Is a Work Permit Required in Cambodia?
In Cambodia, a work permit is essential for foreign nationals due to the country’s economic structure and labor market conditions. One of the main reasons for this requirement is to protect job opportunities for Cambodian citizens. With a rapidly growing population and a large young workforce, the Cambodian government prioritizes local employment to ensure that its citizens have access to available jobs. By requiring work permits, the government ensures that foreign workers are only employed in positions where there is a demonstrated need for their specific skills, thereby safeguarding jobs for locals.
Another significant reason for the work permit requirement in Cambodia is to support the country’s economic development goals. Cambodia is actively working to improve and diversify its economy by attracting foreign investment and developing key sectors such as manufacturing, tourism, and technology. The work permit system allows the government to bring in skilled foreign professionals who can contribute to these sectors, filling critical skill gaps and helping to drive economic growth. This targeted approach facilitates the transfer of knowledge and expertise to the local workforce, which is essential for sustainable development.
Ensuring compliance with labor laws and standards is also a crucial aspect of Cambodia’s work permit system. The government uses the work permit process to make sure that foreign workers are employed under conditions that adhere to Cambodian labor laws. This includes ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and access to social security benefits. By enforcing these standards, the government aims to prevent the exploitation and abuse of foreign workers, ensuring that all employees in Cambodia are treated with respect and fairness.
About the Cambodia Job Market
It always helps to have more information about your to-be workplace’s job market before you enroll for a work permit Cambodia.
Types of Cambodia Work Permit Available
Cambodia is very particular about their visas and giving work permits to foreign nationals. To get a foreign work permit Cambodia, you must have an E-class visa, valid for 30 days. Therefore, if you are applying for a Cambodia work permit online, it is essential to know the categories of E-class visa extensions:
EB Visa:
This is the most common E-class visa issued to foreign nationals who wish to work in Cambodia. Anyone working, starting a business, or a freelancer wanting to stay in the country for more than a month, should opt for this Cambodia work visa.
EP Visa:
If you haven’t yet landed a job but are actively searching for one, this is the right foreign work permit Cambodia. This visa is valid beyond the initial 30-day stay under the E-class visa. Foreigners who cannot find steady employment are not permitted to stay beyond the extension of three months.
EG Visa:
With a flexible validity to choose from, this is a general work permit Cambodia for those searching for employment. It can be up to one, three, or six months.
ER Visa:
If you have retirement plans in this beautiful country, you should apply for this type of visa. You will be required to show enough documents that support your retirement in the home country and financial stability to live here. These are granted to those above 55 years of age.
ET Visa:
Those who work in specific trades and industries come under this category. This is a technician visa extension.
An important thing to note here is Cambodia’s work permits are divided into two categories: Temporary and Permanent. Temporary visas are issued to technical staff, management specialists, skilled workers, service providers, and other labourers. In comparison, a permanent work permit is for the immigrants recognised by the Ministry of Interior. These include foreign investors, spouses, and other dependents recognised by the Council for the Development of Cambodia.
Requirements for a Cambodia Work Permit Visa by Cambodian Employers
You cannot directly apply for a Cambodia work permit online unless you have an employment card issued by the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training (MLVT). An employer has to secure this foreign work permit Cambodia for their employees outside the country. Here’s what an employer should do to get work visas for foreign employees in Cambodia:
- Certificate of incorporation with valid company stamp
- Registered business address
- Foreign employee quota approval
- Tax patent with company stamp
- Approval from the Ministry of Commerce
- Articles of incorporation of the company
Requirements for a Cambodia Work Permit Visa by Cambodian Employees
As an employee, here is the list of documents related to Cambodia work visa requirements:
- Name, gender, date of birth, and height
- Valid passport
- Identity card
- Residential address proof
- Education certificates
- 3 Photos
- Health certificate
- Copy of E-visa
- Year in which expatriate received their E-visa
- Details about job role in the company (weekly hours, salary, form of salary payment)
Cambodia Work Permit Visa Application Process
When applying for a work visa, it is crucial to begin in advance, and have the application process sorted before you land in the country. Even though there is an option to apply for foreign work permit Cambodia at the Phnom Penh airport upon arrival, it is always better to get it done beforehand. Know how to apply for a Cambodia work permit:
- Get a valid E-visa from your employer.
- If you do not have an employer to sanction your E-visa, you will have to apply for a self employed work permit Cambodia.
- Collect your documents and go to your nearest Cambodian Embassy.
- For the Cambodia work permit online applications, visit the Ministry of Labour’s Foreign Workers Centralized Management System.
- Submit the application form issued by the Ministry of Interior.
- Pay the fees.
- Wait for the processing of the working permit.
Timeframe for Cambodia Work Permit Application
It takes about a month in total to process a work permit in Cambodia. The duration is longer in time of public holidays.
How Does Multiplier Help With Work Permit?
Multiplier is a global EOR solution with local entities in over 100 countries. We can help you in onboarding and managing a team of employees from around the world smoothly. Our HR suite of qualified experts guarantees end-to-end solutions to all users.
Using our SaaS-based solution, you can request a Cambodia work visa instead of relying on a work visa agency in Cambodia. The application process will be handled by our in-house experts, right from the documentation to costs. Moreover, you will be kept in the loop from the beginning through every step right till the end.