Residence & citizenship
Laotian Lao Citizenship by Naturalisation
The route for long-resident foreigners to acquire Lao nationality under the Law on Nationality of Lao PDR.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
The required residence period and precise naturalisation conditions and deciding body are not confirmed here from an official published text of the Law on Nationality; verify with the competent Lao authorities.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Laos government website before you apply.
- Route type
- Naturalisation / citizenship
- Legal basis
- Law on Nationality of Lao PDR
- Residence requirement
- A substantial period of continuous lawful residence
- Commonly cited as around 10 years; not confirmed here from an official published figure
- Decision authority
- Granted at state level by the competent Lao authorities
- Minimum age
- 18 years or over
- Under the Law on Lao Nationality.
- Residence required
- At least 10 years
- Continuous lawful residence in Laos; reported as reduced to 5 years for recognised experts or highly-educated persons under an amendment. Confirm current figure.
- Language
- Lao language ability
- Able to speak, read and write Lao and understand Lao customs.
- Dual nationality
- Not permitted
- Laos does not allow dual nationality; applicants must be willing to renounce their previous nationality.
- Granted by
- State approval
- Lao nationality is granted by decree following approval by the National Assembly Standing Committee / head of state.
Who it is for
- Foreigners who have lawfully resided in Laos long-term
- Applicants of good conduct able to support themselves
- Those willing to meet language / integration and renunciation conditions
Requirements
- Continuous lawful residence in Laos for the required period
- Good conduct and no serious record
- Ability to support yourself / stable livelihood
- Lao language ability and knowledge of the country (as required)
- Meeting nationality-renunciation conditions where they apply
How to apply
- Apply under the Law on Lao Nationality, submitting the application through the local administration / Ministry of Public Security.
- The application is reviewed and, if the conditions are met, forwarded for state approval.
- Lao nationality is conferred by decree once approved by the National Assembly Standing Committee / head of state — it is a discretionary grant, not an automatic entitlement.
Documents you may need
- Passport and current Lao residence permit / long-stay documentation
- Evidence of the required period of continuous lawful residence in Laos
- Evidence of Lao language ability
- Police / good-conduct clearance
- Proof of stable income or means of support
- Statement of willingness to renounce previous nationality
Frequently asked questions
No. Laos does not allow dual nationality, so naturalisation requires you to be willing to give up your previous citizenship.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.