Cambodia welcomes foreign professionals contributing to its growing economy, but navigating the immigration and labor regulations is essential for legal employment. Foreign nationals intending to work in Cambodia must obtain the appropriate visa and a valid work permit. The process involves several steps, typically starting with an entry visa and followed by securing the necessary authorization to work from the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT). Understanding these requirements is crucial for both individuals seeking employment and companies hiring international talent.
Ensuring compliance with Cambodian immigration and labor laws is vital to avoid penalties and ensure a smooth employment relationship. This includes obtaining the correct visa type upon arrival, applying for and maintaining a valid work permit, and adhering to renewal procedures. Employers also have specific obligations regarding the hiring and documentation of their foreign workforce.
Common Visa Types for Foreign Workers
Foreign nationals planning to work in Cambodia typically enter the country using an Ordinary Visa, also known as the E-visa. This visa type is initially valid for 30 days and can be extended for longer periods (1, 3, 6, or 12 months) once in Cambodia. The 6 and 12-month extensions are multiple-entry visas. The Ordinary Visa is the necessary foundation for obtaining a work permit and legally residing in Cambodia for employment purposes. Other visa types, such as tourist visas (T-visa), do not permit employment and cannot be converted to work visas or used to obtain a work permit.
| Visa Type | Purpose | Initial Validity | Extension Options | Work Permitted? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary (E) | Business, Employment, Long-term Stay | 30 days | 1, 3, 6, 12 months (ME) | Yes (with Work Permit) |
| Tourist (T) | Tourism, Short Stay | 30 days | 30 days (single entry) | No |
Note: The Ordinary Visa is the standard pathway for foreign workers. Extensions require demonstrating a valid reason for long-term stay, such as employment.
Work Permit Application Requirements and Procedures
All foreign nationals working in Cambodia, regardless of their visa type (except for specific exempted categories), are required to obtain a work permit and an employment card from the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT). The responsibility for applying for the work permit often falls on the employer or the foreign employee in coordination with the employer.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Hold a valid Ordinary (E) visa with a long-term extension (typically 6 or 12 months).
- Have a valid passport.
- Be employed by a registered company or organization in Cambodia.
- Meet any specific qualification requirements for the position.
- Pass a health check.
- Have no criminal record.
Required Documentation (typically includes):
- Completed application form.
- Copy of passport (valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay).
- Copy of valid Cambodian visa (E-visa with long-term extension).
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Health certificate from a recognized Cambodian hospital or clinic.
- Criminal record check from the applicant's home country or country of last residence.
- Copy of the employment contract.
- Copies of the employer's business registration documents (e.g., Certificate of Incorporation, Patent Tax Certificate).
- Copies of educational qualifications and professional certificates.
- CV/Resume.
Application Procedure:
- Ensure the foreign national has entered Cambodia on an Ordinary (E) visa and obtained a long-term extension.
- The employer or employee prepares the required documentation.
- Submit the application and documents to the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT) or its provincial departments.
- Pay the required government fees.
- Attend any required interviews or provide additional information if requested.
- Upon approval, the work permit book and employment card are issued.
Fees and Processing Times:
- Fees: Work permit fees are typically paid annually. The standard annual fee is set by the MLVT and is subject to change. There may also be administrative fees.
- Processing Times: Processing times can vary depending on the volume of applications and the specific MLVT office. It can range from a few weeks to several months. It is advisable to apply well in advance of the current visa or work permit expiry.
Sponsorship: While the employee is the permit holder, the application process is closely tied to the employing entity in Cambodia. The employer's registration documents and the employment contract are essential parts of the application, effectively linking the work permit to the specific job and company.
Pathways to Permanent Residency
Permanent residency in Cambodia is not a straightforward process for typical foreign workers solely based on employment. The primary pathways usually involve significant investment, marriage to a Cambodian citizen, or long-term residence under specific, often historical, circumstances. There is no direct route to permanent residency simply by holding a work permit for a certain number of years. Foreign workers typically maintain their legal status through continuous renewal of their long-term Ordinary visa extensions and annual work permits.
Dependent Visa Options
Family members (spouse and dependent children) of a foreign national working in Cambodia can typically obtain long-term stay visas based on the primary worker's status.
- Visa Type: Dependents usually enter Cambodia on an Ordinary (E) visa, similar to the primary worker.
- Extension: They can apply for long-term extensions (6 or 12 months) based on their relationship to the primary visa/work permit holder. Documentation proving the relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates) is required.
- Work Permit for Dependents: A dependent visa does not automatically grant the right to work. If a dependent wishes to work, they must independently meet the requirements for a work permit and employment card, including having a valid employment contract with a Cambodian-registered entity.
Visa Compliance Obligations
Both employers and foreign employees have significant obligations to ensure compliance with Cambodian immigration and labor laws.
Employer Obligations:
- Ensure all foreign employees have valid visas and work permits before they commence employment.
- Maintain records of foreign employees' visas and work permits.
- Assist employees with the work permit application and renewal process.
- Adhere to quotas or requirements regarding the ratio of foreign to Cambodian employees, if applicable.
- Notify the MLVT of changes in the foreign employee's status (e.g., termination of employment).
- Potentially face fines or penalties for employing foreign nationals without proper documentation.
Employee Obligations:
- Enter Cambodia with the appropriate visa (Ordinary E-visa for work purposes).
- Apply for and obtain a long-term visa extension.
- Apply for and obtain a work permit and employment card.
- Ensure their visa, work permit, and passport remain valid at all times.
- Initiate renewal processes well before expiry dates.
- Carry their employment card and passport/visa copy as proof of legal status if required by authorities.
- Comply with the terms and conditions of their visa and work permit.
