Overview
What this service covers
A Dependent Visa is a visa for family members of a foreign national who is legally permitted to reside in the Lao PDR. Foreigners who come to live, work, do business and invest in the Lao PDR can sponsor their family members for a companion visa to come and live with them.
The type of companion visa will be determined by the type of visa of the sponsor. For example: if the sponsor holds a worker visa, the companion will be granted a worker companion visa or if the sponsor's visa is an investor visa, the companion will be granted an investor companion visa.
Family members who are allowed to accompany the companion:
Husband or wife: legally registered in marriage.
Natural or adopted children: legally registered and not older than 18 years old.
Natural parents: with the same surname or in the same household.
Supporting documents:
Company documents to which the sponsor belongs: Enterprise registration certificate, Company's annual tax payment certificate and investment license (if applicable),
Visa applicant's documents: Copy of passport and photo
Guarantor's documents: Copy of passport, residence permit, labor card (if applicable), multiple-entry visa.
Documents proving relationship
Spouse: Copy of marriage certificate and birth certificate
Natural or adopted child: Birth certificate and birth certificate
Natural father and mother: Birth certificate.
RightsA follower visa holder has the right to reside and live in the Lao PDR legally.
RestrictionsA follower visa holder is prohibited from engaging in any profession or work. If you intend to work or do business, you must apply for a change of visa type and apply for a separate work permit or business permit.
Process
Before entering the Lao PDR, the sponsor must complete all necessary documents, submit registration, and apply for a follower visa. The processing time is 10 business days.
After entering the Lao PDR, the sponsor or follower visa holder must submit the original passport with the visa affixed and must pass through the Lao border checkpoint to apply for a residence permit and multiple-entry visa according to the visa validity period originally specified. The processing time is 10 business days.