Laos

Last Updated: 2026-03-31

Official Portal: Ministry of Public Security — Immigration Department

Embassy Finder: Lao Diplomatic Missions

Quick Facts

Category	Details
Residency for naturalization	10 years continuous residence in Laos
Language requirement	Must be able to speak, read, and write Lao
Civics test	Must understand Lao laws, customs, and traditions
Processing time	12—24 months
Naturalization fee	LAK 1,000,000—3,000,000 (approximately USD 45—140)
Dual citizenship	Not permitted
Citizenship by birth in Laos	Limited — at least one parent must be Lao or child must otherwise be stateless
Citizenship by descent	Children of Lao citizens acquire citizenship automatically
Governing law	Law on Lao Nationality, 2004 (No. 29/NA); amended 2014 (No. 56/NA)

Dual Citizenship

Laos does not permit dual citizenship. The Law on Lao Nationality explicitly prohibits holding Lao citizenship alongside any foreign nationality.

Key provisions:

A Lao citizen who acquires foreign citizenship is required to renounce Lao citizenship.
A foreign national who naturalizes as Lao must renounce all other nationalities.
There are no exceptions for investors, spouses, or citizens of specific countries.
The prohibition reflects the single-party state’s emphasis on national unity and loyalty.

Practical enforcement: Enforcement can be inconsistent, particularly among Lao diaspora communities. However, the government may deny consular services, property rights, or entry on a Lao passport to individuals suspected of holding dual nationality.

Acquisition of Nationality

By Birth (Jus Soli)

Laos does not have unconditional jus soli. Birth in Lao territory does not automatically confer citizenship.

Under the 2004/2014 Law:

A child born in Laos acquires Lao citizenship if at least one parent is a Lao citizen.
A child born in Laos to parents who are stateless or of unknown nationality and who are permanent residents of Laos acquires Lao citizenship.
A child born in Laos whose parents are both foreign nationals does not acquire Lao citizenship.

By Descent (Jus Sanguinis)

A child acquires Lao citizenship automatically if:

Both parents are Lao citizens (regardless of where the child is born).
One parent is a Lao citizen and the child is born in Laos.
One parent is a Lao citizen and the child is born abroad, provided the birth is registered with a Lao diplomatic mission.

The law treats the father and mother equally for purposes of descent-based citizenship.

By Adoption

A foreign child adopted by Lao citizens may acquire Lao citizenship. The adoption must be legally recognized under Lao family law. The adopted child must renounce any foreign citizenship upon acquiring Lao nationality (or upon reaching majority).

By Marriage

Marriage to a Lao citizen does not automatically confer citizenship. A foreign spouse may apply for Lao citizenship under facilitated conditions:

Must have been married to a Lao citizen for at least 3 years.
Must have resided in Laos during the marriage.
Must demonstrate knowledge of the Lao language and customs.
Must renounce any foreign citizenship.
Approval is at the discretion of the Ministry of Public Security.

By Naturalization

Requirement	Details
Age	18 years or older
Residence	10 years continuous residence in Laos
Language	Must speak, read, and write Lao
Legal knowledge	Must understand Lao laws, customs, and traditions
Good character	No criminal record; good conduct record
Health	Must not suffer from a communicable disease dangerous to public health
Income	Must have a lawful occupation or sufficient means of support
Renunciation	Must renounce all foreign citizenships
Approval	Granted by the President of the Lao PDR upon recommendation of the Ministry of Public Security

Naturalization is rare and the process is opaque. The government exercises broad discretion.

Loss and Renunciation

Voluntary Renunciation

A Lao citizen may renounce citizenship by submitting an application to the Ministry of Public Security. The renunciation must be approved by the President. The applicant must already hold or be assured of acquiring another nationality to prevent statelessness.

Involuntary Loss

Ground	Details
Acquisition of foreign citizenship	A Lao citizen who voluntarily acquires foreign citizenship loses Lao nationality
Fraud	Citizenship obtained through fraud, false documents, or concealment of material facts
Threat to national security	Acts considered harmful to national security or the interests of the Lao PDR
Service in foreign armed forces	Without government permission
Extended absence	Naturalized citizens who reside outside Laos for an extended period without maintaining ties may be subject to review

Restoration of Nationality

Former Lao citizens may apply for restoration of nationality to the Ministry of Public Security. The application is decided by the President.

Requirements:

The applicant must have renounced any foreign citizenship acquired after losing Lao nationality.
Must demonstrate genuine ties to Laos (family connections, property, cultural ties).
Must be of good character with no criminal record.
Must be residing in Laos or prepared to return.

Restoration is discretionary. Members of the Lao diaspora who fled during or after the 1975 revolution face particular challenges, as political considerations may influence the decision.

Stateless Persons and Foundlings

Laos acceded to the 1954 Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons in 1956 but has not ratified the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness.

Foundlings: A child found in Lao territory whose parents are unknown is presumed to be born in Laos. If the parents are later determined to be foreign nationals, the child’s citizenship may be reconsidered.
Stateless persons: Children born in Laos to stateless parents who are permanent residents acquire Lao citizenship. This provision helps reduce statelessness.
Hmong and highland communities: Some ethnic minority groups, particularly Hmong communities, have historically faced challenges in obtaining citizenship documentation despite long-term residence. The government has undertaken registration campaigns to address this.

Document Checklist

Completed citizenship application form (from Ministry of Public Security)

Birth certificate (certified and translated into Lao)

Valid passport or travel document

Proof of 10 years continuous residence in Laos (for naturalization)

Marriage certificate (if applying through spousal pathway)

Police clearance certificate from Lao authorities and country of origin

Medical certificate confirming good health

Proof of Lao language proficiency

Employment contract or proof of income

Photographs (passport-sized, multiple copies)

Renunciation certificate of foreign nationality

Recommendation letter from local village or district authority

Sources

Law on Lao Nationality, 2004 (No. 29/NA) — Primary nationality legislation of the Lao PDR.
Amended Law on Lao Nationality, 2014 (No. 56/NA) — Amendments updating the 2004 law.
Ministry of Public Security — Responsible authority for citizenship and immigration. https://www.immigration.gov.la/
Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Lao diplomatic missions abroad. https://www.mofa.gov.la/
UNHCR Lao PDR — Statelessness and refugee reporting. https://www.unhcr.org/lao-peoples-democratic-republic

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