Moving to Laos: taxes, residence and life
How to become tax resident in Laos: personal, dividend and corporate tax, 2 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 2 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% |
| Résidence fiscale | après 183 jours — 183 days in tax year |
| Voie de résidence typique | Investor visa (NI-B) via Lao company — Registered investment/company in Laos; no retiree or passive visa |
| Passeport | sans visa ou visa à l'arrivée dans 48 pays |
| Economic growth | +4% (2025), forecast 3.5% (2026) |
| Type de climat | tropical savanna (wet/dry) · 28.4° / 34° (Vientiane) |
| Guerre & conflits | none — No conflict; UXO and drug-trafficking areas |
| Tous les risques naturels | 5.3/10 |
| Solidité bancaire | 2/10 · NR |
| Protection de la propriété | 2/10 |
| Logements chauds en hiver | 9/10 |
Residence programmes in Laos
- Investor visa (NI-B2) and Stay Permit Card — investment · open · 2026-10
- Sponsored long-stay business visa (LA-B2) for retirees — retirement · open · 2026-10
Plan your residence route
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to spend in Laos to become tax resident?
après 183 jours. 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
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
Information générale uniquement – pas de conseil fiscal, juridique, migratoire, en investissement ou financier, ni de relation client. Chiffres simplifiés, indicatifs et parfois dépassés. Vérifiez toujours auprès de l'autorité officielle et d'un professionnel agréé du pays concerné avant d'agir. Les liens partenaires éventuels sont signalés et peuvent nous rémunérer.