Are you planning to retire in Cambodia?
In the 2019 InternationalLiving.com'sAnnual Global Retirement Index, Cambodia was named as the 12th best place in the world to retire. This was the fourth year in a row that the Kingdom held that title.
In the 2021 edition, Cambodia again ranked as one of the most affordable destinations to retire and one of the best countries to retire overall.
You can find out more in our ultimate guide to retiring in Cambodia which details the costs, benefits, property, and insurance expectations. See more below about the visa required by retirees in Cambodia.
Is a visa required to stay in Cambodia?
Yes, a visa is required to stay in the Kingdom of Cambodia for all foreigners. However, Cambodia has some of the most flexible visa regulations possible for foreign tourists, expat professionals, and retirees to visit and live in the “Kingdom of Wonder,” in the region.
Whether you’re a tourist or a resident, a visa is required to visit, or stay in Cambodia long term. In 2019 the visa rules were constricted regarding long-stay visas, giving a preference for those who are locally employed or of retirement age.
Types of Cambodian visas
Tourist visa
The tourist visa (T class) is for travellers who know they will be staying for 30 days or less. The 30-day tourist visa is available to travellers in advance or on arrival (for most nationalities) for a cost of $30 if you obtain it directly at the airport. The tourist visa is single entry only and can be renewed once only for an additional 30 days for a fee of between $30 and $50.
At the expiry of the additional 30-day extension on your tourist visa, you must leave Cambodia and come back to obtain a new visa. If you are planning on staying in Cambodia, a tourist visa is not the best one for you, so start with a renewable ordinary visa instead.
Cambodian “ordinary” visas (E class)
If you wish to stay in Cambodia for an extended period of time, you will need to apply for a 30-day E-class visa (not an online e-visa) when you arrive. The visa is valid for 30 days and costs $35 (subject to your nationality). An ordinary visa can be extended indefinitely.
Prior to your 30-day expiry, you will need to go and extend your visa. Due to language barriers and uncertainty, if it is your first time extending your visa, a lot of expats will use the services of an agent. You can choose an EB, EG, ER, or ES visa extension, known as an EOS, or extension of stay.
The four E-class visas in Cambodia
(Please note: that during the global COVID-19 pandemic - the visa situation in Cambodia has been temporarily different and no visas on arrival have been offered. Visa regulations and requirements should be checked with your relevant embassy from overseas. We recommend you follow the official government announcements on issuing visas).
EB visa extension
The EB business EOS (Extension of Stay) covers most expats in Cambodia, including those who are working, their partners and children, freelancers, and volunteers. The current rules (as of January 2019) require applications to provide a stamped letter verifying their employment with a Cambodian company). This visa extension is renewable and can last for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months. Please note only the 6- and 12-month visa extensions allow multiple entries.
Spouses and children of EB visa holders will need to submit the visa holder’s employment letter. The letter needs to state that the company supports the application for the spouse’s EB EOS as a non-working dependent, and includes the dependents’ passport information. You will also be required to bring proof of your relationship to the visa holder to renew your own visa extensions.
If you are self-employed and have a registered business in Cambodia you can write a letter confirming your own employment. This letter must be stamped with the registered Cambodia business stamp. Further information on setting up a business in Cambodia can be found here.
An EB visa extension does not automatically give you the right to work in Cambodia. In order to be legally employed, you will need a Cambodian work permit and employment card issued by the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training.
EG visa extension
The EG visa extension is designed for those seeking employment in Cambodia and can last 1, 3, or 6 months. If you have had a previous EB visa extension you probably will not be granted an EG visa, as they are not intended for expats who have already been in the country for a long term. The EG visa is only for first-time visitors to Cambodia.
ER visa extension
The retirement visa extension is for expats of retirement age. You simply apply for ER (retirement) extensions. Here are the requirements:
- You must be 55 or older.
- You cannot be employed.
You must be able to prove you are retired (with a pension or social security documentation) and have enough funds (bank or retirement fund statements). For more information, please read our ultimate guide on retirement in Cambodia.
These extensions can be valid for various lengths of up to one year. Prices are similar to working visa extensions which cost around $290 for a full year with multiple entries. There are various agencies throughout the region that can assist and help you with processing.
Although the ER visa is popular and the price point is much lower than in neighbouring countries, you are not permitted to seek employment in Cambodia. For those wishing to work or operate a local business a Business Visa is required. It is worth noting some US companies are present in Cambodia and you might find them with job postings on popular US employment portals. More jobs in US here.
ES visa extension
The ES visa extension is a student visa. Applicants for the ES visa extension are required to provide a letter from a registered Cambodian school, as well as documentation to demonstrate they have sufficient funds to support themselves. The ES student visa extension can be issued for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months.
Other Visa Types for Cambodia
The visas mentioned above are the main types most foreigners will be looking to secure for a long-term stay in the Kingdom. However, there are some other visa types for children of foreigners and those working in the NGO and international visitors of the government.
K-class Visa
The K-class visa is intended for those of Cambodian descent who hold a foreign passport, which is valid for free for a lifetime visa.
B-class Visa
The B-class visa is for employees of organizations that are in Cambodia at the government’s invitation EG: United Nations or World Health Organization.
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.
Cambodian visas for children
All non-Cambodian children are required to have an E-class visa to enter the Kingdom. If the child has at least one Cambodian parent, they can apply for a free K-class visa.
Work Permit in Cambodia
The Cambodian Department of Immigration requires all foreign nationals to obtain an official work permit/employment card to be eligible to work in the country.
Foreign nationals wishing to work in Cambodia must also meet the following conditions:
- Have a job offer from an employer compliant with relevant regulations regarding the employment of foreign nationals.
- Have legally entered the Kingdom of Cambodia.
- Possess a valid passport.
- Possess a valid residency permit.
- Be fit for the relevant job.
- Have no contagious diseases.
You can read more about being an expat in Cambodia in our guide.
Register on the Foreigners Present in Cambodia System (FPCS)
The FPCS app records foreign information when they arrive in Cambodia at any entry point. It also records their data when they leave Cambodia.
The main purpose of FPCS is to protect foreigner safety and security in case of an emergency when they are traveling throughout Cambodia and was introduced and enforced in early 2020.
Stay up-to-date on the real estate industry in Cambodia and get real-time updates on real estate news as they happen. Download the Realestate.com.kh App now!
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FAQs
If you are considering staying in Cambodia for an extended period of time, you will need to apply for a 30-day E-class visa (not an online e-visa) when you arrive. This is also valid for 30 days and costs $35.
How long is the visa process for Cambodia? ›
Apply for a Single Tourist entry visa and pay securely using your VISACard, MasterCard, JCBCard, DinerClubCard, Unionpay Alipay or WeChat. Fill in the secure online e-visa form. Confirm and pay. Get approval letter within 3 days.
How long can you stay in Cambodia as a US citizen? ›
VISA INFORMATION
This Visa is for general travelers with valid foreign passport. Single entry visa and valid to use or enter Cambodia within three(3) months from the date of issue. Allowed to stay for 30 days upon entering the Country. Visa can be extended upon entry for another 30 days at Cambodia Immigration Office.
What are the visa options for Cambodia? ›
- TOURIST (Type-T) Visa.
- BUSINESS (Type-E) Visa.
- KHMER (Type-K) Visa - for Cambodians holding valid foreign passports.
- COURTESY (Type-C) Visa - for registered NGOs with a valid MoU.
- OFFICIAL (Type-B) Visa.
- DIPLOMATIC (Type-A) Visa.
You will need a valid passport and a Cambodian visa to enter Cambodia. Tourist and business visas are valid for one month from the date of entry into Cambodia. Cambodia offers on-line visa processing. You may also apply in person at the Cambodian Embassy located at 4530 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011, tel.
How do I get a long term visa? ›
At the Registration Office a completed registration form needs to be signed in the presence of the registration officer with the following documents:
- Four passport photos.
- Passport with valid visa.
- Three photocopies of the photo page and the valid visa of passport.
If you want to get a Cambodia visa for retirement, you need to satisfy the following conditions:
- Your age must be 55 or older.
- You must prove you are retired (get a pension or social security documentation) and have sufficient financial funds (bank or retirement fund statements)
- You must be unemployed.
Is A visa required for US citizens? Yes, US citizens need to apply for a Cambodia visa. Cambodia e-visa cost: Total fee for the 36 USD. E-visa processing time: 2 - 5 business days.
How long can I stay in Cambodia without a visa? ›
Visa Not Required for Cambodia
This visa exemption has a limit of 30 days. If travelers from these countries wish to stay for longer, they will need to apply for a visa for Cambodia. Visitors from visa-exempt countries can enter Cambodia for tourism and leisure purposes without a visa.
Can I live permanently in Cambodia? ›
Entry and residency requirements
There are no residence requirements in Cambodia apart from obtaining a current valid visa. Cambodian permanent residency can be granted on a case-by-case basis but this is at the discretion of the King and can depend on language ability and other factors.
To obtain a Cambodian Retirement Visa you must:
- Be 55 years old or older. However, there may be cases where candidates younger than 55 can be accepted.
- Prove that you are retired in your home country. Retirement can be proven by providing a pension or social security documentation or a.
This type of visa may be granted to foreigners who visit Cambodia for investment, employment, technical support and studying/training/internship purposes.
What is visa type T or E Cambodia? ›
Cambodian visas
Tourists can apply for an e-visa online or get a tourist visa on arrival. These are valid for 30 days. For longer stays or other situations, get a visa through an embassy or consulate of Cambodia. Day trips aren't allowed, except when travelling via Phnom Penh International Airport.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Cambodia? ›
Unlike other countries, Cambodia offers the "real" visa on arrival service which means you do not need to apply for anything in advance, all you need to do is to fill in an immigration form on your flight to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh or bus ride to Cambodia border gates, then hand in the documents including 2*2'' size ...
Can a US citizen move to Cambodia? ›
But despite their different backgrounds, foreigners can generally agree on a few reasons to settle here: Getting a visa is easy. For less than a dollar a day, almost anyone can get a visa to stay in the country. Cambodia has one of the most relaxed visa programs in the world…for now.
What are the different types of visa? ›
Know the Most Common Types of Visa
Tourist Visa. Business Visa. Work Visa. Transit Visa.
Can you get a visa for 10 years? ›
The U.S. 10-Year Multiple Entry Visa is a temporary visa that allows holders to engage in business and tourist activities within the U.S. This visa is officially known as the B1/B2 Visa.
What visa lasts 10 years? ›
The US B1/B2 Tourist visa is valid for 10 years after issued. It means that after that time, you will need to renew your B1/B2 Visa if you want to stay in the United States long-term again. Also, it allows you to stay in the U.S. for a maximum of 180 days Per Entry.
Can I get visa for 5 years? ›
The 5-year Indian Tourist Visa is a type of tourist visa granted to foreign nationals who wish to visit India for continuous trips. The visa is valid for an extended period of 5 years, and the maximum duration a foreign national can stay in India, with the 5-year Indian Tourist visa, is 90 days per visit.
What city in Cambodia is best for expats? ›
Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are the most popular cities for expats, but Sihanoukville has beaches, Battambang is charming, and Kep and Kampot are the definite up-and-comers in Cambodia.
Yes, foreigners can buy property in Cambodia. Foreigners in Cambodia are not however allowed to own properties on the ground floor of a building and are not allowed to own land outright under the foreign ownership property law. Most foreigners will look to own a freehold condominium in Cambodia.
How much money do you need to live comfortably in Cambodia? ›
Compared to many Asian countries, the cost of living in Cambodia is still relatively cheap. A foreigner living alone in the city can easily get by on $800 – $1,000 per month if he cooks his own food and indulges in minimal luxuries.
What countries are visa free in Cambodia? ›
As of March 2023, Cambodian passport holders can travel visa free to 20 countries and territories:
- Brunei.
- Cook Islands.
- Dominica.
- Ecuador.
- Haiti.
- Indonesia.
- Laos.
- Malaysia.
Note: Photos must be 2″x 2″ in size with a background that is uniform, plain and white, and free of shadows. Sized such that the head is between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (between 25 and 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. View the Photo Composition Template for more size requirement details.
Is Cambodia duty free to USA? ›
So far, only Cambodian travel goods have been granted duty-free access, implying unexploited market opportunities for Cambodia's exports to the U.S.
How can I stay long term in Cambodia? ›
Cambodian “ordinary” visas (E class)
If you wish to stay in Cambodia for an extended period of time, you will need to apply for a 30-day E-class visa (not an online e-visa) when you arrive. The visa is valid for 30 days and costs $35 (subject to your nationality). An ordinary visa can be extended indefinitely.
Can I extend my stay in Cambodia? ›
If you want to stay longer than 30 days in Cambodia, you will have to extend your visa at the Immigration Department in Phnom Penh. Their offices are located on Nr 223, Confederation de Russie (Airport Road), opposite the Phnom Penh International Airport. Contact them by phone on +855 12 581 558.
What happens if you overstay in Cambodia? ›
You can be fined, detained and deported if you overstay your visa. There is a fine of $10 per day for overstaying the validity of your visa. There is no limit to this fine. Those who overstay more than 30 days will need to leave Cambodia in addition to paying the fine.
How much is a retirement visa in Cambodia? ›
This visa is only good for 30 days and costs $35. However, people over the age of 55 can get an ER visa extension. You must have documentation of retirement in the United States and proof of funds to sustain your stay in Cambodia. You must also be 55 or older and may no longer be employed to qualify for this visa.
Can a foreigner buy a house in Cambodia? ›
Can a foreigner own property in Cambodia? “Yes, foreigners can own property in Cambodia but there are restrictions. Foreigners can only own properties on the first floor or higher (not the ground floor), up to 70% of any one building, however this only applies to buildings with a strata title.
The Kingdom isn't dangerous, as long as you follow sensible precautions and stay alert. Most expats agree that Cambodia is a safe place to live. In fact, many would say that it's safer than the big cities back home. Yet while that might be true, it's still essential to be cautious and watch out for your belongings.
Is Cambodia friendly with USA? ›
U.S.-Cambodia Relations
Enduring ties between the American and Cambodian people, as well as cooperation on UN matters and on foreign assistance programs, provide avenues to engage on a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues.
Which country has best retirement visa? ›
Portugal. Besides being one of the easiest places to get a retirement visa, Portugal is also one of the cheapest countries to retire in. It is a popular destination among retirees who want a place with warm temperatures, a low cost of living, excellent healthcare, and high quality of life.
Which visa lead to permanent residency? ›
Three common ways of becoming a permanent resident are through gaining: a family-stream permanent visa. a work-stream permanent visa. business or investor-stream permanent visa.
Which country is easiest to get permanent residency? ›
In Europe, countries that give residence permits easily are Portugal, Cyprus, Greece, Montenegro and Malta. You can easily obtain residency in the Americas in Antigua and Barbuda, Mexico, Belize, and Nicaragua. Asian countries whose residence permits are easy to get are Cambodia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
What are the taxes for expats in Cambodia? ›
Cambodia has a progressive income tax system, with tax rates ranging from 0% to 20%, depending on the income level. Expats may also be subject to other taxes, such as social security contributions, property taxes, and value-added tax.
What does visa t mean in Cambodia? ›
There are two main types of visas for Cambodia: Tourist visas (T). They are issued only for tourism purposes. Ordinary visas (E).
What is the difference between EB and E visas? ›
In short, the difference is that an E2 is a nonimmigrant (temporary) visa while an EB-5 is an immigrant (permanent) visa.
What is a Type 4 visa? ›
Working restrictions: A Tier 4, Student Visa allows you to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week during term-time. This is a maximum of 20 hours in total in any one week, including paid or unpaid work and for one or more organisation. The 20 hours cannot be averaged over a longer period.
Who is eligible for Cambodia E visa? ›
Cambodia e-Visa Requirements
Passport valid for at least 6 months from one of the Cambodia e-Visa eligible countries. The passport must have at least one (1) blank page, for the entry and exit stamps. Passport-style color photograph which meets the Cambodia e-Visa photo size and style requirements.
Treaty investors (E-2) invest a substantial amount of money and direct the operations of an enterprise they have invested in, or are actively investing in. Australian specialty occupation workers (E-3) perform services in a specialty occupation.
What is a Type 3 visa? ›
A K-3 visa is a nonimmigrant visa for spouses of U.S. citizens which allows the foreign spouse to enter and live in the United States while waiting for their immigrant visa petition (Form I-130) to be approved.
Is visa on arrival in Cambodia 2023? ›
The 30-day tourist visa is available to travelers in advance or on arrival (for most nationalities) for a cost of $30 if you get it directly at the airport. The tourist visa is single entry only, and can be renewed once for an additional 30 days for a fee of between $30 and $50.
Can I get a visa online in Cambodia? ›
Apply for a Single Tourist entry visa and pay securely using your VISACard, MasterCard, JCBCard, DinerClubCard, Unionpay Alipay or WeChat. Fill in the secure online e-visa form. Confirm and pay. Get approval letter within 3 days.
How long does it take to process a visa for Cambodia? ›
The e-visa takes around 3 days to process. You'll receive an e-visa certificate that you'll need to show when you enter Cambodia and your visa will be valid for 30 days from your entry date.
How long can foreigners stay in Cambodia? ›
Tourist visas granted by Cambodian embassies enable the holder to stay in the country for a maximum of 30 days. This can be extended for a further 30 days for a fee. Royal Cambodian Embassies around the world also issue visas and permits that allow foreign nationals to live, work, study, or do business in Cambodia.
Can Americans retire in Cambodia? ›
You must have documentation of retirement in the United States and proof of funds to sustain your stay in Cambodia. You must also be 55 or older and may no longer be employed to qualify for this visa. This visa can last one, three, six, or 12 months. The six- and 12-month visas allow multiple entries.
How long can a US citizen stay in Cambodia without a visa? ›
The Cambodian visa for U.S. citizens is valid for tourism purposes, for stays of up to 30 days. An embassy visa is required to stay for longer than 30 days, or for other purposes.
How long is enough in Cambodia? ›
Two weeks is the ideal amount of time to spend in Cambodia, a small but dense country. Aim to visit and experience most must-see sights, plus add time in one of Cambodia's national parks and at a white-sand beach.
What is the best city in Cambodia for expats? ›
Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are the most popular cities for expats, but Sihanoukville has beaches, Battambang is charming, and Kep and Kampot are the definite up-and-comers in Cambodia.
According to the law, foreigners cannot buy land in Cambodia. This is following Article 44 of the Cambodian Constitution which states that: “Only Khmer legal entities and citizens of Khmer nationality shall have the right to own land.” But there are a few methods in which expats can purchase land.
Is it easy to get a retirement visa in Cambodia? ›
Many people are willing to retire in Cambodia, as the process of obtaining a Cambodian visa for retirement is extremely easy.
