What is an INGO?

An International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO) is defined under Lao PDR law as “an international or foreign non-profit organisation with legal status, seeking to provide development assistance and humanitarian aid without any pursuit of profit.”
Any foreign non-governmental organisation wishing to implement a project in Laos must register locally.

How Long Does It Take to Register an INGO in Laos?

The registration process typically takes 6 to 8 months, starting from the submission of a complete Operation Permit application to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), assuming the draft MOU has already been prepared in coordination with the relevant ministry. However, in practice, the timeline may extend beyond this estimate due to administrative procedures and approval delays.

Main Steps to Register an INGO in Laos

Below is an overview of the key steps required to register an INGO:

1. Prepare a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
2. Negotiate the MOU with the relevant ministry
3. Apply for an Operation Permit
4. Obtain Work Permits and Business Visas for Foreign Staff
5. Apply for Project Approval
6. Conduct the MOU Signing Ceremony
7. Apply for Project Office Approval
8. Obtain an Organisational Seal

1. Memorandum of Understanding

The process begins with preparing a draft MOU in close consultation with the relevant line ministry. The MOU must outline the INGO’s proposed activities in detail. This ministry will act as the implementing partner for the INGO’s work in Laos.

2. Operation Permit

An Operation Permit from the Department of International Organisations under the MOFA is the first formal approval required to register an INGO in Lao PDR.

To apply for the Operation Permit, the following documents must be submitted:

1. A proposal letter from the foreign NGO addressed to the MOFA;
2. A copy of the NGO’s registration certificate;
3. A copy of the NGO’s articles of association or by-laws;
4. A recent bank statement;
5. A comprehensive activity plan that includes:

• Background of the organisation;
• Types of anticipated projects;
• Scope of activities;
• Intended outputs and goals;
• Financial breakdown of project costs.

The Operation Permit is valid for one year and may be renewed annually until the completion of the INGO’s activities in Laos.

3. Work Permits and Business Visas for Foreign Staff

All foreign staff must obtain:

1. A work permit
2. A stay permit
3. An E-B2 visa

These are required for legal residence and employment in Lao PDR.

4. Project Approval

Once the Operation Permit is obtained from the MOFA, the INGO may proceed to apply for Project Approval.

The following documents must be submitted to the MOFA:

1. The Operation Permit issued by MOFA
2. A proposal letter from the foreign NGO addressed to MOFA
3. A draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
4. Agreement letters from local authorities (village, district, and provincial levels) and the relevant line ministry (MOU partner), outlining the implementation plan for the proposed project

The MOFA may request additional supporting documents during this stage, depending on the nature and scope of the project.

5. MOU Signing Ceremony

After receiving Project Approval, the INGO must conduct an official MOU signing ceremony with the partner ministry. This step is mandatory before starting any project implementation.

6. Project Office Approval

After receiving Project Approval from the MOFA, the INGO may proceed to apply for Project Office Approval.

The following documents must be submitted to the MOFA:

1. A proposal letter from the INGO’s headquarters addressed to the MOFA;
2. A copy of the Project Approval issued by the MOFA;
3. The registered address of the project office, including a contact phone number;
4. An office lease agreement, certified by the relevant village authority.

7. Organisational Seal

After obtaining Project Office Approval, the INGO may apply for an organisational seal from the Ministry of Public Security. This official seal is necessary for conducting legal and administrative operations within Laos.

How We Can Help

Navigating the INGO registration process in Laos can be complex and time-consuming, but our legal team is here to support you every step of the way.

Our Services Include:

• Initial Consultation & Strategy
  We assess your organisation's objectives and provide tailored guidance on the most suitable registration approach.
• Document Preparation & Review
  Our team assists in drafting, reviewing, and organising all required documents, including proposals, MOUs, and legal forms.
• Liaison with Government Authorities
  We coordinate directly with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), line ministries, and local authorities to facilitate approvals and resolve any procedural issues.
• Permit & Visa Assistance
  We support your staff in obtaining work permits, stay permits, and business visas (E-B2), ensuring full compliance with immigration laws.
• Project Office Setup
  From locating a suitable office space to securing local authority approvals, we handle the practical steps of establishing your project office.
• Ongoing Compliance Support
  We provide continued assistance with renewals, reporting obligations, and any regulatory updates that may affect your operations.

Whether you are just starting your INGO registration journey or need support at a specific stage, we are committed to helping you establish and operate successfully in Laos.