READ & LEARN Secure Your Startup's Future: Thailand Long-Term Resident Visa Options (True Digital Park Guide)
Launch Your Startup in Bangkok: Discover Thailand's SMART & LTR Visas and how True Digital Park fuels innovation in Southeast Asia's booming tech scene.
Thailand is rapidly becoming a top destination for entrepreneurs, due to its growing startup ecosystem, government support, and a booming digital economy. With a strong economy, Thailand offers exciting opportunities for startups in sectors like fintech, software, and climate tech. True Digital Park (TDPK), the largest tech and startup hub in Southeast Asia, is at the centre of this growth, offering world-class facilities, a supportive community, and essential connections with investors and government agencies.
To support entrepreneurs and international professionals, Thailand provides several long-term residency options, including SMART Visa. These visa programmes are designed to attract global talent, streamline business operations, and help startups grow. This guide explains how these residency options, combined with the resources at True Digital Park, can help you secure your startup’s success in Thailand’s fast-growing innovation landscape.
Why Thailand is an Ideal Destination for Startups
Access to Southeast Asia’s $3.6 Trillion Market
Thailand is centrally located in Southeast Asia, making it an ideal gateway to the region’s $3.6 trillion market. Startups in Thailand can easily expand into neighbouring ASEAN countries, gaining access to trade opportunities, investment, and a growing middle class.
Strong Digital Infrastructure and Low Cost of Living
Thailand’s digital economy is one of the fastest-growing in Southeast Asia, with widespread internet access and strong infrastructure supporting industries like fintech, e-commerce, and healthtech. The country’s low cost of living and affordable office space make it easier for startups to run efficiently and scale quickly compared to other regional hubs.
Government Support for Business Growth
The Thai government is committed to driving innovation through initiatives like Thailand 4.0, which promotes digital transformation and technological advancement. Programs such as the SMART Visa help attract foreign talent and investors, making it easier for startups to find skilled professionals and navigate local regulations. The availability of co-working spaces, incubators, and a vibrant entrepreneurial culture further supports business growth.
With its combination of market access, strong digital infrastructure, affordable living, and government support, Thailand is an excellent place for startups aiming to expand and compete in the regional and global markets.
Overview of Long-Term Residency Options for Entrepreneurs
Thailand offers three main long-term residency options for entrepreneurs and professionals:
These programmes make it easier for international startups to operate in Thailand by reducing bureaucracy, offering family-friendly policies, and providing access to Thailand’s booming tech ecosystem. With these residency options, entrepreneurs can gain a competitive edge, taking advantage of Thailand’s low operational costs and government initiatives.
The SMART Visa
The SMART Visa is designed for tech entrepreneurs, professionals, and investors who are looking to work in Thailand’s most innovative industries. This visa is ideal for those who want to start or expand businesses in sectors like AI, robotics, green energy, and biotech, supporting Thailand’s goal of becoming a regional leader in advanced industries.
Eligibility
The SMART Visa is available for:
Applicants need to meet financial requirements, such as maintaining 600,000 THB (about USD 16,350) in a bank account for at least three months and having health insurance.
Key Benefits
The SMART Visa is perfect for those looking to take their innovative businesses to the next level in Thailand’s fast-evolving tech scene.
Thailand Privilege Card
The Thailand Privilege Card, also known as the Thailand Elite Visa, offers luxury living with long-term stability. This membership program is designed for high-net-worth individuals, retirees, and frequent travellers who want to enjoy hassle-free living in Thailand.
Who It’s For
The Thailand Privilege Card is ideal for:
Unlike standard visas, the Thailand Privilege Card operates on a membership model, with fees.
Key Benefits
The Thailand Privilege Card offers a luxurious lifestyle with minimal bureaucracy, making it ideal for those who want long-term stability and comfort in Thailand.
True Digital Park’s Role in Visa Support
True Digital Park (TDPK) is a key partner for international entrepreneurs looking to establish themselves in Thailand.As the official agent for the Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa, TDPK offers comprehensive support throughout the application process, ensuring efficiency. Although not the official agent for the SMART S Visa, TDPK provides guidance in navigating the application process, clarifying requirements, and preparing necessary documentation. The Thailand Privilege Card (TPC), offering luxury living and long-term stability, operates independently and is not affiliated with the Board of Investment (BOI).
TDPK provides personalised consultations, document verification, and additional resources such as insurance and translation services, making the visa process easier and less complicated for entrepreneurs and investors.
TDPK also offers business development services and connections to a network of nearly 6,000 partners. These include global tech companies, government agencies, and educational institutions, providing startups with the tools they need to succeed. By connecting entrepreneurs to investors and venture capital firms, True Digital Park helps startups secure funding and grow quickly.
Why Choose True Digital Park?
True Digital Park is more than just a place to work. Located in Bangkok’s CyberTech District, it provides startups with the ideal environment to grow. With state-of-the-art facilities, a collaborative community, and a prime location, True Digital Park offers everything entrepreneurs need to succeed in Thailand and beyond.
Ready to grow your startup in Thailand? Explore the opportunities at True Digital Park today and take the first step toward success.
To support entrepreneurs and international professionals, Thailand provides several long-term residency options, including SMART Visa. These visa programmes are designed to attract global talent, streamline business operations, and help startups grow. This guide explains how these residency options, combined with the resources at True Digital Park, can help you secure your startup’s success in Thailand’s fast-growing innovation landscape.
Why Thailand is an Ideal Destination for Startups
Access to Southeast Asia’s $3.6 Trillion Market
Thailand is centrally located in Southeast Asia, making it an ideal gateway to the region’s $3.6 trillion market. Startups in Thailand can easily expand into neighbouring ASEAN countries, gaining access to trade opportunities, investment, and a growing middle class.
Strong Digital Infrastructure and Low Cost of Living
Thailand’s digital economy is one of the fastest-growing in Southeast Asia, with widespread internet access and strong infrastructure supporting industries like fintech, e-commerce, and healthtech. The country’s low cost of living and affordable office space make it easier for startups to run efficiently and scale quickly compared to other regional hubs.
Government Support for Business Growth
The Thai government is committed to driving innovation through initiatives like Thailand 4.0, which promotes digital transformation and technological advancement. Programs such as the SMART Visa help attract foreign talent and investors, making it easier for startups to find skilled professionals and navigate local regulations. The availability of co-working spaces, incubators, and a vibrant entrepreneurial culture further supports business growth.
With its combination of market access, strong digital infrastructure, affordable living, and government support, Thailand is an excellent place for startups aiming to expand and compete in the regional and global markets.
Overview of Long-Term Residency Options for Entrepreneurs
Thailand offers three main long-term residency options for entrepreneurs and professionals:
- 1. Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa: 10-year renewable visa that offers tax exemptions, fixed income tax rates, and the ability to bring your family. While other categories may not allow you to work in Thailand, the LTR: Wealthy Global Citizen category is specifically designed for entrepreneurs, offering the flexibility to live and operate in Thailand.
- SMART Visa: Targeted at entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals in fields like AI and biotech, offering up to four years of residency.
These programmes make it easier for international startups to operate in Thailand by reducing bureaucracy, offering family-friendly policies, and providing access to Thailand’s booming tech ecosystem. With these residency options, entrepreneurs can gain a competitive edge, taking advantage of Thailand’s low operational costs and government initiatives.
The SMART Visa
The SMART Visa is designed for tech entrepreneurs, professionals, and investors who are looking to work in Thailand’s most innovative industries. This visa is ideal for those who want to start or expand businesses in sectors like AI, robotics, green energy, and biotech, supporting Thailand’s goal of becoming a regional leader in advanced industries.
Eligibility
The SMART Visa is available for:
- Tech Entrepreneurs: Those who have set up a certified startup in Thailand and own at least 25% of the company’s registered capital or serve as the company director. The business must be in a government-approved sector.
- Highly Skilled Professionals: Experts in science, technology, or management. The applicant must first set up the company before applying for this visa. Working in targeted industries is not a requirement.
Applicants need to meet financial requirements, such as maintaining 600,000 THB (about USD 16,350) in a bank account for at least three months and having health insurance.
Key Benefits
- Up to 4 Years of Residency: Depending on the category, the visa is valid for up to four years. The startup category (SMART S) offers renewable two-year terms.
- No Separate Work Permit: Visa holders can work in their certified business or industry without needing a separate work permit.
- Family Inclusion: Spouses and children can stay for the same duration, and spouses can work without needing a separate permit.
- Fast-Track Services: Visa holders enjoy priority processing at airports and only need to check in with immigration once a year instead of every 90 days.
The SMART Visa is perfect for those looking to take their innovative businesses to the next level in Thailand’s fast-evolving tech scene.
Thailand Privilege Card
The Thailand Privilege Card, also known as the Thailand Elite Visa, offers luxury living with long-term stability. This membership program is designed for high-net-worth individuals, retirees, and frequent travellers who want to enjoy hassle-free living in Thailand.
Who It’s For
The Thailand Privilege Card is ideal for:
- Retirees who want a tropical lifestyle with premium healthcare and leisure options.
- Frequent travellers who want to skip immigration lines and enjoy VIP services.
- Families needing stability, access to premium education, and healthcare.
Unlike standard visas, the Thailand Privilege Card operates on a membership model, with fees.
- Bronze Tier: 650,000 THB (~$18,800 USD) for a 5-year visa with VIP airport services and basic concierge, with no annual points.
- Gold Tier: 900,000 THB (~$26,000 USD) for a 5-year visa, 20 annual points for spa, golf, and hotel services, and VIP lounge access.
- Platinum Tier: 1,500,000 THB (~$43,500 USD) for a 10-year visa, 35 annual points, and family add-ons at 1M THB per member.
- Diamond Tier: 2,500,000 THB (~$72,500 USD) for a 15-year visa, 55 annual points, and family add-ons at 1.5M THB per member.
- Reserve Tier: 5,000,000 THB (~$145,000 USD) for a 20-year invitation-only visa, 120 annual points, and family add-ons at 2M THB per member.
Key Benefits
- Long-Term Residency: Choose from 5, 10, 15, or 20-year memberships with unlimited entries and no stay duration limits.
- VIP Treatment: Enjoy fast-track immigration, VIP lounge access, luxury hotel transfers, and personal assistants for services like restaurant bookings and legal help.
- Healthcare Privileges: Annual health checkups at top hospitals and discounts on treatments.
- Leisure and Lifestyle: Complimentary golf, spa vouchers, exclusive event invitations, and redeemable points for flights and dining.
The Thailand Privilege Card offers a luxurious lifestyle with minimal bureaucracy, making it ideal for those who want long-term stability and comfort in Thailand.
True Digital Park’s Role in Visa Support
True Digital Park (TDPK) is a key partner for international entrepreneurs looking to establish themselves in Thailand.As the official agent for the Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa, TDPK offers comprehensive support throughout the application process, ensuring efficiency. Although not the official agent for the SMART S Visa, TDPK provides guidance in navigating the application process, clarifying requirements, and preparing necessary documentation. The Thailand Privilege Card (TPC), offering luxury living and long-term stability, operates independently and is not affiliated with the Board of Investment (BOI).
TDPK provides personalised consultations, document verification, and additional resources such as insurance and translation services, making the visa process easier and less complicated for entrepreneurs and investors.
TDPK also offers business development services and connections to a network of nearly 6,000 partners. These include global tech companies, government agencies, and educational institutions, providing startups with the tools they need to succeed. By connecting entrepreneurs to investors and venture capital firms, True Digital Park helps startups secure funding and grow quickly.
Why Choose True Digital Park?
True Digital Park is more than just a place to work. Located in Bangkok’s CyberTech District, it provides startups with the ideal environment to grow. With state-of-the-art facilities, a collaborative community, and a prime location, True Digital Park offers everything entrepreneurs need to succeed in Thailand and beyond.
Ready to grow your startup in Thailand? Explore the opportunities at True Digital Park today and take the first step toward success.
