Wholesale, Retail & Trade Licenses in Laos

Foreign participation in wholesale and retail depends on capital thresholds.

QUICK ANSWER

The government inventory lists 19 formalities for wholesale, retail & trade in Laos in this group. Foreign participation in wholesale and retail depends on capital thresholds. This group also covers markets, shopping centers, vehicle trade, fuel stations and import and export. Each entry below shows the responsible authority, listed review time, listed fee and when the source was last updated.

All Listed Formalities

License or formality	Type	Authority	Listed time	Listed fee (kip)	Source updated
Business Operating License for Domestic Trade Business (Wholesale and Retail)*	License	Department of Industry and Commerce	10 days	10,000	3 Dec 2020
Import Permit of Food Products	Other	Food and Drugs Department	3 days	55,000	15 Dec 2020
License to Operate Fuel (Gas) Station	License	Department of Industry and Commerce	10 days	110,000	4 Dec 2020
License to Operate Internal Trade Business	License	Department of Internal Trade	10 days	10,000	27 Jul 2020
Permit for Import and Export*	Other	Department of Foreign Trade	Not stated	10,000	20 Apr 2020
Business license to import and export precious object	License	Department of Foreign Trade	10 days	50,000	20 Apr 2020
Business Operating License for Market	License	Department of Industry and Commerce	10 days	110,000	4 Dec 2020
Business Operating License for Shopping Center	License	Department of Industry and Commerce	10 days	110,000	4 Dec 2020
Business Operating License on Import and Export (Vehicle)	License	Department of Foreign Trade	5 days	50,000	1 Jun 2020
Company Limited	Registration	Department of Enterprise Registration	5 days	100,000	21 Feb 2024
Cultural Business Operating License (Cultural product)	License	Information, Culture and Tourism Department	14 days	200,000	2 Nov 2020
Individual enterprise registration certificate	License	Department of Enterprise Registration	Not stated	40,000	16 Feb 2024
License for Car After-Sales Service and Repair Business	License	Department of Planning and Finance	3 days	250,000	25 Apr 2024
License for Heavy Machinery Installation and Repair	License	Department of Planning and Finance	3 days	250,000	25 Apr 2024
License to Operate Business on Import-Export Gold that used for International Settlement Payment	License	Monetary Policy Department	30 days	2,200,000	31 Jul 2020
Licensing Pharmacist for 3rd Class Pharmacy	Certificate	Food and Drugs Department	Not stated	100,000	19 Nov 2020
Permit for Import-Export of Gold (Gold Bars) for International Settlement Payments	License	Foreign Exchange Management Department	30 days	5,200,000	3 Aug 2020
Permit of Imported Drugs Registration	Other	Food and Drugs Department	Not stated	100,000	19 Nov 2020
Permit to Produce, Import and Distribute Equipment that Consists of Satellite Dishes, Satellite Receivers or Devices to Receive Satellite Radio and Television Signals	License	Mass Media Department	15 days	See record	20 Oct 2020

*The source gives no sector for this record, or files it elsewhere. AQQOUNT placed it here using the responsible authority.

Bold entries link to our detailed guides. Other names open the original government record.

Before You Rely on This List

Listed fee: the total first-issue amount in kip on the record. “See record” means the amount varies or is calculated separately.
Listed time: days as stated on the record. Actual timing depends on complete documents and any other approvals.
Source updated: records are often several years old, so confirm current rules with the authority before you file.
Coverage: the inventory does not include every provincial or departmental formality.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many wholesale, retail & trade licenses are listed in Laos?

The government inventory lists 19 formalities in this group, including licenses, certificates, registrations and permits. Provincial formalities may be additional.

Do I still need to register a company for wholesale, retail & trade?

Generally, yes. Enterprise registration creates the business, and a sector license authorizes the regulated activity. Check each record for its specific sequence.

Are these fees and timelines current?

They are as published on the government inventory, and each entry shows when the source was updated. Some are several years old, so confirm them before budgeting.