Moving to Laos: taxes, residence and life
How to become tax resident in Laos: personal, dividend and corporate tax, 5 residence programmes, days needed, climate, safety and economy — compared with 194 countries.
Taxes
In Laos the top income tax rate is 25%, dividends are taxed at up to 10% and companies pay 20% corporate tax.
How to move and become tax resident
To become tax resident in Laos you need at least 183 days a year (183 days in tax year). The typical route is Investor visa (NI-B) via Lao company: Registered investment/company in Laos; no retiree or passive visa There are 5 open residence programmes in Laos — see the list below.
Living there
Vientiane has a tropical savanna (wet/dry) climate with winter highs around 28.4 °C and summer highs around 34 °C. The economy grew +4% in 2025; the IMF forecasts 3.5% for 2026. Its passport opens about 48 countries without a visa in advance. Security: No conflict; UXO and drug-trafficking areas.
Key facts
| Top income tax | 25% |
|---|---|
| Dividend tax | 10% |
| Corporate tax | 20% |
| Tax residence | after 183 days — 183 days in tax year |
| Typical residence route | Investor visa (NI-B) via Lao company — Registered investment/company in Laos; no retiree or passive visa |
| Passport | visa-free or on arrival to 48 countries |
| Economic growth | +4% (2025), forecast 3.5% (2026) |
| Climate type | tropical savanna (wet/dry) · 28.4° / 34° (Vientiane) |
| War & conflict | none — No conflict; UXO and drug-trafficking areas |
| All natural hazards | 5.3/10 |
| Banking strength | 2/10 · NR |
| Property protection | 2/10 |
| Warm homes in winter | 9/10 |
Residence programmes in Laos
- Investor visa (NI-B2) and Stay Permit Card — investment
- Sponsored long-stay business visa (LA-B2) for retirees — retirement
- Labour visa (LA-B2) with work permit — employment
- Honorary citizenship for investors (Decree 14/2022) — Investment CHF 1'200'000
- Dependant visa (family of visa holders) — family
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to spend in Laos to become tax resident?
after 183 days. 183 days in tax year Worldwide income
How much tax will I pay in Laos?
In Laos the top income tax rate is 25%, dividends are taxed at up to 10% and companies pay 20% corporate tax.
Which residence programmes does Laos offer?
Investor visa (NI-B2) and Stay Permit Card; Sponsored long-stay business visa (LA-B2) for retirees; Labour visa (LA-B2) with work permit; Honorary citizenship for investors (Decree 14/2022) (CHF 1'200'000); Dependant visa (family of visa holders)
What is the usual way to move to Laos?
Investor visa (NI-B) via Lao company. Registered investment/company in Laos; no retiree or passive visa
Compare with nearby countries
Afghanistan · Armenia · Australia · Azerbaijan · Bangladesh · Bhutan · Cambodia · China · Fiji · Georgia · Hong Kong · India
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