Posted 2009-10-13 08:13:11
 Hahhi, on 2009-10-09 00:47:37, said:
Although it has been said in this thread that opening an account in a Lao bank is easy, I have a different experience.
A week ago I tried to open an account in BCEL (Savannakhet Branch), but couldn't. They said that one can have an account only if one worked in Laos. As a tourist, even a regular tourist, I'm just to use their ATMs with my Thai-card. No account in Laos.
Are the branches in Vientiane different, or "more lenient"?
It's possible that they have tightened up - there was a campaign to stop money laundering going on a year or so ago so maybe since then they've bought in this rule.
It was over 5 years ago when I opened my account so lots could of changed in that time. I just walked in and asked for an account and the just wanted see my passport and where I was staying.
Maybe try a different bank - the BCEL are probably the strictest!
If they ever catch up with the rest of the world and have online banking that'll do International transfers Laos could suddenly become a very popular off-shore banking location given they don't have dual tax treaties with numerous western countries! 
Posted 2009-11-03 12:59:38
technocracy, on 2009-10-13 08:13:11, said: Hahhi, on 2009-10-09 00:47:37, said: Although it has been said in this thread that opening an account in a Lao bank is easy, I have a different experience.
A week ago I tried to open an account in BCEL (Savannakhet Branch), but couldn't. They said that one can have an account only if one worked in Laos. As a tourist, even a regular tourist, I'm just to use their ATMs with my Thai-card. No account in Laos.
Are the branches in Vientiane different, or "more lenient"?
It's possible that they have tightened up - there was a campaign to stop money laundering going on a year or so ago so maybe since then they've bought in this rule.
It was over 5 years ago when I opened my account so lots could of changed in that time. I just walked in and asked for an account and the just wanted see my passport and where I was staying.
Maybe try a different bank - the BCEL are probably the strictest!
If they ever catch up with the rest of the world and have online banking that'll do International transfers Laos could suddenly become a very popular off-shore banking location given they don't have dual tax treaties with numerous western countries!
chiranjeeviips
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Posted 2010-01-19 16:53:16
hai
i am chiranjeeviips
Posted 2010-03-09 08:43:59
technocracy, on 2008-09-04 20:48:00, said: ====clip===
Oh also for people who might be interested I now know people who can arrange a 12 month 'work' visa that is the equivalent of a spouse visa - the only rule attached is that you must leave Laos every month, but once you have the visa you don't need another. When I say leave Laos you can do a border run over to Nong Khai and come back you don't have to be out length of time.
T, I am giving some serious thought to retiring to Laos later this year. Loved Vientiane everytime I've been there. Do you have any visa updates to share with us? Or can you tell us about anyone using this 12-month visa method? It's pitfalls, if any? Doing the one-month visa with two extensions comes up to about $500 US a year. If one can do this all in one stroke, I'd still pay $500.
Thanks.
Posted 2010-03-13 08:44:46
Kaoboi Bebobp, on 2010-03-09 09:43:59, said: technocracy, on 2008-09-04 20:48:00, said: ====clip===
Oh also for people who might be interested I now know people who can arrange a 12 month 'work' visa that is the equivalent of a spouse visa - the only rule attached is that you must leave Laos every month, but once you have the visa you don't need another. When I say leave Laos you can do a border run over to Nong Khai and come back you don't have to be out length of time.
T, I am giving some serious thought to retiring to Laos later this year. Loved Vientiane everytime I've been there. Do you have any visa updates to share with us? Or can you tell us about anyone using this 12-month visa method? It's pitfalls, if any? Doing the one-month visa with two extensions comes up to about $500 US a year. If one can do this all in one stroke, I'd still pay $500.
Thanks.
Well nothing has changed on the visa front. You only have two option for a 12 month visa - that is a 12 month Work Permit or the one I mention above.
Either way the basic cost for either of those visas is $200 if done direct with immigration and if you get someone to arrange one for you it should cost no more than an extra $100 fee.
Although I am no longer in Laos . . . . now in Singapore for the foreseeable future. But obviously have plenty of ties and connections back there . . . 
Posted 2010-03-13 14:19:28
Much appreciated, Technocracy.
Would I have to apply for the 12-month visa in Bangkok or inside Laos?
Good luck in your new job in Sing.
Posted 2010-04-06 12:18:34
I read the whole thread and I couldnt find the speficic answer I need, thought maybe you can help! 
My parents want to retire in Vientiane. It WILL NOT be any problem at all for them because both are completely fluent in Lao, being that Lao is their first language.
They are both now currently US citizens, but both were born, raised in Lao, and are ethnically Lao. They left in the late 70's and they are not political enemies of the current government. lol
For a residency visa, you said they need a Lao spouse (for falang)...but would both my parents still qualify since Lao was their home for almost 30+ years. Would they be able to apply the moment they return to Lao?
Also I heard somewhere about some type of honorary Lao citizenship? Forgot where, maybe Vientiane times, it was a long while ago.
My last question would be, my mother wants to put her land (her inheritance from her father) into her name instead of it currently being held under her younger sister and brother.
Would residency visa or some type of honorary citizenship allow this? Is there any other way to allow her to finally put her land in her name?
Posted 2010-04-14 13:38:59
Yunnie, on 2010-04-06 12:18:34, said: I read the whole thread and I couldnt find the speficic answer I need, thought maybe you can help!
My parents want to retire in Vientiane. It WILL NOT be any problem at all for them because both are completely fluent in Lao, being that Lao is their first language.
They are both now currently US citizens, but both were born, raised in Lao, and are ethnically Lao. They left in the late 70's and they are not political enemies of the current government. lol
For a residency visa, you said they need a Lao spouse (for falang)...but would both my parents still qualify since Lao was their home for almost 30+ years. Would they be able to apply the moment they return to Lao?
Also I heard somewhere about some type of honorary Lao citizenship? Forgot where, maybe Vientiane times, it was a long while ago.
My last question would be, my mother wants to put her land (her inheritance from her father) into her name instead of it currently being held under her younger sister and brother.
Would residency visa or some type of honorary citizenship allow this? Is there any other way to allow her to finally put her land in her name?
Hi,
I heard that the Lao government is seriously taking in consideration the possiblity for ex Lao citizen to get back their Lao citizenship even if they have a new one (my wife would be in that case also) but I have no idea if and when this will be done.
Knowing the Lao time frame for doing anything most probably it will take some time but that would solve all of your parents problems (including the land ownership as only Lao nationals can own land).
Cheers.
Posted 2010-04-21 11:14:28
Yeah, but hopefully it would be able to do dual citizenship. My parents refuse to give up their US citizenship - for monetary and medical reasons.
Yeah I know how the government works... they been working on the road to our farm on the river for over 15 years now... and its still not done. lmao.
Anyways - anyone know of any banks I can walk into and open an account with just a Visit Visa?
I tried Public Bank (a Malay bank) - no go. I needed a work permit or open joint with Lao citizen.
I was looking at ST bank. I think its still new, but my mother opened an account in January this year. Although I dunno if I trust them. :s
I have an SCB (Siam Commercial Bank) account from Chiangmai. You think they will let me open a SCB - Vientiane branch account without a work permit? Or even Bangkok Bank although I dont have a Thai account with them.
Edited by Yunnie, 2010-04-21 11:23:34.
Posted 2010-06-27 20:21:17
technocracy, on 2008-09-04 20:48:00, said:
I've heard of numerous falangs settling in the more remote regions of Laos - I have to say whoever does it would be a stronger man than me! Although the ones I've heard of settling in Vang Vieng I can fully understand due to the tourist trade there and only 3 hours from Vientiane
You are talking about town with populations of no more than 50,000 people and have very very little in the way entertainment let alone shops or Internet for that matter. That said I really do like Xam Neua in the North East of Laos it has a really individual atmosphere - it's very much a one horse town having about 3 restaurants and the only shopping is the food market and an indoor market. It's also the minimum of 5 hours drive from any other towns - about 6 hours to Vietnam and 5 hours to Phonsavanh.
People think I am remote in Vientiane - but Vientiane is a thriving metropolis compare to the likes of Xam Neua and Phonsavanh etc.
Oh also for people who might be interested I now know people who can arrange a 12 month 'work' visa that is the equivalent of a spouse visa - the only rule attached is that you must leave Laos every month, but once you have the visa you don't need another. When I say leave Laos you can do a border run over to Nong Khai and come back you don't have to be out length of time.
Hi,
Do you know how much it costs to get a 12 month 'work' visa ? (and is it possible to get it without an official work ?)
The purpose for me is just to be able to go to Lao for few days every month without having to apply for a new visa every time I cross the border.
Thanks.
Posted 2010-09-05 22:06:57
roietjimmy, on 2007-10-03 14:06:01, said:
technocracy, on 2007-10-03 10:35:26, said: As I mentioned it in the 'where do you live outside of thailand' and the question was asked how do you get residency in the Lao PDR, I thought I'd just give a quick run down on the Lao visas.
Residency - The holy grail eh! Well this takes a long time! Upto 2 years! You need to have a Lao spouse and there is a war and peace document that needs to be completed, obviously totally in Lao! They need about 15 pictures . . . I kid you not . . . and this document completed, you buy the document for 10,000kip from the Police Head office in Vientiane (just down the road for the Oz embassy). Basically the document then gets passed around every conceiveable government official you can imagine and finally would end up on the Foreign Ministers desk for final approval. It's not easy but not impossible - costs - to be honest I can't remember but they aren't that high or excessive.
There aint much choice - when it comes to visas in the Lao PDR!
Thanks. I'm the one that asked in the 'where do you live outside of thailand' post. Compared to Thailand it does seem much simpler. Always looking for a plan B. Living in a Roiet village, Laos wouldn't be a big change. Language, culture and environment pretty much the same.
Does the Lao PDR allow multiple wives? If not, plan B is out the window!
Just a thought . . .how could you miss Hong Kong off the list.
Im a fluent Cantonese speaker and everything and life is simple too .Get up. Go to the office.(this can sometimes be 6 days a week pending loading)
Go home. Pay 16.5% salary tax at the end of the year. Salaries paid on 13 or 14 month installments depending how weoll yoou get on with the boss. . .
The hongkonger
Posted 2010-12-02 12:13:31
Anyone got the latest info on Lao tourist visas?
I'm waiting for a work permit, so have to survive on tourist visas till that comes through.
Currently I'm on my third (aat $30 a pop). Can I renew indefinitely, every 30 days, or is there a limit?
Can I get more than 30 days?
If not, can I extend my 30-day visa once in Vientiane?
Thanking you.
Posted 2011-03-14 14:21:50
technocracy, on 2007-11-13 08:59:51, said:
brahmburgers, on 2007-10-27 22:36:09, said: My friends always ask me to go along on the trip, but I haven't swung it yet. However, they say there are some farang settling up there - marrying local gals, building nice houses, etc.
Do it . . . you'll love it!
An update on the Residency side of things - I was told the other week by a family friend who arranges visas and such in Lao that residency now only take 6 months to process.
So it looks like my residency application might be made sooner rather than later!
I will apply for my residency in 3 years time, qualifications needed: fluency in Laos speaking,writing,reading. $3000 plus (depending who you know) residing in Laos for 10 years.
This is the official line on getting residency.
Again it depends on who you know or how deep your pockets are.
Posted 2011-03-14 14:28:01
frenchfarangjomtien, on 2010-06-27 20:21:17, said:
technocracy, on 2008-09-04 20:48:00, said:
I've heard of numerous falangs settling in the more remote regions of Laos - I have to say whoever does it would be a stronger man than me! Although the ones I've heard of settling in Vang Vieng I can fully understand due to the tourist trade there and only 3 hours from Vientiane
You are talking about town with populations of no more than 50,000 people and have very very little in the way entertainment let alone shops or Internet for that matter. That said I really do like Xam Neua in the North East of Laos it has a really individual atmosphere - it's very much a one horse town having about 3 restaurants and the only shopping is the food market and an indoor market. It's also the minimum of 5 hours drive from any other towns - about 6 hours to Vietnam and 5 hours to Phonsavanh.
People think I am remote in Vientiane - but Vientiane is a thriving metropolis compare to the likes of Xam Neua and Phonsavanh etc.
Oh also for people who might be interested I now know people who can arrange a 12 month 'work' visa that is the equivalent of a spouse visa - the only rule attached is that you must leave Laos every month, but once you have the visa you don't need another. When I say leave Laos you can do a border run over to Nong Khai and come back you don't have to be out length of time.
Hi,
Do you know how much it costs to get a 12 month 'work' visa ? (and is it possible to get it without an official work ?)
The purpose for me is just to be able to go to Lao for few days every month without having to apply for a new visa every time I cross the border.
Thanks.
12 months business visa is $280. They are cutting down on unofficial workers due to large number of Africans over here last year raping locals,counterfieting money,smuggling drugs. I have heard it is very difficult now to get one without a job.
Posted 2011-03-17 05:46:41
Lao is soooo CHILL! They have new DEPARTMENT store so things are3 changing in the capital. go check it out before it gets too commercialized!
The little shops, food, awesome!
Posted 2011-06-18 22:41:19
n/a
Edited by bendejo, 2011-06-18 22:43:07.
Posted 2011-06-28 20:15:06
Currently on a retire4ment visa in Thailand. They are easy to get if you qualify.
What would I have to do to get a similar one in Lao and what would the cost be.
Also is it as easy as Thailand take all your paper work in and get it the same day.
Any idea as to the cost of living in Vientiane as to Chiang Mai?
Meereen
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Posted 2011-07-29 14:59:15
lovelaos, on 2011-03-14 14:28:01, said:
frenchfarangjomtien, on 2010-06-27 20:21:17, said:
technocracy, on 2008-09-04 20:48:00, said:
I've heard of numerous falangs settling in the more remote regions of Laos - I have to say whoever does it would be a stronger man than me! Although the ones I've heard of settling in Vang Vieng I can fully understand due to the tourist trade there and only 3 hours from Vientiane
You are talking about town with populations of no more than 50,000 people and have very very little in the way entertainment let alone shops or Internet for that matter. That said I really do like Xam Neua in the North East of Laos it has a really individual atmosphere - it's very much a one horse town having about 3 restaurants and the only shopping is the food market and an indoor market. It's also the minimum of 5 hours drive from any other towns - about 6 hours to Vietnam and 5 hours to Phonsavanh.
People think I am remote in Vientiane - but Vientiane is a thriving metropolis compare to the likes of Xam Neua and Phonsavanh etc.
Oh also for people who might be interested I now know people who can arrange a 12 month 'work' visa that is the equivalent of a spouse visa - the only rule attached is that you must leave Laos every month, but once you have the visa you don't need another. When I say leave Laos you can do a border run over to Nong Khai and come back you don't have to be out length of time.
Hi,
Do you know how much it costs to get a 12 month 'work' visa ? (and is it possible to get it without an official work ?)
The purpose for me is just to be able to go to Lao for few days every month without having to apply for a new visa every time I cross the border.
Thanks.
12 months business visa is $280. They are cutting down on unofficial workers due to large number of Africans over here last year raping locals,counterfieting money,smuggling drugs. I have heard it is very difficult now to get one without a job.
No it's only 600 dollar. I know of 2 lawyers that can arrange it.
With the 280 one you have to leave every month but you don't ahve to wait for a visa on arrival everytime and don't pay any more than the 280. The 600 dollar working visa is valid for a year without the need to leave in between.
Posted 2011-08-18 11:24:37
Meereen, on 2011-07-29 14:59:15, said:
lovelaos, on 2011-03-14 14:28:01, said:
frenchfarangjomtien, on 2010-06-27 20:21:17, said:
technocracy, on 2008-09-04 20:48:00, said:
I've heard of numerous falangs settling in the more remote regions of Laos - I have to say whoever does it would be a stronger man than me! Although the ones I've heard of settling in Vang Vieng I can fully understand due to the tourist trade there and only 3 hours from Vientiane
You are talking about town with populations of no more than 50,000 people and have very very little in the way entertainment let alone shops or Internet for that matter. That said I really do like Xam Neua in the North East of Laos it has a really individual atmosphere - it's very much a one horse town having about 3 restaurants and the only shopping is the food market and an indoor market. It's also the minimum of 5 hours drive from any other towns - about 6 hours to Vietnam and 5 hours to Phonsavanh.
People think I am remote in Vientiane - but Vientiane is a thriving metropolis compare to the likes of Xam Neua and Phonsavanh etc.
Oh also for people who might be interested I now know people who can arrange a 12 month 'work' visa that is the equivalent of a spouse visa - the only rule attached is that you must leave Laos every month, but once you have the visa you don't need another. When I say leave Laos you can do a border run over to Nong Khai and come back you don't have to be out length of time.
Hi,
Do you know how much it costs to get a 12 month 'work' visa ? (and is it possible to get it without an official work ?)
The purpose for me is just to be able to go to Lao for few days every month without having to apply for a new visa every time I cross the border.
Thanks.
12 months business visa is $280. They are cutting down on unofficial workers due to large number of Africans over here last year raping locals,counterfieting money,smuggling drugs. I have heard it is very difficult now to get one without a job.
No it's only 600 dollar. I know of 2 lawyers that can arrange it.
With the 280 one you have to leave every month but you don't ahve to wait for a visa on arrival everytime and don't pay any more than the 280. The 600 dollar working visa is valid for a year without the need to leave in between.
Wrong, you don't have to leave the country every month if you have a business visa. It is valid for 1 year and on renewal you have to leave the country only if you change the company you work for. As for the 600 dollar working visa - Do you have to have a job to qualify? If so, I think you are being conned. If not, have you tried using it to re-enter the country?
Posted 2011-08-22 12:20:36
I have seriously looked into retiring in Laos and after some serious research on the ground have reached the following conclusions.
Tourist visas and business visas (and perhaps married to a Lao) and if you legitimately are working there ...... are the only LEGAL ways for foreigners to live in Laos.
There are many ways to arrange visas to live there as many people are doing, but basically these ways require either/both bribery or lying.
One can pay a company to put you on their foreign employee list, but in reality if you aren't working, this is a lie and will probably catch up with you sooner or later.
One can also bribe their way into getting one-year multi-entry visas (tourist or Business).
Frankly with bribes one can get almost anything in Laos. The sky's the limit if one's pockets are deep enough.
Laos presently does not offer any retirement visas. Yes maybe they are thinking about this. But presently there is no retirement visa.
Presently foreigners in Laos cannot own land (similar to Thailand). Legal companies and Lao citizens can own land and so the foreigner can do the same shenanigans people do it Thailand to own land .... carrying the same risks. So far Laos has no laws about foreigners owning condos.
Former Lao citizens who now have foreign citizenship, now get some kind of special consideration for moving back and living in Laos. But this too (like most other "laws" in Laos) is vague and seems to be done on a case by case basis.
In any case, these are my conclusions as of mid 2011.
If one is only intending to live there for a year or two, the bribery and deception methods may work fine.
But if one is looking at the long term, at this time there doesn't appear to be any options (besides a real and "legal" job or setting up and operating a real business) that are legal.
Posted 2011-08-24 17:11:47
rogerdee123, on 2011-08-22 12:20:36, said:
I have seriously looked into retiring in Laos and after some serious research on the ground have reached the following conclusions.
Tourist visas and business visas (and perhaps married to a Lao) and if you legitimately are working there ...... are the only LEGAL ways for foreigners to live in Laos.
There are many ways to arrange visas to live there as many people are doing, but basically these ways require either/both bribery or lying.
One can pay a company to put you on their foreign employee list, but in reality if you aren't working, this is a lie and will probably catch up with you sooner or later.
One can also bribe their way into getting one-year multi-entry visas (tourist or Business).
Frankly with bribes one can get almost anything in Laos. The sky's the limit if one's pockets are deep enough.
Laos presently does not offer any retirement visas. Yes maybe they are thinking about this. But presently there is no retirement visa.
Presently foreigners in Laos cannot own land (similar to Thailand). Legal companies and Lao citizens can own land and so the foreigner can do the same shenanigans people do it Thailand to own land .... carrying the same risks. So far Laos has no laws about foreigners owning condos.
Former Lao citizens who now have foreign citizenship, now get some kind of special consideration for moving back and living in Laos. But this too (like most other "laws" in Laos) is vague and seems to be done on a case by case basis.
In any case, these are my conclusions as of mid 2011.
If one is only intending to live there for a year or two, the bribery and deception methods may work fine.
But if one is looking at the long term, at this time there doesn't appear to be any options (besides a real and "legal" job or setting up and operating a real business) that are legal.
Very accurate post.
Being married to a Laotian doesn't make any difference to visas.
If you have been living in Laos 10 years, are fluent in the language and pass a test on Lao culture you can also qualify to become a citizen, BUT the law says you have to relinquish (sp) your present nationality.
P.S The business visa has just risen from US$ 280 to US$ 348 a year 
Posted 2011-08-31 02:05:08
I heard that the cost of a tourist visa extension in Laos is - $1 to $3 per day and can only be done in Vientiane is this correct?
Meereen
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Posted 2011-09-04 06:47:24
altmtl, on 2011-08-31 02:05:08, said:
I heard that the cost of a tourist visa extension in Laos is - $1 to $3 per day and can only be done in Vientiane is this correct?
It can be done in Luang Prabang too and the price is $2 per day.
Posted 2011-09-11 15:49:08
Meereen, on 2011-09-04 06:47:24, said:
altmtl, on 2011-08-31 02:05:08, said:
I heard that the cost of a tourist visa extension in Laos is - $1 to $3 per day and can only be done in Vientiane is this correct?
It can be done in Luang Prabang too and the price is $2 per day.
What is the maximum time you can add to the 30 visa?
Meereen
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Posted 2011-09-22 23:14:30
lovelaos, on 2011-08-24 17:11:47, said:
rogerdee123, on 2011-08-22 12:20:36, said:
I have seriously looked into retiring in Laos and after some serious research on the ground have reached the following conclusions.
Tourist visas and business visas (and perhaps married to a Lao) and if you legitimately are working there ...... are the only LEGAL ways for foreigners to live in Laos.
There are many ways to arrange visas to live there as many people are doing, but basically these ways require either/both bribery or lying.
One can pay a company to put you on their foreign employee list, but in reality if you aren't working, this is a lie and will probably catch up with you sooner or later.
One can also bribe their way into getting one-year multi-entry visas (tourist or Business).
Frankly with bribes one can get almost anything in Laos. The sky's the limit if one's pockets are deep enough.
Laos presently does not offer any retirement visas. Yes maybe they are thinking about this. But presently there is no retirement visa.
Presently foreigners in Laos cannot own land (similar to Thailand). Legal companies and Lao citizens can own land and so the foreigner can do the same shenanigans people do it Thailand to own land .... carrying the same risks. So far Laos has no laws about foreigners owning condos.
Former Lao citizens who now have foreign citizenship, now get some kind of special consideration for moving back and living in Laos. But this too (like most other "laws" in Laos) is vague and seems to be done on a case by case basis.
In any case, these are my conclusions as of mid 2011.
If one is only intending to live there for a year or two, the bribery and deception methods may work fine.
But if one is looking at the long term, at this time there doesn't appear to be any options (besides a real and "legal" job or setting up and operating a real business) that are legal.
Very accurate post.
Being married to a Laotian doesn't make any difference to visas.
If you have been living in Laos 10 years, are fluent in the language and pass a test on Lao culture you can also qualify to become a citizen, BUT the law says you have to relinquish (sp) your present nationality.
P.S The business visa has just risen from US$ 280 to US$ 348 a year
I just got one today for 280 dollar, although it is the kind where you have to leave once a month.
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