Country Profile:

Cambodia, officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a constitutional monarchy situated in the southeastern part of the Indochina Peninsula. 

The United Nations designates Cambodia as a least developed country. Agriculture remains the dominant economic sector, with growth in textiles, construction, garments, and tourism leading to increased foreign investment and international trade.

Capital: Phnom Penh

Population: 17,091,464  (2023, 72nd)

Ethic Group: 95.8% Khmer，1.8% Cham

Area: 181,035 km²  (88th)

Offical Language: Khmer

Currency: Riel (៛) 

GDP per Captial: $6,541 (2024, 144th)

How To Immigrate To Cambodia:

There are four pathways for foreigners to obtain long-term residency in Cambodia: citizenship by investment, second home program, work or business visas, and retirement visas.

Citizenship By Investment：

According to Article 12 of the Cambodian Law of Nationality 1996, foreigners can apply for Cambodian citizenship by either donating $245,000 to Cambodia or investing $305,000 in government-approved projects.

The specific economic requirements are as follows:

1. Donation of 1 million Khmer Riel (approximately $245,000) to the Royal Government of Cambodia, or

2. Investment of 1.25 million Khmer Riel (approximately $305,000) in a local investment project recommended or approved by the Royal Government of Cambodia or the Cambodian Development Council (CDC).

Once the investment requirements are fulfilled, foreigners are then required to pass a cultural test organized by the Cambodian government. Successful completion of the test allows them to obtain Cambodian citizenship within a timeframe of 3 to 4 months.

Other fees that applicants are obligated to pay include: depositing $5,000 in a local bank, a government fee of $25,000 upon submission of the application, a fee of $40,000 upon government approval, a fee of $15,000 for passport production, and a visa fee of $5,000 for the spouse and children under the age of 18 once the main applicant’s approval is granted.

Unfortunately, in practice, the project faces significant challenges in obtaining approval, largely due to the lack of initiative from the local government authorities.

My Second Home Program:

Foreign individuals who invest a minimum of $100,000 in the local real estate sector in Cambodia are offered a long-term residency visa valid for 10 years (with the possibility of indefinite renewal as long as the investment is maintained). 

After residing in the country for a period of 5 years, visa holders are eligible to apply for Cambodian citizenship and obtain a Cambodian passport.

The documents required for the “Second Home” plan include: a completed application form; photocopies of personal educational certificates; photocopy of the ID card; photocopy of the passport; 5 passport-sized photos; proof of the relationship between the main and secondary applicants, and a year’s bank statement from the main account, etc.

According to the official site of CM2H, the entire application process consists of 5 steps:

Retirement ER Visa:

The Cambodia Retirement ER Visa is issued to retirees from around the world, requiring applicants to have a stable source of income. The Cambodian government has not set a specific income standard; based on past experiences, applicants are expected to demonstrate a steady income level between $500 and $1,000. Generally speaking, retirees from developed countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, particularly those who are white, find it relatively easy to obtain this visa, while applicants from other backgrounds may encounter a more comprehensive verification process.

Typically, applicants for the retirement visa must be at least 55 years old; however, exceptions have been made, allowing for approval of individuals younger than this age requirement.

To obtain the Cambodia Retirement ER Visa, applicants must navigate through a two-step process:

Firstly, one must submit the required documents in person at a Cambodian consulate or embassy abroad to secure a Cambodia E-class visa. This initial visa can also be acquired upon arrival at key Cambodian airports, including Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, or Sihanoukville, offering a 30-day validity period for a fee of $30.

Following arrival in Cambodia, individuals eligible for retirement status are encouraged to visit the Immigration Department of the Cambodian National Police. Here, they can apply for the retirement visa (ER), which is offered for terms of one, three, six, or 12 months. The extended options of six and 12 months additionally permit multiple entries, providing greater flexibility for residents.

The required documents include: a passport, proof of financial means, proof of retirement, and three recent passport-sized photographs.

The processing fee for the retirement visa is $290, and the renewal fee is $275.

Although this visa is only valid for one year, it can be renewed annually through a local travel agent. Once you have obtained your visa extension of either six or 12 months, you will have the freedom to live anywhere in Cambodia. You will also have the flexibility to leave and re-enter the country as often as you wish without the need to submit any additional paperwork. At the end of your visa period, you simply need to revisit your travel agent to repeat the visa extension process.

Work Visa:

After submitting all the required documents, foreigners have the opportunity to apply for a work visa or a business visa in Cambodia. These visas are typically valid for a period ranging from several months to one year and can be renewed indefinitely.

Taxation:

In Cambodia, a notable advantage is that foreign individuals are exempt from paying any income tax.

Naturalization:

Foreigners who have a legal continuous residency in the Kingdom of Cambodia for a minimum of 7 years, are eligible to apply for a Cambodian passport.

Passport Power:

Cambodia allows dual citizenship, and its passport is ranked 87th globally. Cambodian citizens enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 54 countries and territories worldwide. However, none of these visa-free countries are traditional western countries.

Useful Links:

Cambodia Ministry of Interior：https://www.interior.gov.kh/

The Development of Cambodia Council： https://cdc.gov.kh/

Cambodia Second Home Program: https://cm2h.com/