● Lao-owned · Vientiane · 15 years in the Lao market
LICENSE GUIDE
Representative Office Permit 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 foreign company can open a representative office in Laos to study investment opportunities and liaise with public and private parties, under a permit from the Investment Promotion Department. The parent must have existed for at least 1 year. The record lists a 15-day review, 12-month validity and 420,000 kip fee, citing the 2016 investment law.
At a Glance
ISSUING AUTHORITY
Investment Promotion Department
TYPE
Other
LISTED REVIEW TIME
15 days
LISTED VALIDITY
12 months
LISTED FIRST-ISSUE FEE
420,000 kip
LISTED RENEWAL FEE
100,000 kip
SOURCE LAST UPDATED
27 Dec 2017
Who Needs This
A foreign legal entity that wants an office representing its parent company in Laos.
Conditions and thresholds
- Its activities must be consistent with the parent company’s business.
- The parent company must have been a legal entity for at least 1 year under foreign law.
Documents to Prepare
The government record lists the following for a first application:
- Power of Attorney
- Application Form
- Copy of Enterprise Registration Certificate
- Copy of Passport
- Curriculum vitae
- Financial Certification and active bank balance statement of at least 90 days backwards
- Lease Agreement for the Office Location
- Article of Association
- List of Employees
- List of Asset
- Location Map of the Enterprise
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 | 50,000 | 320,000 | 50,000 | 420,000 |
| Renewal | 0 | 100,000 | 0 | 100,000 |
The record says laws do not define these charges and they follow the authority’s advice.
Legal Basis
| Instrument | Number | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Law on Promotion of Investment (Revised) | 14/NA | 17 Nov 2016 |
This record cites the 2016 investment law. That law has since been amended by Law No. 62/NA (2024), so the amended law takes priority where the two differ.
AQQOUNT Guidance
A representative office studies and liaises. If you plan to earn revenue, compare a registered company instead. Confirm current rules, because this record predates the 2024 amended investment law.
This government record was last updated on 27 Dec 2017. Confirm the conditions, documents and fees with the authority before you rely on them.
See all All Businesses licenses, or open the official record: Permit to Establish a Representative Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who issues the Representative Office Permit in Laos?
The government inventory names the Investment Promotion Department as the responsible authority.
How long does it take to get a Representative Office Permit in Laos?
The record lists 15 days. Actual timing depends on complete documents and any other approvals.
How much does a Representative Office Permit cost in Laos?
The record lists 420,000 kip for first issue. The record says laws do not define these charges and they follow the authority’s advice. Confirm the current amount with the authority.
How long is a Representative Office Permit valid?
The record lists a validity of 12 months.
Related Guides
Need This License?
AQQOUNT can confirm current requirements with the authority, prepare your file and manage the application.