Decree No.377 on the Press Activities of Foreign Media Agencies, Diplomatic Missions, and International Organizations in Lao PDR, of 24 November 2015, and which entered into force on 15 January2016 requires foreign media companies to obtain government approval for establishing an office in Lao PDR.
"Article 8: The Establishment of Offices of Foreign Media Agencies
Any Foreign Media Agency wishing to establish an office in the Lao PDR shall submit the necessary documents to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which will further submit them for consideration and permission by the Government.[...]
Article 9: Required Documents for the Request to Establish an Office of a Foreign Media Agency
The documents required for the request for the establishment of an office of the Foreign Media Agency are as follows:
1. A letter of request from the Foreign Media Agency;
2. A document stating clear objectives and reasons for establishing an office of the Foreign Media Agency in the Lao PDR;
3. A copy of company registration certificate or license for the establishment of the Foreign Media Agency. The copy shall be certified by the Embassy or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the concerned country;
4. Financial Statement of the Foreign Media Agency
Article 10: Opening of an Office
After being granted a permission to establish an office in the Lao PDR by the Government, the Foreign Media Agency shall send its representative(s) to introduce themselves to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR within two months prior to the official
opening of the office. [...]"(Decree on the Press Activities of Foreign Media Agencies, Diplomatic Missions, and International Organizations in the Lao PDR, No 377/GOC, of 24 November 2005).
Decree on the Press Activities of Foreign Media Agencies, Diplomatic Missions, and International Organizations in the Lao PDR, No 377/GOC, of 24 November 2005
[<a href="http://www.mofa.gov.la/images/legal-documents/Press/English%20version%20Final%20Decree%20on%20Foreign%20Media.pdf">Decree</a>]