Laos — Complete Emigration Guide 2026
7,647,000 people · Capital: Vientiane · South-Eastern Asia
Updated H2 2026 · Compiled from official government sources, re-checked on a rolling basis
Overview
Laos is located in South-Eastern Asia, with a population of 7,647,000. Its currency is the Lao kip. Our database tracks 8 visa pathways for Laos, each linked to a named source.
See also: Laos country profile
Compiled from official government sources, re-checked on a rolling basis. See our methodology and data sources.
Visa Pathways (8)
Sponsored Employment (2)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert Visa (E-B2) | €2,615/mo | €262 | — | 14d |
| Labour Visa (LA-B2) | — | — | — | — |
Study (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student Visa (ST-B2) | — | — | — | — |
Family Reunification (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spouse Visa (SP-B3) | — | — | — | — |
General Residence (3)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long-Term Visa (I-B3) | — | — | 12 mo | — |
| Stay Permit Card (SP Card) | — | — | 12 mo | 8d |
| VISA EXTENSION | — | — | 1 mo | 1d |
Permanent Settlement (1)
| Programme | Min Income | Fee | Duration | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PERMANENT VISA (P-B3) | — | — | — | — |
Cost of Living
| Item | Laos | W. Europe Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | €280 | €1,200 | -77% |
| Rent (3BR) | €520 | €2,000 | -74% |
| Groceries | €80 | €350 | -77% |
| Transport | €15 | €80 | -81% |
| Utilities | €45 | €150 | -70% |
| Dining (meal) | €2 | €15 | -87% |
Salary & Employment
| Sector | Median (gross, €/yr) |
|---|---|
| Construction | €7,000 |
| Education | €5,500 |
| Engineering | €10,000 |
| Finance | €11,000 |
| Healthcare | €6,500 |
| Hospitality | €4,000 |
| IT | €12,000 |
| Retail | €4,000 |
Shortage Occupations
- Software Developer (IT)
- Healthcare Professional (Healthcare)
- Civil Engineer (Engineering)
Tax
Healthcare
Education
| University | QS Rank | English Progs | Tuition (Intl) |
|---|---|---|---|
| National University of Laos | — | 12 | €2,000 |
| Souphanouvong University | — | 8 | €1,800 |
| Savannakhet University | — | 6 | €1,500 |
| Champasak University | — | 5 | €1,400 |
| Vientiane College | — | 10 | €1,900 |
Practical Info
Banking
Driving
Phone & Internet
Credentials
Quality of Life
Official sources
The visa data on this page is compiled from official government sources — 8 of the 8 pathways link directly to the government page they were verified against, and 3 financial requirements below carry the exact quote from the official source. Values that fail verification are removed, not guessed — see the live verification freshness index.
- immigration.gov.la · 6 pathways · verified 2026-07-01
- immigration.gov.la · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-23
- investlaos.gov.la · 1 pathway · verified 2026-06-23
Verified requirements — exact official citations
Each figure below was verified verbatim against the official page linked, on the date shown.
Student Visa (ST-B2) · 1 verified requirement
Requirement: “STUDENT VISA (ST-B2) Issued to: Students who come to study, research, collect data or come for a technical internship in the Lao PDR; [no fee published for the student visa].” — immigration.gov.la, 2026-07-07
Spouse Visa (SP-B3) · 1 verified requirement
Minimum income: “SPOUSE VISA (SP-B3) — Issued to: Foreigners and stateless people who have legally registered their marriage with Lao citizens. A página (overview de categorias) não menciona qualquer requisito de rendimento.” — immigration.gov.la
Long-Term Visa (I-B3) · 1 verified requirement
Savings / proof of funds: “7. Long-term visa is issued to: ... Foreigners, general stateless people with long stay purpose in the Lao PDR shall have money in their bank account of a bank in the Lao PDR at least twenty thousand US dollars for six-month stay in the Lao PDR and forty thousand US dollars for…” — immigration.gov.la, 2026-07-09
Frequently Asked Questions
How many visa pathways does Laos have?
Our database tracks 8 visa pathways for Laos across 5 categories, the largest being General Residence, Sponsored Employment, Family Reunification. Each entry links directly to an official government source.
What is the minimum income for the Expert Visa (E-B2)?
The Expert Visa (E-B2) lists a minimum income of EUR 2,615 per month, according to the official source (last checked 2026-06-24).
What is the average salary in Laos?
The average gross salary in Laos is EUR 153 per month. The statutory minimum wage is EUR 68 per month.
How much does rent cost in Laos?
A one-bedroom apartment in Laos averages EUR 280 per month, and a three-bedroom apartment averages EUR 520 per month.
What is the top income tax rate in Laos?
The top personal income tax rate in Laos is 25%. The standard VAT rate is 10%.
Start Preparing for Laos
Still shortlisting? See our data-driven ranking of the best countries to move to in 2026 — Top 10 overall plus picks for digital nomads, retirees, skilled workers, families, and low-cost living.