with the standard 90-day immigration reporting extended to once per year.
What are the financial requirements for the SMART-S?
Applicants need minimum savings of €15,840. Additional costs may include relocation expenses, insurance, and document attestation.
Can the SMART-S lead to permanent residency?
No — this is a temporary pathway and does not itself lead to permanent residence. Holders often switch to a different route to pursue settlement.
Are there alternative pathways to Thailand?
Yes. Thailand offers 16 other immigration pathways. Compare all options on our Thailand country page.
What is the cost of living in Thailand?
Monthly costs for a single person in city center: Bangkok: €1,096/mo; Chiang Mai: €685/mo; Phuket: €877/mo. These include rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.
Does your profile fit this route?
Take the free 3-minute quiz — see where you qualify across 2,500+ routes, and what's blocking you.
Official source
Requirements on this page are based on this official/primary source:
Data last verified: 2026-06-25 · See our methodology
Complete guide to emigrating to Thailand →
This page may contain affiliate links. See our disclosure.