Can I live in Cambodia long-term on an Ordinary Visa?

Yes, and most expats do exactly this. The Ordinary Visa (E-class, $35 on arrival) is extended to a 12-month EB (business) visa for $290–$300 through a local agent. You renew it annually without leaving the country. No employment proof, income requirement, or language test is needed. It is one of the simplest long-term visa systems in Asia.

Do I need a work permit if I work remotely for a foreign company?

Technically no. Work permits are required for those employed by or operating a Cambodian-registered business. Digital nomads and remote workers paid by foreign companies are not required to obtain a Cambodian work permit. However, you should hold a valid EB visa for your stay. The situation is pragmatic and unenforced for remote workers as of 2026.

What is the cheapest way to get a 1-year visa?

Arrive on an Ordinary Visa ($35 at the airport or border), then extend to a 12-month EB visa through a local agent in Phnom Penh for $290–$300. Total cost for a full year of legal residence is approximately $325–$335. Agents in BKK1 handle everything — you drop off your passport and pick it up in a few days.

Can I bring my family on my visa?

Each family member needs their own visa. Spouses and children enter on their own Ordinary Visa ($35 each) and extend individually. There is no formal dependent or family visa category. Children under 12 may qualify for reduced fees at some entry points, but this is inconsistently applied. The process is the same for each person.

What happens if I overstay my visa?

Overstaying incurs a fine of $10 per day, payable at immigration when you depart or renew. Short overstays (a few days) are handled with the fine only. Extended overstays (months) can result in detention, deportation, and entry bans. Always extend before your visa expires — agents can process renewals quickly if you are running close to the deadline.

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🇰🇭 Cambodia

Visa & Residency

$35

Ordinary Visa (E-class)

30 days, extendable

$290–$300

1-Year Extension (EB)

Business visa, renewable annually

$30

Tourist Visa (T-class)

30 days, limited extensions

Instant

Processing Time

Visa on arrival at airports/borders

$100–$200/yr

Work Permit

Required for local employment

$36

E-Visa Online

evisa.gov.kh, 3 business days

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🏙️Phnom Penh 🏛️Siem Reap 🌿Kampot

🛂Visa 🏥Healthcare 💰Finance 🏠Housing 💼Working 🌆Daily Life ✈️Moving 📚Education 🌅Lifestyle 📈Investing

Overview

Cambodia has one of the simplest and most accessible visa systems in Southeast Asia. The Ordinary Visa (E-class, $35) is available on arrival at airports and land borders, and can be extended into 1-year business (EB), retirement (ER), or general (EG) visas through local agents for $290–$300/year. No proof of employment, income, or language proficiency is required for most extensions. This ease of access is a major draw for expats, digital nomads, and retirees who want to live in Asia without bureaucratic headaches.

Key Takeaways

Available on arrival at Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and all land border crossings — cost is $35 USD cash
EB (Business): The most common — used by employees, business owners, freelancers, and digital nomads alike
Work permits are issued by the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT)
Always carry USD in clean, crisp bills — torn or marked bills are frequently rejected at borders and visa offices

Ordinary Visa (E-Class): The Expat Standard

The Ordinary Visa is the foundation of long-term living in Cambodia. It is the visa type that virtually every expat, digital nomad, and retiree uses.

Available on arrival at Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and all land border crossings — cost is $35 USD cash
Grants 30 days initially; extendable from within Cambodia to 1, 3, 6, or 12 months
The 12-month extension (EB — business visa) costs $290–$300 through a local visa agent and includes multiple entry
No proof of employment, company sponsorship, or minimum income required for the EB extension
Visa agents in BKK1 (Phnom Penh) handle the entire process — you hand over your passport and collect it in 3–5 business days
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months with at least one blank page for the visa sticker

Visa Sub-Categories: EB, ER, EG, ES

Once you extend your Ordinary Visa, it is classified into sub-categories depending on your purpose of stay.

EB (Business): The most common — used by employees, business owners, freelancers, and digital nomads alike
ER (Retirement): Available to those aged 55+ with proof of retirement; same cost as EB (~$290–$300/year)
EG (General): For those not working, studying, or retired — a catch-all category for long-term residents
ES (Student): For those enrolled in recognized educational institutions in Cambodia
All sub-categories grant 12-month stays with multiple entry when extended to the full year
Switching between sub-categories is possible at renewal — consult your visa agent for the current process

Work Permits & Employment

If you are employed by a Cambodian company or operate a registered business, a work permit is now mandatory.

Work permits are issued by the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT)
Cost is approximately $100–$200/year depending on the sector and employer type
Your employer typically handles the application; self-employed expats with a registered company apply through their business
Required documents: passport, visa, employment contract, photos, and medical certificate
Digital nomads working remotely for foreign companies do not technically need a Cambodian work permit
Enforcement has increased since 2024 — working locally without a permit carries fines and potential deportation

Practical Visa Tips & Border Crossings

Navigating Cambodia's visa system is straightforward, but a few practical tips can save you time and money.

Always carry USD in clean, crisp bills — torn or marked bills are frequently rejected at borders and visa offices
Visa agents in Phnom Penh (BKK1, Russian Market area) charge $20–$40 service fee on top of government fees
Popular land border crossings: Bavet/Moc Bai (Vietnam), Poipet (Thailand), Stung Treng (Laos)
E-visa (online) is available at $36 via evisa.gov.kh — valid for Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports only, not land borders
Overstaying your visa incurs a fine of $10/day — the immigration department is strict about this
Keep photocopies and digital scans of your passport, visa, and extension stickers at all times

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