See Also
- How to Apply Cambodia Ordinary Visa from Canada
- How to Apply Cambodia Visa from UK
- How to Get Cambodia Visa on Arrival at Land Border
- Get Cambodia Online Visa
- Cambodia Visa Requirements
For three years, I was based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, so I have gone through all the paperwork of getting a Cambodia Ordinary visa and extending it more than once. Just so you know, they also call it the Cambodia Business visa.
Cambodia business visa is an E class visa that covers most Cambodia expats, freelancers, volunteers, and their families. Note that the E-class visa is totally different from Cambodia e-visa or electronic visa, that’s only issued for tourism.
There are many types of Cambodia visas, and depending on your requirements, you can choose the one that suits you.
The process is pretty simple, as you do not have to do anything in advance, nor provide much information upon arrival.
Cambodia has always been one of the easiest countries for expats and digital nomads to live indefinitely with hassle-free, year-long visas. Although there have been some recent changes. COVID has brought in some new rules as well.
But you can still get 6-month and 1-year visas even if you are not employed.I am from Canada, but these rules are the same for passport holders from most countries.
Note- Depending on your nationality, you might have to get an ordinary visa from a Cambodian embassy in your home country. And when it’s time for EB EOS, the agents might ask for extra documents like labor contract, tax patent of the employer etc. But there won’t be any problem with a tourist visa on arrival for Cambodia.
This is common with Indian citizens and most African nationals.
There are two steps involved here.
Step 1
Get a Cambodia ordinary visa at the airport, land border, or the embassy of Cambodia in your country. This will be valid for 30 days.
I got the Cambodia business visa on arrival, at the Phenom Penh airport.
Step 2
After the initial 30 days, when you go to extend your Cambodia business visa, you can choose an EB, EG, ER, or ES visa extension, also known as an EOS, or extension of stay.
I did the EB visa extension which is the most common and needs the least amount of paperwork.
Table of Contents
Requirements for Cambodia Visa on Arrival
1.Passport
A valid passport with at six months until expiry and a blank page.
2.Cambodia Visa Photo Requirements
A 4 X 6 color photo with white background.
3. Accommodation Proof in Cambodia
While they don’t ask for the proof of accommodation, you need to fill in your address in Cambodia in the application form. So you can make a refundable reservation in a hostel or hotel, and write down the address there.
4. Cambodia Visa Application Form
The Cambodia visa application form is same for all kinds visas. You can get it at the airport and land crossings.
5. Cambodia Visa Fees
The cost of Cambodia business visa is $35 USDs. You need to pay for it in cash.
How to Get a Cambodia Business Visa: Land & Air
Cambodia Business Visa at Airport
They hand out the Cambodia visa on arrival application forms in the plane. Or when you arrive at the airport, pick up a Visa Application and head to the counter.
There are usually two counters, the first where you apply for your Visa and pay, and the second counter where they call your name to pick up your passport with the Visa inside.
Cambodia Business Visa at Land Borders
If you are taking the land route, you can get the visa at a border checkpoint as well. Cambodia has 19 land border checkpoints with Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. But remember that, you can’t get this at every border checkpoint. The process is the same.
In order to work in Cambodia, you need to apply for a one month “(E) Ordinary Visa” on the application form. There are no other questions at this time or interviews.
You just submit the form along with your passport, photo, and pay $35 USD in cash, and head over to the pickup counter and wait to be called. Every foreign worker first needs a one month Ordinary Visa to later be renewed for the desired length of time.
Be careful – there are two visas available at the airport – a “tourist visa” and an “E-ordinary visa.” Both are 30 days, but the tourist visa cannot be extended. You need to get the “E-ordinary” visa, NOT the “tourist” visa. Be very clear with the immigration official.
The whole thing can go quite quickly if the airport is not busy. After receiving your passport, you head over to immigration and give them your passport with a visa, together with your immigration card from the plane before going to get your luggage.
So the whole process is very easy, I have never been asked to show proof of onward travel or show any bank statements. However, it’s always a good idea to carry an onward flight reservation for visa.
This is what the E-Ordinary visa for Cambodia looks like.
The Visa Project tips:
If you do not have a passport photocopy ready, they will photocopy your passport for three dollars. Also, be sure to have USD in cash, as they do not accept any type of payment by card, and although there are ATMs nearby, they are often broken or do not accept foreign cards.
EB Visa Extension: 6-12 month Cambodia EB EOS
After receiving your Ordinary (E) Business Visa, it is best to apply the EOS (extension of stay) at least a week before expiry because of Cambodian holidays and processing time. There are two ways to get this done.
1.Do a Visa Run
Leave Cambodia, stay out for a week or so, come back with an ordinary visa for 1 month like before and then get a 6-month visa. Repeat the drill when the visa runs out. This way you don’t have to bother with getting a work permit, especially if you are a freelancer.
2. Get a Cambodia Work Permit
Extend your current 6-month / 1-year visa without leaving Cambodia.
You can extend the business visa in Cambodia for 1-12 months. I would recommend getting 6 months or one year because these visas are multiple entries, so even if you are only staying for another 3 months, but want to go away for the weekend, you don’t have to restart the whole process.
Cambodia Business Visa Extension Cost
| Extension Duration (in months) | Cost (in USDs) |
| 1 | 50 |
| 3 | 80 |
| 6 | 160 |
| 12 | 290 |
Note- The 1 and 3-month (single entry) extensions can, however, still be extended indefinitely without a work permit.
Documents Needed for Cambodia EB EOS:
- Passport
- Passport Photo
- USD in cash for the amount of renewal
- Address in Cambodia
- Employment Contract (if applying for more than 6-month extension) or proof of business
- Work Permit (if applying for more than 6-month extension)
- Health insurance
- Tax Patent
- FPCS Screenshot
However, when it’s time for your second six-month or one-year EB EOS, and all subsequent long-term EB visas, you must submit the proof of a valid work permit or proof of business.
Since I was employed legally, my employers have always provided me with any necessary documents, as I am sure any legitimate company will also do.
Coming to health insurance, while I have never been asked to provide one various expats have been asked to provide proof of health insurance and a health certificate. And after Covid-19, you would need health insurance with $50,000 USD medical coverage.
I have never been asked for proof of savings in order to renew my visa. However, this might be changing.
Cambodia Visa Extension Application Process
Once you have all your documents, you have two options on how to apply for the extension.
1.Apply Cambodia Visa Extension by Yourself
The first option is going to the office of immigration which is across from the airport and applying in person. This will save you a few dollars in processing fees.
But this comes with dealing with the time it takes to get there, waiting, and often translation issues. Simply put, the route is long drawn out. I usually go for the second option of getting a travel agent to take care of it.
2. Cambodia Visa Extension through an Agent
The travel agents are easy to work with as they know exactly which documents you need and will ensure your passport is submitted in time, as they know all about the Cambodian holidays and processing times.
They charge a little more for the service, but I think it is worth it. You pay the whole amount to them, give them your passport, and get a receipt, and they will call you when it is ready to be picked up, usually 5 working days later.
I had two different employers in Cambodia. The first time, my employer took care of all the visa applications. My second employer, however, got me to do everything and they reimbursed me – this is when I went to the travel agent.
My employers provided me with a written contract in English and Khmer, agreeing the terms of my work. I took this along with my passport and cash to a travel agent who took care of everything very easily.
I was never asked to provide a work permit because the companies I worked for were Cambodian.
When applying for Cambodia visa extension, always make sure that you apply in person. Either directly at the DoI Visa Office or through reputable Visa Agency, unless your employer is the one who is doing it for you.Don’t give your passport to some guy who says he knows someone, or to your landlord or to a friend who has a friend. You risk losing your passport.
Cambodia Ordinary Visa Duration: 1,3,6 or 12 months
Cambodia Visa Extension Fees: 50-290 USD
Visa validity: From the day it’s issued, including the day of arrival and departure.
No. of entries: Single for 1 or 3 months, Multiple for 6 or 12 months
Health Check
Since 2017, Applicants must also go through a health check at the Ministry, which costs $25. You can go the local health center too to get a certificate of health, but I chose the convenience of this route for the same fee.
Another option is to pay $60 to an agent to get your health certificate without going to the Ministry.
The medical exam is pretty straight forward – height, weight, blood pressure, blood sugar test and a question about if you have ever had an operation.
Tax Patent for Cambodia EB Visa Extension
Since 2020, a new requirement for EB EOS is to submit a copy of your employer’s original patent with an original stamp. This stamp is a stamp from your employer’s company, not from GDT.
Cambodia FPCS Screenshot
You need to submit a printout of the screenshot of your FPCS registration.
You would need to input your Check-out Date, Room No. (no need if there is no room No.), Visa Expiration Date, Visa Number. In principle, you need to ask your landlord to register your name on FPCS for your visa extension.
But you can do it or ask an agent as well.
Cambodia Letter of Employment If You are not Employed
Even if you are not employed or if you are working for an international company, it’s possible to get a letter of employment from a Cambodian business through an agent. There are a few templates used by different agencies for providing this.
Here is one that I came across.
Once you have the letter of employment, you can apply for the work permit and employment card. As per some agents, there is no need for WP for EB EoS, but there is no clear information about this.
There are expats who also register a business in Cambodia and can write a letter like the above confirming their own employment. This Cambodia employment letter must be stamped with a business stamp, that you can buy at any stamp shop for less than $15.
Note – If you have applied for a work permit but have yet to receive all your documentation, you can submit a copy of the receipt of your application when applying for an EB visa extension.
Cambodia Work Permit & Employment Card applications
A work permit and an employment card are two separate documents. However, you can apply for them in a single application submitted online.
Cost – 100$ per year
You need to apply online by yourself via the Ministry of Labour’s Foreign Workers Centralized Management System, which has been outsourced to a private company called E-Solutions (Cambodia) Co. Ltd.
Popular Agents for Cambodia Business Visa Extension
Here are some agents popular with expats. The rates they quote might differ depending on your nationality. They normally charge 10$ or more than the actual fees.
Lucky! Lucky! Motorcycle Shop
413Eo Monivong Blvd, Phnom Penh
T: 099 808 788; 012 279 990, +855 23 220 988
Email: luckymotorcyclerental@yahoo.com
Call Kim
Email:chornkimhoun@yahoo.com
T: 092 256 388, 081820388
Soprita Travel
#19, St D (Piphum Thmey Chhuk Meas Market), Kraing Thnoung, Sen Sok.
12411 Phnom Penh
T: +855 89 666 068
Things can change
Lots of rules related to the ordinary or business visa have changed. Right now, visa rules are changing without notice.
If you are applying for an EB visa extension, do check with more than one agency to ensure everything. This post will be updated if we know anything has changed.
Want to Work in Thailand? Here is How to Get a Thailand Work Permit.
How to Travel with Cambodia Visa from UK during Covid-19 Restrictions
How to Apply H1B Visa from India: H1B Stamping Experience
Very useful information about Cambodia. Wonder if they have opened their borders yet.
Yes, Cambodia is open now.
Just to share my experience in visa run all by myself.
11th May 2022. Took a van (mini bus) to Bavet border crossing. Cost $12 one way. At Bavet exit Cambodia, walked about 300 meters, have motorbike service if carrying heavy stuff, n enter Vietnam. Exit Vietnam in the same building, walk the 300 meter back to Cambodia immigration house, enter Cambodia. Every counter expects you to ‘give’ some money but i refuse, they still allowed me to go through with an unhappy face. I’m a Malaysian, so I didn’t have to pay any visa fees, most ASEAN countries provide free entry visa . My whole process took an hour.
Thanks for sharing your experience Johnny.
I have read above that Cambodia’s borders have reopened; what are the stipulations and requirements to gain entry? With the COVID-19 pandemic, how does this affect applying for the E Ordinary Visa? Is it still available when entering Cambodia at the Phnom Penh international airport? Also, how does COVID-19 affect applying for extensions of the E Ordinary Visa?
Hi Stephen, yes, Cambodia’s borders have opened now. About the requirements, there are many actually- starting from medical certificate to hotel reservations. Here is a helpful official link from the Cambodian embassy in the USA: https://www.embassyofcambodiadc.org/embassy-updates/-announcement-on-revision-of-entry-requirements-for-foreign-travelers-to-cambodia
Hey Stephen, here is the brand new article on getting the visa and traveling to Cambodia during Covid-19 pandemic.
https://thevisaproject.com/experience/cambodia/cambodia-visa-from-uk-covid-19-trip/
Hi. I work as an NGO and we don’t pay tax to Govt. but the new rules for expats from Oct 1 says all foreigners need to bring FPCS, employment letter and Tax patent from the company which we don’t have- I’m quite stressed about it. Please help.
Hi Suli. I believe your question is about the Courtesy or C class visa. For the NGO, one requirement is a copy of a valid Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the MoFA.If your NGO can provide that along with the other requirements, you can get a visa in an embassy. The embassies in the USA, UK, and Europe are granting C-class visas now. I believe they are accepting tax registration.
You do need the letter of employment from the NGO. Must be on official headed paper, signed, stamped.
Where are you planning to apply? The NGO you work with can definitely help you with this.
We are a Bangladeshi Businessman and want to do a Recruiting Company in Cambodia. We want to send skilled Construction Labor from Bangladesh to Cambodia through official Manner. We like to know the process and costing for setting up such Company over there.
Hi Deb,
Great article. Just signed up too.
My wife and I have been staying in Cambodia since late March and, as we entered with our Indonesian passports, we got the standard 30 day tourist visas (ASEAN). Since staying here, we’ve come to love Cambodia and hope to work, invest and do business here. Can we goto either Laos or Singapore to try to get a Business Visa/Work Permit?
Please advise, thanks!
Hi Charlie. Thanks for stopping by. Cambodia is a lovely country. No wonder you fell in love. As you must know, Cambodia has suspended its visa exemption policy for ASEAN national for COVID. You can very well try for a business visa in Singapore. I am hoping that you have all the required documents for the business visa, mainly the letter of employment and that you are aware of the 72-hour rule.
Here is an article on doing that in the UK if you wanna have a look: https://thevisaproject.com/experience/cambodia/cambodia-visa-from-uk-covid-19-trip/
Hi Deb,
great info! I am a digital nomad currently in Thailand and need to leave soon but would like to return to SE Asia, this time Cambodia when I have finished a few weeks business in Europe (pandemic permitting). I was thinking it would be simpler to obtain my EB visa in Bangkok before I leave (lockdowns in Europe). I have googled it but cannot find anywhere how long the visa would be valid for before I have to use it? Because when I get it, the clock ticks on when I would have to enter Cambodia. Do you know how long that would be? It’s often 30 days in some countries though others have 3 months. With everything happening it makes a big difference. Grateful for any info!
Hi Blue,
Thanks for stopping by. The Visa is valid for a single entry into Cambodia within 3 months of the date of issue, so I believe your visa would have an expiry date of 3 months from the date of issuance. The clock runs for 3 months from the date it is issued. But the duration of your stay will be for 30 days once you enter.
I will be going to Cambodia on a work visa. I have a validation certificate… but how to I apply for my wife and kids during all the Covid restrictions?
Hi Charles. I assume that you already have a work visa? If you have the validation certificate for yourself, you can contact the embassy where you are applying about the visa for your wife and kids. They should be covered through you. And once you are in Cambodia, they can extend the visa.
Hey!
Thank you for the article. I am trying to learn more about the courtesy visa extension. Do you know how long the visa can be extended for after the initial 30 days?
I live here and had to register for the FPCS in order to renew my visa. Also, I went to a travel agency and they told me I needed another form which I do not know of and my boss said she does not know if she could get it. She said I do not need it. Do you know anything about this?
Thank you
Hi Wayne,
Attaching the screenshot of FPCS registration is a requirement for EB visa extension. You would need to input your Check-out Date
, Room No. (No need if there is no room No.), Visa Expiration Date, Visa Number. In principle, you need to ask your landlord to register your name on FPCS for your visa extension. But you can do it or ask an agent as well.
Hi
Thanks so much for the great info! Are there currently any options for digital nomads, who are self employed, to get into Cambodia? I see that you currently need to a letter from an employer to get a business visa. Is there any way around that?
Hi Andy,
It is possible to get into Cambodia without an employment letter now, although an employment letter will make the process much easier. It also depends on which country you are applying from. Here is the experience of someone who applied Cambodia visa in Canada.
Hi there.
Is there any restrictions for going into Cambodia to look for a job at this current moment with the pandemic happening? I am not employed but would like to look for a job there. What type of visa should i be applying for and how do i do it?
Hi Ines,
You can get a Cambodia ordinary visa from a Cambodian embassy and go to Cambodia and then extend it as explained in the article. That will give you time to search for jobs. Right now, they are not issuing tourist visas.
Hey there! I’ve been reading your website for
a while now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Houston Texas!
Just wanted to tell you keep up the great work!
How can you obtain a E-business visa in the current COVID climate? Is it possible to apply for this visa online or must it be only through a consulate or embassy? I have contacted the embassy in Egypt regarding the E-business visa and they are stating a letter of intention for employment is necessary to obtain this visa. Are there any routes around this? I am hopeful to get the E-business visa so I can extend it for one year and be able to “feel out” whether I want to more long-term reside there or would feel more comfortable somewhere else for retirement.
Hi Stephen,
Right now, it is through a consulate or embassy only. The letter of employment can be obtained through an agent in Cambodia, although I would recommend you to do your homework if it is your first time. Lots of fakes making rounds. And if you can get gainful employment or register a company in Cambodia, you can also get it.
Hi. Very helpfull website !
Actually cambodia re-open to fully vaccined people. Alleluya !
What about EO visa delivred on arrival ?
New advise? I want do EO run visa
Regards !
Hi. Thanks for the detailed information on visa applications, this is quite helpful.
I am based in Mumbai, India and have a work permit and letter of employment from my employer in Cambodia. How can I apply for the business visa from Mumbai (since the Cambodia embassy is in Delhi). I have checked the official embassy website and it only allows application for tourist visa. Is there an option for business visa on arrival currently? What is the best way to go around this if I don’t want to travel to Delhi for application?
Thanks for your help!
Hi Dimple,
No visa on arrival for now. You can call/email the embassy. If the embassy is not issuing business visas, you would need to wait.
Hi I came to Cambodia on 3 Dec 2021,I have Khmer wife married 2016 and have 5 years old daughter.i have extended my tourist visa till 3 Feb 2022.i want to stay with my wife and daughter here but I can’t get any visa.my brother in-law offer’s me a job here.what shall I do.Tqvm Malaysian
Hi, can I register as tourist visa and after my vacation with family can I register a EB visa is that possible? Can I live In cambodia without finding work? Also, I have a family member that lives in cambodia what can I be registered as, what paperwork do I need for this?
did you post your passport to the embassy in London to get the visa in your passport, or did you have to go in person…. im not sure how you actually get it in your passport.
Hi Nick
You can send it through the post. Here is a more relevant article on how to get it in London: https://thevisaproject.com/experience/cambodia/cambodia-visa-from-uk-covid-19-trip/
What are the 2022 (present) , 6- 12 months E visa requirements.
(Probably the Covid Insurance cover is one thing.)
Hi Udul,
Yes, you can get the E visa on arrival in Cambodia these days. Apart from the Covid insurance, you would need to have the hotel booking and you should be vaccinated.
Hi! Can I get Business visa type E upon arrival at the Phnom Penh airport?
Yes, you can now a days.
I teach online, as does my partner – can we get a EB visa extension? we are considered self employed even though we are contracted to a company (non Cambodian), so I dont know what documentation we would need. Also, our 11 year old – what long term visa would he get, if we both had an EB visa?
I have tourist visa but wish to stay an extra two months can I apply for an ordinary visa
Hi Chrissy,
You might be able to extend this for a month using an agency. There are always mixed reports about this one.