Sign permits: use, installation and the sign business licence in Laos: statutory documents, competent authority and legal basis
Who can apply
Both Lao citizens and foreigners may apply; the documents differ.
Competent authority: The government administers signs centrally through the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism as the lead body, coordinating with public works and transport, industry and commerce, health and other authorities (Art. 40), at four levels: the ministry, the capital and provincial departments (Art. 42), the district offices (Art. 43) and the village culture and social units (Art. 44). Use permission is filed with the culture and tourism sector (Art. 19), installation permission with the public works and transport sector (Arts. 22 and 45), and the sign business licence follows enterprise registration with industry and commerce (Arts. 25 and 46)
At a glance
Where to apply: Use permission is filed with the information, culture and tourism sector together with the sign form and content (Art. 19) and decided within five working days (Art. 20); installation permission goes to the public works and transport sector (Arts. 22 and 45); and the sign business licence follows enterprise registration with industry and commerce, then an application to the culture and tourism sector decided within ten working days (Arts. 25 and 28).
Steps:
- First separate what are really three different things rather than one certificate: the use permission covers the sign’s content and form and goes to the Culture and Tourism sector; the installation permission covers where and how it is fixed and goes to Public Works and Transport; and the business licence is only for those who make signs as a trade
- Check whether your sign needs the use permission at all: Art. 19 exempts slogan signs, meeting signs, office signs of Party, State, Lao Front for National Development, Lao Veterans Federation and mass organisations, enterprise names, traditional-festival signs and premises signs
- If it does, file with the Culture and Tourism sector, which decides the use permission within five working days of receiving a correct and complete application, and must give written reasons within three days if it refuses (Art. 20)
How long: Use permission: five working days from a correct and complete filing, with written reasons inside three days if refused (Art. 20). Business licence: ten working days on the same basis, with reasons in the same period if refused, and the licence runs one year and is renewable (Art. 26). The five days and the ten days belong to two different permissions — do not mix them. How long a sign may stay up depends on its class (Art. 23).
Cost: We checked the 2021 fees decree (No. 002/PPT): the Art. 38 table for the Information, Culture and Tourism sector has no line for signs, and that sector’s service charges sit in Art. 39. The Act itself says fees are charged under the regulations without giving an amount, and we found no line reading "sign" in the current decree — so no figure is given here; go by what the counter posts. Installation permission belongs to Public Works and Transport and carries its own charges.
Statutory document list
Permission to use a sign
- The application to use the sign, filed with its form and content, to the information, culture and tourism sector (Art. 19) (required)
- A draft of the sign showing its wording, images, colours and size, since the content is vetted by the culture and tourism sector and other relevant authorities (Art. 16) (required)
- Art. 19 requires only the application with the form and content, and lists no further attachments; the counter may ask for more, so check its current notice (optional)
Permission to install a sign
- The installation application to the public works and transport sector and other relevant authorities (Art. 22), for a sign that already has permission to be used (required)
- The installation site, structure and dimensions (Art. 21), which must be safe, must not block views or traffic and must follow the public works and transport rules (required)
Licence to run a sign business
- The enterprise registration certificate (Art. 27.1); an individual registers with the industry and commerce sector first, then applies to the culture and tourism sector (Art. 25) (required)
- The business licence application (Art. 27.2) (required)
- The economic and technical feasibility report (Art. 27.3, and a condition under Art. 26.2) (required)
- The environmental certificate (Art. 27.4), alongside the measures to prevent and handle environmental impact required by Art. 26.3 (required)
- A criminal record certificate not older than three months (Art. 27.5) (required)
- The remaining Art. 26 conditions, which are assessed though Art. 27 does not list them as attachments: capital, premises, vehicles, technical equipment and staff with Lao language, technical, design and construction knowledge (optional)
- Any other documents considered necessary (Art. 27.6), as determined by the receiving office (optional)
Renewing the sign business licence, valid one year
- The enterprise registration certificate (Art. 27.1); an individual registers with the industry and commerce sector first, then applies to the culture and tourism sector (Art. 25) (required)
- The business licence application (Art. 27.2) (required)
- The economic and technical feasibility report (Art. 27.3, and a condition under Art. 26.2) (required)
- The environmental certificate (Art. 27.4), alongside the measures to prevent and handle environmental impact required by Art. 26.3 (required)
- A criminal record certificate not older than three months (Art. 27.5) (required)
- The remaining Art. 26 conditions, which are assessed though Art. 27 does not list them as attachments: capital, premises, vehicles, technical equipment and staff with Lao language, technical, design and construction knowledge (optional)
- Any other documents considered necessary (Art. 27.6), as determined by the receiving office (optional)
Renewing an advertising sign after its first year
- The application to use the sign, filed with its form and content, to the information, culture and tourism sector (Art. 19) (required)
- A draft of the sign showing its wording, images, colours and size, since the content is vetted by the culture and tourism sector and other relevant authorities (Art. 16) (required)
- Art. 19 requires only the application with the form and content, and lists no further attachments; the counter may ask for more, so check its current notice (optional)
- The renewal application for an advertising sign, which under Art. 23.3 depends on the inspection and quality assessment of the sign itself (required)
A temporary sign for a promotion, wedding or festival
- The application to use the sign, filed with its form and content, to the information, culture and tourism sector (Art. 19) (required)
- A draft of the sign showing its wording, images, colours and size, since the content is vetted by the culture and tourism sector and other relevant authorities (Art. 16) (required)
- Art. 19 requires only the application with the form and content, and lists no further attachments; the counter may ask for more, so check its current notice (optional)
- The application for a temporary sign, usable only during the event and removed within three days after it (Art. 23) (required)
Check first whether your sign needs permission at all
Statutory requirements
- Three separate things: permission to use the sign from the culture and tourism sector (Arts. 19 and 20), permission to install it from the public works and transport sector (Arts. 22 and 45), and the licence to run a sign business (Arts. 25 and 28).
- Five working days to decide from a complete and correct filing, and a written refusal within three days (Art. 20).
- Every sign must be in Lao; where a foreign language is used it must be English, placed below or to the left of the Lao, in letters smaller than the Lao and at most two thirds of their size (Art. 16), and trademarks on advertising signs carry the Lao above the foreign wording.
- Hard size limits (Art. 21): advertising signs inside urban areas may not exceed 400 cm wide by 800 cm long, and outside urban areas 600 cm by 1200 cm.
- Colours for identification signs are fixed by Art. 17: red with white lettering for Party, defence and security offices, blue with white for State, Front, veterans and mass organisations, white with red for state enterprises, yellow with red for private enterprises, and white with blue for associations and foundations; advertising signs are unrestricted.
- Duration depends on the kind of sign (Art. 23): identification signs run from approval but need a fresh application if moved, removed or otherwise changed; educational signs run until changed; advertising signs run one year and are renewed on inspection; temporary signs come down within three days of the event.
- Content about alcohol, tobacco, health promotion, disease control, medical premises and drugs also falls to the health sector (Art. 47), and drug advertising needs its own approval under Art. 59 of the Law on Drugs and Medical Products.
- Fees sit in Art. 39 of the 2021 fees ordinance rather than the Art. 38 table, and our copy of that article is too damaged to read the amounts, so confirm them at the counter or in the gazette.
- Four levels administer signs (Art. 40): the ministry leading, the capital and provincial departments (Art. 42), the district offices (Art. 43) and the village culture and social units (Art. 44), with installation under public works and transport (Art. 45) and the sign businesses themselves under industry and commerce (Art. 46).
- Ten working days to decide, with written reasons within the same period if refused, and the licence itself lasts one year and is renewable (Art. 28).
- Two grounds for suspension with a fixed period to put things right (Art. 30) and three for revocation (Art. 31), after which the culture and tourism sector notifies the industry and commerce sector within five working days.
- Art. 19 exempts several kinds from needing use permission — slogan and meeting signs, the office signs of Party, State, Lao Front, veterans and mass organisations, enterprise names, traditional festival signs and premises signs — but they still follow the size rules in Art. 21 and the Lao-language rules in Art. 16.
Common issues
- Lao must be used, and it must sit above and be larger (Art. 16): every sign in the country must be in Lao with correct, clear content; if a foreign language is used it may only be English, with Lao above and English below, or Lao on the right and English on the left, and the English type must not be larger than the Lao
- The size ceilings are hard (Art. 21): an advertising sign inside a built-up area may not exceed 400 cm wide by 800 cm long, and outside one 600 cm by 1200 cm; indicator signs are sized to suit the premises and education signs have their own rule
Legal basis (Lao Official Gazette texts)
Excerpt: Article 8 Categories of Signs There are three categories of signs: 1. Informational signs; 2. Educational signs; 3. Advertising signs.
Excerpt: Article 12 (Amended) Types of Signs There are three types of signs: 1. Printed signs; 2. Signs that are written, drawn, painted, molded, cast, carved, or engraved; 3. Electronic signs.
Excerpt: Article 16 (Amended) Content of Signs The content of signs must ensure national character, progressiveness, mass character, and scientific nature, conform to factual circumstances, be clear and precise, not cause impacts …
Excerpt: Article 17 (Amended) Background and Font Colors of Signs The background and font colors of signs shall be implemented as follows: 1. Identification Signs: 1. …
Excerpt: Article 18 (Amended). Brightness of Signboards Signboards must ensure lighting, brightness, clarity, and aesthetics throughout their period of use, with equal brightness between Lao and foreign languages, without causing …
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for a Sign permits: use, installation and the sign business licence in Laos?
Both Lao citizens and foreigners may apply; the documents differ. Competent authority: The government administers signs centrally through the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism as the lead body, coordinating with public works and transport, industry and commerce, health and other authorities (Art. 40), at four levels: the ministry, the capital and provincial departments (Art. 42), the district offices (Art. 43) and the village culture and social units (Art. 44). Use permission is filed with the culture and tourism sector (Art. 19), installation permission with the public works and transport sector (Arts. 22 and 45), and the sign business licence follows enterprise registration with industry and commerce (Arts. 25 and 46).
What documents are required for a Sign permits: use, installation and the sign business licence in Laos?
11 statutory items: The application to use the sign, filed with its form and content, to the information, culture and tourism sector (Art. 19); A draft of the sign showing its wording, images, colours and size, since the content is vetted by the culture and tourism sector and other relevant authorities (Art. 16); The installation application to the public works and transport sector and other relevant authorities (Art. 22), for a sign that already has permission to be used; The installation site, structure and dimensions (Art. 21), which must be safe, must not block views or traffic and must follow the public works and transport rules; The enterprise registration certificate (Art. 27.1); an individual registers with the industry and commerce sector first, then applies to the culture and tourism sector (Art. 25); The business licence application (Art. 27.2); The economic and technical feasibility report (Art. 27.3, and a condition under Art. 26.2); The environmental certificate (Art. 27.4), alongside the measures to prevent and handle environmental impact required by Art. 26.3; A criminal record certificate not older than three months (Art. 27.5); The renewal application for an advertising sign, which under Art. 23.3 depends on the inspection and quality assessment of the sign itself; The application for a temporary sign, usable only during the event and removed within three days after it (Art. 23). Competent authority: The government administers signs centrally through the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism as the lead body, coordinating with public works and transport, industry and commerce, health and other authorities (Art. 40), at four levels: the ministry, the capital and provincial departments (Art. 42), the district offices (Art. 43) and the village culture and social units (Art. 44). Use permission is filed with the culture and tourism sector (Art. 19), installation permission with the public works and transport sector (Arts. 22 and 45), and the sign business licence follows enterprise registration with industry and commerce (Arts. 25 and 46).
What is the legal basis for a Sign permits: use, installation and the sign business licence in Laos?
Based on Law on Signs Article 8; Law on Signs Article 12; Law on Signs Article 16; Law on Signs Article 17; Law on Signs Article 18; Law on Signs Article 19; Law on Signs Article 20; Law on Signs Article 21; Law on Signs Article 22; Law on Signs Article 23; Law on Signs Article 24; Law on Signs Article 25; Law on Signs Article 26; Law on Signs Article 27; Law on Signs Article 28; Law on Signs Article 29; Law on Signs Article 30; Law on Signs Article 31; Law on Signs Article 40; Law on Signs Article 45; Law on Signs Article 46; Law on Signs Article 47; Law on Drugs and Medical Products (Amended) Article 59; Decree of the President of the Lao People's Democratic Republic on Fees and Service Charges (No. 002/PP) Article 39. The full texts are available in the LaoPaniti law library, sourced from the Lao Official Gazette.
Are there time limits or hard requirements for a Sign permits: use, installation and the sign business licence in Laos?
Three separate things: permission to use the sign from the culture and tourism sector (Arts. 19 and 20), permission to install it from the public works and transport sector (Arts. 22 and 45), and the licence to run a sign business (Arts. 25 and 28). Five working days to decide from a complete and correct filing, and a written refusal within three days (Art. 20). Every sign must be in Lao; where a foreign language is used it must be English, placed below or to the left of the Lao, in letters smaller than the Lao and at most two thirds of their size (Art. 16), and trademarks on advertising signs carry the Lao above the foreign wording. Hard size limits (Art. 21): advertising signs inside urban areas may not exceed 400 cm wide by 800 cm long, and outside urban areas 600 cm by 1200 cm. Colours for identification signs are fixed by Art. 17: red with white lettering for Party, defence and security offices, blue with white for State, Front, veterans and mass organisations, white with red for state enterprises, yellow with red for private enterprises, and white with blue for associations and foundations; advertising signs are unrestricted. Duration depends on the kind of sign (Art. 23): identification signs run from approval but need a fresh application if moved, removed or otherwise changed; educational signs run until changed; advertising signs run one year and are renewed on inspection; temporary signs come down within three days of the event. Content about alcohol, tobacco, health promotion, disease control, medical premises and drugs also falls to the health sector (Art. 47), and drug advertising needs its own approval under Art. 59 of the Law on Drugs and Medical Products. Fees sit in Art. 39 of the 2021 fees ordinance rather than the Art. 38 table, and our copy of that article is too damaged to read the amounts, so confirm them at the counter or in the gazette. Four levels administer signs (Art. 40): the ministry leading, the capital and provincial departments (Art. 42), the district offices (Art. 43) and the village culture and social units (Art. 44), with installation under public works and transport (Art. 45) and the sign businesses themselves under industry and commerce (Art. 46). Ten working days to decide, with written reasons within the same period if refused, and the licence itself lasts one year and is renewable (Art. 28). Two grounds for suspension with a fixed period to put things right (Art. 30) and three for revocation (Art. 31), after which the culture and tourism sector notifies the industry and commerce sector within five working days. Art. 19 exempts several kinds from needing use permission — slogan and meeting signs, the office signs of Party, State, Lao Front, veterans and mass organisations, enterprise names, traditional festival signs and premises signs — but they still follow the size rules in Art. 21 and the Lao-language rules in Art. 16.
How much does a Sign permits: use, installation and the sign business licence cost in Laos and how long does it take?
Cost: We checked the 2021 fees decree (No. 002/PPT): the Art. 38 table for the Information, Culture and Tourism sector has no line for signs, and that sector’s service charges sit in Art. 39. The Act itself says fees are charged under the regulations without giving an amount, and we found no line reading "sign" in the current decree — so no figure is given here; go by what the counter posts. Installation permission belongs to Public Works and Transport and carries its own charges.. How long: Use permission: five working days from a correct and complete filing, with written reasons inside three days if refused (Art. 20). Business licence: ten working days on the same basis, with reasons in the same period if refused, and the licence runs one year and is renewable (Art. 26). The five days and the ten days belong to two different permissions — do not mix them. How long a sign may stay up depends on its class (Art. 23)..
Can LaoPaniti obtain the Sign permits: use, installation and the sign business licence for me?
LaoPaniti organises the document list, offers online form filling, document upload and pre-check hand-off by staff. It is not a government filing, does not represent acceptance or approval by any authority, and promises neither results nor expedited handling. Formal processing follows the current requirements of the The government administers signs centrally through the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism as the lead body, coordinating with public works and transport, industry and commerce, health and other authorities (Art. 40), at four levels: the ministry, the capital and provincial departments (Art. 42), the district offices (Art. 43) and the village culture and social units (Art. 44). Use permission is filed with the culture and tourism sector (Art. 19), installation permission with the public works and transport sector (Arts. 22 and 45), and the sign business licence follows enterprise registration with industry and commerce (Arts. 25 and 46).
Organise documents online and submit for pre-check →
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