TDAC and Smart Visa Holders Digital Asset Rules vs Thailand Digital Arrival Card Explained

You need to understand the relationship between TDAC and Smart Visa Holders if you’re a professional, entrepreneur, or investor interested in Thailand’s booming digital economy. The Thailand Smart Visa Rules and the TDAC Regulations overlap in many ways, which most people are unaware of.

For Smart Visa holders dealing with immigration formalities, a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is essential for a smooth entry into Thailand.

TDAC Thailand and Smart Visa Benefits Thailand can directly impact your journey whether you’re investing in a blockchain startup or launching a fintech business. 

What is TDAC Thailand?

In Thailand’s digital asset sector, TDAC (Thailand Digital Asset Custodian) regulates companies and individuals. It includes:

• Exchanges of cryptocurrencies
• The NFT marketplace
• Providers of blockchain services

TDAC Thailand ensures these businesses comply with Thailand Digital Asset Rules. Moreover, the TDAC Help Desk provides guidance on licensing, regulatory processes, and required documentation.

What is a Smart Visa Thailand?

Smart Visa Thailand is part of the government’s effort to attract global talent and investors. Specially designed for:

• Professionals with high skills
• Investors
• Managers and executives
• Entrepreneurial startups

Benefits of Smart Visas 

• Validity up to four years (longer than standard visas)
• Many cases do not require a work permit
• Services for fast-track immigration
• Included are family members

Digital technology and blockchain are among Thailand’s innovative sectors.

Required Documents 

• Passport and visas must be valid
• Approval letter for smart visas
• Certificate of incorporation for a business
• Investment proof (if applicable)
• According to Thailand Visa Requirements 2025, you must have health insurance.
• Check for criminal records

How to Apply for Smart Visa Thailand 

The application process for a Smart Visa Thailand is as follows:

Step-by-Step Application Guide:

1. Eligibility Check:

• Amount of investment
• Type of business (digital assets, fintech, technology)
• Salary or ownership percentage minimum

2. Document preparation:

• Valid passport for at least 6 months
• Investment or employment proof
• Policy for health insurance
• Certificate of police clearance

3. Apply online through BOI Thailand:

• The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) Smart Visa portal can be accessed here.
• Upload your documents and complete the online application.

4. Await approval:

• 30-60 days are usually required for processing.
• Upon approval, collect your visa from a Thai embassy or immigration office.

How to apply for TDAC compliance

Here’s how you can apply for TDAC Thailand compliance if you have a Thailand Smart Visa and your business involves digital assets:

Step-by-Step Application Process:

1. Gather the required documents:

• Registration papers for a company
• Description of business activities (e.g., crypto, NFTs, blockchain services)
• Proof of Smart Visa approval
• Identification and contact information

2. TDAC Help Desk Application:

• TDAC Thailand’s official website or the TDAC Help Desk can be contacted for more information.
• Complete the licensing or registration form.

3. Compliance Review:

• In order to ensure compliance with Thailand’s Digital Asset Rules, TDAC reviews your business.
• Additional information or interviews may be requested.

4. Approve or get further instructions:

• You can legally operate as a digital asset custodian in Thailand or offer related services once you have been approved.
• A compliance certificate or license will be issued to you.

How TDAC and Smart Visa Holders Connect

A Thailand Smart Visa holder whose business touches the digital asset space must follow the TDAC regulations.

Real-life examples:

1. Smart Visa holders invest in blockchain startups regulated by TDAC Thailand.
2. A Startup Visa holder operates a digital asset custody service requiring TDAC licensing.

Your official point of contact for compliance guidance is the TDAC Help Desk.

Smart Visa Rules for Thailand (2025)

• Up to 4 years validity
• Salary minimum: THB 100,000 or more (varies by category)
• Privileges for the entire family
• Industries targeted include technology, finance, digital assets, and health.

A Guide to TDAC Regulations

1. Digital Asset Custodian Thailand licensing requirements
2. Obligations related to financial auditing and transparency
3. Maintaining compliance with anti-money laundering laws (AML)
4. Processes for regular reporting and renewal

Checklists and instructions are available on the TDAC Help Desk for detailed compliance steps.

Thailand Digital Asset Custodian vs Thailand Digital Arrival Card

Term	Purpose	Applies To
TDAC (Digital Asset Custodian)	Regulates digital asset businesses in Thailand	Investors, Blockchain Startups
Thailand Digital Arrival Card	Online immigration entry form for travelers	Tourists, Business Travelers

Thailand Digital Arrival Card – Why Smart Visa Holders Should Care

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) streamlines immigration processes for Smart Visa holders entering Thailand. Although separate from Thailand Digital Asset Custodian (TDAC), both are essential for holders of Smart Visas – one for legal business operations in digital assets, and the other for smooth entry into Thailand. To avoid delays at immigration, Smart Visa professionals should complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card online before arrival.

Thailand Digital Asset Rules: Quick Overview

Governing Bodies:

• Thailand Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
• TDAC Thailand

Covers:

• Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs)
• Crypto exchanges
• Blockchain-based platforms

Thailand Investment Visa vs Smart Visa

Visa Type	Main Purpose	TDAC Relevance	Validity	Work Permit Requirement
Thailand Investment Visa	Real estate, business investment	Maybe	1–3 years	Yes (Usually Required)
Smart Visa Thailand	Tech/startup investment	High (if digital assets)	Up to 4 years	No (In most cases)

Guide Using TDAC Help Desk as a Smart Visa Holder

Step 1: Determine whether your business falls under digital asset services.

Step 2: Visit the official TDAC Thailand website to contact the TDAC Help Desk.

Step 3: Prepare the required documents:

• Smart Visa copy
• Company registration
• Investmentproof
• Compliance forms

Step 4: Follow TDAC Thailand’s licensing and regulatory approval process.

Step 5: Ensure that you regularly update your Thailand Digital Asset Rules compliance status.

FAQs TDAC and Smart Visa Holders

Conclusion

Understanding the relationship between TDAC and Smart Visa Holders is essential for anyone holding a Smart Visa Thailand or planning to invest in digital assets in Thailand.

Thailand’s TDAC ensures regulatory compliance, while Smart Visa Benefits Thailand facilitates access to Thailand’s digital asset market for professionals and investors.

Don’t confuse TDAC (Thailand Digital Asset Custodian) with the Thailand Digital Arrival Card — both serve different purposes but are part of Thailand’s push toward digital transformation.