Family
The 2008 Family Law, with approval required to marry a foreigner
The Family Law of 2008 (amended 2018) governs marriage, divorce and custody. A distinctive feature is that a Lao citizen marrying a foreign national requires official approval, and unapproved marriages are not registered. Marital property is generally common, and divorce requires court proceedings after attempted reconciliation.
Governing law
- Family Law, No. 05/NA of 2008 — As amended 2018.
- Law on Family Registration, 2018 — Registration of marriages and births.
In practice
Minimum marriage age is 18, reducible to 15 in special cases with consent. Marriage between a Lao citizen and a foreigner requires prior official approval. Property acquired during marriage is common property, divided equally on divorce. Divorce requires court proceedings preceded by village-level reconciliation attempts. The foreign marriage approval process is administratively substantial and should be started well in advance. Adoption by foreigners is tightly restricted and requires central government approval.