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Laos Company Registration Cost 2026: Fees, Capital and Timeline
If you're comparing Laos with Thailand or Vietnam, the good news is that government fees here are modest. The real budget sits elsewhere: registered capital, documents, banking and visas. This guide breaks the cost down line by line so you know what to plan for.
The short answer
- Government fees to register a small company: modest, and they scale with the capital you declare.
- Minimum capital for a general (non-controlled) business: no fixed statutory minimum, but whatever you declare has to be brought into Laos.
- Our done-for-you registration: from $2,000 in 2-3 weeks. You don't need to fly in.
What you actually pay for
Think of the budget in five buckets:
- Government fees for the Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC).
- Registered capital that a foreign investor must import.
- Sector licences, if your activity needs one.
- Side costs: translations, legalisation, a local address, company seal, bank account.
- Professional fees, if you'd rather not run the process yourself.
Government fees
The ERC fee depends on the registered capital you declare, on a scale published by the Investment Promotion and Management Committee (investlaos.gov.la) and on the Lao Trade Portal. Small form and service charges are added on top. For a typical small company this is not the line that drives your budget, and your quote shows it clearly.
Registered capital: the number that matters
Under the amended Law on Investment Promotion, general businesses have no capital floor set by that law. The capital must follow the Enterprise Law and any sector rules. Law firm summaries from VDB Loi and the British Chamber of Commerce in Laos say the same.
What the law does require from foreign investors:
- import at least 30% of registered capital within 90 days of getting the business operating licence or investment licence;
- import the remaining 70% within one year;
- have each capital import certified by the Bank of the Lao PDR.
Where the rules get stricter:
- Wholesale and retail. MOIC rules require foreign investors in trade to have more than LAK 4 billion in registered capital.
- Controlled Business List and concessions. These need an investment licence and come with their own capital rules.
- Sector minimums. Under the Enterprise Law, ministries can set a minimum capital for specific activities with government approval.
Our advice: don't inflate the capital to look serious. Every kip you declare has to arrive and be certified. We size it to the activity, your visa plans and what the bank will expect.
Timeline: official vs real
Official processing times from the Lao Trade Portal:
| Step | Official time |
|---|---|
| ERC with Taxpayer Identification Number | Up to 10 working days after a complete file |
| Company seal and approval to use it | Up to 5 working days |
| Social security registration | 2 working days |
| Investment licence (controlled activities) | Up to 25 working days |
| Sector business operating licence | Depends on the sector |
In practice we register companies in 2-3 weeks once the founder's documents are ready. If your activity needs a separate sector licence, the full package takes longer. The slow part is rarely the ministry. It's usually notarising and legalising documents abroad.
Costs people forget to budget
- Legalisation. Laos is not a party to the Apostille Convention, so foreign documents generally go through consular legalisation. Cost depends on your country.
- A local address. Every company needs one, either a leased office or a serviced office.
- A Lao bank account. You need it to import capital. Expect one to two weeks and full KYC on shareholders and directors.
- Tax and bookkeeping. Profit tax is 20%, VAT 10%. Profit tax is paid in instalments by 20 July and 20 January, with the annual return due by 31 March.
- Visas and work permits for you and any foreign staff.
Lao Terra Nova pricing for 2026
| Service | Price | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Company registration, done for you | from $2,000 | 2-3 weeks |
| Investor visa and residency | from $800 | - |
| Work visa and work permit | from $1,000 | - |
| Bank account opening | from $450 | - |
| Monthly retainer | $450 / $900 / $1,800 per month | ongoing |
Government fees and registered capital are paid separately. Your quote lists every line so there are no surprises.
Can you register remotely?
Yes. Many clients arrive in Laos with the company already set up. Some never come at all. You sign a Power of Attorney at home, get it legalised and courier us the original. We file in Vientiane, collect the certificate and seal and prepare the bank side. A personal visit may be needed for the bank or the residency card. We'll tell you upfront.
Questions
How much does it cost to register a company in Laos?
Our full service starts at $2,000. Government fees are modest. Registered capital is separate and depends on your activity.
Is there a minimum capital for foreigners in Laos?
Not for general businesses under the Investment Promotion Law. Trade (over LAK 4 billion), controlled activities, concessions and some regulated sectors have their own thresholds.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a Lao company?
In most open sectors, yes. Some sectors are closed or restricted.
How long does registration take?
The ERC is due within 10 working days of a complete application. With the seal, social security and document prep, we typically finish in 2-3 weeks.
Do I need to be in Laos?
Not for registration. A Power of Attorney is enough. Banking and residency may need a short visit.
Does a company give me residency?
It gives you grounds for an investor visa and residency. We handle that from $800.
Get a quote for your setup
Tell us your activity and who the shareholders are. We'll send a breakdown of costs, suggested capital and timing.
or email: info@lao-tn.com