● Lao-owned · Vientiane · 15 years in the Lao market
LICENSE GUIDE
Law Firm 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 law firm in Laos needs a license under the revised Law on Lawyers No. 23/NA, with at least 2 permanent lawyers. Registered foreign legal enterprises may advise on foreign and international law. They may advise on Lao law and appear in Lao courts only through Lao lawyers who are co-investors or employees. The listed review time is 10 days.
At a Glance
ISSUING AUTHORITY
Department of Justice System Promotion
TYPE
License
LISTED REVIEW TIME
10 days
LISTED VALIDITY
3 years
LISTED FIRST-ISSUE FEE
600,000 kip
LISTED RENEWAL FEE
600,000 kip
SOURCE LAST UPDATED
9 Jul 2020
Who Needs This
Individuals or legal entities intending to operate legal service businesses.
Conditions and thresholds
- An enterprise registration certificate.
- At least 2 permanent lawyers.
- Capital, an office and adequate equipment.
Documents to Prepare
The government record lists the following for a first application:
- Court clearance
- Address Certification
- Photo (3×4)
- Curriculum vitae
- Certification of Health
- Article of Association
- Feasibility Study
- List of Shareholder
- Lawyer Practicing Certificate
- Joint Venture Agreement / Partnership Agreement / Incorporation Agreement
- Other documents of the employees
- Application Form
- Employment Contract
- Lease Agreement for the Office Location
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 | 200,000 | 400,000 | 0 | 600,000 |
| Renewal | 200,000 | 400,000 | 0 | 600,000 |
The record cites Presidential Ordinance 002/PO, with no application form fee.
Legal Basis
| Instrument | Number | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Legal instrument (title not given in the record) | 002 | 17 Jun 2021 |
| Law on Lawyer (Revised) | 23/NA | 29 Dec 2022 |
AQQOUNT Guidance
The record notes that the rules on managing legal enterprises were being amended, so ask the department for the current position, especially for foreign-owned firms.
The source was last updated on 9 Jul 2020. Confirm the current position with the authority before filing.
See all Professional Services licenses, or open the official record: License to Operate a Law Firm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who issues the Law Firm License in Laos?
The government inventory names the Department of Justice System Promotion as the responsible authority.
How long does it take to get a Law Firm License in Laos?
The record lists 10 days. Actual timing depends on complete documents and any other approvals.
How much does a Law Firm License cost in Laos?
The record lists 600,000 kip for first issue. The record cites Presidential Ordinance 002/PO, with no application form fee. Confirm the current amount with the authority.
How long is a Law Firm License valid?
The record lists a validity of 3 years.
Related Guides
Need This License?
AQQOUNT can confirm current requirements with the authority, prepare your file and manage the application.
Last reviewed: November 2026
See also: Laos Business License Directory.