What is an INGO?

An International NGO or an INGO is ‘an international or a foreign non-profit organisation having legal status, which desires to provide development assistance and humanitarian aid without any pursuit of profit’ according to Lao PDR law. Generally, if a foreign non-governmental organisation wishes to implement a project in Laos, it needs to register a ‘branch’ in Laos.

How long does it take to register an INGO in Laos?

The registration of a branch of a foreign non-governmental organisation (International NGO or INGO) normally takes 6 to 8 months from the submission of the complete application for the Operation Permit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). However, in practice, the timeframes of receiving any approvals or permits listed below may take longer.

What are the main steps to register an INGO?

Below, is the summary of the main steps required to register an INGO in Laos:

1. Draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
2. MOU negotiations with the Relevant Ministry
3. Apply for Operation Permit
4. Work Permit and Business Visas for Foreign Staff
5. Project Approval
6. MOU Signing Ceremony
7. Project Office Approval
8. Organisation Seal and Seal Use Approval

1. Memorandum of Understanding

The initial step for INGO establishment in Lao PDR will require close consultation with the line ministry relevant to the proposed activities as the implementing partner.

2. Operation Permit

An Operation Permit from the Department of International Organizations, MOFA, is technically the first permit or approval which must be obtained for an INGO establishment. The following documents must be submitted with the application for an Operation Permit:

Proposal letter from the headquarters of the INGO addressed to MOFA;

Copy of INGO registration/incorporation from the headquarters of the INGO;

Copy of the statute/articles of association/by-laws from the headquarters of the INGO;

Copy of bank or financial document declaring the financial status of the INGO (e.g. bank statement of the headquarters of the INGO); and

Comprehensive plan of the activities the INGO seeks to provide in Lao PDR, including the background of the organisation, types of foreseeable projects, intended scope of activities, intended output and goals, and a financial breakdown of the project costs.

The Operation Permit is valid for one year and is renewable for one-year terms until the expiration of the project.

3. Work Permits and Business Visas for Foreign Staff

All foreign individuals undertaking work activities in Lao PDR on behalf of the INGO must hold a valid work permit, stay permit and E-B2 visa.

4. Project Approval

After an Operation Permit has been received from the MOFA, the INGO may then apply for Project Approval from the MOFA by submitting the following documents with the application:

Operation Permit from MOFA;

Proposal letter from the headquarters of the INGO addressed to MOFA;

Draft MOU;

Agreement letter from local authorities (Village, District, Provincial) and the MOU partner (a relevant ministry) as to how the project will be implemented (negotiations may be required at each authority); and

Any other related documents.

5. MOU Signing Ceremony

After receiving the Project Approval, the INGO and the MOU partner (a relevant ministry) will need to prepare an MOU signing ceremony. The MOU signing ceremony is a necessary component before commencing the project.

6. Project Office Approval

After the Project Approval has been received from the MOFA, the INGO may then apply for Project Office Approval from the MOFA by submitting the following documents with the application –

Proposal letter from the headquarters of the INGO addressed to MOFA;

Project approval from MOFA;

Registered address of the project office, phone number and other relevant information; and copy of written permission or agreement from the landlord certified by the Local village authority to use the location or property as an office premise.

7. Organisational Seal and Organisational Seal Approval

Once Project Office Approval has been received, the INGO can apply for the organisational seal and organisational seal approval, both of which are issued by the Ministry of Public Security.