Visas in Cambodia
Featured photo from Jetphotos.com ©JB
The visa system in Cambodia offers several advantages to foreign investors, encouraging and facilitating their involvement in the country’s economic growth. Here are the different types of visas available in Cambodia:
E-type visas
This electronic visa can be applied for online and allows a stay of up to 30 days in Cambodia. This was one of the first countries in Asia to offer a pre-arranged electronic visa for short-term travellers. All new foreign arrivals to Cambodia must purchase a one-month E-type visa to be eligible for an ‘extension of stay’ visa. An E-type visa costs US$35 for one month, with a one-year extension costing around US$350.
Tourist visas
This is the most common visa for tourists, allowing a stay of up to 30 days. Tourist visas can be applied for online, at a Cambodian embassy or consulate, or upon arrival at a Cambodian airport. The cost of a tourist visa is US$35 for one month.
Long-term visas
Cambodia offers long-term visas, such as the business visa and the investment visa, which provide foreign investors with an opportunity to stay in the country for an extended period. These visas have longer durations compared to standard tourist visas, allowing investors to focus on their business ventures without frequent interruptions. These can be obtained online or at a Cambodian embassy or consulate.
Multiple-entry visas
Cambodia also offers multiple-entry visas, which allow foreign investors to enter and exit the country multiple times within the validity period of the visa. This flexibility is particularly advantageous for investors who need to travel frequently for business purposes or oversee multiple projects in Cambodia. These can be obtained online or at a Cambodian embassy or consulate.
Work permits and employment visas
Foreign investors who wish to actively engage in their business operations in Cambodia can obtain work permits and employment visas. These permits and visas allow investors to legally work, manage their businesses and employ both local and foreign staff. These can be obtained at a Cambodian embassy or consulate with the co-operation of Cambodian employers/business owners.
Retirement visas
This visa is for people aged 55 or older who are retired. It allows a stay of up to one year in Cambodia. Retirement visas can be applied for at a Cambodian embassy or consulate.
Student visas
This visa is for people enrolled in a full-time study program in Cambodia. It allows a stay of up to one year. Student visas can be applied for at a Cambodian embassy or consulate.
The advantages of the Cambodian visa system for foreign investors include:
• Business-friendly visa policies: Cambodia has implemented business-friendly visa policies designed to attract foreign investors. These policies aim to streamline the visa application process, reduce bureaucracy and provide a favourable environment for foreign investors to establish and operate their businesses in.
• Ease of visa renewal: Cambodia has implemented measures to simplify the visa renewal process, reducing administrative burdens for foreign investors. Visa extensions can often be obtained easily, ensuring continuity and stability for investors planning to stay in the country for an extended period.
• Special Economic Zones (SEZs): Cambodia has established SEZs, which are designated areas that offer unique investment incentives and preferential visa arrangements. Foreign investors operating within SEZs can benefit from streamlined visa processes and additional advantages, such as tax incentives, simplified customs procedures and infrastructure support.
• Access to regional markets: As a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and a signatory to various regional agreements, Cambodia provides foreign investors with access to larger regional markets. This can be advantageous for investors seeking to expand their business operations beyond Cambodia and tap into the growing regional economic opportunities.
