How To Get Residency in Laos | A Complete Guide
Capital: Vientiane
Population: 7,953,556 (2024, 103rd)
Ethic Group: 53.2% Lao, 11% Khmu, 9.2% Hmong
Area: 236,800 km2 (82nd)
Offical Language: Lao
Currency: Kip (₭) (1 Lao Kip = 0.000046USD, Last updated May 23, 2024)
GDP per Captial: $9,727 (2024, 125th)
Human Development Index: 0.617 (147th)
Country Profile:
Laos is a socialist country located inland on the Indochinese Peninsula in Southeast Asia. Its landscape is predominantly mountainous and consists largely of plateaus. The Mekong River, the country’s most vital waterway, flows from north to south, shaping much of its geography and livelihood.
The economy of Laos is primarily agricultural, with rice cultivation playing a central role. In recent years, the government has pursued economic reforms and greater openness to international trade and investment. As a result, sectors such as tourism and mining have experienced notable growth. Nevertheless, Laos remains one of the world’s least developed countries.
Culturally, Laos is deeply influenced by Buddhism, with Buddhist temples scattered throughout the nation. The Lao New Year, known as Pi Mai Lao, is the most significant festival, celebrated in mid-April. Festivities typically include water-splashing events and traditional Buddhist rituals, reflecting the country’s rich spiritual heritage.
How To Get Residency in Laos:
Foreigners who wish to settle in Laos must first obtain a long-term residence permit: this type of permit is generally only issued to foreigners engaged in work or business activities in Laos.
Work & Business Visas:
Laos Work visas are generally divided into three main categories:
Expert Visa (E-B2): Issued to foreign experts who have achieved professional excellence in a specific field and are serving the government.
Investor Visa (NI-B2): Applicants must first obtain an investment permit or company registration license before engaging in investment activities within Laos.
The validity of this visa ranges from three months to one year and can be renewed continuously under the same conditions.
Work Visa (LA-B2): Granted to foreigners employed locally. Applicants must be at least 20 years old, in good health, have a clean criminal record, and meet the professional qualifications required for the position.
Honorary Citizenship:
For investors, Laos offers a pathway for startup visa applications as well as a residency by investment program known as Honorary Citizenship.
Laos launched the Honorary Citizenship program in October 2020. This prestigious title is awarded to two categories of individuals:
1. Distinguished experts in the fields of culture, arts, and natural sciences, as recognized by the Lao Ministry of Public Security;
2. Investors who commit at least USD 1 million in the Lao real estate market and donate an additional USD 500,000 to support the country’s socio-economic development.
Under Decree No. 14 of Lao law, Honorary Citizenship is a special designation rather than Lao nationality. However, holders enjoy the right to enter and exit Laos freely and indefinitely, reside, work, and purchase land. (Note: Land in Laos is state-owned, similar to China, and only long-term land use rights can be acquired.)
Applicants must also meet basic eligibility criteria, including being at least 18 years old, in good health, and having no criminal record.
China is the largest source of investors in Laos and is widely regarded as the primary candidate group for participation in the Honorary Citizenship program.
If you are interested in this program, you may submit your application directly to the Lao Ministry of Public Security after fulfilling all financial requirements. The authorities guarantee to review eligible applications and provide a decision on the issuance of Honorary Citizenship within 30 working days.
Permanent Residency & Citizenship:
Foreigners who have legally resided in Laos for at least ten years and have a genuine need to settle in the country are eligible to apply for permanent residency.
Laotian permanent residents who are at least 18 years old, proficient in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Lao, knowledgeable about Laotian culture, without any criminal record, and willing to renounce their previous nationality, can apply for a Laotian passport.
Passport Power:
Laos does not recognize dual citizenship. Its passport ranks 90st in the world. Laotian citizens can freely travel (either visa-free or with visa on arrival) to 48 countries and regions globall (as of May 23, 2025).
Useful Links：
The Investment Promotion Department of Laos：https://investlaos.gov.la/