● Lao-owned · Vientiane · 15 years in the Lao market
LICENSE GUIDE
Microfinance License in Laos
Who needs it, the listed documents and fees, processing time and legal basis, from the Lao government’s license inventory.
QUICK ANSWER
A deposit-taking microfinance institution in Laos is licensed by the Bank of the Lao PDR’s Non-Bank Financial Institution Supervision Department under Decree 184/GOV of 2022. The record lists a 30-day review, no expiry date and a processing fee of 0.5% of registered capital. A separate record covers non-deposit-taking institutions.
At a Glance
ISSUING AUTHORITY
Non Bank Financial Institution Supervision Department
TYPE
License
LISTED REVIEW TIME
30 days
LISTED VALIDITY
No expiry listed
LISTED FIRST-ISSUE FEE
500,000 kip
LISTED RENEWAL FEE
None listed
SOURCE LAST UPDATED
9 Jul 2020
Who Needs This
Individuals and legal entities intending to operate a deposit-taking microfinance institution.
Documents to Prepare
The government record lists the following for a first application:
- Enterprise Registration Certificate
- Internal Regulations
- Application Form
- Joint Venture Agreement / Partnership Agreement / Incorporation Agreement
- Receipt for Fee Payment
- Feasibility Study
- Location Confirmation of Enterprise
- Minute of Meeting of the Founders
- Minutes of Appointment of the Board of Directors
- Power of Attorney (in case the applicant appoints the attorney to proceed with the application)
- Letter of Guarantee
- Bank Manual
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 issue | 0 | 500,000 | 0 | 500,000 |
The record says the processing fee is 0.5% of registered capital.
Legal Basis
| Instrument | Number | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Decree on Microfinance Institution | 184/GOV | 20 Jun 2022 |
| Decision on Fee, Service Charge and Management Fee of the Monetary Institution (that is not a bank) | 846/BOL | 20 Sep 2018 |
| Legal instrument (title not given in the record) | 01/BOL | 23 Oct 2012 |
AQQOUNT Guidance
Decide first whether you will take deposits, because deposit-taking and non-deposit-taking institutions are separate licenses.
The source was last updated on 9 Jul 2020. Confirm the current position with the authority before filing.
See all Finance & Insurance licenses, or open the official record: Deposit-Taking Microfinance Institution License.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who issues the Microfinance License in Laos?
The government inventory names the Non Bank Financial Institution Supervision Department as the responsible authority.
How long does it take to get a Microfinance License in Laos?
The record lists 30 days. Actual timing depends on complete documents and any other approvals.
How much does a Microfinance License cost in Laos?
The record lists 500,000 kip for first issue. The record says the processing fee is 0.5% of registered capital. Confirm the current amount with the authority.
How long is a Microfinance License valid?
The record does not list an expiry date.
Related Guides
Need This License?
AQQOUNT can confirm current requirements with the authority, prepare your file and manage the application.