Expats will need a work permit for Cambodia in order to take up an employment offer in the country. The expat and the local employer will both need to submit numerous documents as part of the application process.

Applying for a work permit in Cambodia

Foreign workers must first secure a Type E Visa to enter Cambodia. Following this, they will be able to apply for a one-year work permit. The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training administers all applications via the Foreign Workers Centralised Management System (FWCMS).

Expats will need to submit certain documents, including their passport, visa, confirmation of residential address, health certificate, education particulars, and the details of their role in the company.

The sponsoring company will also have to provide multiple documents, including a list of all foreign and local employees, the registered business address and a certificate of incorporation. Expats must ensure they renew their permits annually to avoid incurring penalties.

Useful links

Visa and work permit regulations may change at short notice, and expats should contact their nearest Cambodian consulate or the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training for the latest information.

What do expats say about work permits and visas for Cambodia?

"Visas are readily available at the airport on arrival. You can extend the visa in person at the city’s immigration office but most people enlist a travel agency (these are prolific) and they do it for you in a week. Work permits are required if you are working here in Cambodia, and you’d also have to set up your tax account. There are plenty of agencies that can these things for you."

Read our expat interview about Cambodia with British expat Clare.

Further reading

►See Doing Business in Cambodia for info on the country's work culture

Are you an expat living in Cambodia?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Cambodia. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute, or fill in our expat interview form to be featured.