Lao law stipulates that foreign citizens may not own land. This law exists to protect Laos from being overrun by foreign landowners. However, this would be changed in the near future. Now government is amending the Law on Investment Promotion with the purpose of encouraging foreign investment in Laos by offering investors land use rights in a certain area as long as their investment in Laos from 300,000 USD to 500,000 USD. For more information, you can read in
the real estate news section . This would be considered case by case.
RentsBuy team had checked with ministry of justice recently. This law is not in practice yet. So far foreigner cannot own a property in Laos directly.
Most foreigners who ‘own’ land do so by having a Lao national purchase the property on their behalf. Usually this will be somebody trustworthy and close, such as a spouse, reliable friend or relative.
Alternatively, foreigner may buy the land/house from Lao owner directly. However, the ownership is still under that owner with bilateral contract (MOU between two parties) saying that the owner can not use/resell it without the authorization of that foreigner. It depends on how trustworthy of that owner. The foreign party still carries huge risk because the law of Lao PDR doesn't protect and recognize it. It is not widely practiced but there are some cases as far as we know. It is not recommended.
