When growing to Cambodia, you’ll need to ensure all employees obtain the proper work permits before making the move. Companies must also have a Foreign Workforce Quota, which is a permit for businesses or organizations to employ a number of international workers approved by the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training (MLVT). You must also have a local incorporated entity before you can sponsor international employees.
Types of work visas in Cambodia
All non-nationals coming to Cambodia for work must obtain an E-class visa, previously known as a business or ordinary visa, valid for 30 days. They must also obtain a work permit and employment card through the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training (MLVT). Cambodia introduced new E-class visa extension categories in 2016, which include:
- EB visa: The most common option for non-nationals working in Cambodia. It applies to anyone working in the country, starting a business, performing contractor work, and staying in Cambodia for more than a month.
- EP visa: EP visas are issued to nationals from other countries coming to Cambodia to look for a job, start a business, or remain in the country after their initial 30-day stay under the E-class visa.
- EG visa: The general visa that applies to those searching for employment. It can last 1, 3, or 6 months.
- ER visa: An ER visa is for those looking to retire in Cambodia. They must show documentation of retirement from their home country and prove they can financially support themselves.
- ES visa: A visa issued to students going to school or university in Cambodia. Holders can extend it indefinitely as long as they can provide a letter from a registered Cambodian school and prove they can financially support themselves.
- ET visa: This is the technician visa extension, meant for those who work in specific trades or industries.
Requirements to obtain Cambodia work visas
In order to sponsor employees for their Cambodia working visas and permits, companies must provide essential information and documentation, such as:
- Certificate of incorporation with company stamp
- Registered business address
- Tax patent with company stamp
- List of all international and local employees to ensure the ratio is not below 9:1 MOC approval
- The company’s articles of incorporation
Employees are required to provide their own information, including:
- Name, gender, date of birth, and height
- Copy of their ID cards and passports
- Copy of their E visa
- Current address
- Full names of their mother and father
- Education
- 3 photos
- Health certificate
- Information about their role with the company
- The year they received their first E visa
Application process
Employees can apply for their Cambodia working visas in advance at the nearest Cambodian Embassy by submitting the above documentation. They’re also available at the Phnom Penh airport upon arrival.
Once the individual has a work visa, they must apply for a work permit, which is valid for a year. Keep in mind that regardless of when the work permit was issued during the year, it is valid up to December 31 of the year of issuance. It can be renewed for as long as the period indicated on a residence permit. Cambodia has 2 different work permits — temporary and permanent options.
Temporary work permits apply to staff and management specialists, technical workers, skilled workers, and service providers/other laborers. International workers recognized by the Ministry of Interior, and international investors, spouses, and other dependents recognized by the Council for the Development of Cambodia are eligible for permanent work permits.
Other important considerations
Work permits and employment cards can be obtained through the convenient 1-window service office online system at FWCMS (mlvt.gov.kh). Employers are required to apply for a Foreign Workforce Quota annually, no later than the end of November, before hiring any international professionals. This permit is mandatory and must be submitted along with the application for a work permit and employment card.
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