Congratulations! You’ve successfully registered your company in Laos. Whether you’re launching a local startup or expanding your international operations, the real work begins after your company is officially set up.
To help you navigate your next steps smoothly, the FocusCore Laos team has created this practical checklist for business owners. Follow these post-registration steps to ensure your business remains compliant, efficient, and ready to thrive in the Lao market.
1. Obtain and Keep All Company Documents Safe
After setting up your business, make sure you have official copies of:
- Enterprise Registration Certificate
- Tax Identification Number (TIN)
- Articles of Association
- Company seal
- Relevant sector licences (if applicable)
As a tip always keep digital and hard copies safely stored — they’ll be needed for banking, tax filings, and audits.
2. Open a Corporate Bank Account
Choose a reliable bank in Laos and open a corporate bank account under your company name. This is essential for:
- Daily business transactions
- Payroll
- Tax reporting
FocusCore Laos can assist in recommending banks that are efficient with foreign-owned or joint-venture businesses.
3. Register for Taxes and Understand Your Tax Obligations
Within 15 days of starting operations, your company must:
- Register for VAT (if applicable).
- Set up monthly tax filing procedures (e.g., income tax, withholding tax).
- Understand annual audit and reporting requirements.
A reliable accounting partner like FocusCore Laos can ensure you never miss a deadline.
- Apply for Work Permits for Foreign Staff
If you are planning on employing expatriates, you will need:
- Business visa (B2)
- Work permit and stay permit
- Approval from the Ministry of Labour and other relevant bodies. It is important to follow all necessary steps and requirements to ensure compliance with local regulations and avoid any potential legal issues. Failure to obtain the necessary permits for foreign staff could result in fines, deportation, or even the closure of your business operations. This process can be complex — FocusCore’s experienced team helps streamline it from end to end.
6. Set Up Your Office & Address Requirements
Every company in Laos needs a registered office address. Options include:
- Traditional leased space
- Serviced office facilities (offered by FocusCore Laos)
- Virtual office (depending on your business type)
7. Ongoing Compliance: Keep Up with Legal & Tax Requirements
Once your business is running, ongoing tasks include:
- Monthly tax filing
- Quarterly and annual financial reporting
- Renewing business licences (if required)
- Submitting employee SSO payments
It is crucial to stay up to date with legal and tax requirements to ensure compliance and avoid any penalties. FocusCore Laos can assist with navigating these ongoing tasks to keep your business running smoothly. A professional partner can ensure you meet all compliance deadlines — no surprises, no penalties.
8. Consider Professional Bookkeeping and Accounting Support
Managing your own books? It’s risky — especially with local regulations constantly evolving. FocusCore Laos provides:
- Bookkeeping in line with Lao laws
- Bilingual reports (Lao and English)
- Audit preparation
If you have hassle handling you can reduce the weight of this By outsourcing your bookkeeping and accounting needs to professionals, you can save time and resources while ensuring accuracy and compliance with local regulations.
Setting up a company in Laos is a big step — but maintaining and growing it is the real journey. With the right support, you can focus on what matters most: running your business.
How FocusCore Laos Can Help
From company registration to ongoing support, our experienced team helps you stay compliant, efficient, and confident in Laos’ business environment.
Contact us today to discuss how we can support your company in Laos.
