My wife and I have been talking about the possibility of one day moving to Laos after we retire. She has a couple of properties still in Vientiane. Can a person who is born in another country own land in Laos, if so does he/she have to become a Lao citizen?

Also, what would happen if the Lao spouse passed away? Would the surviving non-Lao be able to inherit the land, or would he/she have to move off of it?

I don't want to sound morose, but after my father's passing and seeing my mother having to deal with the legal issues involved with survivorship issues, I am just a bit curious how it may effect me in Laos. (Personally I hope I don't out live my love, but the future isn't ours to know.)

Any positive input is most welcome. Khop jai der.

I think they are seriously contemplating dual citizenship. That's all I know.

Foreigners (even the expats who were born in Laos) can't own land under their name in Laos.

Usually their children inherit the land when they pass away. If no children, then the government will take ownership, unless the titled owner left a will.

But yes, to own land, or inherit land, you need to become a Lao citizen. The Lao Government doesn't allow dual citizenship.

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 20^th Mar, 2011 at 2:53am:

Foreigners (even the expats who were born in Laos) can't own land under their name in Laos. Usually their children inherit the land when they pass away. If no children, then the government will take ownership, unless the titled owner left a will. But yes, to own land, or inherit land, you need to become a Lao citizen. The Lao Government doesn't allow dual citizenship.

I read in an article that they ARE indeed contemplating the dual citizenship thing. Otherwise without it, who in a right state of mind is REALLY going to go back to Laos? They must be crazy!
This is the same article which the 'commies' BEGGED all their kinsman that they had long ago banished back to invest in 'The Motherland'.  :-?
LAO PEOPLE.   ::SHAKING MY HEAD::

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 20^th Mar, 2011 at 2:53am:

Foreigners (even the expats who were born in Laos) can't own land under their name in Laos. Usually their children inherit the land when they pass away. If no children, then the government will take ownership, unless the titled owner left a will. But yes, to own land, or inherit land, you need to become a Lao citizen. The Lao Government doesn't allow dual citizenship.

Okay, considering I, in years to come, choose to relinquish the citizenship of my country in favor of Laos; would that then stop the government for taking the land.

Also does the Lao government consider a child born to a Lao National and a foreigner, born in another country, to a Lao citizen and be entitled to the aforementioned property?

If not, say that same child were born in Laos, then what would it's citizenship be?

Sorry, Admin, I am just curious.

If you become a Lao citizen, then the government won't take the land.

Unfortunately, I'm not familiar with the law regarding children born in Laos to at least one foreign parent. The Lao Embassy or consular in your country will know better than me.

Yes, I suppose you are right. Something to think about. Thank you.

I am very curious.  A good website to know on property ownership - http://invest.laopdr.org/laws and regulations/


wrote on 20^th Mar, 2011 at 5:52am:

Yes, I suppose you are right. Something to think about. Thank you.

Quote:

Also does the Lao government consider a child born to a Lao National and a foreigner, born in another country, to a Lao citizen and be entitled to the aforementioned property?

That's my situation and why I made the decision to have my two sons registered as the same nationality as their mother (Lao).  This way, they will be able to inherit our (their mother's) land.

Dual citizenship is a great idea. I want Laos citizenship but also want to keep my American citizenship. So I can come to US anytime I want.
8-) :)



Larb Dip wrote on 20^th Mar, 2011 at 2:45am:

I think they are seriously contemplating dual citizenship. That's all I know.

Dual citizenship is the only that they will entice overseas Lao back to 'the motherland' to 'invest'. Without it, nobody is really going to give up the current priveledges that they already enjoy in their respective countries. If one does decide to turn heel and morph into a mutineer then I would assume that that person would no longer be welcomed back courtesy of switching allegiances. What happens if things don't work out as they had planned? There's no such thing as welfare in Laos or any form of government asssistance. Financially, anyway. THIS IS THE TRUTH!

All these incentives do come with strings attached. Here's the biggest: US$300,000 is the minimum required to 'invest'.

DUAL CITIZENSHIP IS COMING ;)

wrote on 20^th Mar, 2011 at 4:54am:

Admin Saovaluck wrote on 20th Mar, 2011 at 2:53am: Foreigners (even the expats who were born in Laos) can't own land under their name in Laos. Usually their children inherit the land when they pass away. If no children, then the government will take ownership, unless the titled owner left a will. But yes, to own land, or inherit land, you need to become a Lao citizen. The Lao Government doesn't allow dual citizenship. Okay, considering I, in years to come, choose to relinquish the citizenship of my country in favor of Laos; would that then stop the government for taking the land. Also does the Lao government consider a child born to a Lao National and a foreigner, born in another country, to a Lao citizen and be entitled to the aforementioned property? If not, say that same child were born in Laos, then what would it's citizenship be? Sorry, Admin, I am just curious.

Just found this in the Lao Family Law link I posted in its own post.

If the parents have different nationalities, the children may take their father’s or their mother’s [nationality] in accordance with the Law on Lao Nationality.