Country Profile:

Laos, a socialist nation in Southeast Asia’s Indochina Peninsula, is known for its mountainous terrain, French colonial architecture, Buddhist monasteries, and the Mekong River that winds through its heart. Rich in culture and natural beauty, it offers travelers serene landscapes and a glimpse into traditional Southeast Asian life.

Capital: Vientiane

Population: 7,749,595 (2022, 103rd)

Ethic Group: 53.2% Lao, 11% Khmu, 9.2% Hmong

Area: 236,800 km² (82nd)

Offical Language: Lao

Currency: Kip (₭)  (1 Lao Kip = 0.000047984707 USD, Last updated Mar 26, 2024)

GDP per Captial: $9,787 (2023, 125th)

How To Become A Resident in Laos:

Laos offers avenues for investment and entrepreneur visa applications. Additionally, from September 2022 onwards, Laos introduced an indirect investment pathway for foreigners to obtain citizenship. By investing over $1 million and donating $500,000 in the country, foreigners have the opportunity to acquire Laotian honorary citizenship.

Honorary Citizenship:

In October 2022, the Lao government unveiled an investment immigration initiative. Under this scheme, foreigners who channel over 1 million US dollars into Laos’ real estate sector and donate 500,000 US dollars to the nation’s socio-economic growth can secure honorary citizenship.

Outstanding elites in the fields of cultural arts and natural sciences recognized by the Laotian Ministry of Interior can also obtain the title of Laotian honorary citizen after approval by the government.

According to Laotian law, Decree NO. 14, honorary citizens are not considered nationals of Laos, but they have the rights to freely enter and exit Laos, reside, work, and purchase land in Laos (land in Laos is state-owned, similar to China, and can only be purchased as long-term property rights).

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, in good health, and have no criminal record. The Laotian Ministry of Interior is responsible for reviewing the qualifications of the applicants and will provide a response within 30 working days.

Chinese are the largest source of investors in Laos and are also considered the foreign group most likely to participate in this program.

Work Visa:

Laos offers three types of work visas: the Expert Visa(E-B2), Investor Visa(NI-B2), and Labor Visa(LA-B2).

The E-B2 Expert Visa is tailored for foreign professionals with significant accomplishments in their field, especially those collaborating with the government.

For the Investor Visa, applicants first need to apply for an investment license or company registration permit. The validity of the Investor Visa ranges from 3 months to 1 year and can be renewed indefinitely.

The prerequisite for the Labor Visa is to have a local employment contract. Applicants must be at least 20 years old, in good health, have no criminal record, and meet the professional requirements of the job position.

Naturalization:

After legally residing in Laos for a full 10 years, foreigners can apply for permanent residency in Laos.

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 93nd in the world. Laotian citizens can freely travel (either visa-free or with visa on arrival) to 51 countries and regions globall (as of 2024).

Useful Links：

The Investment Promotion Department of Laos：https://investlaos.gov.la/