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% |
| टैक्स रेज़िडेंसी | 183 दिनों के बाद — 183 days in tax year |
| आपका रास्ता | Investor visa (NI-B) via Lao company — Registered investment/company in Laos; no retiree or passive visa |
| पासपोर्ट | 48 देशों में वीज़ा-मुक्त या ऑन अराइवल |
| Economic growth | +4% (2025), forecast 3.5% (2026) |
| जलवायु प्रकार | tropical savanna (wet/dry) · 28.4° / 34° (Vientiane) |
| युद्ध और संघर्ष | none — No conflict; UXO and drug-trafficking areas |
| सभी प्राकृतिक आपदाएँ | 5.3/10 |
| बैंकिंग मज़बूती | 2/10 · NR |
| संपत्ति संरक्षण | 2/10 |
| सर्दियों में गर्म घर | 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?
183 दिनों के बाद. 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
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