How to Relocate and Settle in Cambodia
A complete resource to prepare your relocation, understand visas, choose your city, budget your life, and successfully build your new future in Cambodia.
Key Topics About Moving And Living In Cambodia
It is relatively easy to emigrate and live in Cambodia. Life is gentle, the climate is pleasant and the Cambodian people are very welcoming.
However, Cambodian laws may differ significantly from those you know in other countries. We strongly recommend being accompanied by Business Center Cambodia (BCC) to avoid common mistakes and pitfalls that can affect newcomers.
Preparing Your Expatriation To Cambodia
Expatriating to Cambodia can be a highly rewarding experience if planned realistically and with proper advice. Since 2014, Business Center Cambodia has helped many families relocate and settle here. Our 10+ years of experience will save you time and spare you many administrative headaches.
Ten Reasons To Choose Cambodia
- Friendly and welcoming people
- Rich culture, pleasant climate, and beautiful landscapes
- Relatively easy access to long-term visas
- The ability to create a 100% foreign-owned company
- Low taxes and favorable fiscal conditions
- Strategic location in the heart of Asia
- Wide use of the US dollar alongside the riel
- Political stability
- Low exposure to major natural disasters (tsunami, large earthquakes)
- Promising long-term economic prospects
Quality Of Life In Cambodia
Expect less stress, fewer consumer pressures, more personal freedom and opportunities, and—of course—sunshine and smiles year-round.
What Budget Do You Need To Live In Cambodia?
Living costs in Cambodia are generally low, but they depend on your lifestyle.
Typical Monthly Budget (General Indicative Figures)
- Single person: Around $1,200 per month for a comfortable life.
- Very comfortable for one person: Around €1,500 per month.
- Couple: Around €2,000 per month for a comfortable lifestyle.
(These estimates exclude private health insurance.)
Food
Local food: fruits, vegetables, rice and fish is very cheap. Imported Western products (cheeses, bread, pastries, cold cuts, wine) are available but cost more. Eating locally is far cheaper than eating imported Western products.
Electricity
Electricity can be relatively expensive compared to local wages, especially with heavy air-con use. Expect bills around $150/month for a two-room apartment with frequent air-conditioning.
Water
Water is inexpensive often around $10/month or even free depending on supply arrangements.
Phone / Internet
Mobile and internet services are very affordable. A local SIM card with data can cost less than $5, and prepaid top-ups are common. Internet is widely available in cafés and most homes.
Transport
- Buses and trains: Very cheap: a 6 hour trip can cost around $12.
- Long-distance private car with driver: Example Phnom Penh ↔ Kep ~ $50.
- For city trips, tuk-tuks or ride-hailing apps (Grab / Pass App style) are inexpensive: $2 - $3 for many short journeys.
- Driving long distances yourself is not recommended due to road safety.
Housing
Prices vary widely by city and standard. For a two-bedroom, western-style apartment (mid-range), approximate monthly rents:
- Kampot / Kep: ≈ $350
- Siem Reap: ≈ $400
- Phnom Penh: ≈ $700
Leisure & Dining Out
Entertainment and dining are generally much cheaper than in Europe, though imported items and high-end venues cost more. BCC can provide a tailored budget estimate based on your lifestyle and hobbies.
Is It Easy to Obtain a Visa to Live in Cambodia?
A long-term visa to live in Cambodia is very easy to obtain and affordable (LESS THAN $400 per year). Cambodia is one of the easiest countries in the world for foreigners to settle and live in permanently.
The maximum duration of a Cambodian visa is 12 months, and it must be renewed every year. There are several types of long-term visas available depending on your situation:
- Investors / Workers
- Retirees
- Students
- Business prospectors
Business Center Cambodia handles your long-term visa as soon as you arrive. See also: How to Obtain a Cambodian Visa
Finding Accommodation in Cambodia
There is a wide range of rental properties available in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, with fewer options in smaller cities like Kep.
- Phnom Penh: With the development of modern “condominiums,” you’ll find apartments with amenities such as security, pools, gyms, and more. Prices range from $400 to over $2,000 per month.
A typical 2-bedroom apartment in Phnom Penh costs around $700 per month.
- Siem Reap: Remains the most affordable city for housing, with high-quality options. A T2 apartment usually costs around $400 per month.
To move into a rental unit, you will need to pay the current month’s rent plus a deposit equivalent to 1 or 2 months of rent. The deposit is forfeited if you leave before the agreed contract end date.
BCC TIP: There are many offers available, but you must be careful with rental contracts. Check out the listings on BCC REAL ESTATE CAMBODIA for reliable properties.
Working in Cambodia
Finding a Job in Cambodia
Finding a job once you are already in Cambodia is not easy, especially for foreigners. It is usually better to secure a position before arriving in the country.
Salary Expectations in Cambodia
Unless you work for an international company or a business targeting foreigners, speaking English is essential, and many local companies also expect employees to speak Khmer.
Salaries are relatively low compared to Western countries, but purchasing power is higher.
- The average Cambodian salary is around $300/month.
- Foreigners, depending on qualifications and experience, typically earn between $600 and $2,000/month.
If you plan to work for an employer or start your own company, you will need a Cambodian Work Permit.
Work Permit in Cambodia
If you intend to work for a company in Cambodia or register your own business, a Work Permit is mandatory. This permit is issued once you have a valid employment contract (if hired) and the required company documents.
Annual Cost of a Work Permit
The work permit costs approximately $200/year, valid from January 1 to December 31. It must be renewed every year.
Employers are normally responsible for processing the work permit for their employees.
Important:
Having a work permit is mandatory to obtain a 6 month or 12 month Business Visa.
Business Center Cambodia handles the entire process for you, including document preparation and registration, no need for you to travel anywhere. See: Work Permit Services in Cambodia
Is It the Right Time to Settle and Start a Business in Cambodia?
Even though administrative requirements have increased in recent years, Cambodia remains one of the easiest Southeast Asian countries for expats. It still offers real opportunities for investing and living abroad.
Many opportunities remain in Cambodia, with very attractive conditions.
Business Center Cambodia provides valuable assistance if you are considering moving to Cambodia, answering your questions and giving you all the important information to plan your expatriation, followed by personalized support. Contact us
Expats: Can You Drive in Cambodia?
To drive in Cambodia, you will need a Cambodian driving license.
This license can be obtained using the original driving license from your home country.
Although an "international driving permit" is officially valid in Cambodia, officials are not always aware of this. Additionally, it will be very difficult to get insurance without a local license.
Without a Cambodian license, you can only drive a motorbike (moped) of 125cc or less.
Driving conditions can be chaotic and dangerous!
See the dedicated page: Cambodian Driving License
How to Start a Business in Cambodia
If you are planning to start or take over a business in Cambodia, it is entirely possible.
One advantage in Cambodia is that you can create a 100% foreign-owned company; you do not need a local partner holding shares, unlike in many other countries.
Setting Up a Company in Cambodia
Even though starting a business in Cambodia may seem less complicated than in other countries, the challenges are different. The first challenge is the language: all official documents are in Khmer.
Administrative procedures can seem complex because multiple steps must be completed in the correct order with various ministries to obtain licenses and permits.
It is not recommended to register your business in Cambodia on your own.
Taxes and Obligations for Companies in Cambodia
Taxes in Cambodia are light (around 20%), and accounting requirements depend on the legal structure of your company but remain manageable.
Rules and regulations are also relatively flexible. Opening a business or company in Cambodia is feasible without major difficulties.
Local authorities and the population are welcoming to foreign businesses.
See the dedicated page for more details: Starting a Company in Cambodia
Business Center Cambodia is a specialist in company creation and business acquisition in Cambodia.
We offer a preliminary study to help you establish and grow your business. You will receive professional and objective guidance on local practices and real opportunities. We handle all administrative procedures for creation, compliance, and operations. With proven experience in business development, BCC identifies and negotiates suitable locations for your project with secure contracts.
See some business listings: Commercial Listings
What Is the Best Time to Move to Cambodia?
The best period to relocate to Cambodia is from May to September.
Although moving during the rest of the year is also entirely possible, this period (outside the “high season”) generally offers a higher number of housing rental opportunities and more businesses available for takeover often at the lowest prices of the year.
Feel free to contact us to take advantage of exceptional opportunities!
Which City Should You Choose to Live in Cambodia?
This will depend on your personal situation and your future plans in Cambodia.
If you have teenagers attending school, some cities will be more suitable due to the presence of international or high-quality schools.
If you plan to start a business in Cambodia, certain commercial projects may perform better in one city than another.
Our Project Study Service can guide you toward the city that offers the best chances of success for your business.
Other criteria may also influence your decision: landscape, environment, access to healthcare, sports facilities, and proximity to shops.
Business Center Cambodia will advise you on choosing the most suitable city to settle in and offers a unique service in Cambodia to help you explore your potential new life: Business Tourism.
Health, Medical Services and Vaccinations for Moving to Cambodia
No vaccine is required by the Cambodian authorities to enter, live, or settle in the country.
However, it is recommended to be up to date with your routine vaccinations. We strongly advise getting vaccinated against rabies.
For other vaccines such as Hepatitis A, Japanese Encephalitis, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, and Malaria, here are the recommendations from Institut Pasteur:
https://www.pasteur.fr/fr/centre-medical/preparer-son-voyage/cambodge
Healthcare facilities in Cambodia have significantly improved and multiplied in recent years. There are also many foreign (including English-speaking) practitioners in various specialties. However, for certain injuries or conditions, neighboring countries may still offer better treatment options. Here is a (non-exhaustive) list of practitioners, clinics, and hospitals in Cambodia.
Most medications available internationally can also be found in Cambodia. There is even a foreign pharmacy chain with many locations across the country (UCARE).
A major difference compared to many Western countries: you can obtain most medications without a prescription.
Even if not mandatory, having health insurance is highly recommended.
Housing and Business Opportunities in Cambodia
The Opinion of Business Center Cambodia
A successful expatriation requires proper preparation and proper guidance!
Business Center Cambodia Gives You All the Keys to Succeed in Your Cambodian Expatriation