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Restaurant License in Laos

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Restaurant 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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A restaurant in Laos needs an operating license from the tourism authorities. The office depends on registered capital: district below USD 50,000, provincial from USD 50,000 to below USD 100,000, and the central department from USD 100,000. Many food businesses should also check food safety requirements.

At a Glance

ISSUING AUTHORITY
Department of Tourism Business Management
TYPE
License
LISTED REVIEW TIME
9 days
LISTED VALIDITY
12 months
LISTED FIRST-ISSUE FEE
2,050,000 kip
LISTED RENEWAL FEE
1,050,000 kip
SOURCE LAST UPDATED
4 Nov 2020

Who Needs This

Domestic or foreign individuals and legal entities that intend to operate a restaurant.

Conditions and thresholds

  • District level: registered capital below USD 50,000, including small restaurants with no state-set minimum capital.
  • Provincial or Capital level: USD 50,000 to below USD 100,000.
  • Central level: USD 100,000 and above.

Documents to Prepare

The government record lists the following for a first application:

  • Application form
  • Enterprise Registration Certificate
  • Photograph of the Managing Director

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 issue1,050,0001,000,00002,050,000
Renewal1,050,000001,050,000

The record cites Ordinance No. 002 of 17 June 2021.

Counted from receipt of a correct and complete application. Listed time: 9 days.

Legal Basis

InstrumentNumberDate
Law on Tourism (Amended)32/NA24 Jul 2013
Legal instrument (title not given in the record)98614 Dec 2021

AQQOUNT Guidance

This license covers the right to operate, not food safety on its own. Check the food safety certificate as well, and register any signage or other business activities that apply.

The source was last updated on 4 Nov 2020. Confirm the current position with the authority before filing.

See all Hotels, Restaurants & Food licenses, or open the official record: License to operate Restaurant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who issues the Restaurant License in Laos?
The government inventory names the Department of Tourism Business Management as the responsible authority.
How long does it take to get a Restaurant License in Laos?
The record lists 9 days. Counted from receipt of a correct and complete application. Actual timing depends on complete documents and any other approvals.
How much does a Restaurant License cost in Laos?
The record lists 2,050,000 kip for first issue. The record cites Ordinance No. 002 of 17 June 2021. Confirm the current amount with the authority.
How long is a Restaurant License valid?
The record lists a validity of 12 months.

Related Guides

01Food Safety Certificate in Laos
Related requirements and next steps.
02Hotel & Accommodation License in Laos
Related requirements and next steps.
03Hotels, Restaurants & Food 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.