Finite element analysis and experiment were peformed to estimate the fatigue strength for the lap joint of laser weld. To consider quantitatively residual stress which effects on the fatigue strength of the lap joint of laser weld, after three dimensional modeling for the longitudinal and transverse direction, residual stress fields in the weldment were calculated using thermo-elastic-plastic finite element analysis, then the equivalent fatigue stress considering the residual stress was obtained. To ensure reliability of calculated fatigue strength, fatigue tests were performed. The calculated and experimental results showed a good agreement. The fatigue strength considering a residual stress was lower than that of without considering a residual stress in the lap joint of laser welding. The fatigue strength in the transverse direction was higher than that of longitudinal direction.