Immigration to Cambodia for Cambodia citizenship

A permanent resident card is provided for foreigners who come to the country for permanent residence and meet the following conditions:

• immigrants recognized by the Ministry of the Interior;
• foreign investors and their families recognized by The Cambodia Development Council.
• When requesting a permanent card, you must provide the following documents:
• international passport with Visa;
• request to the minister of the interior;
• photos in the amount of 3 things (according to the passport sample);
• employment contract;
• certificate of passing a medical examination;
• Social Security Policy;
• confirmation of payment of the state fee;
• proclamations of recognition as an immigrant or immigrant investor;
• a certificate from the Bank of the Kingdom of Cambodia confirming the availability of the required amount in the account.

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Do I need to contact someone if I change my place of residence?

You need to coordinate your move to another province or district with the local authorities, get a certificate and reissue a resident card at your new place of residence.

Such a rather complex procedure is usually required for those foreigners who intend to subsequently acquire Cambodian citizenship: legal residence in the country for 3-7 years is a condition for applying for citizenship (except for business emigration). The application for granting the status should be written in the name of the King.

When can I apply for citizenship?

Obtaining Cambodian citizenship is possible only after 3-7 years of legal residence in the country using a resident card. An application for citizen status must be submitted in the name of the King.

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After obtaining citizenship, a foreigner will be able to own land and property in their own name in Cambodia. You also have the right to apply for government concessions and licenses that are only available to Cambodian citizens.

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The authorities of the Kingdom strictly control the compliance of the population, both local and immigrants, with state requirements and laws. In case of violation of the country's legislation, the penalty can be either a large administrative fine or criminal liability.

If the offense was committed by a foreigner, then most often this leads to his deportation outside the state.

Foreigners can apply for Khmer citizenship by naturalization. Naturalization is not an applicant's right, but only a privilege of the Kingdom of Cambodia. In any event, such an application may be rejected at its sole discretion. Foreigners who can apply for naturalization must meet the following conditions: 

1. Must have a document which is confirmed proper conduct and moral conduct issued by the chairman of the commune (Khum) or district (sangkat) at the place of residence.
2. Have a certificate of past criminal record, which indicates that he/she has not previously been convicted of any criminal offenses.
3. Have a document which is confirmed that such person resides in the Kingdom of Cambodia and resides continuously for seven (7) years from the date of receipt of the residence card that was issued in accordance with the immigration law.
4. Have a place of residence in the Kingdom of Cambodia at the time of applying for naturalization.
5. To be able to speak Khmer language, know Khmer writing and have some knowledge of Khmer history and clearly prove that he/she can live in harmony in Khmer society, and can also adopt Khmer Customs and traditions.
6. Have a stable psyche and physical abilities that do not pose a danger or burden to the nation.

For any foreigner who was born in the Kingdom of Cambodia, the 7-year period of continuous residence indicated is instead reduced to 3 years.

A foreigner can apply for a Khmer name change. In this case, he/she indicates such a name in writing in his/her application or naturalization.

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Naturalization granted to any person is decided by royal decree.

The formality and procedure for submitting an application for naturalization are determined by a bylaw.

It is worth noting that the fulfillment of all these conditions does not give a 100% guarantee for registration of citizenship, the authorities reserve the last word and may well refuse.

Those who have received permission to have Khmer citizenship / citizenship are sworn in before the Supreme Court.

The essence of this aforementioned oath should be set out in the order.

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How long does the procedure take?

The duration of the naturalization process varies greatly. For more information, please contact your local government.

A foreign man or woman who has married a Khmer wife or husband can obtain Khmer citizenship if they live together for three years after the registration of the marriage certificate. The formalities and procedures for requesting Khmer citizenship are determined by an additional decree. Granting Khmer citizenship as requested is accepted by royal decree.

Khmer citizens do not lose their Khmer nationality / citizenship due to marriage to foreigners.

To be eligible for citizenship through investment, the following conditions must be met:

• Must be over the age of 18;
• The applicant must not have any criminal record;
• A good knowledge of the Khmer language and history must be demonstrated;
• The applicant must not threaten Cambodia.

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What are the general requirements of the program?

Cambodia's investment citizenship program offers several paths to qualification:

- Donation option

A donation of 245,000 dollars USA (1 million KHR) to the Royal government.

- Investment options

• Investment of 305,000 dollars USA (1.25 million KHR) to the project with a letter of approval from the Cambodian Development Council (CDC);
• Investment of 305,000 dollars USA (1.25 million HKR) in the project based on obtaining an investment permit from the Royal government.

- Additional fees

• 5000 dollars USA deposit;
• 25,000 dollars USA before applying;
• 40,000 dollars USA after the application is approved by the government;
• 15,000 dollars USA when the passport is ready to be received.

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What are the main advantages of such a program?

1. Minimum physical presence requirements;
2. Allows you to have dual citizenship;
3. Lower taxes;
4. Security;
5. Short processing time.

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Learn more about the conditions for granting citizenship by investment

For any foreigner who has received an investment authorization letter from the Cambodia Development Council (CDC) and who has implemented a specific actual project with an initial capital of 1,250,000,000 Riels or higher, the 7-year residence period, mentioned above, is canceled.

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For any foreigner who does not have an investment permit from The Cambodia Development Council (CDC), but who has obtained an investment permit legally from the Royal government and who has spent an initial capital of 1,250,000,000 Riels and above, the period of residence, indicated above, is cancelled.

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Any foreigner who has made a cash donation to the national budget of 1,000,000,000 Riels or more for the interests of restoring and developing the economy of the Kingdom of Cambodia can apply for Khmer citizenship if he /she has fulfilled the conditions specified above.

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A foreigner who has shown evidence that he / she has offered any special merit or achievement in the interests of the Kingdom of Cambodia can apply for Khmer citizenship without having to comply with the conditions mentioned above.

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A foreigner who has a wife or child / children under the age of 18 and who also intends to apply for Khmer citizenship can apply or naturalize with the whole family. The family consists of a husband, wife and child/children under 18 years of age.

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How long does the procedure take?

The process of obtaining citizenship by investment and donation takes 3 - 4 months.