The laser surface treatment is applied to a multilayer component (copper alloy plated with two thin coatings, nickel and gold). The aim of the study is to melt the whole gold layer (thick < 1 jim) without damaging the underlying layers. The gold melting must be homogeneous and the process must be fast to avoid heat diffusion in the depth. For these reasons, the laser has been chosen for surface treatment.The application of this laser surface treatment is to improve the corrosion resistance of electrical contacts due to columnar microstructure of gold deposited by electrolytic process. Tests of corrosion are carried out in the humid synthetic air containing low contents of pollutants (NO2, SO2 and Cl2).An numerical study has been realized to find the best laser conditions to melt the whole gold layer.