Residence & citizenship
Cambodian Permanent Residence
Long-term residence status for foreigners with an established, lawful basis to remain in Cambodia.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
Cambodia's formal permanent-residence categories and any qualifying periods/thresholds could not be confirmed on an official page; verify the current residence framework with the General Department of Immigration before stating specifics.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Cambodia government website before you apply.
- Route type
- Long-term / permanent residence
- Administering authority
- General Department of Immigration, Ministry of Interior
- Issuing authority
- General Department of Immigration (Ministry of Interior)
- Permanent residence status for foreigners is granted and administered by the immigration authority under the Ministry of Interior.
- Where to apply
- General Department of Immigration, Cambodia
- Applications and renewals are handled by the immigration authority.
- Renewal
- Periodic renewal required
- The permanent resident card must be renewed periodically; the exact renewal interval and any tax/fee should be confirmed with the immigration authority (see review note).
- Leads toward
- Long-term settlement, with citizenship possible after qualifying residence
- Naturalisation may be sought after a qualifying period of legal residence; requirements are set separately under nationality law.
Who it is for
- Long-term workers, investors and business owners
- Family members of Cambodian nationals
- Foreigners established in Cambodia on renewable extensions of stay
How to apply
- Maintain a lawful basis of stay (e.g. renewable EB/ER extensions or CM2H)
- Confirm the current residence categories and requirements with the immigration department
Requirements
- Permanent residence is intended for foreigners recognised for long-term settlement in Cambodia, rather than short-term visitors.
- Typical qualifying routes include foreigners who have completed an extended period of continuous legal residence, and foreign investors and their family members recognised by the Council for the Development of Cambodia.
- You should already hold a valid long-stay (extendable) visa and status before applying for permanent resident recognition.
- Recognition as a permanent resident is granted by the Ministry of Interior / General Department of Immigration on a case-by-case basis.
- Exact eligibility thresholds, any government fee, and the card's validity period should be confirmed directly with the immigration authority before applying.
Documents you may need
- Passport valid well beyond your intended stay.
- Your current valid long-stay (extendable) Cambodian visa and any extension-of-stay records.
- Evidence of your qualifying route — proof of continuous legal residence, or documentation of a recognised investment for investor applicants and their families.
- Completed application forms and photographs as required by the General Department of Immigration.
- Any additional supporting documents the immigration authority requests to verify your eligibility.
Frequently asked questions
Permanent residence is aimed at foreigners settling long term — typically those who have completed an extended period of continuous legal residence, and foreign investors and their families recognised by the Council for the Development of Cambodia. Recognition is granted by the Ministry of Interior on a case-by-case basis.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.