What about the scheme in plain facts?

Who needs a licence: any person or legal entity that wants to operate a guesthouse, defined in the datasheet as a stay place with more than 5 and fewer than 15 bedrooms, or a hotel, with more than 15 bedrooms. Stays can be daily, weekly or monthly, but not permanent.

What about documents listed?

The datasheet lists these, among others: a permit to construct (new build) or a repair permit (house converted to a guesthouse), a tax registration copy, an enterprise registration certificate, a layout plan, a criminal record certificate, a copy of ID or family registry, the owner's biography and health certificate, a statement of assets and debts before opening, eight 3x4 photographs, and a civil liability insurance certificate for the guesthouse.

What about fees and validity?

- The licence is valid for 12 months and is certified annually. - Renewal needs an application form, last year's tax payment certificate and the annual financial statement. - Fees come from a Presidential Edict No. 03/PR. For guesthouses the datasheet lists service and certificate fees by star level: 3 star guesthouse 2,000,000 and 500,000 kip; 2 star 1,000,000 and 400,000 kip; 1 star 800,000 and 300,000 kip; no star 400,000 kip. It also shows an application fee of 200,000 kip and a renewal fee

What about what the datasheet does not say?

It does not cover homestays as a separate category, village or community lodging, rules for foreign owners beyond the guesthouse restriction, tax rates, or guest registration duties. It does not say whether the 2018 fees are still charged. A newer version of the Law on Tourism may exist, and we have not read it.

Can a foreigner own a licensed guesthouse in Laos?

The datasheet says guesthouse operation is reserved for Lao persons or legal entities.

How many rooms does a guesthouse have in this scheme?

More than 5 and fewer than 15 bedrooms. The datasheet does not say what applies to a home with five or fewer rooms.

How long is the licence valid?

12 months, with annual certification.

Is there an online process?

The datasheet says no online information was available at the time, and that the application is made at the authority's offices.

What about once you are licensed?

Registration makes you legal. Distribution is a separate job. Fursat's own guest stays are in India, so we do not list homes in Laos, but if you also own or manage property in India you can start at /list-your-property, and our free channel manager explains how calendar sync across booking sites works. For the basics of the Indian system, read How to Start a Homestay in India. For a neighbouring regime written the same way, see How to Start a Homestay in Nepal.

Journal/Homestay Guides

4 min read · 7 October 2026

How to Register a Guesthouse in Laos (2018 Datasheet)

An official but dated Lao Trade Portal datasheet explains the guesthouse licence, Lao ownership rule, 12 month term and kip fees. Check it is still current.

Sneha Surana

laosguesthouse-licenceowner-guide

How to Register a Guesthouse in Laos (2018 Datasheet)

Keep reading.

Can a foreigner own a licensed guesthouse in Laos?

How many rooms does a guesthouse have in this scheme?

How long is the licence valid?

Is there an online process?