Thailand

Thailand

Introduces 'Smart Visa' to attract highly skilled foreign talents

16 Jan 2018

On 16 January 2018, the Cabinet approved a new visa system ('Smart Visa') to attract foreign highly skilled talents. The Smart Visa applies to foreign entrepreneurs, high-level executives, start-up business owners or highly-skilled professionals in 10 target industries, including next-generation automotives, smart electronics, agriculture and biotechnology, automation and robotics, digital businesses. Some benefits of this program include; (1) visa validity of 4 years instead of the current one year, (2) no requirement of a work permit, (3) an extension of the reporting period, (4) allowing dependents to live and work in Thailand. Applications for the Smart Visa can be made as of 1 February 2018.

Nature of measure:
  • Facilitation
  • Incentives
Type:
  • Promotion and facilitation (Investment facilitation )
Industry:
  • Primary (Agriculture, forestry and fishing)
  • Manufacturing (Manufacture of food products, beverages and tobacco products, Manufacture of chemicals and chemical products, Manufacture of basic pharmaceutical products and pharmaceutical preparations, Manufacture of computer, electronic and optical products, and electrical equipment, Manufacture of machinery and equipment n.e.c., Manufacture of transport equipment)
  • Services (Wholesale and retail trade, Computer programming, consultancy and related activities, Scientific research and development, Arts, entertainment and recreation)
Inward FDI:
No
Outward FDI:
No
Sources: