The Cambodia citizenship by investment program was introduced in 1996 when the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia adopted the Law on Nationality. The law made it possible for foreign investors to apply for Cambodian citizenship based on an eligible investment of 1,250,000,000 riels (approximately USD 312,000) or a non-refundable donation of 1,000,000,000 riels (approximately USD 250,000). Other requirements that apply to standard naturalization (such as 7 years of residency and knowledge of the Khmer language) are waived for investors. The law states:

ARTICLE 10: For any foreigner who had received a letter of authorization for investment from the Cambodian Development Council (CDC) and who had implemented concretely actual project costing an initial capital of from 1,250,000,000 riels and up, the period of residence as stated in the sub-para 3 of article 8 of this law shall be exempted.

ARTICLE 11: For any foreigner who has no letter of authorization for investment from the Cambodian Development Council (CDC), but who had received authorization for investment legally from the Royal Government and who had spent initial capital of from 1,250,000,000 riels and up, the period of residence as stated in the sub-para 3 of article 8 of this law shall be exempted.

ARTICLE 12: Any foreigner who has made a donation in cash, to the national budget of from 1,000,000,000 riels or more, for the interest of restoration and building of economy of the Kingdom of Cambodia, such foreigner may file an application for Khmer nationality, in the event he/she has fulfilled the conditions as stated in the sub-paragraphs 1, 2, 5 and 6 of article 8 of this law.

Benefits

Although the Cambodian passport offers limited visa-free travel (currently to 50 countries and territories), Cambodian citizenship may provide other valuable advantages, including:

  1. Privacy, diversification, and asset protection. Investors and family members may choose a new Khmer name and hold assets under that name. In today’s world of increasing financial surveillance, holding part of your wealth under a different legal identity can provide discretion and protection. Cambodian documents may also be used for banking purposes.
  2. Backup citizenship. You will not be fully dependent on your original passport. In the event of political instability or war, you will have an alternative citizenship allowing international travel and relocation.
  3. Access to rights reserved for nationals. As a Cambodian citizen, you can live and work in Cambodia at any time without a visa. You can own landed property in your own name (foreigners can only lease land and property for 50 years). You can also apply for concessions and licenses available only to Cambodian nationals.
  4. Travel benefits. Cambodian citizens can travel visa-free to Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Korea, India, Thailand, and several other countries.

Other Reasons to Invest

  1. Member of the ASEAN Economic Community, benefiting from regional free movement of goods, services, investment, skilled labour, and capital
  2. Easy repatriation of profits
  3. Low-cost labour force
  4. Abundant natural resources and fertile land
  5. Growing domestic consumer market
  6. Well-capitalized and conservative banking system
  7. Political stability

Qualifications and Requirements

  1. The investor must be at least 18 years old, have a clean criminal record, be of sound mind, and in good health
  2. A qualifying investment in Cambodia of at least USD 312,000 must be made
  3. The applicant must hold a valid passport and a current visa for entry into Cambodia
  4. No language requirement
  5. No residency requirement
  6. Processing time varies from case to case but typically ranges from 3 to 6 months
  7. Family members (spouse and children under 18) may apply for citizenship after the main applicant is approved

Important Notice

Elma Capital does not provide legal services in Cambodia. However, we assist international clients with other passport programs (Antigua & Barbuda, Grenada, Dominica, Vanuatu, Türkiye, Sierra Leone, etc.). If you need legal assistance, please contact us today.

When sending us an email, please indicate your citizenship, country of residence, and the age of each family member to be included in the application. This information is required to provide an accurate quote of the fees and expenses applicable to your case.