Is crypto legal in Laos?

Crypto is legal in Laos only in a narrow, state-controlled way. As of November 2026, the country runs crypto mining and trading as a licensed trial, with rules set at ministry level rather than in a full law. Outside that trial, the central bank's earlier warnings still shape how the authorities view crypto.

What is the Bank of Lao PDR's stance on crypto?

It has shifted. In May 2019 the BOL warned the public against using, buying or selling digital currencies, which it considered illegal, and it had already barred financial institutions from crypto business, Cointelegraph reported. Its worries included money laundering and the lack of protection for owners.

Then in September 2021 the Prime Minister's Office approved a pilot through Notification No. 1158, Tilleke and Gibbins reported. Six companies could mine and trade crypto under rules drafted by the Ministry of Technology and Communications, with the BOL and other ministries involved. Elliptic noted in 2023 that the regime was still unsettled and that a FATF review had found big gaps in anti-money laundering supervision. See what is the FATF grey list for why that matters.

How does a crypto exchange get a licence in Laos?

Through the BOL. In January 2022 it granted LDX and Bitqik an agreement in principle to run exchange platforms, the Laotian Times reported, making them the only licensed operators offering full crypto trading in Laos. According to law firm ILAW Laos, the BOL's Decision No. 777 of December 2021 governs trial trading platforms. Its summary lists a US$1 million licence fee, at least 51% Lao ownership, at least US$10 million in registered capital, a crypto-only business and links to BOL-supervised banks, plus a 15% tax on trading fees collected.

Can you buy bitcoin in Laos?

Through a licensed platform, yes. The Laotian Times said qualified investors could fund trading with local bank accounts. Bitqik was still operating in 2026, the Vientiane Times reported, with plans for more trading pairs. Using unlicensed foreign exchanges sits outside the trial, and their status is not addressed in the sources we found. For basics, see what is a crypto exchange.

Is crypto mining legal in Laos?

It was allowed under the trial, but power is being withdrawn. ILAW Laos lists a US$500,000 mining licence fee and an electricity-based tax of US$100,000 per megawatt. In October 2025, Deputy Energy Minister Chanthaboun Soukaloun told Reuters that Laos might stop supplying power to miners entirely by the end of the first quarter of 2026, to favor industries such as data centers and metals refining. Miners then used about 150 megawatts, down from a 500 MW peak. We found no confirmation of the final cutoff as of November 2026. Compare other countries in is crypto mining legal.

Rules differ by country and change often. Check the regulator or a qualified professional for your own situation.