Work Visa And Permit In Cambodia

Types of Cambodia Work Visa and Permits

The global workplace has increased coordination, making it easier for companies to leverage the international talent pool. 

Let’s discuss the various types of Cambodia work visas & permits available. This ensures a seamless entry of foreign talent into your team in Cambodia:

Cambodia work visa types

Foreigners working in Cambodia need an E-class visa. Also known as a 'business' or 'ordinary' visa, it must be valid for 30 days. Further, your international recruits can apply for various E-class Cambodian work visa extensions to extend their stay: 

• EB visa: This is the most common option for foreigners working in Cambodia, starting a business, or freelancing. It also covers dependents and those staying longer than a month.
• EP visa: Ideal for job seekers or those considering starting a business. It allows for a three-month stay while searching for employment.
• EG visa: This visa is for foreigners actively looking for work in Cambodia and lasts one, three, or six months.
• ET visa: An extension specifically for technicians or workers in designated industries.

Cambodia work permit types

There isn't precisely one type of work permit in Cambodia. Instead, there is one central work approval system that combines a work permit and an employment card.

As an employer, you must apply for a Cambodia work permit and an employment card on your employees' behalf. An employment card records the employment history of a foreign worker in Cambodia, while a work permit allows residence. 

Requirements for Cambodia Work Visa and Permits 

Global hiring is a strategic advantage for businesses seeking top talent in Cambodia. You can leverage it by considering the following visa requirements to work in Cambodia: 

Cambodia work visa requirements

• Valid job offer: You must draft a formal job offer before your recruits can apply for a Cambodia work visa.
• Legal entry: Applicants must enter Cambodia with the proper documentation.
• Valid passport: Applicants must have an original passport with at least six months of validity.
• Health clearance: Applicants must submit a health certificate confirming they are free from contagious diseases.
• Physical fitness: The job requirements may involve specific physical abilities that applicants must meet.
• Residency permission: Applicants need permission to reside in Cambodia beyond a work visa.
• E-class visa extension: Applicants must arrange a renewal fee in US dollars.

Cambodia work permit requirements

• Employer documents:
  • Company registration documents (certificate of incorporation or article of incorporation, registered business address, tax patent with company stamp, etc.)
  • Foreign employee quota approval (companies have a limit on foreign workers)
  • Approval from the Ministry of Commerce

• Employee documents:
  • Completed application forms
  • Valid passport with appropriate E-class visa
  • Health certificate
  • Work contract

Foreign employee quota requirements

Businesses must adhere to the following quota for obtaining a work permit in Cambodia: 

• Skilled labor - 6% of workforce 
• Office employees - 3% of the workforce 
• Unskilled labor - 1% of the workforce

However, companies can follow below steps to exceed the foreign employee quota:

• Approval from the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training (MLVT)
• Submit the completed work permit application through the Foreign Workers Centralised Management System (FWCMS)
• Pay the standard work permit fee and apply for a valid visa or residence permit

How to Apply for Cambodia Work Visa and Permits

Here's a detailed breakdown of the application process for Cambodia work visas & permits. This ensures a smooth transition for your foreign recruits in distributed work.

Work visa in Cambodia

• You can apply for an E-class visa online through a Cambodian embassy or consulate in your home country. An independent contractor may use as self-employed for one-time registration. 
• You can avail of visa-on-arrival at Phnom Penh Airport, Siem Reap International Airport, and Sihanoukville International Airport. 
• Moreover, applicants must apply for E-class visa extensions to work in Cambodia. 
• Eventually, Cambodia work visa cost may vary depending on the chosen method.

Work permit in Cambodia

After getting a work visa for Cambodia, employers must initiate the process of applying for a work permit in Cambodia alongside an employment card. The Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training (MLVT) issues the work permits together. Both are valid for one year and require annual renewal between January 1st and March 30th. 

Foreign worker permit inspections

An employer must prepare surprise checks on foreign worker permits through the Joint Foreign Workforce Inspection Team (JFWIT). Keep the following documents available at such time: 

• Company registration documents
• Foreign employee quota approval
• Employee work contracts, passports, visas, and work permits

Application processing time

The application processing time for obtaining a work permit can vary depending on the specific Cambodian work visa:

• E-class Visa (Initial Entry): 
  • Online application through the nearest Cambodian embassy/consulate may take three business days. 
  • But, a visa on arrival at Phnom Penh airport takes a few hours.

• Work permit and employment card: 
  • Processing through the Foreign Workers Centralised Management System (FWCMS) typically takes 7-10 business days.

Looking to Hire in Cambodia? Skuad Can Help

Skuad is your one-stop solution for building remote teams and managing international employment. Our platform handles the compliance requirements that empower organizations to seamlessly hire, onboard, pay, and manage remote workers across over 160 countries, including Cambodia. 

Here’s an exclusive benefit of partnering with us for your Employer of Record (EOR) solution. We can help your employees get a work visa for Cambodia and help you apply for a work permit in Cambodia. 

Request a demo of our EOR services and simplify your Cambodia work visa and permit compliance!

FAQs

Q1. How much is a working permit in Cambodia?

The actual cost can vary slightly depending on administrative fees, but typically around USD 200. Cambodia made the latest revision in work permit fees in 2017. 

Q2. How do you apply for a Cambodia work permit?

Submit all work permit and employment card applications through the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MVLT) online portal. Employers apply for a Cambodian work permit after their employees receive an E-class work visa. The ministry restricts the issuance of work permits for foreign employees but can extend these permits with prior approval. 

Q3. What is the minimum wage in Cambodia?

In Cambodia's textile, garment, footwear, and travel product industries, the minimum wage for regular workers is $204 per month. But for those on probation, it is US$202 per month. 

Q4. How long can I stay in Cambodia with a work visa?

You receive an initial entry E-class visa for 30 days. You can extend it for various durations depending on your situation:

• EB visa: For working, starting a business, freelancing, or staying longer than a month
• EP visa: Allows a three-month stay for job hunting.
• EG visa: For actively seeking work, with extensions of one, three, or six months.
• Work Permit and Employment Card: Valid for one year and requires annual renewal between January 1 and March 30. 

Q5. What happens if you work on a tourist visa?

Foreigners cannot work in Cambodia on a tourist visa. If you receive a work visa late, authorities may fine you, deport you, or bring legal charges against you as an employee. Employers should expect surprise inspections on foreign worker permits from the Joint Foreign Workforce Inspection Team (JFWIT).