Complete Guide to Visas and Citizenship by Investment in Cambodia (2026)

In recent years, Cambodia has begun to position itself as one of the most attractive destinations in Southeast Asia for those seeking not only to travel, but also to settle, invest, or diversify their tax residency. Its combination of low cost of living, sustained economic growth, and relatively open policies toward foreign investment has attracted professionals, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth investors.

Overview: why Cambodia attracts investors and expatriates

Other countries in the region, where immigration processes tend to be long and restrictive, Cambodia offers a more flexible system that allows both temporary stays and concrete pathways to residency and, eventually, citizenship. Understanding how this system works is key to making informed and strategic decisions.

Among its main advantages:

• Sustained economic growth

• Dollarized system (reduced currency risk)

• Tax benefits for investors

• Openness to foreign capital

• Strategic location within ASEAN

Visa system in Cambodia

Most foreigners need a visa to enter the country, although the process is usually simple and accessible.

Main visa types

Tourist Visa (T):

• Stay of 30days (extendable once)

• Single entry

• Ideal for short visits

Business Visa (E):

• Widely used by entrepreneurs and digital nomads

• Allows multiple extensions

• Serves as a base for long-term stays

Khmer Visa (K):

• For individuals of Cambodian descent

• Unlimited stay

• Multiple entries

Other visas:

• Diplomatic, official, and courtesy (specific cases)

Ways to apply for a visa

Cambodia has simplified its visa application methods, currently offering three options that make the process more accessible and efficient for travelers.

1. eVisa (online): allows the entire process to be completed digitally. Through the official portal, applicants can complete the form, upload required documents, and make payment online. Under normal conditions, approval is granted in approximately three business days.

   
   

2. Visa on Arrival: a widely available option for those who prefer to complete the process upon arrival or have not applied in advance. This is done at international airports and some border crossings, where travelers must present their passport, a photograph, and pay the corresponding fee. Although relatively simple, it may involve waiting times and depends on local infrastructure, so it is not always the most efficient option

   
   

3. Embassy: the most traditional route. This option is recommended for those seeking greater certainty before traveling or requiring a specific visa type. The process can be done in person or, in some cases, by mail, and processing times vary by country.

Beyond the chosen method, since 2024 Cambodia has introduced new digital requirements that all travelers must comply with. These include the e-Arrival Card, a mandatory form that replaces paper immigration documents and must be completed before entering the country. Additionally, visitors must register in the FPCS (Foreigner Present in Cambodia System), a platform used to track foreign nationals in the country. In many cases, this registration is handled automatically by hotels or accommodations, but it is the traveler’s responsibility to ensure compliance.

Residency and investment: a long-term gateway

For those who are not only looking to visit Cambodia but also to settle or maintain a long-term presence in the country, there are more strategic immigration alternatives linked to investment. In this context, one of the most relevant programs is Cambodia My Second Home (CM2H).

Cambodia My Second Home (CM2H)

This program has been specifically designed to attract foreign investors, offering an intermediate solution between temporary residency and citizenship. Through a minimum investment—generally in government-approved real estate projects—applicants can obtain long-term residency, often lasting up to ten years.

One of the main attractions of the CM2H program is that it not only allows legal residence for an extended period but also opens the possibility of applying for citizenship after approximately five years, provided certain additional requirements are met, such as basic integration into the country.

• Residency for 10 yearsPossibility of citizenship after 5 years

• Minimum investment: USD 85,000 in approved real estate

  
  

Citizenship by investment in Cambodia

Cambodia stands out for offering one of the few direct pathways to citizenship through investment. Unlike other countries in the region, where obtaining nationality can require long periods of residence and complex processes, here there is a more direct mechanism aimed at investors with financial capacity.

Available options

There are two main paths to access this type of citizenship:

1. Government donation

• A significant financial contribution—approximately USD 250,000—made directly to the State. This payment is non-refundable and forms part of a formal process that, after evaluation, may result in citizenship being granted through a Royal Decree.

• This is the most commonly used option.

2. Business investment

• Legal minimum: ~USD 300,000 In practice, it usually requires significantly higher commitments, often close to or exceeding USD 1,000,000.

• It requires active participation in the creation and development of a business in the country, implying a much higher level of involvement.

Due to these requirements, most applicants choose the donation route, as it offers a clearer, more structured, and predictable process. In any case, both options require meeting basic conditions such as demonstrating financial solvency, having no criminal record, and submitting properly legalized documentation.

Overall, the possibility of obtaining citizenship through investment positions Cambodia as a particularly attractive option for those seeking to diversify their migration strategy and access new opportunities in Asia without committing to long-term traditional residency processes.

General requirements

• Be over 18 years old

• Have no criminal record

• Demonstrate financial stability

Cambodia allows dual citizenship, although it is important to verify the regulations of your country of origin.

Citizenship process

1. Contribution and start of the process

• Make the donation

• Create a local company

• Open bank accounts

• Obtain a business visa

You must also submit documentation such as:

• Passport

• Police clearance certificate

• Medical certificate

• Proof of income

• Family documentation (if applicable)

All documents must be legalized and translated into Khmer.

2. Government evaluation

• Approximate duration: 6 months

• Includes document verification and interviews

• Requires at least one visit to the country

Final approval is granted through a Royal Decree issued by the King of Cambodia.

3. Oath of allegiance

• Once the application is approved:

• You must make a final visit

• Take the oath

• Provide biometrics

You will then receive:

• Cambodian passport

• National ID

• Family book

Benefits of Cambodian citizenship

Obtaining Cambodian citizenship not only means acquiring a new passport, but also accessing a range of strategic advantages that can be particularly attractive for international investors, entrepreneurs, and globally mobile individuals.

Access to a growing market

Cambodia has established itself as one of the most dynamic emerging markets in Asia, with sustained development in key sectors such as real estate, manufacturing, and tourism. This growth has been largely driven by government policies aimed at attracting foreign investment, resulting in a favorable business environment.

Among these advantages are the possibility of owning companies with 100% foreign capital in most sectors, the free repatriation of capital, and various tax incentives designed to stimulate economic activity.

Access to ASEAN

Being part of this community allows for greater regional integration, facilitating travel between member countries and opening the door to business opportunities in markets such as Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

Additionally, in certain professional sectors, there are agreements that support recognition of credentials, which can significantly expand regional opportunities.

Low physical presence requirements

Unlike other immigration programs, Cambodia does not require continuous residence to maintain status or progress toward citizenship. In many cases, only a few visits during key stages of the process are sufficient.

This flexibility makes the program particularly attractive for global investors who do not wish to relocate permanently but seek a second citizenship as a strategic tool.

Right to land ownership

One of the most important advantages is full access to land ownership. In Cambodia, legislation significantly restricts foreigners from owning land, forcing them to rely on alternative legal structures such as nominee arrangements or long-term leases.

These solutions may involve risks or limitations. Citizenship completely removes these restrictions, allowing individuals to buy, sell, or develop property directly and with full legal certainty.

Other pathways to citizenship

Although citizenship by investment is one of the most direct and efficient options, it is not the only one available within Cambodian law. There are also traditional pathways that may be suitable depending on the individual’s profile and situation.

Citizenship by birth is automatically granted to individuals with at least one Cambodian parent. Naturalization is available to foreigners who have legally resided in the country for a minimum period—generally five years—and can demonstrate integration, including basic knowledge of the Khmer language and culture, as well as financial stability. Citizenship by marriage requires being married to a Cambodian citizen for at least three years, along with a period of residence and supporting documentation proving the legitimacy of the relationship.

Each of these options involves different levels of commitment in terms of time, integration, and requirements, so choosing the appropriate path will depend on individual objectives and long-term planning.

Final considerations

Cambodia is increasingly positioning itself as a relevant option within the global landscape for those seeking to expand their residency options or obtain a second citizenship. Its combination of accessibility, economic opportunities, and immigration flexibility makes it a particularly interesting jurisdiction in Asia.

However, even though some of its programs may appear relatively straightforward, it is essential to approach the process with proper planning. Factors such as investment structure, legal compliance, tax strategy, and personal objectives must be carefully analyzed before proceeding.

Ultimately, choosing the right pathway depends not only on available capital, but also on the level of involvement desired in the country and the role that this second citizenship will play within a broader global strategy. A well-structured approach will allow not only access to the benefits Cambodia offers, but also the ability to maximize their value in the long term.

Take the next step toward securing residency or citizenship in Cambodia through a strategic investment, whether through real estate under approved programs or other qualifying pathways available within the country.

Ready to evaluate which Cambodia immigration route best aligns with your financial goals, risk profile, and long-term international mobility strategy?

Contact us at info@creimermanlaw.com for personalized guidance.

Schedule a confidential consultation: 👉 https://calendly.com/gcreimerman

Visit our website to learn more about our expertise in investment migration, Cambodian residency and citizenship planning, and cross-border wealth structuring:

🌐 www.creimermanlaw.com