Work permits and visas in Cambodia: An employer’s guide

If you are hiring an employee or relocating them to Cambodia, you need to make sure they have the right Cambodia visa or work permit to work legally in the country. Employers also need to stay compliant with Cambodian labor laws, and offer competitive benefits to attract top talent.

In this article, Remote walks you through the visa regulations and visa process in Cambodia, and how you can hire or relocate a team member without an owned entity in Cambodia.

Work visas in Cambodia

Foreign nationals who wish to work in Cambodia must obtain the appropriate work permit and visa. Cambodia does not allow foreigners to work on a tourist visa.

With more digital nomads and international talent working in Cambodia, the Department of Immigration has placed greater emphasis on ensuring that foreign workers obtain the correct Cambodia visa.

Do non-citizens need a work visa or work permit in Cambodia?

Yes. Foreign nationals who want to work in Cambodia must hold both a work visa and a work permit. The visa allows entry and stay in Cambodia, but it does not by itself grant the right to work. Employment is only legal once the individual also holds a valid work permit and employment card.

Right-to-work checks in Cambodia

When hiring a foreign employee, Cambodian employers are responsible for verifying that the individual has the legal right to work. This requires confirming that the worker holds all of the following:

• A valid E-class visa (Ordinary visa): Typically this would be an EB (business/employment) subtype of a E-class visa.
• A valid work permit: This document is issued by the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT).
• An employment card: This document is also issued by the MLVT.

Eligibility requirements for a work visa in Cambodia

Foreign nationals who intend to work in Cambodia must obtain an Ordinary (E-class) visa, specifically the EB visa (business/employment subtype). The initial EB visa is valid for 30 days and can be extended through the Immigration Department for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months.

Applicants are eligible for a work visa if:

• They have accepted a job offer from a company registered in Cambodia
• They have been invited by a registered Cambodian organization.
  
  

Again, the EB visa alone does not grant the right to work. While a first 6-month or 1-year EB extension may be issued without proof of a work permit, all subsequent EB visa extensions require a valid work permit and employment card.

Long-term stay visa types in Cambodia

Most visa types are short-term in Cambodia, but the country allows for visa extensions.

E-class visa

An ordinary visa or E-class visa is the most versatile visa option for long-term stays. It grants an initial 30-day stay, which can be extended for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months. Shorter extensions (1–3 months) are single-entry only, whereas 6- and 12-month extensions allow for multiple-entry. The EB visa extension is especially suited for foreign employees, digital nomads, and business professionals.

B-class visa

This visa is granted to employees of international or intergovernmental organizations (e.g., UN agencies, WHO) who are entering Cambodia based on an official invitation from the Royal Government of Cambodia, usually processed through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

C-class visa

The Courtesy visa, or C- class visa is issued free of charge to employees of international non‑governmental organizations that maintain a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

K-class visa

The K-class visa is granted free of charge to individuals of Cambodian descent who hold a foreign passport. It offers lifetime, multiple-entry status and permits employment without the need for a work permit.

Requirements for a Cambodia work permit

The application process for a Cambodia visa is primarily handled online through the MLVT's Foreign Workers Centralised Management System (FWCM).

Employer documentation requirements

The hiring company must apply for the employee’s work permit and employment card through the Foreign Workers Centralised Management System, the official online portal of the MLVT. This application requires:

• Business registration documentation, such as the Certificate of Incorporation or Company Registration Certificate issued by the Ministry of Commerce
• The Patent Tax Certificate (latest year) issued by the General Department of Taxation
  

Documentation of the foreign workforce quota, showing that the company's foreign workforce quota does not exceed 10% of the total workforce, unless specific approval is granted.

Employee documentation requirements

Applicants (the employees) must supply the following via the FWCMS:

• A valid passport
• A health certificate from an MLVT‑recognized source
• A 4 × 6 cm photograph
• A signed employment contract in Khmer, duly registered or certified by MLVT
• Proof of residence, such as a certificate or letter from local authorities
  
  

All required documentation must be submitted before the initial visa expires. Approved work permits are generally valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

Where do you apply for a work visa in Cambodia?

Foreign nationals can get an Ordinary (E-class) visa on arrival at Sihanoukville International Airport, Siem Reap airport, or Phnom Penh airport. They can also apply beforehand at a Cambodian embassy, consulate, or through the official e-Visa portal. This entry visa is valid for 30 days.

To legally work in Cambodia, the person must extend the E-class visa to an EB visa and obtain a work permit and employment card via MLVT. 

Processing time for a work visa in Cambodia

The processing time for a Cambodia visa can vary based on the application’s completeness and processing load. Generally, it takes 7 to 10 working days.

Employee visa sponsorship in Cambodia

Employers seeking to hire foreign nationals must first obtain approval for a foreign employee quota from the MLVT. The standard quota allows foreign workers to comprise up to 10% of the workforce, distributed across roles (3% office, 6% skilled labor, 1% unskilled). Exceeding this limit requires special MLVT approval.

Once quota approval is secured, the employer applies for the foreign worker’s work permit and employment card. This process is driven by the employer and cannot be performed independently by the employee. The employer should supply the necessary documents, such as the employment contract and company registration details, to support the application.

Visa requirements for digital nomads in Cambodia

Cambodia does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Remote workers who wish to stay long-term usually enter with an Ordinary (E-class) visa. To work legally in Cambodia, they must extend this to the EB visa (business/employment subtype) and obtain both a work permit and an employment card from MLVT.

How Remote can help with Cambodia work visas  

To hire or relocate employees to Cambodia, you need to have your own local entity. You also need to navigate immigration laws and regulations to avoid potential penalties, as well as handle payroll, benefits, and other HR requirements.