A solid-state route to synthesize bismuth germanate (Bi4Ge3O12, or BGO) ceramics, and the optimum conditions for the laser sintering of these ceramics, were investigated. Special emphasis was placed on the influence of laser power and irradiation time on densification and microstructure evolution. The procedure that was used involved preheating the samples and a laser-irradiation program, which resulted in sintered, crack-free BGO ceramics with good pore shrinkage and a relative density of 95% (+/-3%).