Is Crypto Legal in Laos?

Cryptocurrency is legal in Laos under a regulated pilot framework established in 2021. The Ministry of Technology and Communications issued Decision No. 888 in November 2021, establishing main rules for a three-year pilot test of crypto asset activities (1). The decision provides a framework allowing two types of crypto business operations: cryptocurrency mining and crypto trading platforms (1). Trading platforms must pay a one-off royalty fee of $1 million and deposit $5 million with the Bank of Laos (1).

The Bank of Laos developed Decision No. 777 to establish minimum criteria for crypto trading platforms operating in the country (1). This regulatory framework focuses on protecting consumers, markets, and financial stability through comprehensive licensing requirements (1). Trading platforms must have majority Lao national ownership of 51 percent and partner with commercial banks regulated by the Bank of Laos to facilitate money transfers and foreign exchange (1). The decision limits the number of licensed crypto trading platforms to two entities during the pilot period (1).

"Decision 888 is the overarching regulatory approach that sits with the MTC, with Decision 777 a narrower regulatory framework focused on crypto asset trading platforms that sits with the BoL."

The regulatory framework defines digital assets as those created with electronic data to act as mediums of exchange, including cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin (1). Consumer protection remains central to the Bank of Laos's approach, with crypto prohibited from being used as a means of exchange within the country (1). Decision No. 888 was officially signed and became effective on November 9, 2021, establishing the legal foundation for regulated cryptocurrency operations in Laos (2).

Source:
https://www.elibrary.imf.org/downloadpdf/view/journals/002/2023/319/article-A001-en.pdf
https://data.laos.opendevelopmentmekong.net/en/laws_record/the-decision-on-digital-asset-transactions

Last updated: 19-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.