Southeast Asia attracts many expatriates each year seeking a new lifestyle and professional opportunities.
Among the emerging destinations, Laos and Cambodia appeal for their living environment, affordable cost of living, and warm hospitality. However, settling and working in these countries requires knowledge of administrative procedures, legal conditions, and promising sectors. Here is an overview, country by country.

Working in Laos: Conditions, Procedures, and Promising Sectors

Laos, a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, is attracting an increasing number of foreign workers, thanks in part to its calmer pace of life compared to its neighbors and opportunities in certain sectors. However, engaging in professional activity in Laos requires strict compliance with the legal framework.

1. Legal requirements for working

To be allowed to work in Laos, you must obtain two distinct but complementary documents:

• An appropriate visa – the most common is the business visa (often called visa B2 or work visa), issued for an initial period of 3, 6, or 12 months and renewable.

• A work permit – issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, essential for working legally.

These documents must be applied for with the support of an approved local employer. The company must prove to the authorities that no Lao candidate possesses the required skills for the position and must comply with the legal quota of foreign workers (which varies according to the size and activity of the company).

Typical requirements for obtaining a work permit:

• Be at least 20 years old.

• Have skills and qualifications suitable for the position.

• Provide:

  • A clean criminal record (often both from your home country and from Laos)

  • A medical certificate confirming fitness for work

  • A signed employment contract with the Lao employer

  • Other supporting documents required by the ministry (copies of diplomas, CV, valid passport, ID photos, etc.)

⚠ Important: Working with only a tourist visa is illegal and may result in fines, deportation, and a ban on re-entry.

2. Sectors hiring foreign workers

Although the Lao economy remains modest, certain fields regularly offer opportunities for qualified foreigners.

Education

• Teaching English – Private schools, language centers, and universities often seek English-speaking teachers, especially those with TEFL/TESOL certification or equivalent.

• Other languages in demand – French, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese, due to tourism and trade links.

NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations)

Both local and international NGOs provide numerous employment opportunities for foreigners, especially if you have relevant expertise or language skills. Key fields include:

• Rural development – agricultural project management, infrastructure improvement, village community support.

• Education – coordinating school initiatives, training teachers, managing non-formal education programs.

• Health – organizing health campaigns, monitoring community health programs, training local medical staff.

• Environment – biodiversity conservation projects, raising awareness about protecting natural resources.

• Social protection – projects for vulnerable populations, technical support for human rights initiatives.

Typical positions: Project Manager, Field Coordinator, Monitoring & Evaluation Officer, Training Manager, Technical Consultant.
Skills often required include budget management, report writing, leading multicultural teams, and sometimes fundraising.

Tourism, Hospitality, and Food Service

The Lao tourism sector actively hires foreigners, especially in high-traffic areas such as:

• Luang Prabang

• Vientiane

• The 4,000 Islands

In-demand profiles:

• Hotel management – general manager, front office manager, resort manager.

• Tourism marketing – digital development, offer creation, partnership management.

• International chefs – expertise in world cuisines, culinary innovation.

• Hospitality trainers – service standards improvement, restaurant management training.

Agricultural, Industrial, and Energy Projects

Laos is heavily investing in sectors linked to its natural resources, including:

• Hydropower – plant management, energy optimization expertise, specialized engineering.

• Mining – site supervision, mining engineering, environmental and quality control.

• Agro-industry – large-scale farming development, agricultural process improvement, supply chain management.

Possible positions for foreigners: Engineer/Technician, Sustainable Development Expert, Industrial Project Manager, Consultant.
These sectors seek experienced professionals with technical expertise, able to train local teams and implement international standards.

In summary: In these three main sectors, foreigners may qualify for positions in management, expertise, or training, particularly if their skills match local market needs. Adaptability, English proficiency (and sometimes French), and the ability to work in multicultural contexts are major assets.

Practical Tips

• Learn basic Lao – it helps with integration and daily life, even if English is often the working language with international employers.

• Plan administrative steps ahead – processing times can be long, and coordination between the ministry, employer, and immigration may take several weeks.

• Network – many jobs are found through word of mouth or local contacts rather than online listings.

3. Average salaries in Laos

For locals

• Monthly average salary: between 900,000 and 1,200,000 LAK (≈ 100–135 USD)

• Some sources report around 1,500,000 LAK (≈ 180 USD) per month.

• Median after-tax salary in Vientiane: ≈ 231 USD/month, while cost of living is ≈ 1,154 USD/month – meaning the average salary often does not cover basic expenses.

• Annual average income: ≈ 2,000–2,150 USD (less than 180 USD/month).

For foreigners (expatriates)

• According to a Reddit testimony:

  "$900 is a good salary. You can pay rent, go out to eat, have a decent lifestyle… ensure you get paid in USD and not kip."

• Expat salaries are often much higher than local averages, particularly in teaching, NGOs, tourism, or technical projects (agriculture, hydropower, etc.).

• Many contracts pay in USD, offering protection against kip currency fluctuations.

4. Useful Contacts

NGOs in Laos

• Save the Children Laos
  Focus: Children’s rights, education, health, and protection.
  Website: savethechildren.net/laos

• International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)
  Focus: Teaching English and volunteer programs in Laos, including rural schools and monasteries.
  Website: volunteerhq.org/destinations/laos

• Action with Lao Children
  Focus: Community development and education projects.
  Listed at: directoryofngos.org

• iNGO Network Laos
  A network of international NGOs working collaboratively in Laos with an online directory and job listings.
  Website: directoryofngos.org

Tourism Companies

• Nakarath Travel
  A Destination Management Company (DMC) offering bespoke tours and travel solutions across Laos with English-speaking staff.
  Website: nakarathtravel.com

• ORLA Tours
  A local Franco-Laotian agency providing authentic and personalized off-the-beaten-track tours with English-speaking guides.
  Website: orlatours.com

• Minivan Luang Prabang
  Private guided tours and transportation service with English-speaking drivers and guides for sightseeing and trekking tours.
  Website: minivanluangprabang.com

Agricultural Development and Consulting Firms

• YCP Agriculture Consulting Laos
  Provides expert consulting services tailored to the agriculture sector in Laos focused on growth, sustainability, and innovation.
  Website: ycp.com/lp/laos-agriculture-consulting

• THACO AGRI Laos
  A large-scale agricultural production and investment company involved in integrated farming projects and export operations.
  News: thacoagri.vn

These contacts cover a wide range of stakeholders active in Laos in the fields of humanitarian aid, development, tourism, and agriculture, and can be valuable starting points for gathering information, applying for jobs, or collaborating on local projects. For job opportunities, also explore Laos-specific job boards as well as local French- and English-speaking networks.

Recommendations

Expats / Freelancers – Look for contracts with foreign employers or NGOs offering salaries in USD (around USD 600–1,500/month is common for qualified profiles).

Salaries in LAK – If you are paid in local currency, make sure to request at least 1.5–2 million LAK (USD 150–200) to maintain a good standard of living.

Housing and cost of living – In Vientiane, opt for less expensive neighborhoods or shared housing; elsewhere, living costs are significantly lower.

Opportunities and limitations for foreigners in Laos

The Lao job market remains relatively small and regulated for foreigners. Administrative procedures (business visa, work permit) require the support of an approved local employer and proof that no Lao worker can fill the position. This limits access to opportunities, especially for non-specialized profiles.

However, certain sectors continue to offer real prospects for qualified foreigners: language teaching, NGOs, technical projects in energy, agriculture, or industry, as well as high-end tourism. Salaries offered to expatriates are often higher than the local average but remain modest compared to neighboring countries.

In summary, finding a job in Laos is possible, but it requires:

• In-demand skills that are hard to find locally

• A network or contacts on the ground to identify job offers

• Good administrative preparation before arrival

For foreigners without specific experience in key sectors, the country remains relatively closed and competitive in terms of employment.

Strategies and tips for motivated foreigners

1. Leverage the local network

   • Go in person – many jobs are never advertised online and are found through word of mouth.

   • Attend events – conferences, workshops, expat gatherings (e.g., in Vientiane or Luang Prabang).

   • Join Facebook / WhatsApp groups:

     • Jobs in Laos

     • Vientiane Social

     • Luang Prabang Expats

2. Target promising sectors

   • English teaching – strong demand for native speakers or TEFL/TESOL holders

   • Tourism & hospitality – high-end hotels, travel agencies, international restaurants

   • NGOs & international projects – experts in health, education, rural development, environment

   • Technical projects – hydropower, agro-industry, construction, green technologies

3. Approach employers directly

   • Visit schools, hotels, companies, and hand-deliver your CV.

   • Prepare your CV in English and possibly in Lao to show motivation.

   • Highlight skills that are rare in Laos (management, digital marketing, engineering, design, vocational training).

4. Consider volunteering or short-term missions

   • Join a volunteer project or internship with an NGO or local company.

   • This builds your network, proves your skills, and positions you for a paid role.

5. Optimize the administrative side

   • Prepare required documents in advance: criminal record, translated diplomas, medical certificate.

   • If possible, secure an employer before arriving to simplify the business visa process.

   • Favor contracts paid in USD to avoid losses from kip currency fluctuations.

6. Stand out

   • Learn some basic Lao to integrate and facilitate communication.

   • Adapt your approach to the local culture: remain humble, polite, and patient.

   • Show that you plan to stay long-term; employers are reluctant to invest in someone who leaves after six months.

💡 Bonus tip: Foreigners who succeed in Laos often combine rare skills, a physical presence in the country, and a well-maintained network.

In summary, working in Laos as a foreigner requires preparation, patience, and a clear strategy. Opportunities exist, but they are mainly in targeted sectors and often accessed through local networks. With sought-after skills, a presence on the ground, and a good understanding of administrative procedures, it is entirely possible to secure a place in the market.

Useful groups and networks for finding work in Laos

Recommended Facebook groups

• Expats in Laos – Jobs & Tips – Dedicated to expatriates seeking employment or recruiters posting offers.

• Jobs for Foreigners in Laos – Specifically for job postings aimed at foreigners, both from companies and candidates.

• Tourism Professionals in Laos – Focused on the tourism sector, useful for those targeting roles in hospitality, travel, or tourism services.

• Luang Prabang Jobs – Centered on opportunities in the Luang Prabang area, useful if you are targeting this specific city.

• Laos Expats Group – General expat community across Laos, great for networking, advice, and informal job leads.

Additional platforms and websites

• Expat.com – "Job offers in Laos" – Allows you to browse offers, post a CV, or set up alerts for jobs matching your profile.

• DirectoryOfNGOs.org – "NGO Jobs in Laos" – Specializes in NGO-related jobs, filterable by contract type, location, and national or international role.

Practical recommendations

• Join several groups right away to increase visibility and multiply sources of opportunities.

• Enable notifications in these groups so you can react quickly to new offers.

• Take part in discussions – ask questions, show interest and motivation; recruiters are often responsive here.

• Set alerts on Expat.com to be notified instantly of new listings.

• Check DirectoryOfNGOs.org regularly if you are targeting NGO or development sector roles.

FAQ – Finding a Job in Laos

Can you get a permanent contract (CDI) in Laos?

Yes, some local or international employers offer permanent contracts, but they remain rare. They are mostly given to qualified and experienced profiles.

Are fixed-term contracts (CDD) available in Laos?

Yes, fixed-term contracts are common, particularly for roles in tourism, education, or NGOs. Their duration can range from a few months to one year.

How to prepare an effective application for Laos?

Adapt your CV to an international format, attach a clear cover letter, and highlight relevant experience for the position.

Where can I find a job offer in Laos?

Check specialized Facebook groups, LinkedIn, or websites like Expat.com and Apec for qualified positions.

What does “poste à pourvoir” mean in Laos?

It refers to a job vacancy for which the employer is actively seeking a candidate.

Are temporary (interim) positions available in Laos?

Temporary work is not well developed, but some companies or short-term projects may hire for brief periods.

How to send a spontaneous application?

Contact the company directly with a CV, a personalized cover letter, and show how you can meet their needs.

Are seasonal jobs common in Laos?

Yes, especially in tourism and hospitality during the high season (November to March).

What are recruiters looking for in Laos?

Qualified, versatile candidates with relevant work experience who can adapt to the local culture.

How does recruitment work in Laos?

Hiring often happens through networking, recommendations, or by directly applying to a published offer.

Are project manager positions available in Laos?

Yes, especially in NGOs, development projects, tourism, and industry.

What does “our professions” mean in a job ad?

It’s the list of professions or specialties covered by the company or organization.

Can LinkedIn be used to find a job in Laos?

Yes, LinkedIn is a good tool for browsing job postings and directly contacting local or international recruiters.

Are Pôle Emploi and Apec useful for working in Laos?

Pôle Emploi may list a few international offers, but Apec is more suitable for executives and qualified missions abroad.

How to showcase your professional experience?

Highlight assignments, achievements, and transferable skills relevant to the targeted position.

Where to look for job offers in Laos?

On social media, specialized job sites, and by visiting companies or institutions directly.

Are technical positions involving machinery in demand?

Yes, especially in industrial, construction, and agricultural projects.

How to succeed in a job interview in Laos?

Prepare your answers, research the company, and adopt a respectful and open attitude.

What are the opportunities for foreign job seekers?

Best chances are in teaching, tourism, NGOs, and technical projects.

What’s the best way to look for work in Laos?

Be on site, build a network, and respond quickly to job postings to improve your chances.

Are versatile profiles valued?

Yes, especially in small organizations and NGOs where employees often take on multiple roles.

Are there opportunities for recent graduates?

Yes, but mostly in internships, volunteering, or entry-level positions.

Do animator positions exist in Laos?

Yes, particularly in tourism, events, and NGOs.

How to focus your job search effectively?

Define your target sector, prepare your applications, and leverage professional and personal networks.

How to do a targeted job search in Laos?

Use specific keywords on platforms and contact potential employers directly.

Are technical sales positions available?

Yes, especially in import-export, industry, and specialized technical solutions.

Is administrative management a hiring sector?

Yes, particularly in international companies, NGOs, and hotels.

What is a candidate space/account for?

It’s a personal account on a job site allowing you to track applications and receive alerts.

What does sourcing mean in Laos?

It’s the proactive search for candidates by recruiters, often via social networks and databases.

How to find a job quickly?

Be proactive, apply daily, activate your contacts, and consider temporary or seasonal positions.

Working in Laos: seasonal jobs, versatile roles, and opportunities across sectors

The Lao job market remains limited but offers diverse opportunities for foreigners and locals depending on the sector and type of contract sought. Versatile profiles are particularly valued, especially for seasonal or multi-role positions.

Public service and institutional roles

The Lao public sector is mostly open to Lao citizens, but certain international projects linked to local government may recruit foreign experts, particularly in education or health. Senior health professionals or humanitarian project leads can sometimes secure roles through partnerships. Official announcements are often found among the latest postings by institutions or in recruitment offers shared by specialized agencies.

Full-time and part-time work

Most jobs in Laos are full-time, particularly in tourism, industry, and education. Part-time positions often relate to language teaching, childcare, or leisure activities. Job postings usually specify contract length and role type.

Health and social work

Nurse, senior health staff, or early childhood professionals are sought after by NGOs, private clinics, or public health projects. Recruitment in these areas happens through specialized agencies or local networking.

Construction and public works

Public works offer positions such as mason, maintenance technician, mechanic, or janitor. These roles are found in both public construction and industrial production projects, and may be temporary or long-term contracts.

Industry, maintenance, and logistics

Industrial production in Laos is concentrated in a few free zones and export projects. Warehouse workers, maintenance technicians, and mechanics can find targeted job offers here. Janitorial roles are also in demand in hotels and production sites.

Retail and commerce

While retail remains modest in Laos, certain chains and foreign supermarkets hire for roles like general staff, stock handlers, or supervisors. Jobs are usually posted directly by the store or on internal boards.

Education and recreation

The education sector regularly recruits teachers and animators, full-time or part-time, especially for language teaching and extracurricular activities. These may be public or private projects, linked to either the public service or the non-profit sector.

Searching and applying effectively

To look for a job in Laos:

• Browse the latest offers online and in the local press.

• Create an account on local or international job platforms to manage your profile and track your applications.

• Contact recruiters and specialized agencies directly.

• Target job postings that match your expertise.

✅ Conclusion – Whether you are a seasonal worker, a versatile profile, a specialist in industrial production, or aiming for a local government project, it is possible to find a job in Laos by targeting the right sectors, staying proactive, and diversifying your job search sources.

Job-Hunting in Laos: A Complete Guide for Job-Seekers and Recruiters

Laos, with its relaxed lifestyle and growing economy, is attracting more and more professionals interested in finding jobs abroad. Whether you are a job-seeker aiming for a new job in education, tourism, or development, or a recruiter looking to post a job and attract skilled talent, the Lao job market offers unique opportunities and challenges.

Where to Start When Looking for a Job in Laos

If you are looking for a job in Laos, the first step is to search for jobs on reliable job boards and online job platforms. Many job postings can be found on Facebook groups, LinkedIn, and websites like Expat.com, which regularly share job openings and vacancies in the region. These platforms allow you to search jobs, browse job listings, and filter by job title, location, or sector.

How to Apply for Jobs in Laos

Once you’ve found a position that interests you, you should carefully read the job description before sending your job application. Employers value clear resumes that highlight relevant experience, as well as personalized cover letters. If you’re applying for the best job opportunities, tailor your application to the role and address it to the hiring manager whenever possible.

When you apply for jobs, avoid common mistakes such as sending the same CV to every employer. Each position is different, and so should be your application.

Job Searching Tips for Expats

For foreigners searching for a job in Laos, networking is essential. Many positions are never listed as job postings online; instead, they’re filled through personal recommendations. Attending job fairs or professional fairs can help you meet employers face-to-face, learn more about available openings, and understand what recruiters are looking for.

During interviewing, cultural awareness is key. Be respectful, modest, and show genuine interest in the country. This approach can significantly improve your chances of getting a job.

Avoiding Job Scams

While browsing job listings and vacancies, be cautious of potential scams. If a job posting sounds too good to be true—offering unusually high pay for little work—it may be a fraudulent opportunity. Always research the company before applying and never pay to search for a job or secure an interview.

Opportunities for Recruiters

For employers and hiring managers, Laos offers access to both local talent and skilled expatriates. When you post a job online, provide a clear job description and detailed requirements. Using reputable job boards ensures your listing reaches motivated candidates actively job-hunting and searching for jobs in your industry.

Popular Sectors for Job-Seekers in Laos

Some of the best job opportunities for foreigners are in:

• Education – English language teachers are in high demand.

• Tourism & Hospitality – Hotels and travel companies regularly post job openings.

• NGOs & Development Projects – Skilled professionals in health, environment, and rural development can often find jobs in international projects.

Conclusion: Succeeding in the Lao Job Market

Whether you are a seeker aiming to search for jobs and secure a new job, or a recruiter planning to post a job and hire the right talent, Laos offers possibilities for those who are prepared. The key to successful job-hunting in Laos lies in targeted searches, strong resumes, active networking, and awareness of both opportunities and potential scams.

With persistence, cultural adaptability, and a strategic approach, getting a job in Laos can be the first step toward a rewarding professional and personal experience.