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Cambodia Visa and Work Permits

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Cambodia Visa and Work Permits

Cambodia has some of the most flexible visa regulations possible for foreign tourists, foreign professionals or investors, and retirees to visit and/or live in the “Kingdom of Wonder.”

As one of the most hassle-free nations in ASEAN to obtain a visa, Cambodia is increasingly seen as a key attraction for investors, entrepreneurs and SMEs/startups.

However, there are of course still legal obligations and processes to follow legally to work in and visit Cambodia - Here we look at the visa types, work permit process, and price ranges to work legally in the Kingdom of Cambodia.

Cambodian Visa Types and Costs

The below information is related to working in Cambodia, but it's also possible to obtain a Tourist Visa for travellers who know they will be staying for 30 days or less which is available to travellers in advance or on arrival (for most nationalities). 

The Tourist Visa for Cambodia is a single entry-only visa and at the end of your tourist visa, you must leave Cambodia and return to obtain a new visa. So If you are planning on staying and working in Cambodia, a renewable ordinary E-Visa instead is advised.

What Is The E-Visa And Why Should I Consider It?

For most first-time visitors to Cambodia who plan to work in the Kingdom, you must enter the country legally with an E-type (Ordinary) Visa which is valid for 1 month (30 days). 

With effect from January 2023, the E-type Visa can be applied for online in advance by all nationalities on the official website. The E-Visa is an electronic online Visa and all requirements are explained - some countries are not eligible for the E-visa on Arrival so the E-visa online might be preferable. 

By applying online, it means you can skip any lines at the airport or land border crossing upon arrival, and it will save you a page in your passport as the regular Visa on arrival takes up a full page in a passport.

  • Cost: USD 35 + USD 7 (processing charge)

  • Processing time: 3 business days (estimated)

If applying for the E-type Visa in advance from a Cambodian Embassy or Consulate then you are required to provide extensive business/employment-related supporting documentation from a registered Cambodian Company.

If you opt to pay for the E-Visa on arrival, you should ensure you have the correct amount for the visa fee in crisp, new, unblemished USD bills, and preferably the exact amount.

Insider Tip: The E-type (Ordinary) Visa is often incorrectly referred to as the Business Visa. It should also be noted that although officially all nationalities can apply for visas, in rare cases, some airlines and even immigration staff might prevent entry at their own discretion.

Can You Easily Extend a Cambodian Visa?

Changes to Visa Extensions of Stay (EOS) with effect 17th October 2022 means there is stricter enforcement of the correct Immigration policy (Sub Decree 123) which was more loosely enforced pre-COVID.

However, it is still far easier to get many types of valid business visas in Cambodia, than for example, Thailand or Vietnam. It is advised to use a reliable agency to assist with this process.

Visa Overstay in Cambodia

An overstay of the visa expiration dates results in a fine (USD $10 per day).

It is possible to overstay for up to 30 days and pay the fee but depending on the length of the overstay, you could risk imprisonment, deportation, and future bans on entering the country.

Extending Your Stay in Cambodia

Prior to your Visa expiry date, you can use the services of a Visa agency and apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) to remain longer in the country officially. 

It should also be noted that only 6 & 12-month visa options are valid for multi-entry/exit into Cambodia.

There are different EOS categories available:

  • EB (Business/Employment) EOS - 1,3,6,12 month options which can be renewed indefinitely with supporting documentation.

  • ER (Retirement) EOS - 1,3, 6,12-month options can be renewed indefinitely with no additional supporting documentation required (if aged 55+).

  • ES (Student) EOS - 1,3, 6, and 12-month options can be renewed indefinitely.

  • EG (General) - 1 & 3-month options - This is a one-time deal, and cannot be renewed in-country. There is no longer a 6-month option.

  • EP (Proposal) - seeking employment/business opportunities with 1 & 3-month options - This is a one-time deal but can be converted to EB EOS with the necessary supporting documentation. 

What Documents Are Required To Get A Cambodian E-type Ordinary Visa EOS?

Each EOS (Extension Of Stay) category has its own supporting documentation requirements, but the minimum requirements for all Cambodian visas are as follows:

  • Valid passport with a minimum 6 months validity remaining from the date the EOS will expire ie. If applying for 12 months EOS, you need at least 18 months validity remaining on your passport

  • Minimum 2x blank Visa pages in the passport

  • 1x passport photo

  • Completed EOS application form (most agents will complete it on your behalf)

  • FPCS (Foreigners Present in Cambodia System) details screenshot to be shown** (see below)

Cambodia EB EOS Documents Required

All EB EOS applications will require the following:

  • If you arrived with an E-type (Ordinary) Visa and want to apply for a 12-month EB (Business) EOS - You are required to have a copy of your Work Permit card, Employment Letter and Companies Patent Tax License.

  • If you don't have a Work Permit then you are only allowed to apply for a 6-month EB EOS. You are required to show your Employment Letter and Patent Tax License.

  • If you don't have an Employment Letter then you are only allowed to apply for a 3-month EP (Proposal) EOS. This can be changed to an EB EOS once you have secured a Work Permit and Employment Letter with a copy of the Patent Tax License.

Other Visa Situations

  • Those legally married in Cambodia to a Cambodian citizen, who do not work and aren't eligible for, or don't want, an ER EOS, can apply for the EB EOS based on marriage without the need to provide employment-related supporting documentation including the Work Permit. Different supporting documentation requirements apply.

  • Those applying for an EB EOS as a non-working dependent spouse of their foreign partner can apply without the need to provide employment-related supporting documentation including the Work Permit. Different supporting documentation requirements apply.

  • If you are a Cambodian passport holder (even if you have dual nationality) you don't require a K-type (Special) Visa - you can Exit/Enter Cambodia on a Cambodian Passport - Present both passports to the airline check-in staff so that they can see a Visa is not required.

B-class Visa

The B-class visa is for employees of organisations that are in Cambodia at the government’s invitation EG: United Nations or World Health Organisation.

C-class Visa 

This is a free visa for employees of international NGOs that have a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

How Much Does A Cambodian EOS Visa Cost?

These are estimated costs if applying via a visa agency (price depends on agency and location);

  • 1-month EOS = $45-55

  • 3-month EOS = $70-90

  • 6-month EOS = $150-170

  • 12-month EOS = $270-300 (The official fee for a 12-month EOS applying directly with the Ministry is $180).

All prices are in USD*

How Long Does It Take To Get A Cambodian EOS Visa?

There is no standard processing time for EOS applications but the average duration is 7-10 business days. You should allow up to 14 business days and please note you will hand in the passport for this duration so plan accordingly. 

If you need the visa more urgently an additional (estimated $80) fee can be paid to expedite the process and even (estimated $100) for express processing i.e. next-day delivery when applying via a Visa Agency.

You also can apply for your EOS directly at the Department of Immigration (DoI) Visa Office in Pochentong, Phnom Penh, but only if you have all of the necessary supporting documentation, which they are very strict about. 

Insider Tip: The processing of visas will slow down over major holidays such as Khmer New Year, Water Festival etc so this should be considered when applying for an EOS Visa renewal.

FPCS

The Foreigners Present in Cambodia System (FPCS) was introduced in Cambodia by the General Department of Immigration to record data on foreigners living and visiting the Kingdom in 2020. 

It is the responsibility of the owners of hotels, guesthouses, condominiums, and houses to complete the app or online about foreigners staying in their properties.**

The FPCS app can be downloaded from the Apple App and Google Play stores.

**We advise you to ask for a screenshot of the completed registration on FPCS.

Work Permits - Working Legally In Cambodia

The obligation is on the employer in Cambodia to register employees and assist in arranging work permits. Work Permits (WP) in Cambodia are required each year, with the official period for renewal of a work permit being between January and March each year. 

There are also fines for not showing proof of previous Work Permits (USD $70 per year for every year you’re not in possession of a valid WP).

Ensuring your WP is valid and up to date is your responsibility, however, so do ensure you have the physical Work Permit or a copy thereof.

Which Institution Is Responsible For Issuing Work Permits In Cambodia

The Cambodian Department of Immigration (part of the Ministry of Interior) ensures all foreign nationals obtain an official work permit to be eligible to work in the country.

  • Cost: $200

  • Processing time: The advised processing period for a Cambodian Work Permit is 15-20 working days after all supporting documents are submitted and the payment is completed.

Insider Tip: It is only recently that the enforcement of the Work Permit and checking previous years' valid WP is being carried out by relevant authorities.

A Work Permit belongs to you, not your employer, even if they paid for it. Any employer who refuses to give you your WP is in violation of MoLVT policy. Ultimately the responsibility to ensure that you have the necessary documentation to reside and work legally in the Kingdom is your own.

Foreign Workers Centralized Management System (FWCMS)

The Foreign Workers Centralized Management System (FWCMS) is a web-based online management system managed by the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MoLVT) in Cambodia.

You can try registering on this portal, which will tell you whether you had a Work Permit in previous years. 

However, if your employer used an agency, then you may not be able to register on the portal due to the fact that is how agents apply for WPs under their accounts. If that's the case, you should go directly to the MoLVT rather than using an agency.

Cambodian Citizenship

Cambodia has permitted dual citizenship since 1996, and foreigners can apply for Cambodian citizenship by investing within the country. Applications for Cambodian citizenship are processed by the Ministry of Interior, and once citizenship is granted, a foreigner will be able to own land and property in their own name in Cambodia.

Cambodia My 2nd Home (CM2H) Program

Foreigners looking to invest in Cambodia will be able to apply for the 10-year (so-called golden visa) which falls under the Cambodia My 2nd Home (CM2H) program.

This initiative was introduced in 2022 after the Cambodian Ministry of the Interior (MOI) collaborated with the Khmer Home Charity Association (KHCA) and was intended to attract foreign investment to the Kingdom and compete with similar initiatives in the region.

Those who are successful with the CM2H in Cambodia, are granted to stay in the Kingdom of Cambodia with a Golden Visa of 10 years.

We recommend you follow the official government announcements on the latest news on visas.

FAQ - Cambodia Visa and Work Permits

Do You Need Health Insurance To Apply For Visa Entry To Cambodia?

If applying for the E-type (Ordinary) Visa in advance from evisa.gov.kh then you require an official letter of invitation (only the fields marked with a red * are mandatory) and health insurance isn't mandatory).

What Documents Might Visa Agents Or The Ministry Of Labour And Vocational Training Want For Visa Extension Of Stay?

The required documents are: 

  • a letter of employment,
  • a company tax patent, and
  • a valid work permit.