Cambodia is one of Southeast Asia's most accessible expat destinations : ultra-low cost of living, a fully dollarised economy (USD used everywhere), relatively straightforward residency via business or ordinary visa, and Phnom Penh and Siem Reap offer surprisingly vibrant expat communities.
Updated: 20 May 2026 : Editorial Team, eVisa-Card.com
⚠️ Important 2026 update : Cambodia: mandatory e-Arrival Card, end of paper stamps
The Cambodia e-Arrival Card must be submitted online within 7 days before the flight, in addition to the e-Visa. Air arrivals no longer receive a physical passport stamp (email confirmation only). A trial 14-day visa exemption for Chinese citizens runs from 15 June to 15 October 2026.
Effective: Already in force; China trial exemption 15 Jun - 15 Oct 2026
Cambodia at a Glance
| Capital | Phnom Penh |
| Currency | Cambodian Riel (KHR) / USD |
| Language | Khmer |
| Monthly cost | ~$700-1,400/month |
📋 Table of Contents
🛂 Visa & Residency Options
| Visa Type | Details |
|---|---|
| E-Visa (T class / Tourist) | Available online at evisa.gov.kh. 30 days, single entry, extendable once for 30 days. Cost: $30 + $6 processing fee. |
| Ordinary Visa (E class) | Available on arrival or online. 30 days, can be extended multiple times. The 'E' visa is the basis for most long-term stays. Extensions: 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year (multiple entry possible on 1-year extension). |
| Business Visa (EB class) | For those conducting business. Extendable for 1 year multiple entry. Popular with expat business owners and remote workers. |
| Retirement Extension | No specific retirement visa, but those 55+ can apply for a 1-year 'retirement' extension of their ordinary visa. Requires proof of $1,500/month income or $50,000 in bank. |
| CAMKIDS Visa (for families) | Specific category for foreign family members of Cambodian nationals. |
Step-by-Step Process
- Apply for E-Visa online before travel OR obtain visa on arrival at Phnom Penh / Siem Reap airports
- For long-term stay: extend your E-class visa at an immigration agent or the Department of Immigration
- Most expats use an immigration agent (~$200-350/year for 1-year multiple-entry EB extension)
- Register your address at the local sangkat (commune) office
- Obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) at the General Department of Taxation if working
🏥 Healthcare in Cambodia
Public Healthcare
Cambodia's public healthcare system is very limited. Most public hospitals lack basic equipment and medicines. Expats should use private hospitals for all care beyond minor issues.
Private Healthcare
Private hospitals in Phnom Penh (Royal Rattanak Hospital, Sen Sok International University Hospital, Naga Clinic, Sunrise Japan Hospital) provide adequate to good care. Siem Reap has Royal Angkor International Hospital. For serious conditions, Bangkok is the standard evacuation destination (~1 hour by plane).
Typical Costs
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Private GP consultation | $25-60 |
| Specialist consultation | $50-100 |
| Emergency room (private Phnom Penh) | $100-500 |
| Hospitalisation (private, per night) | $200-600 |
| Dental cleaning | $25-50 |
| Medical evacuation to Bangkok | $5,000-20,000 (without insurance) |
🛡️ Health Insurance in Cambodia
International health insurance is not required for any visa category in Cambodia but is essential for safety. The combination of limited local facilities and proximity to excellent Thai hospitals makes evacuation coverage critical.
Top Providers for Expats
Local expat-focused insurer. Good network of Phnom Penh private hospitals. From ~$600/year.
Strong medical evacuation and Thailand coverage. From ~$1,500/year.
International plan with broad coverage. Good for frequent travellers. From ~$1,000/year.
Comprehensive worldwide plan with repatriation. From ~$1,200/year.
Budget nomad insurance. Covers evacuation. Popular in the expat community. From ~$45/month.
🏦 Opening a Bank Account in Cambodia
Cambodia's fully dollarised economy makes banking straightforward : USD accounts are the norm. Account opening is relatively easy for foreigners, even on tourist visa at some banks.
Recommended Banks
Required Documents
- Valid passport
- Cambodian visa (tourist may be accepted at ABA Bank)
- Proof of address (guesthouse or rental contract)
- Cambodian phone number (for app)
- Initial deposit ($100-500 for most account types)
Step-by-Step Process
- Visit ABA Bank branch in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap
- Present passport and visa
- Complete account opening form
- Account opened same day in most cases
- Download ABA Mobile app : one of the best banking apps in Southeast Asia
🏠 Buying Property in Cambodia
Foreigners CANNOT own land in Cambodia, but the law was amended in 2010 to allow foreigners to own condominium units on the 2nd floor and above (not ground floor or land). Workarounds include 50-year long-term leases and Cambodian company structures.
Options for Foreigners
Foreign ownership permitted from the 2nd floor upward in approved condominium buildings. Growing inventory in Phnom Penh. Sihanoukville and Siem Reap also have options.
Land and houses can be leased for 50 years, renewable for another 50. Common for villas and townhouses.
Many foreigners form a Cambodian company (with a Cambodian nominee director holding 51% of shares on paper). Legal but carries risk if done improperly.
Land held in a Cambodian spouse's name. Common but risky without legal protections.
Purchase Process
- Hire a reputable Cambodian real estate lawyer
- Verify the title (LMAP Title : the most secure type; avoid Soft Title)
- For condos: check building is registered with MLMUPC as foreigner-eligible
- Sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and pay deposit
- Lawyer conducts due diligence: title, permits, developer reputation
- Sign the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA)
- Transfer at the relevant authority and receive your ownership certificate
Typical Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Transfer tax (registration fee) | 4% of property value |
| Stamp duty | 0.1% of registered value |
| Notarisation | ~$200-500 |
| Lawyer fees | $1,000-3,000 |
| Annual property tax | 0.1% of assessed value above $25,000 |
| Annual rental income tax (if renting out) | 14% withholding tax |
About This Guide
This guide is researched and maintained by the editorial team at eVisa-Card.com. Last updated: 20 May 2026. Always verify current requirements with official government sources and consult a licensed professional before making major decisions.
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💰 Tax & Fiscal Exile
Capital Gains Tax: 0-20% (limited enforcement on crypto)
Key Tax Points
- USD-based economy, low tax enforcement on crypto
- 20% capital gains tax exists but rarely enforced for crypto
- KHR and USD dual currency system
- Growing fintech ecosystem
Simulate Your Tax Savings
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