In order to reduce the cost of the austenitic stainless steels (ASSs) ，the expensive austenite former (nickel) is often substituted by manganese. However, manganese is generally seen to have a detrimental effect on the corrosion resistance. In the present study, the feasibility of laser surface modification of a lean-alloyed ASS (FeCrMn) for enhancing pitting corrosion resistance was investigated. Laser surface modification of FeCrMn was successfully achieved by a 2.3 kW high power diode laser(HPDL).Cyclic polarization tests for FeCrMn after laser surface modification in 3.5% NaCI solution at 25°C were performed by using a potentiostat. The pitting resistance of the laser-modified specimens was found to be significantly improved as reflected by the noble shift in pitting potential. This could be attributed to redistribution of manganese sulphide leading to a more homogenous and refined microstructure. Pitting corrosion resistance of the laser-treated FeCrMn followed by subsequent citric acid passivation was found to be further improved as reflected by the noble shift in pitting potential to 0.18 V.