Your Guide to Cambodia’s E-Business Visa: Requirements, Benefits, and Unique Insights
By the end of this article, you’ll understand exactly who qualifies for Cambodia’s electronic business visa (E-Business Visa), how to apply, what ongoing obligations you’ll have—and you’ll discover lesser-known details that set this program apart from other investor visas worldwide.
What Is the Cambodia E-Business Visa?
The E-Business Visa (also called the EB Visa or “Business (E)”) is an electronic visa category designed for foreign nationals who wish to establish, invest in, or manage a business in Cambodia. Unlike a tourist visa, it grants the holder permission to engage in business activities and, with additional paperwork, to obtain a work permit.
- Valid for six months with multiple entries
- Renewable indefinitely in six-month increments
- Issued entirely online through the official e-Visa portal
Who Qualifies and What You’ll Need
Cambodia’s E-Business Visa stands out because it removes many common hurdles seen elsewhere. Here’s what you should know:
- No source-of-funds declaration
- No interview or language test
- No minimum education or management experience
- Eligibility for all nationalities as confirmed by the U.S. Department of State’s Cambodia visa entry requirements
Document Checklist
– Valid passport (minimum six months remaining)
– Passport-style photo (35 × 45 mm)
– Completed online application form
– Visa fee payment (US $35 for the E-Business Visa), per the Cambodia visa fee schedule
Application Steps and Fees
Applying for your EB Visa is straightforward. Follow these four steps:
- Visit Cambodia’s official e-Visa portal.
- Fill in personal details, travel plans, and business purpose.
- Upload required documents and pay the US $35 processing fee.
- Receive your e-Visa by email within 1–2 months, per the Ministry of Industry and Commerce’s visa processing times.
Processing time ranges from 4 weeks to 8 weeks, depending on seasonal demand.
Maintaining Your Visa and Extensions
Keeping your EB Visa valid involves a few ongoing tasks:
- Investment Maintenance
You must hold the qualifying investment (suggested minimum USD 50,000) for the visa duration, as detailed in the Cambodia visa requirements. - Work Permit
A separate work permit is mandatory if you wish to legally work or manage your business in Cambodia, according to the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training’s work permit guidelines. - Extensions
You can renew every six months at the Immigration Department in Phnom Penh or via authorised service providers.
Family Inclusion and Flexibility
- Dependent spouse and children under 18 can be added to your visa.
- No minimum stay requirement means you don’t have to live in Cambodia full-time.
Business Ownership and Tax Environment
Cambodia offers one of the most open ownership regimes in Southeast Asia:
- 100% foreign ownership allowed in all sectors except real estate and mortgage, per the Council for the Development of Cambodia’s foreign ownership policy.
- Attractive corporate tax rate of 20% and tax holidays available for qualified projects, as outlined by the General Department of Taxation’s rates.
Sector Restrictions
- Land and property acquisitions by foreigners must comply with the Cambodian Land Law (99-year lease maximum).
- Certain sectors—like natural resources—may require joint ventures with Cambodian partners.
Pathways to Long-Term Residency and Citizenship
The EB Visa does not automatically confer permanent residency or ASEAN-wide visa-free travel. However:
- Permanent residency is available after seven years of continuous EB Visa holding, subject to additional conditions (health check, clean criminal record, financial means), under the Law on Nationality of Cambodia.
- Citizenship may be sought after seven years under that same law, requiring fluency in Khmer and proof of integration.
“Cambodia’s E-Business Visa streamlines foreign investment without the typical barriers of forced interviews or fund audits.” – Dr. Sopheak Dara, Southeast Asia Trade Analyst
Ready to Launch Your Cambodian Venture?
You now have a clear roadmap: who can apply, what’s required, how to extend, and the unique perks—and limitations—of Cambodia’s E-Business Visa. With minimal red tape, broad ownership rights, attractive taxation, and family inclusion, it’s one of the most accessible investor visas in the region.
All information is accurate as of March 2025 and subject to change by Cambodian authorities.