Does Laos have a digital nomad visa?

We do not track a dedicated digital nomad visa for Laos; the closest routes are the Student Visa (ED) and Tourist Visa (eVisa / Visa on Arrival).

How much does the Tourist Visa (eVisa / Visa on Arrival) cost and how long does it take?

The Tourist Visa (eVisa / Visa on Arrival) costs 40 USD.

Can you get residency through Laos's Tourist Visa (eVisa / Visa on Arrival)?

No, the Tourist Visa (eVisa / Visa on Arrival) does not offer a direct path to residency in Laos.

What is Laos's Escape Score?

Laos scores 6.2/10 on Escape Score, our composite measure of visa access, cost of living, safety and quality of life for remote workers and movers.

What visa options does Laos have?

Laos has 2 visa routes we track for remote workers and movers, including student and tourist visas.

Laos Escape Score 6.2/10: visas, costs & safety

Safety & travel advisory

Check the current official advisory before you plan — especially traveling solo.

Official US State Department travel advisory

Advisories change often — always verify the current status at the official source before you travel. (UK, Canada & Australia publish their own advisories too.)

Laos’s Escape Score

Workable if it suits you

6.2

out of 10 · four pillars

Can I stay?

Can I afford it?

Will I be safe?

Can I live there?

See how Laos scores on each pillar — and the cited input behind every one — with premium. Unlock the breakdown

Healthcare, taxes & language

The decisive three for a longer stay — with a source to verify each yourself.

Healthcare

Quality 3/10

Public facilities are very limited even in Vientiane; a few private/international clinics serve expats, and serious cases are usually evacuated to Thailand (Udon Thani/Bangkok).

Tip: pair with travel-medical + medical-evacuation cover.

Health Care Index

Tax on foreign & pension income

Residence-based (worldwide)

Foreigners in Lao PDR for more than 183 days in a year who receive foreign-source remuneration must pay personal income tax on it, at progressive monthly rates from 0% to 25%; no foreign-pension exemption is stated.

Not tax advice — confirm with a local professional.

PwC tax summary

English proficiency

English is used mainly in Vientiane, Luang Prabang and other tourist areas (hotels, tour operators, some clinics); limited elsewhere, with French still spoken by some older or educated Lao.

EF English Index

Visa-free on arrival

How long you can stay without a visa, by passport.

US

30

days · voa

Canada

30

days · voa

UK

30

days · voa

EU

30

days · voa

Australia

30

days · voa

New Zealand

30

days · evisa

Japan

30

days · visa_free

South Korea

30

days · visa_free

Singapore

30

days · visa_free

Hong Kong

14

days · visa_free

China

30

days · voa

India

30

days · evisa

Switzerland

15

days · visa_free

Israel

30

days · evisa

Visa by passport

Ways in — every visa route

Ranked by route score — length of stay, ease and speed. It feeds the “Can I stay?” pillar above.

Visa rules change often and official sources can conflict. This is AI-assembled research, not legal or immigration advice — always verify with the official link before you act. Full disclaimer

Tourist