Thailand Smart Visa vs. Traditional Work Permits

1. Thailand Smart Visa vs. Traditional Work Permits If you’re considering working or investing in Thailand, understanding your visa options is crucial. Two of the most common pathways are the Thailand Smart Visa—a relatively new program designed to attract high-caliber professionals and investors—and the Traditional Work Permit held under a Non-Immigrant Visa category. This user-centric comparison will help you decide which route aligns best with your career goals, lifestyle preferences, and long-term plans in the Kingdom of Thailand. 1. Who Is Eligible? Thailand Smart Visa The Smart Visa is targeted at five key groups of foreign nationals engaging in Thailand’s “S- Curve” industries: T-Talent (senior executives, specialists, researchers)

2. I-Investor (start-up investors or venture capital investors) S-Startup (founders of tech start-ups) E-Executive (senior executives in qualifying companies) O-Outstanding (highly skilled professionals in targeted fields) To qualify, you typically need: A university degree or at least 10 years’ professional experience in a relevant field An invitation or endorsement from a Thai government agency (e.g., BOI, Digital Economy Promotion Agency) Minimum investment or salary thresholds (varies by sub-category) Health insurance coverage meeting Thai requirements Traditional Work Permit A Traditional Work Permit is available to almost any foreign national who: Secures a job o?er from a Thai company Holds a Non-Immigrant “B” Visa Possesses relevant qualifications or professional experience as required by the employer Passes a health check and provides a clean criminal record There are no industry-specific restrictions, but quotas exist: foreign employees cannot exceed 20% of total sta?, and there must be at least four Thai nationals for every foreigner in the company. 2. Application Process & Timeline

3. Step Smart Visa Work Permit Initial Visa Application Apply for Non-Immigrant “SM” Visa at Thai Embassy Apply for Non-Immigrant “B” Visa Supporting Documents Degree certificates, proof of income/investment, endorsement insurance Job documents, degree, health certificate contract, company letter, Processing Time 2–4 embassy) weeks (varies by 5–10 business days after work permit submission Work Permit Application Not required Must apply within 90 days of arrival Overall Time to Start Work As soon as SM Visa is issued After Visa entry + work permit approval User Tip: Start gathering endorsement letters and investment proofs early. Embassies can have varying timelines, so factor in at least six weeks from document preparation to final approval. 3. Duration, Renewal & Flexibility Smart Visa Validity: Up to 4 years without the need for a separate work permit Renewal: Simple re-endorsement process every year, provided you maintain your investment, employment, or business criteria Multiple Entries: Unlimited entries and exits No 90-Day Reporting: You are exempt from the standard 90-day immigration reporting requirement Traditional Work Permit Validity: Work permit tied to your employment contract, typically 1 year

4. Visa Extension: Must renew your Non-Immigrant “B” Visa every year; re-apply for the work permit if your job changes Multiple Entries: Depends on the visa granted (single or multiple entry) 90-Day Reporting: Mandatory visits to immigration o?ce every 90 days User Tip: If you prioritize hassle-free long-term residence, the Smart Visa’s 4-year validity and freedom from repeated reporting can be a game-changer. 4. Employment Rights & Restrictions Aspect Smart Visa Work Permit Work Permit Requirement Waived Mandatory Changing Employer Allowed endorsement with new Requires extension and permit new Visa Number of Employers Up projects/companies (subject to endorsement) to 4 di?erent Limited to employer named on work permit Remote Work Permitted within Thailand Permitted allows description if employer it’s in and job User Tip: If you plan to work on multiple projects or switch roles frequently, the Smart Visa’s flexibility can save you from repetitive permit applications. 5. Family & Dependents Thailand Smart Visa Dependents: Spouse and children under 20 can join you Validity for Dependents: Same duration as the principal visa Work Rights for Spouse: Spouse can work without a separate permit if included in the Smart Visa family endorsement Traditional Work Permit Dependents: Eligible for Non-Immigrant “O” family visas

5. Work Rights for Dependents: Spouse must apply separately for a work permit to work legally User Tip: For family relocations, the Smart Visa’s streamlined dependent process reduces administrative hurdles and allows spouses to contribute financially right away. 6. Costs & Financial Commitments Fee/Expense Smart Visa* Traditional Route Visa Application Fee ~THB 2,000–4,000 ~THB 2,000 per visa Endorsement Letter Fee Varies by agency (often THB 10,000–15,000) N/A Work Permit Fee N/A THB 3,000–6,000 per year Health Insurance Premium Mandatory 100/month) (~USD 50– Recommended strictly enforced but not Minimum Investment/Salary USD 50,000–200,000 (I- Investor) 100,000/month (T-Talent) No fixed minimum beyond employer salary or THB * Fees are approximate and subject to change. Always confirm with the issuing agency or embassy. User Tip: Consider the overall “total cost of stay”—endorsement fees plus insurance versus annual work permit renewals—to see which model saves you money in the long run. 7. Taxation & Social Security Smart Visa: You’re still subject to Thai personal income tax on Thai-sourced income. However, contributions to social security are optional, giving you flexibility in retirement planning. Traditional Work Permit: You must register and contribute to the Thai Social Security Fund along with your employer, granting you access to public healthcare, maternity benefits, and state pension. User Tip: If you need Thai healthcare and social benefits, the traditional route might suit you better; if you prefer private arrangements, the Smart Visa’s optional social security can be

6. advantageous. 8. Lifestyle & Long-Term Advantages Why Choose Smart Visa? Stability: Four-year term reduces renewals and reporting Flexibility: Work across multiple projects or change roles easily Family Inclusion: Dependents enjoy the same privileges Prestige: Being part of Thailand’s innovation ecosystem Networking: Access to exclusive Smart Visa events, accelerators, and government- backed initiatives Why Choose Traditional Work Permit? Broad Eligibility: Available for almost any profession or industry Access to Public Benefits: Mandatory social security contributions Lower Upfront Investment: No minimum capital requirement Simplicity for Single-Employer Roles: Straightforward when you plan to remain with one company long-term 9. Which Path Is Right for You? 1.  You’re a high-earning tech executive or investor looking for minimal red tape, long-term stability, and a straightforward path for your family → Smart Visa is likely your best bet. 2.  You’ve secured a traditional employment contract with a Thai company and value access to public healthcare and social security → Traditional Work Permit may serve you well. 3.  You’re a freelancer or digital nomad who wants to hop between projects or explore start- up opportunities in Thailand → the Smart Visa (T-Talent or S-Startup) o?ers the greatest flexibility. 4.  Your skills are in a niche field not covered by the Smart Visa target industries → the Traditional Work Permit remains the reliable option. 10. Action Plan: Next Steps 1.  Assess Your Profile: Review your qualifications, investment capacity, and career goals.

7. 2.  Gather Documentation: Degree certificates, proof of income or investment, health insurance, clean criminal record. 3.  Choose a Path: Match your needs against the eligibility and benefits outlined above. 4.  Engage a Professional: Consider consulting a Thai immigration lawyer or specialist to streamline applications and endorsements. 5.  Submit & Track: Apply for your chosen visa, monitor progress, and prepare for arrival logistics (housing, bank account, local SIM). Conclusion Both the Thailand Smart Visa and the Traditional Work Permit o?er viable routes for foreigners to live and work in Thailand. Your optimal choice hinges on factors like industry alignment, family needs, desired flexibility, and financial considerations. By evaluating your personal and professional priorities against the eligibility criteria, cost structures, and lifestyle benefits detailed above, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision—and embark on your Thai journey with confidence. Contact Us Website: www.inlps.com Contac No. : +66971069113 E-Mail: enquiry@inlps.com Location: Level 3, Prasert Sutt Building 360 Sanambinnam Nonthaburi Road, Bang Krasor, Mueang Nonthaburi, Nonthaburi, Thailand