I can't believe it myself when I read this news, almost brought tears to my eyes. I will only believe it once I really see it for myself though cause I still don't trust the commies.

I read it on another board I found recently where many Lao foreigners (Laosy Americans mostly) go to chat.

http://www.activeboard.com/forum.spark?aBID=98894&p=3&topicID=29053908

Also they are encouraging us to go visit longer in hopes to actually stay and " take part in the development process".

http://laovoices.com/2010/01/06/lao-expatriates-may-get-long-stay-visit-visas/

And for the record, I always wondered how many of us there were around the world but this is a pretty good number that I think is accurate,
"According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs estimates, there are about 600,000 native born Lao living overseas"
Could you guys imagine if we ALL went home? We would rule!

I like this statement the most though as long as they aren't lying:

"He said the Lao government did not consider history to be the basis of rules for development, adding that native born Lao, wherever they are, should join hands to develop the motherland.

Officials said the government had opened up Laos to the world and now needed the united forces of Lao people all around the world to develop the nation."

"Mr Bouasone said the government looked forward to the future instead of getting stuck in past history, which it could not change.

M r Bouasone urged Lao expatriates who had adopted the nationality of other countries to become good citizens of those countries. He urged them to study technology and use their knowledge to develop Laos , while teaching the younger generation about Lao culture so they could come back to Laos ."

http://seeharhed.wordpress.com/2009/12/21/lao-government-urged-expatriates-to-come-back-home/

They are finally asking for our help, they are smarter than I thought. My whole point of view has changed now.
Now I just wonder if the Hmong can go home too?

So who wants to go home now dudes? I will be there soon and give admin a wet kiss while I wait for the rest of you. I'm willing to give up my 70k/yr job too.

umm I guess you are single with no tie.....I got to wait for a while until the children finish the College(I mean paying the fee) Slav for my family first....before the country..... See you in about 3 years......

Buk Hoo Kee,

I actually read that yesterday and like you I am quite HAPPY and SURPRISED at the same time.  THAT IS GOOD NEWS TO ALL LAOTIANS LIVING ABROAD who have been away for 30+ years and WANT TO GO HOME!

But as ANY good consumer and attorneys will tell you, READ THE FINE PRINTS!  Nothing is SET IN STONE YET! According to the article you mentioned in "laovoices" the first 4 words are "The government is considering..."

I actually found the article on www.voanews.com/lao and here is an exerpt:

"Also included in the new policy are provisions to accommodate other needs of Lao expatriates who return home, such as granting the rights to use and own land, buildings, and other types of properties to those who invest more than US$ 300,000 in Laos."

One can translate this to mean:

"YOU CAN ONLY OWN LAND OR PROPERTY IF YOU BRING $300,000 TO INVEST IN LAOS"

OR in LAYMEN'S TERMS

"ONLY COME TO LAOS IF YOU HAVE MONEY"

"DON'T EXPECT ANY SPECIAL PRIVILEDGES IF YOU DON'T HAVE MORE THAN $300,000"

HERE'S ANOTHER PROVISION "

"The government will also make it especially easier for native Laotians from abroad to marry  Lao nationals."  

My cousin went to Laos and married a local and brought her to America. It wasn't hard at all!  The hardest part was WAITING FOR PAPERWORK!  How much easier can it get?  WAITING FOR PAPER IS NOT THE GOVERNMENT'S PROBLEM!

In all honesty I am happy and excited to HEAR the government's plan to WELCOME back expatriates, whether to live permantly or to come back and invest AND contribute to the growth and progress of our homeland. But just as TYPICAL of policies announced by the Laotian government IT IS VAGUE and BROADLY stated.

BHK - The above are just ideas or plans the government has for 2010. It has NOT been approved or signed into LAW.  I would SUGGEST waiting for these below before QUITTING your JOB!:

>LAW TO FINALLY PASS
>OBTAIN THE ENGLISH TRANSLATION
>READ ALL THE FINE PRINTS

One Question that I have is - WHY MUST THERE BE A DOLLAR VALUE ATTACHED? If you TRUELY want to welcome LAOTIANS home, why put that $300,000 price tag as a CONDITION to owning property?

Just a question for debate and discussion.

Most Laotians from abroad live in properties that's over $300,000 so I guess that amount isn't alot to ask.

Also, you don't need to own property to live in Laos.

hahahaha admin.  It is all about money.  Show me the money!!!!!

So you guys are telling me, I have to have $300,000. A poor and broke-ass like me can't go back home that was you saying......?

That's cold. Every things is about $$$ Money $$$

How about $300 is this Ok?

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 20^th Jan, 2010 at 4:29am:

Most Laotians from abroad live in properties that's over $300,000 so I guess that amount isn't alot to ask. Also, you don't need to own property to live in Laos.

ADMIN - That's a pretty BOLD statement you made there. I don't know where you got your information from that MOST people own homes more than 300k.  

I was in Viengchan in 07' and I saw this VERY NICE HOUSE that was worth like $300,000..(per my guide).  But next to that house, were old, broken down, homes, and just next to LOWER PRICED HOMES.

Speaking for AMERICA You will NOT find a $500,000 house NEXT TO a $50,000 HOUSE!

Unlike Laos, property values in America depends on what state you live in, what area, what neighborhood. Homes in the 300k range will have LIKE homes AT, AROUND or HIGHER IN PRICES!  It may be TRUE, MANY people do OWN homes with $300,000, but that doesn't mean THEY HAVE $300,000.  They may have a mortgage loan on the house all the way up to $300,000, depending on their credit and how much they put as a down payment.

300k house
-275k loan

25k equity!  THAT'S EQUITY! NOT REAL HARD CASH!

You are CORRECT, Laotian expats do NOT need to own property to live in Laos.  People can stay with relatives or have CLOSE relatives buy the property in their name.

But "GOVERNMENT'S PLAN" is talking about EXPATS WANT TO OWN LAND, PROPERTY THEY MUST INVEST MORE THAN $300,000.

> Worthless Refugee:

You can still go back to Laos, visit or reside, but, according to the PLAN, YOU CAN NOT OWN PROPERTY (BUY IN YOUR NAME) IF YOU DON'T BRING $300,000 TO INVEST!

$300,000 ! You f@k!ng kidding me? If I had $300k I would not need to go to one of the poorest countries in the world, Laos. Okay, these commies are on crack, cause they really don't know what's up in the world. In Laos, cash might be king, but in the west, credit is gold. Perhaps the commies think that if we can afford to give away a few million dollars to them in foreign aid every month then we are damn rich over here and money grows on trees. Just because our gov'ts are stupid enough to give them money in aid that they pocket from corruption doesn't mean a Lao expatriot has that kind of money to lose. There are 600,000 Laotians living in foreign countries, how many of them are millionaires or have even $100k in cash? How many of them even have a high paying job? I barely have 20k in my account and NO, I don't own a house, I rent an apartment. I have 20k worth of student loans left and bills to pay everday like everyone else. I have a university degree and can come and "help develop" the country but doesn't sound like they are looking for help, they are looking for $$$$$$$$300,000. Don't they realize that beggars cannot be choosers?

Suppose I even had $300k to go to invest in Laos. How long do you think it would take me to get my investment back? ROI/ROE, rate of returns? I can buy a franchise like subway or something here that could make me more money.

My sister and her husband saved for 5 years before they could afford a down payment on their first house. They put $20k down payment on a $180k house. They both work at avg. paying jobs ~$18/hr. They sold that house 3 years later for $240k and made some money after the renovations, $20k. They then bought their second house $360k with a 30 year mortgage. This is two people working after about 15 years now. I am guessing they have about $80k in equity in this house so far and 20 more years to go in order to pay it off. By that time, they should be around 55 years old. I can't see them wanting to sell their house in 20 years to go back to Laos and start over again and live in a 3rd world country especially when they are old. They live in Canada where there is free health care also so why would anyone want to risk going to Laos with $300k that takes a lifetime to accumulate? I could live like a king here with $300k or go to laos and give them my $300k and still be poor, that's a hard decision, hmmmm.

Okay I take it all back, you commies are even more stupid than I thought. Good luck finding that sucker with $300k cash.

Are you sure they are talking $300,000 kips? Fook me, fook you too.

BHK....I thought I'd get that reaction from you!

Here's an excerpt from:

http://laovoices.com/2010/01/06/lao-expatriates-may-get-long-stay-visit-visas/

"The Lao National Assembly has approved a newly revised investment promotion law, which allows foreigners who invest US$500,000 in Laos to own land use rights here. The government expects to promulgate the law early this year."

From www.voanews.com/lao :

"Also included in the new policy are provisions to accommodate other needs of Lao expatriates who return home, such as granting the rights to use and own land, buildings, and other types of properties to those who invest more than US$ 300,000 in Laos."

And NO..NOT $300,000 KIP!  That would only equate to ABOUT $30.

There's also the RISK factor.  You're bringing 300-500k to INVEST in a developing country that has opportunities to grow BUT is there a high enough of a DEMAND?  Keep in mind now..you're investing US$ but cash receipts will be in local currency of KIP.

How long before you start seeing results of your investment? How long before breakeven?

$100 USD = 1,000,000 KIP (approximately).

Why do they allow the Chinese and Vietnamese and Thai's to go live there for free, buy up all the land, take all the natural resources, but put a ticket price of $300k price tag for a brother Lao who just wants to come back and help his own people and country. It was bad enough they killed off my relatives and forced me to become a refugee and immigrate to another country 30 years ago, now they saying I can come back as long as I give them everything I have ever earned by living in a better country. They really expect me to give up my life savings so I can own some dirt in Laos. That's a pretty good scam, steal the land that I used to own 30 years ago and sell it to me now for $300k. I got to hand it to these commies, they almost had me there, almost.

HATE TO BUST YOUR BUBLE!

Example: Assume new law is passed about foreigners OWNING land and property.

So you go to Laos, buy a huge piece of land and build a house for $300,000.  You are the legal owner of both house and land?

Think again!

Yes you are legal and registered owner. But in a communist form of government,

"land is the property of the Lao national community"

Technically the communist government OWNS ALL LAND! The government can RECLAIM and RESETTLE you to a new location and you have NO SAY!

Real example:

To build facilities for the recent SEA games just outside Viengchan, many villagers lost their home and land.  The government SEIZED and RESETTLED villagers to a new location and they couldn't do a DAMN THING!!

SURPRISE SURPRISE!

why so important the land!!!!? since so many bad review to comeback lao

So you guys are telling me, Jex and Keow are living in Laos freely and  Lao like us can't go back and live there.......
I heard they said : "there not much Lao living in Laos this day"
Most of them are Jex and Koew

Aren't they going to give us our homes and lands back to us?

Jex = a person who is living in Lao or thailand
Keow = a person who is living in lao
Viet = a person who is living in Vietnam or elsewhere but not living in Laos
Chin = a person who is living in China or elsewhere but not living in Laos

Hi Worthless Laotian Refugee

What do you mean! your are living freely in American too. Please don't make a silly racist remark that you don't want other to treat you.

I am sorry guys, I don't think I want to invest $300,000 in Laos. I rather put in stocks and bonds or mutual funds or something. At least I know I have an average returns of 6% to 12%.  I know the economy is bad, but sooner or later the cycle will end.  Things will pick up and back in normal.  Just like a stock market chart, when it hits the bottom of the chart then it is time to go back up.  As much as I love Laos to live there is not possible for me.  I am saying that I get used to all these conveniences.  I am intent to stay where I am.  Absolutely, I would love to go back for a visit.  Good luck for those are going back to invest your hard earned money.  I agreed with buk hoo kee.

For those who didn't UNDERSTAND IT.

Here is an exerpt from the article from :

http://www.voanews.com/lao/2010-01-16-voa4.cfm

"Also included in the new policy are provisions to accommodate other needs of Lao expatriates who return home, such as granting the rights to use and own land, buildings, and other types of properties to those who invest more than US$ 300,000 in Laos."

AGAIN.. - "GRANTING THE RIGHTS TO USE AND OWN LAND, BUILDINGS AND OTHER TYPES OF PROPERTIES TO THOSE WHO INVEST MORE THAN $300,000 IN LAOS"

Does this mean you, INVEST $300,000 first in some government project AND then you can BUY/OWN LAND and Property? IF this is true, then you're putting $300k INVESTMENT AND buy your house and land.  Then that would mean total CASH YOU NEED TO BRING TO LAOS WILL BE MORE THAN $300K.  

Or does INVEST mean..YOU JUST BUY A $300,000 HOUSE and OWN IT and the LAND..and that is considered the INVESTMENT?

Think about it?  YOU INVEST $300,000..just to make it legally yours!

Again I REPEAT, it is NOT A LAW YET! Laos government is still working on the bill, hopefully the PM will approve and sign into LAW.  But as with many Laotian laws, THEY ARE VAGUE and LEFT OPEN TO INTERPRETATION.

BUK HOO KEE....YOU SAID IT BEST BRO!  PLEASE SAY IT AGAIN!!!

Hay my man, BLBG and BHk
Thanx Chao lai lai Der

Worthless, you are WantingLaostobeIndependence, you can't hide dude.

I got another way to get to Laos and it's by using my other head, if you know what I mean. They mentioned something about being able to marry a native Laosy so does that mean if I marry a Laosy girl, I automatically get permanent residence and can own land and work or do business there? I think my sperm is woth over $300k, we even have sperm banks for them now.

"The government will also make it especially easier for native Laotians from abroad to marry  Lao nationals."

I didn't know there were laws in Laos, I thought the way it worked over there was that the rich are always right, Falungs pay triple the price stated, and expats are not to be trusted unless they have over $300k cash up front. I guess money i$ $till the law over there.

Price to pay the commies to go back to live in Laos, $300,000
Airfare for a one way ticket to Vientiane, $1200~
Cheap hooker for a night, $25
No rights or freedom, free
The look on your face after you've been had, priceless

For everything else, there's Mastercard.

Hay Buk Hoo Kee, I am back

No snitch OK

I'd love to go back and start a new life in Laos..  For the mean time, I have to save some $$..  It is almost impossible to save up to $300,000.

I myself, never thought of go back home

1. Why? Lack of fund $300,000 that too much for me to find
2. If I have that much, what the hell I want to invest in Laos
3. Laos is lawless country
4. Can't trust the Communist and relatives
5. Your ass can be dissappealling at any times in Laos

And many more reasons.........etc

Very entertaining ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D.  Is $300,000 the fee to be there? The land, house and business on top of the fee?



Buk Hoo Kee wrote on 22^nd Jan, 2010 at 11:00pm:

Worthless, you are WantingLaostobeIndependence, you can't hide dude. I got another way to get to Laos and it's by using my other head, if you know what I mean. They mentioned something about being able to marry a native Laosy so does that mean if I marry a Laosy girl, I automatically get permanent residence and can own land and work or do business there? I think my sperm is woth over $300k, we even have sperm banks for them now. "The government will also make it especially easier for native Laotians from abroad to marry  Lao nationals." I didn't know there were laws in Laos, I thought the way it worked over there was that the rich are always right, Falungs pay triple the price stated, and expats are not to be trusted unless they have over $300k cash up front. I guess money i$ $till the law over there. Price to pay the commies to go back to live in Laos, $300,000 Airfare for a one way ticket to Vientiane, $1200~ Cheap hooker for a night, $25 No rights or freedom, free The look on your face after you've been had, priceless For everything else, there's Mastercard.

PEACE wrote on 23^rd Apr, 2011 at 2:50am:

Very entertaining ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D.  Is $300,000 the fee to be there? The land, house and business on top of the fee? Buk Hoo Kee wrote on 22nd Jan, 2010 at 11:00pm: Worthless, you are WantingLaostobeIndependence, you can't hide dude. I got another way to get to Laos and it's by using my other head, if you know what I mean. They mentioned something about being able to marry a native Laosy so does that mean if I marry a Laosy girl, I automatically get permanent residence and can own land and work or do business there? I think my sperm is woth over $300k, we even have sperm banks for them now. "The government will also make it especially easier for native Laotians from abroad to marry  Lao nationals." I didn't know there were laws in Laos, I thought the way it worked over there was that the rich are always right, Falungs pay triple the price stated, and expats are not to be trusted unless they have over $300k cash up front. I guess money i$ $till the law over there. Price to pay the commies to go back to live in Laos, $300,000 Airfare for a one way ticket to Vientiane, $1200~ Cheap hooker for a night, $25 No rights or freedom, free The look on your face after you've been had, priceless For everything else, there's Mastercard.

OF COURSE!!! ;D

That $300,000 is the price for a Lao greencard.

But seriously.  I can buy land, build a business and a house in Laos that are worth $300K (minimum)?

PEACE wrote on 26^th Apr, 2011 at 3:30am:

But seriously.  I can buy land, build a business and a house in Laos that are worth $300K (minimum)?

Unless you are a Lao citizen, you need to invest $500,000 before you will be allowed to buy land and have your name on the title deed.

However, if you are not Lao, you can lease land for 50 years or more and this is common.

You can start a foreign-owned business as long as you invest a minimum of $32,400 in the business.


Old Man

PEACE wrote on 26^th Apr, 2011 at 3:30am:

But seriously.  I can buy land, build a business and a house in Laos that are worth $300K (minimum)?

Lucky you. You are set for early retirement in Laos. If you want Laos citizens maybe move there and marry Lao wife. If you're single.

I think same as the U.S if you got $500,000 to invest they'll give you green card.
:o ;)

Does Laos has green card or permanent resident? It's easier to become citizens if you're marry to a Laos citizens?
8-)


wrote on 26^th Apr, 2011 at 4:49am:

PEACE wrote on 26th Apr, 2011 at 3:30am: But seriously.  I can buy land, build a business and a house in Laos that are worth $300K (minimum)? Unless you are a Lao citizen, you need to invest $500,000 before you will be allowed to buy land and have your name on the title deed. However, if you are not Lao, you can lease land for 50 years or more and this is common. You can start a foreign-owned business as long as you invest a minimum of $32,400 in the business. Old Man

I'm a permanent resident, but you would not want to go through what I went through 20 years ago in order to get it.

If your parents were Lao, can't you get Lao nationality on that basis?


Old Man

I'm not sure. I'll ask my parent. I know Laos don't have dual citizenship. But if you can get Lao permanent resident then that is ok too.
:)


wrote on 26^th Apr, 2011 at 5:36am:

I'm a permanent resident, but you would not want to go through what I went through 20 years ago in order to get it. If your parents were Lao, can't you get Lao nationality on that basis? Old Man

To qualify for permanent resident status, you have to have lived in Laos for 10 years.

Old Man

I still have a good 20-25 years to work in the petroleum industry and it would be wise to diversify my portfolio.  Laos is a land of opportunity as we are speaking and I would like tap the opportunity and creating some jobs for khonLao in Laos ;).


llX wrote on 26^th Apr, 2011 at 4:49am:

PEACE wrote on 26th Apr, 2011 at 3:30am: But seriously.  I can buy land, build a business and a house in Laos that are worth $300K (minimum)? Lucky you. You are set for early retirement in Laos. If you want Laos citizens maybe move there and marry Lao wife. If you're single. I think same as the U.S if you got $500,000 to invest they'll give you green card. :o ;)

Well, that opportunity is certainly there for you to grab.

Old Man

PEACE wrote on 26^th Apr, 2011 at 3:30am:

But seriously.  I can buy land, build a business and a house in Laos that are worth $300K (minimum)?

Even the old school open style homes (the ones with no front doors!) are selling for at least $200,000. The decent looking homes, anyway. I'm sure your home - or any other private property - isn't a part of the 'investment' expectations.

Larb Dip wrote on 26^th Apr, 2011 at 10:51pm:

PEACE wrote on 26th Apr, 2011 at 3:30am: But seriously.  I can buy land, build a business and a house in Laos that are worth $300K (minimum)? Even the old school open style homes (the ones with no front doors!) are selling for at least $200,000. The decent looking homes, anyway. I'm sure your home - or any other private property - isn't a part of the 'investment' expectations.

There are brand new homes for sale in Vientaine that is ~$100K or even lower that look very nice.  

PEACE wrote on 27^th Apr, 2011 at 3:17am:

There are brand new homes for sale in Vientaine that is ~$100K or even lower that look very nice.

Maybe cheaper if you build your own house. Outside of Vientiane, a little far out.
8-)

That is my dream.  A nice size land in the outskirts, preferrably east of Vientiane (less air and noise pollution), and a Mekong River view would be nice as well.  What is the company that are building homes in Vientiane right now?


llX wrote on 27^th Apr, 2011 at 4:49am:

PEACE wrote on 27th Apr, 2011 at 3:17am: There are brand new homes for sale in Vientaine that is ~$100K or even lower that look very nice.   Maybe cheaper if you build your own house. Outside of Vientiane, a little far out. 8-)

Im not sure about home building company in Laos. There should be plenty of company. You can buy land, build house, pick the design and hire contractors. Maybe you can build a decent house for under $50,000-$70k. I don't need a big mansion or villa. But land, prices  materials and cost of labors go up every year. If you plan to build a house in Laos in the future the best thing to do is try to buy a land now. In 10-15 year it'll go way way up. For more infor about buying land, property, rents check out rentsbuy.com.

My uncle in Vientiane is a carpenter, house builder. When I need to build one I just ask him. I also has education background in house building, but it's not what I do for living. I can't just build a house because not enough experiences, but I know how the process work. About two year back my uncle ask us if we want to buy neighbor land for $6,000. Now its probably cost more.
;)



PEACE wrote on 27^th Apr, 2011 at 11:33am:

That is my dream.  A nice size land in the outskirts, preferrably east of Vientiane (less air and noise pollution), and a Mekong River view would be nice as well.  What is the company that are building homes in Vientiane right now? llX wrote on 27th Apr, 2011 at 4:49am: PEACE wrote on 27th Apr, 2011 at 3:17am: There are brand new homes for sale in Vientaine that is ~$100K or even lower that look very nice.   Maybe cheaper if you build your own house. Outside of Vientiane, a little far out. 8-)

The probelm with buying land now is that I cannot have my name on it I am a foreigner to Laos.  YOu have to be a Lao national to own land or invest a minimum of $500K in Laos to do so.


llX wrote on 27^th Apr, 2011 at 3:52pm:

Im not sure about home building company in Laos. There should be plenty of company. You can buy land, build house, pick the design and hire contractors. Maybe you can build a decent house for under $50,000-$70k. I don't need a big mansion or villa. But land, prices  materials and cost of labors go up every year. If you plan to build a house in Laos in the future the best thing to do is try to buy a land now. In 10-15 year it'll go way way up. For more infor about buying land, property, rents check out rentsbuy.com. My uncle in Vientiane is a carpenter, house builder. When I need to build one I just ask him. I also has education background in house building, but it's not what I do for living. I can't just build a house because not enough experiences, but I know how the process work. About two year back my uncle ask us if we want to buy neighbor land for $6,000. Now its probably cost more. ;) PEACE wrote on 27th Apr, 2011 at 11:33am: That is my dream.  A nice size land in the outskirts, preferrably east of Vientiane (less air and noise pollution), and a Mekong River view would be nice as well.  What is the company that are building homes in Vientiane right now? llX wrote on 27th Apr, 2011 at 4:49am: PEACE wrote on 27th Apr, 2011 at 3:17am: There are brand new homes for sale in Vientaine that is ~$100K or even lower that look very nice.   Maybe cheaper if you build your own house. Outside of Vientiane, a little far out. 8-)

Your uncle does both residential and commercial buildings?  All buildings are built to Lao PDR codes? I guess you would know alot about the codes.


llX wrote on 27^th Apr, 2011 at 3:52pm:

Im not sure about home building company in Laos. There should be plenty of company. You can buy land, build house, pick the design and hire contractors. Maybe you can build a decent house for under $50,000-$70k. I don't need a big mansion or villa. But land, prices  materials and cost of labors go up every year. If you plan to build a house in Laos in the future the best thing to do is try to buy a land now. In 10-15 year it'll go way way up. For more infor about buying land, property, rents check out rentsbuy.com. My uncle in Vientiane is a carpenter, house builder. When I need to build one I just ask him. I also has education background in house building, but it's not what I do for living. I can't just build a house because not enough experiences, but I know how the process work. About two year back my uncle ask us if we want to buy neighbor land for $6,000. Now its probably cost more. ;) PEACE wrote on 27th Apr, 2011 at 11:33am: That is my dream.  A nice size land in the outskirts, preferrably east of Vientiane (less air and noise pollution), and a Mekong River view would be nice as well.  What is the company that are building homes in Vientiane right now? llX wrote on 27th Apr, 2011 at 4:49am: PEACE wrote on 27th Apr, 2011 at 3:17am: There are brand new homes for sale in Vientaine that is ~$100K or even lower that look very nice.   Maybe cheaper if you build your own house. Outside of Vientiane, a little far out. 8-)

PEACE wrote on 27^th Apr, 2011 at 6:20pm:

Your uncle does both residential and commercial buildings?  All buildings are built to Lao PDR codes? I guess you would know alot about the codes. llX wrote on 27th Apr, 2011 at 3:52pm: Im not sure about home building company in Laos. There should be plenty of company. You can buy land, build house, pick the design and hire contractors. Maybe you can build a decent house for under $50,000-$70k. I don't need a big mansion or villa. But land, prices  materials and cost of labors go up every year. If you plan to build a house in Laos in the future the best thing to do is try to buy a land now. In 10-15 year it'll go way way up. For more infor about buying land, property, rents check out rentsbuy.com. My uncle in Vientiane is a carpenter, house builder. When I need to build one I just ask him. I also has education background in house building, but it's not what I do for living. I can't just build a house because not enough experiences, but I know how the process work. About two year back my uncle ask us if we want to buy neighbor land for $6,000. Now its probably cost more. ;) PEACE wrote on 27th Apr, 2011 at 11:33am: That is my dream.  A nice size land in the outskirts, preferrably east of Vientiane (less air and noise pollution), and a Mekong River view would be nice as well.  What is the company that are building homes in Vientiane right now? llX wrote on 27th Apr, 2011 at 4:49am: PEACE wrote on 27th Apr, 2011 at 3:17am: There are brand new homes for sale in Vientaine that is ~$100K or even lower that look very nice.   Maybe cheaper if you build your own house. Outside of Vientiane, a little far out. 8-)

The only building code in Laos involves how many floors you can have in Vientiane.  Outside the city, you can pretty well build what you like as long as it's not in an area designated for agricultural or industrial production.

Have you considered the option of signing a long term lease (say 50 years) on a piece of land?  Then you pay the owner the lump sum and for him it's even better since the land returns to his family after 50 years.

Of course, with a lease you don't get to pass on the land to your children after you die.

Old Man

My uncle when to technical college in Laos to learn how to build house. That's his profession. He know all the building code. Just like Old Man say there's probably not much building code in Laos.

I went to technical college for 3 year, 2 year for Machining Technicians and 1 year for building house. There's so many building code in the U.S. Basement need waterproof, need egress window, need water, plumbing, electricity, house can't be to close to the road or neighbor stuff like that. And many more.
:o


PEACE wrote on 27^th Apr, 2011 at 6:20pm:

Your uncle does both residential and commercial buildings?  All buildings are built to Lao PDR codes? I guess you would know alot about the codes. llX wrote on 27th Apr, 2011 at 3:52pm: Im not sure about home building company in Laos. There should be plenty of company. You can buy land, build house, pick the design and hire contractors. Maybe you can build a decent house for under $50,000-$70k. I don't need a big mansion or villa. But land, prices  materials and cost of labors go up every year. If you plan to build a house in Laos in the future the best thing to do is try to buy a land now. In 10-15 year it'll go way way up. For more infor about buying land, property, rents check out rentsbuy.com. My uncle in Vientiane is a carpenter, house builder. When I need to build one I just ask him. I also has education background in house building, but it's not what I do for living. I can't just build a house because not enough experiences, but I know how the process work. About two year back my uncle ask us if we want to buy neighbor land for $6,000. Now its probably cost more. ;) PEACE wrote on 27th Apr, 2011 at 11:33am: That is my dream.  A nice size land in the outskirts, preferrably east of Vientiane (less air and noise pollution), and a Mekong River view would be nice as well.  What is the company that are building homes in Vientiane right now? llX wrote on 27th Apr, 2011 at 4:49am: PEACE wrote on 27th Apr, 2011 at 3:17am: There are brand new homes for sale in Vientaine that is ~$100K or even lower that look very nice.   Maybe cheaper if you build your own house. Outside of Vientiane, a little far out. 8-)

Maybe you can put the tittle in your relative name or people you can trust. That's how many people do it. But everything is easy saids then done.
;)


PEACE wrote on 27^th Apr, 2011 at 4:55pm:

The probelm with buying land now is that I cannot have my name on it I am a foreigner to Laos.  YOu have to be a Lao national to own land or invest a minimum of $500K in Laos to do so. llX wrote on 27th Apr, 2011 at 3:52pm: Im not sure about home building company in Laos. There should be plenty of company. You can buy land, build house, pick the design and hire contractors. Maybe you can build a decent house for under $50,000-$70k. I don't need a big mansion or villa. But land, prices  materials and cost of labors go up every year. If you plan to build a house in Laos in the future the best thing to do is try to buy a land now. In 10-15 year it'll go way way up. For more infor about buying land, property, rents check out rentsbuy.com. My uncle in Vientiane is a carpenter, house builder. When I need to build one I just ask him. I also has education background in house building, but it's not what I do for living. I can't just build a house because not enough experiences, but I know how the process work. About two year back my uncle ask us if we want to buy neighbor land for $6,000. Now its probably cost more. ;) PEACE wrote on 27th Apr, 2011 at 11:33am: That is my dream.  A nice size land in the outskirts, preferrably east of Vientiane (less air and noise pollution), and a Mekong River view would be nice as well.  What is the company that are building homes in Vientiane right now? llX wrote on 27th Apr, 2011 at 4:49am: PEACE wrote on 27th Apr, 2011 at 3:17am: There are brand new homes for sale in Vientaine that is ~$100K or even lower that look very nice.   Maybe cheaper if you build your own house. Outside of Vientiane, a little far out. 8-)

wrote on 27^th Apr, 2011 at 8:54pm:

PEACE wrote on 27th Apr, 2011 at 6:20pm: Your uncle does both residential and commercial buildings?  All buildings are built to Lao PDR codes? I guess you would know alot about the codes. llX wrote on 27th Apr, 2011 at 3:52pm: Im not sure about home building company in Laos. There should be plenty of company. You can buy land, build house, pick the design and hire contractors. Maybe you can build a decent house for under $50,000-$70k. I don't need a big mansion or villa. But land, prices  materials and cost of labors go up every year. If you plan to build a house in Laos in the future the best thing to do is try to buy a land now. In 10-15 year it'll go way way up. For more infor about buying land, property, rents check out rentsbuy.com. My uncle in Vientiane is a carpenter, house builder. When I need to build one I just ask him. I also has education background in house building, but it's not what I do for living. I can't just build a house because not enough experiences, but I know how the process work. About two year back my uncle ask us if we want to buy neighbor land for $6,000. Now its probably cost more. ;) PEACE wrote on 27th Apr, 2011 at 11:33am: That is my dream.  A nice size land in the outskirts, preferrably east of Vientiane (less air and noise pollution), and a Mekong River view would be nice as well.  What is the company that are building homes in Vientiane right now? llX wrote on 27th Apr, 2011 at 4:49am: PEACE wrote on 27th Apr, 2011 at 3:17am: There are brand new homes for sale in Vientaine that is ~$100K or even lower that look very nice.   Maybe cheaper if you build your own house. Outside of Vientiane, a little far out. 8-) The only building code in Laos involves how many floors you can have in Vientiane.  Outside the city, you can pretty well build what you like as long as it's not in an area designated for agricultural or industrial production. Have you considered the option of signing a long term lease (say 50 years) on a piece of land?  Then you pay the owner the lump sum and for him it's even better since the land returns to his family after 50 years. Of course, with a lease you don't get to pass on the land to your children after you die. Old Man

What about the house? where ddoes that end up after the 50 year term?

Larb Dip wrote on 27^th Apr, 2011 at 11:46pm:

wrote on 27th Apr, 2011 at 8:54pm: PEACE wrote on 27th Apr, 2011 at 6:20pm: Your uncle does both residential and commercial buildings?  All buildings are built to Lao PDR codes? I guess you would know alot about the codes. llX wrote on 27th Apr, 2011 at 3:52pm: Im not sure about home building company in Laos. There should be plenty of company. You can buy land, build house, pick the design and hire contractors. Maybe you can build a decent house for under $50,000-$70k. I don't need a big mansion or villa. But land, prices  materials and cost of labors go up every year. If you plan to build a house in Laos in the future the best thing to do is try to buy a land now. In 10-15 year it'll go way way up. For more infor about buying land, property, rents check out rentsbuy.com. My uncle in Vientiane is a carpenter, house builder. When I need to build one I just ask him. I also has education background in house building, but it's not what I do for living. I can't just build a house because not enough experiences, but I know how the process work. About two year back my uncle ask us if we want to buy neighbor land for $6,000. Now its probably cost more. ;) PEACE wrote on 27th Apr, 2011 at 11:33am: That is my dream.  A nice size land in the outskirts, preferrably east of Vientiane (less air and noise pollution), and a Mekong River view would be nice as well.  What is the company that are building homes in Vientiane right now? llX wrote on 27th Apr, 2011 at 4:49am: PEACE wrote on 27th Apr, 2011 at 3:17am: There are brand new homes for sale in Vientaine that is ~$100K or even lower that look very nice.   Maybe cheaper if you build your own house. Outside of Vientiane, a little far out. 8-) The only building code in Laos involves how many floors you can have in Vientiane.  Outside the city, you can pretty well build what you like as long as it's not in an area designated for agricultural or industrial production. Have you considered the option of signing a long term lease (say 50 years) on a piece of land?  Then you pay the owner the lump sum and for him it's even better since the land returns to his family after 50 years. Of course, with a lease you don't get to pass on the land to your children after you die. Old Man What about the house? where ddoes that end up after the 50 year term?

Unless your children signed a new contract with the original seller's children, the land would return to the original owner's family.  Although I would think it would be legally OK to dismantle the house and take it away if physically possible.

Dismantling and moving entire houses is quite common here, but is becoming less so as most new houses are built out of brick, not wood.


Old Man

If you're going for that 50 year option, then it WOULD be wise to erect the house on piles, which could conveniently be severed with a chainsaw for immediate relocation when the innevetible happens.

Do they have trade schools in Laos? This just hit me, but I'm interseted in this kind of bussiness. Last I heard, the majority of 'carpenters' in Laos were fron Vietnam. Is that true or what?

Larb Dip wrote on 28^th Apr, 2011 at 12:06am:

If you're going for that 50 year option, then it WOULD be wise to erect the house on piles, which could conveniently be severed with a chainsaw for immediate relocation when the innevetible happens. Do they have trade schools in Laos? This just hit me, but I'm interseted in this kind of bussiness. Last I heard, the majority of 'carpenters' in Laos were fron Vietnam. Is that true or what?

When a house built on 'piles' (large wooden posts) is relocated, they don't sever the post with a saw.  The posts are set into individual concrete bases and they just dig out the entire post including the cement base.

There is a technical college in Vientiane which teaches trade skills, but now there are plans to build a huge residential trade school in our district (Saythany) of Vientiane which will teach bricklaying, carpentry, electrical wiring, plumbing, etc.

They are expecting to cater for several thousand students.


Old Man

There is technical school in Laos. My uncle is a carpenter and went there for about two year. Yes many carpenter in Laos are Vietnamese. They are highly skilled. And there's probably plenty of illegal Viet, Chinese worker in Laos.
;)


Larb Dip wrote on 28^th Apr, 2011 at 12:06am:

If you're going for that 50 year option, then it WOULD be wise to erect the house on piles, which could conveniently be severed with a chainsaw for immediate relocation when the innevetible happens. Do they have trade schools in Laos? This just hit me, but I'm interseted in this kind of bussiness. Last I heard, the majority of 'carpenters' in Laos were fron Vietnam. Is that true or what?

wrote on 28^th Apr, 2011 at 12:13am:

Larb Dip wrote on 28th Apr, 2011 at 12:06am: If you're going for that 50 year option, then it WOULD be wise to erect the house on piles, which could conveniently be severed with a chainsaw for immediate relocation when the innevetible happens. Do they have trade schools in Laos? This just hit me, but I'm interseted in this kind of bussiness. Last I heard, the majority of 'carpenters' in Laos were fron Vietnam. Is that true or what? When a house built on 'piles' (large wooden posts) is relocated, they don't sever the post with a saw.  The posts are set into individual concrete bases and they just dig out the entire post including the cement base. There is a technical college in Vientiane which teaches trade skills, but now there are plans to build a huge residential trade school in our district (Saythany) of Vientiane which will teach bricklaying, carpentry, electrical wiring, plumbing, etc. They are expecting to cater for several thousand students. Old Man

Maybe that's how they do in Laos. Maybe they have plenty of time up their sleeves. Over here - most of the time - they just do as I have already mentioned. The existing piles are then fused on to the new with a metal brace (I won't get into any jargon). This only happens when the situation is urgent or when the builder is lazy. 'Time is money', they say.

Sounds good. Maybe I could set something up in Laos and hire some. That could be their ticket out of Laos if they want to go and live abroad. It just depends on the standards that are being taught. Lets hope that it IS to an international standard. :)

Thanks for the useful info. everyone and this 50 years lease option.  You pay the land owner, let's say $25k for a land and I can do whatever I want for up to 50 years on that land? So it is like buying the land and I have to give up the land to the owner 50 years from now.  Sounds like a very good option 8-).

In the U.S it's the same time is money. They can build you a house 4 room, 2 bathroom, 3 car garage in three month.
;)



Larb Dip wrote on 28^th Apr, 2011 at 1:25am:

wrote on 28th Apr, 2011 at 12:13am: Larb Dip wrote on 28th Apr, 2011 at 12:06am: If you're going for that 50 year option, then it WOULD be wise to erect the house on piles, which could conveniently be severed with a chainsaw for immediate relocation when the innevetible happens. Do they have trade schools in Laos? This just hit me, but I'm interseted in this kind of bussiness. Last I heard, the majority of 'carpenters' in Laos were fron Vietnam. Is that true or what? When a house built on 'piles' (large wooden posts) is relocated, they don't sever the post with a saw.  The posts are set into individual concrete bases and they just dig out the entire post including the cement base. There is a technical college in Vientiane which teaches trade skills, but now there are plans to build a huge residential trade school in our district (Saythany) of Vientiane which will teach bricklaying, carpentry, electrical wiring, plumbing, etc. They are expecting to cater for several thousand students. Old Man Maybe that's how they do in Laos. Maybe they have plenty of time up their sleeves. Over here - most of the time - they just do as I have already mentioned. The existing piles are then fused on to the new with a metal brace (I won't get into any jargon). This only happens when the situation is urgent or when the builder is lazy. 'Time is money', they say. Sounds good. Maybe I could set something up in Laos and hire some. That could be their ticket out of Laos if they want to go and live abroad. It just depends on the standards that are being taught. Lets hope that it IS to an international standard. :)

50 year lease. In other word you can live there for the rest of your life, but you don't get the tittle. Not a bad deal, $25k might seem too high. Maybe it's cheaper then that to lease.
;)


PEACE wrote on 28^th Apr, 2011 at 2:13am:

Thanks for the useful info. everyone and this 50 years lease option.  You pay the land owner, let's say $25k for a land and I can do whatever I want for up to 50 years on that land? So it is like buying the land and I have to give up the land to the owner 50 years from now.  Sounds like a very good option 8-).

This 50 year 'lease' is  month to month payment?


llX wrote on 28^th Apr, 2011 at 3:13am:

50 year lease. In other word you can live there for the rest of your life, but you just don't get land tittle. Not a bad deal, $25 might seem too high. Maybe it's cheaper then that to lease. ;) PEACE wrote on 28th Apr, 2011 at 2:13am: Thanks for the useful info. everyone and this 50 years lease option.  You pay the land owner, let's say $25k for a land and I can do whatever I want for up to 50 years on that land? So it is like buying the land and I have to give up the land to the owner 50 years from now.  Sounds like a very good option 8-).

PEACE wrote on 28^th Apr, 2011 at 2:02pm:

This 50 year 'lease' is  month to month payment? llX wrote on 28th Apr, 2011 at 3:13am: 50 year lease. In other word you can live there for the rest of your life, but you just don't get land tittle. Not a bad deal, $25 might seem too high. Maybe it's cheaper then that to lease. ;) PEACE wrote on 28th Apr, 2011 at 2:13am: Thanks for the useful info. everyone and this 50 years lease option.  You pay the land owner, let's say $25k for a land and I can do whatever I want for up to 50 years on that land? So it is like buying the land and I have to give up the land to the owner 50 years from now.  Sounds like a very good option 8-).

That's between you and the owner of the land.  All options are possible:

Pay monthly

Pay yearly

Pay total for the 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50 years.

I would think most owners would prefer the last option of a big, one-time lump sum so you can probably bring down the price with that option.


Old Man

That will co$t what......US$100,000? 50 years is a bloody long time!

Larb Dip wrote on 28^th Apr, 2011 at 4:10pm:

That will co$t what......US$100,000? 50 years is a bloody long time!

I can make no sense of either the question or the statement in your post.

wrote on 28^th Apr, 2011 at 5:01pm:

Larb Dip wrote on 28th Apr, 2011 at 4:10pm: That will co$t what......US$100,000? 50 years is a bloody long time! I can make no sense of either the question or the statement in your post.

Why not?

50 years seems like aeons (from a 'young' guy's perspective). It would probably co$t more than it would for you to ercert a house, right?

When I sign the contract, can I build whatever I want to on the land? How about fencing it off?

Are the land owners going to pop in every 6 months for a snoop like annoying landlords in the West?

Larb Dip wrote on 28^th Apr, 2011 at 10:57pm:

wrote on 28th Apr, 2011 at 5:01pm: Larb Dip wrote on 28th Apr, 2011 at 4:10pm: That will co$t what......US$100,000? 50 years is a bloody long time! I can make no sense of either the question or the statement in your post. Why not? 50 years seems like aeons (from a 'young' guy's perspective). It would probably co$t more than it would for you to ercert a house, right? When I sign the contract, can I build whatever I want to on the land? How about fencing it off? Are the land owners going to pop in every 6 months for a snoop like annoying landlords in the West?

The 50 years thing is merely a convenient way of getting around the fact that foreigners can't buy and 'own' land, so it doesn't matter that it's a long time.

In fact, if you could get a 70 year lease, it would be even better because after 50 years you could still sell the remaining 20 years of the lease.

Of course you can build a fence around the land.  The point is when you draw up the contract with the owner, you and he can put in whatever conditions you want and can agree on.  Put it all down on paper, have it signed and stamped by the Village Chief, take it to the Ministry of Justice and have it notarised in the Notary Office.

Old Man

(1) Can your uncle build a house/business building from beginning to end?
(2)  It seems all new houses exterior are made with stucco and not bricks and the reason is probably brick unavailability in Vientiane?
(3) Would you happen to have pictures of some of his work?


llX wrote on 27^th Apr, 2011 at 3:52pm:

My uncle in Vientiane is a carpenter, house builder. When I need to build one I just ask him. I also has education background in house building, but it's not what I do for living. I can't just build a house because not enough experiences, but I know how the process work. About two year back my uncle ask us if we want to buy neighbor land for $6,000. Now its probably cost more. ;)

I just found this forum, and its super interesting. I totally agree Laos is a great country!

The fun thing is that I am a dutch architect that is now building 2 expat houses in vientiane, but then in a hypermodern europian style with a mix of Laosian influance. The nice thing is that they also can make it!

If you have any questions about building there and prices for the land, just ask me. We are building there in a combination with an investor and architect from Laos.

check our website for pictures. its the 2 in 1 villa project.

Greetings

Remi
(www.ilovearchitecture.nl)

ILA wrote on 11^th Aug, 2011 at 10:23pm:

I just found this forum, and its super interesting. I totally agree Laos is a great country! The fun thing is that I am a dutch architect that is now building 2 expat houses in vientiane, but then in a hypermodern europian style with a mix of Laosian influance. The nice thing is that they also can make it! If you have any questions about building there and prices for the land, just ask me. We are building there in a combination with an investor and architect from Laos. check our website for pictures. its the 2 in 1 villa project. Greetings Remi (www.ilovearchitecture.nl)

Why don't you upload some photos?

Ladies and gentlemen,

I am new to your forum but i have been living in VTE for 6 years already. Few details about a lease contract. You can lease a piece of land to a private laotian up to 30 years,  up to 50 years with the state. Only NGOs and embassies could be entitled to 99 years. For example the Singaporean group behind the talat sao shopping mall got a 45 years lease with the state and is offering shops for 40 years. 5 years ago a 24 m2 room at the 2nd floor was sold 55000 USD. Nowadays in the new building the same surface, same floor is 105000 USD! Is it possible to make a 30 years old lease renewable one side. it means that the lessee can without the direct consent of the lessor (this is writing down in the contract) renew the lessee extra 30 years on and on, you can of course transfer the right to rent to your inheritors or to an another lao citizen (you can sell!!!). Be extremely cautious if you link the lessee to a license for operating business (the company own the right to lease not you as foreign citizen). If after 15 years for any reasons you do not get the renewal of your license you could be in trouble. Electricity and water bill are linked to your activity on this piece of land the lowest rate is residential after industrial and the most expensive commercial. My advice : get a good lawyer! law agencies working for big companies are good but expensive. Through the Lao Bar Association you can get in touch with lao lawyer that are more or less specialized on that topic at a better price. http://www.laobar.org/
All the paper work done by the lawyer should cost around 1000 to 1500 USD and add the taxes and registrations fees...

about the price of land :
city center from 300 to more than 1000 USD a m2
KM 5 : around 100 USD
KM 10 : around 50 USD
KM 15 : around 25 USD
KM 20 : around 15 USD
as a rule of thumbs prices will rise a least 25% per year may be more depending on the location.
Remember most sales are done in baths, your gold might interest them too!

PS : you can get most the law decree on the net (most in Lao) : world bank, department of domestic and foreign investment. supreme court.

What the lao GVT seems to offer is just the same conditions as to standard foreign investors no more no less.
The lao GVT do not grant permanent residence easily. If you ask for it, u would probably not get it. They often suggests to a member of your family that you should apply. Very few foreigners get the red card. Remember that it will allow you to do everything as a lao citizen except of course politics!
300 000 USD is often considered as a minimal amount for a foreign investment. If your project requires less than that amount you can still apply. The board will consider if this project has some special purpose or utility that might deserve a green light. If you just want to open a pub or a restaurant or a guest house you should find an another way around.

Larb Dip wrote on 15^th Aug, 2011 at 5:53am:

ILA wrote on 11th Aug, 2011 at 10:23pm: I just found this forum, and its super interesting. I totally agree Laos is a great country! The fun thing is that I am a dutch architect that is now building 2 expat houses in vientiane, but then in a hypermodern europian style with a mix of Laosian influance. The nice thing is that they also can make it! If you have any questions about building there and prices for the land, just ask me. We are building there in a combination with an investor and architect from Laos. check our website for pictures. its the 2 in 1 villa project. Greetings Remi (www.ilovearchitecture.nl) Why don't you upload some photos?

it took me 20 minutes& i had too confirm my password 4 times

I'd love to go back and start a new life in Laos..  For the mean time, I have to save some $$..