How To Incorporate Your Company and Apply for a Business Visa in Cambodia?

Foreign investors are subject to relatively few legislative limitations since the Cambodian government aggressively promotes foreign direct investment. It provides prospective investors with a wide range of incentives and tax incentives. With the sole exception of land ownership by foreign investors, most industries in Cambodia are accessible to 100 percent foreign direct investment.

Since foreign aid organizations and multilateral institutions frequently assist the government in drafting new laws, the current legal system in Cambodia has more or less evolved into a hybrid system, which tends to be a mix of Cambodian traditions, the French-based legal system (which is an influence resulting from French colonization), and the common law-based jurisdictions.

 As one of the most dynamic nations in the center of Southeast Asia, a rapidly expanding region in the global economy, Cambodia offers an alluring land of opportunities for private investors as well as institutional investors. With a fast and sustainable economic growth of 7%, combined with business-friendly government policies. In addition, Cambodia joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and received membership in the World Trade Organization in 2004, which allowed the country's economy to access the international market.

Before you proceed to register company in Cambodia, Tetra Consultants' team of company formation specialists advises you to read through this article outlining the information pertinent to the types of business visas and the steps involved to apply for Business Visas in Cambodia. 

Business Visa in Cambodia: the requirements and steps

When it comes to legal visas and work permits, Cambodia is renowned for having strict regulations on paper but liberal policies in practice. However, as an employer, you must make sure that each employee has the appropriate Cambodian work authorization. Before you may sponsor foreign workers, you also need to obtain a local license and be a company registered in the nation.

Types of work permits in Cambodia: 

An E-class visa, formerly known as a business or ordinary visa, with a 30-day validity period is required for any foreign citizens traveling to Cambodia for work. Additionally, they must acquire an employment card and work permit from the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training (MLVT). In 2016, Cambodia added additional E-class visa extension categories, including

• EB Visa: The most popular option for foreigners working in Cambodia is the EB visa. It applies to everyone who enters to work in the country, establishes a business, engages in freelancing, or stays in Cambodia for a period of time longer than a month.
• EP Visa: Foreign citizens who are traveling to Cambodia to work, start a company, or stay on after their first 30-day stay under the E-class visa expires are given EP visas.
• EG Visa: The general visa known as the EG is available to anyone seeking employment. One, three, or six months are possible durations.
• ER visa: Those wishing to retire in Cambodia may apply for an ER visa. They must demonstrate their ability to sustain themselves financially and provide proof of retirement in their native country.
• ES Visa: Students who are enrolling in a school or university in Cambodia are granted an ES visa. If the holder can demonstrate they can support themselves financially and present a letter from a recognized Cambodian school, they can renew it permanently.
• EY Visa: For people who operate in particular professions or sectors, there is the ET visa extension.

Employees can apply in advance for their Cambodia working visas at the closest Cambodian Embassy by presenting the required paperwork. Additionally, they are accessible upon arrival at the Phnom Penh airport.

Once the person gets a work visa, they must submit an application for a work permit. This document is effective for a year and may be extended for the same amount of time as a residency permit. Both temporary and permanent work licenses are available in Cambodia.

Staff and management professionals, technical employees, skilled workers, and service providers/other laborers are all eligible for temporary work permits. Permanent work permits are available to foreigners who have been admitted as citizens by the Interior Ministry and to foreign investors, spouses, and other dependents who have been accepted by the Council for the Development of Cambodia.

Conclusion: 

• Tetra Consultants’ business expansion team of professionals will provide guidance and assistance throughout the foreign work permit Cambodia application procedure, ensuring a seamless process for you. We will additionally provide assistance with the submission of applications for securing work permits for your employees to ensure you timely start the operation of your business. 
• Contact us to find out more about which foreign work permit in Cambodia is most suitable for your business. Our team of experts will revert within the next 24 hours.