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Internal Trade License in Laos

LICENSE GUIDE

Internal Trade License in Laos

Who needs it, the listed documents and fees, processing time and legal basis, from the Lao government’s license inventory.
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QUICK ANSWER

The Department of Internal Trade lists a License to Operate Internal Trade Business for wholesale and retail. It applies the same capital bands as the wholesale and retail record: 100% foreign ownership from 20 billion kip, and 70% or 50% limits on smaller capital. The listed review is 10 days and the listed validity is 36 months.

At a Glance

ISSUING AUTHORITY
Department of Internal Trade
TYPE
License
LISTED REVIEW TIME
10 days
LISTED VALIDITY
3 years
LISTED FIRST-ISSUE FEE
10,000 kip
LISTED RENEWAL FEE
None listed
SOURCE LAST UPDATED
27 Jul 2020

Who Needs This

Individuals and national or international legal entities intending to operate wholesale and retail business. The record says 100% Lao investors do not need it.

Conditions and thresholds

  • 100% foreign equity: registered capital from 20 billion kip.
  • Up to 70% foreign equity: 10 to below 20 billion kip.
  • Up to 50% foreign equity: 4 to below 10 billion kip.

Documents to Prepare

The government record lists the following for a first application:

  • Application Form
  • Copy of Enterprise Registration Certificate
  • Instruction Letter from DERM
  • Copy of Application Form for Enterprise Registration of Company Limited
  • Photo (3×4)
  • Power of Attorney (in case the applicant appoints the attorney to proceed with the application)

The authority may ask for more, and foreign documents may need translation or notarization.

Fees and Timing

Service (kip)Certificate (kip)Application (kip)Total (kip)
First issue0010,00010,000

The record lists a 10,000 kip application form with no separate license fee.

The record cites Decision 0045/MOIC.DIT. Listed time: 10 days.

Legal Basis

InstrumentNumberDate
Decision on Enterprise Registration0023/MoIC.DERM9 Jan 2019
Instruction on Licensing the Business Activities of Industry and Commerce Sector0045/MoIC.DERM18 Jan 2019
Decision on Wholesale and Retail Business1005/MOIC.DDT22 May 2015
Decision on the Business Activities of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce that requires Business Operating License0044/MoIC.DERM18 Jan 2019

AQQOUNT Guidance

Two inventory records cover this ground under different authorities: this central one and a Vientiane Capital one. Confirm which office handles your location.

The source was last updated on 27 Jul 2020. Confirm the current position with the authority before filing.

See all Wholesale, Retail & Trade licenses, or open the official record: License to Operate Internal Trade Business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who issues the Internal Trade License in Laos?
The government inventory names the Department of Internal Trade as the responsible authority.
How long does it take to get a Internal Trade License in Laos?
The record lists 10 days. The record cites Decision 0045/MOIC.DIT. Actual timing depends on complete documents and any other approvals.
How much does a Internal Trade License cost in Laos?
The record lists 10,000 kip for first issue. The record lists a 10,000 kip application form with no separate license fee. Confirm the current amount with the authority.
How long is a Internal Trade License valid?
The record lists a validity of 3 years.

Related Guides

01Wholesale & Retail License in Laos
Related requirements and next steps.
02Import & Export Permit in Laos
Related requirements and next steps.
03Wholesale, Retail & Trade Licenses
See all related formalities.

Need This License?

AQQOUNT can confirm current requirements with the authority, prepare your file and manage the application.
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Last reviewed: November 2026
Official sources:

See also: Laos Business License Directory.