Cambodia Work Permit: Everything Expats Need to Know
A complete and practical guide to understanding work permits, requirements, validity, penalties, and procedures for working legally in Cambodia.
What You Must Know About the Work Permit in Cambodia
Anyone working in Cambodia: employees, business owners, freelancers with their own registered company must have a valid Cambodian work permit. A work permit is also required to apply for or renew a Business Visa (Visa EB).
- Validity: January 1 to December 31 (annual renewal)
- Average cost: Around $300 - $400 USD per year
- Exceptions: Embassy staff, government officials, and domestic workers
Who Needs a Work Permit in Cambodia?
If you work in Cambodia in any form, you must hold a valid work permit for the current year, whether:
- You are employed by a company
- You are the owner/director of your own business
- You plan to stay long-term with a Business Visa
Who Is Responsible for Applying?
Technically, your employer should handle the work permit application because several company documents are required (e.g., patent certificate).
However, in reality, many employers ask the employee to manage the process themselves. This is something you may need to negotiate directly with your company.
Who Pays for the Work Permit?
Officially: the employer
In practice: Often the employee
Before signing a contract, always clarify who covers the fee.
Processing Time
Once all documents are provided, the work permit is usually issued within 10 days. This timing is important if you also need to obtain or extend your Business Visa (EB).
Why the Work Permit Is Required Before a Business Visa
In Cambodia, the right to hold a Business Visa is linked to your work status. You must prove that you:
- Have a job
- Have a labor contract
- Or have your own legally registered company
This is why the work permit is mandatory to maintain your long-term stay.
Validity of the Work Permit
A Cambodian work permit is valid from:
January 1 → December 31
It must be renewed annually.
Who Is Responsible for Applying for the Work Permit in Cambodia?
If you are an employee, your employer is technically the one who should process your work permit application, since several company documents such as the patent certificate are required.
However, the company must be legally registered and fully compliant with Cambodian administrative requirements in order to request the permit.
Your Personal Responsibility
Even though the company is supposed to submit the application, YOU are ultimately responsible for holding a valid work permit. Without it, you cannot legally work in Cambodia and you cannot obtain or renew a Business Visa (EB).
NEW RULE (September 2025)
Work Permit Must Be Completed Within 90 Days of Your First Entry
If you enter Cambodia on a Visa E (Ordinary), you now have:
⏳ Maximum 90 days from your first entry to obtain your work permit.
If you exceed this delay, you will be required to pay:
- Late penalty
- Retroactive fees (based on previous stay)
➡ Even your first 1-month Visa E counts in these 90 days.
Work Permit Cost in Cambodia (2025)
As of August 2025:
Around $300 USD per year
Work Permit Deadline: You Must Apply Within 90 Days
If you plan to stay more than 3 months in Cambodia with a Business Visa (EB), you must apply for your work permit within 90 days from your first entry into Cambodia.
What date counts?
It is your very first entry into Cambodia with an Ordinary Visa (Visa E) that starts the 90 days countdown. Even if your first Visa E was only a 1 month entry, it still counts toward the deadline.
Failing to apply within the required 90 days can lead to significant penalties, in addition to the standard work permit fee.
Avoid penalties and visa issues
Applying on time is crucial to avoid fines and to ensure future Business Visa (EB) renewals without complications.
Business Visa Without a Work Permit
Penalties After 90 Days
If you stay in Cambodia with a Business Visa (EB) for 90 days or more without a work permit:
You must pay a penalty of around $500 USD, in addition to the normal work permit fee.
And you will NOT be able to extend your Business Visa until the work permit is issued.
Special Rule for First 6 Month EB Visa
If you previously received a first 6 month Business Visa (EB) without a work permit (which used to be allowed):
👉 You now MUST apply for a work permit within 60 days of that visa.
Failing to do so results in an additional $500 USD penalty.
Important Reminder
The authorities always use the date of your FIRST ENTRY with a Visa E to calculate deadlines.
Even if you left Cambodia and returned later, your very first entry is the reference.
Without a Work Permit, You Cannot:
- Obtain a 6 month or 12 month Business Visa
- Stay more than 4 months in Cambodia
- Renew your long-term visa
You will need to leave the country. *Since October 17, 2022, for employees and employers—see CAMBODIA VISAS.
BCC Recommendation
Contact us 1.5 months before your Business Visa expires to avoid:
- Overstay fees
- Work permit penalties
- Visa renewal complications
Required Documents for the Work Permit
You must first have a valid Visa E (Ordinary).
After reviewing your situation, we provide you with a simplified process. You don’t need to do anything, we handle everything.
- Estimated processing time: 2 weeks