Residence & citizenship
Laotian Stay Permit Card (Long-Term Residence)
The residence permit that lets approved foreign investors and workers remain in Laos, with longer terms for major concession holders.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
Standard/long-term SP Card validity and any residence pathway toward settlement are summarised from Invest Laos OSS guidance; confirm current rules with the immigration authority.
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.
On this page
- Official name
- Stay Permit Card (SP Card)
- Route type
- Residence permit for approved foreigners
- Standard validity
- 6-12 months, renewable annually
- Long-term validity
- 3-5 years for investors with a concession agreement of 10+ years
- Issuing authority
- Foreigner Management Department, Ministry of Public Security (via OSS)
Who it is for
- Approved foreign investors and their eligible family members
- Foreign workers on a valid work visa and permit
- Investors with long-term concession agreements (for the extended card)
Requirements
- Valid passport and appropriate visa (LA-B2 or NI-B2)
- Photographs
- Business / enterprise registration documents
- Application through a provincial or central One-Stop Service office
What you can do
- Reside legally in Laos for the card's validity
- Renew annually while the underlying status continues
- Include eligible family members where the concession agreement allows
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.