When you start building your international company, you may want to send a few of your current employees overseas to support company growth. However, nonnationals need the correct documentation for legal employment in your country of expansion.
Types of Work Visas in Laos
There are two types of work visas in Laos — an investor visa and a labor visa. Investor visas, referred to as NI-B2, are for nonnationals who have an entity within the country and plan to perform investment activities.
This may apply to you as an employer if you have a subsidiary, but you will need an enterprise registration as proof. NI-B2 visas can allow for a single entry or multiple entries. Multiple-entry permits last for three months, six months, or one year.
Labor visas or LA-B2 are for nonnationals wishing to live and work in the country. Applicants must apply for these visas at a consulate before entering the country, and all LA-B2s allow multiple entries. These visas last for one month, three months, six months, or one year and can be renewed.
Requirements to Obtain Laos Work Visas
Individuals wishing to apply for the LA-B2 work visa need a few official documents to submit with the application:
- Job offer
- Sponsorship letter from you, the employer
- Work permit
- Valid passport
- Copy of the passport photo
- Proof of travel arrangements
Along with these personal items, you must provide documents related to your company. These include your enterprise registration certificate, investment license, and a quota approval for international employees.
If a nonnational wishes to work in the country, they must be at least 20 years old, have a clean personal history, and be in good health. Nonnational employees must also possess the necessary skills for completing the job.
Application Process
While the process requires personal documents from the applicant, you are also responsible for parts of the application process. Start by receiving approval for hiring a nonnational employee. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will approve this process based on need and how long you have looked for someone to fill the vacancy. The Ministry will also analyze your financial abilities.
The country has strict rules on the percentages of nonnational workers at a company to encourage hiring citizens. For physical labor, noncitizens may make up 15 percent of the workforce. Nonnational workers who perform special or intellectual work may make up 25 percent.
After you gain approval, the candidate should submit their application with the required materials to their nearest consulate. You can then submit your needed materials to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Once the application is processed, the applicant can pick up their visa at their consulate or when they arrive at the border. In conjunction with an LA-B2 visa, you will receive a work permit to give to your new employee. This document expires at the same time as the work visa.
Other Important Considerations
LA-B2 visas and work permits do not give nonnationals the right to live in the country. You also have to apply for a stay permit with the applicant’s sponsorship. This document allows noncitizens to live in the country legally.
Partner With G-P
As a Global PEO, we can provide all the resources and support your company needs to make sure your expansion to Laos goes as smoothly as possible. Get in touch with us today to learn more about what we can do for you.