Laos
Key entity, tax, banking, visa, and compliance guidance for foreign founders incorporating in Laos.
Foreign Ownership Eligibility
Laos welcomes 100% foreign-owned companies
Fully remote formation — you never need to set foot in the country.
- 100% foreign ownership permitted in most sectors
- Legal system: Civil Law (French and socialist tradition)
- Primary registration authority: Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC)
- Registry website: https://www.moic.gov.la
- Tax authority: Department of Tax (DOT)
- Corporate income tax (CIT): 24% - Source: CIT: 24% (Lao PDR). VAT: 10%.
- VAT / sales tax: 10%
- Estimated formation timeline: 14-30 days - Via MOIC enterprise registration. Source: MOIC Laos
- Annual compliance and renewal obligations apply
Ownership
100% Foreign OK
Formation
100% Remote
Tax at a glance
Laos Tax Overview
24%
Corporate Income Tax (CIT)
CIT: 24% (Lao PDR). VAT: 10%.
10%
VAT / Sales Tax
CIT: 24% (Lao PDR). VAT: 10%.
Department of Tax (DOT)
Tax Authority
https://www.tax.gov.la
Pros & cons
Advantages & Considerations
Key Advantages
100% foreign ownership permitted in most sectors
Legal framework: Civil Law (French and socialist tradition)
Primary registry: Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC)
Tax rate: 24% CIT
Incorporated company has access to Laos market
Considerations
Local professional guidance recommended for regulatory compliance
Banking KYC requirements can be extensive - allow time for account opening
Professional services market may be limited compared to major financial centres
Verify sector-specific restrictions before investing
Currency risk: LAK fluctuations may affect USD-denominated investments
Incorporation Process
The process is strictly digital. Each stage builds on the previous one.
Name reservation
Prepare incorporation documents
Submit registration application
Tax registration
Open corporate bank account
What you'll pay
Cost Architecture
Government Fees
Annual Ongoing
Professional Services
Government fees change frequently. Always verify current fee schedule at https://www.moic.gov.la before committing.
Still unsure about costs?
These are estimates — your actual cost depends on your structure
Every Laos setup is different. A 15-minute call with one of our specialists will give you a personalised cost breakdown — completely free.
Fintech & Banking
Can non-residents open accounts without visiting? NO.
Banking options for non-resident founders in Laos. Remote account opening availability varies by institution.
| Institution | Type | Ease for Non-Residents | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BCEL Bank | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | |
| Lao Development Bank | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | |
| Phongsavanh Bank | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | |
| Banque Franco-Lao | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) |
Regulatory requirements
Annual Compliance Matrix
| Requirement | Deadline | Details |
|---|---|---|
Annual company filing | Ongoing | File annual returns with Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) to maintain good standing. |
Corporate income tax return | Ongoing | Submit annual CIT return to Department of Tax (DOT). Rate: 24%. |
VAT filing | Ongoing | VAT-registered businesses file periodically. Rate: 10%. Verify threshold with Department of Tax (DOT). |
Accounting records | Ongoing | Maintain statutory books per Civil Law (French and socialist tradition) requirements. |
Beneficial ownership disclosure | Ongoing | Verify current UBO requirements in Laos. |
Frequently Asked
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