Overview
Foreign nationals seeking employment in Cambodia must obtain a valid work permit from the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT). This guide covers the complete 2026 requirements, application process, and compliance obligations for both employees and employers.
Critical 2026 Deadline
March 31, 2026: All foreign workers must complete their annual work permit renewal by this date. Late applications face penalties of $200-500 and potential work authorization suspension.
Work Permit
Annual authorization from MLVT
$100-300/year
EB Visa
Business visa extension
$285-360/year
Processing
Typical timeline
4-8 weeks
2026 Requirements
Cambodia's work permit requirements have been tightened in recent years to protect local employment. All foreign workers must meet the following criteria:
Eligibility Criteria
- Valid E-class visa: Must hold an Ordinary/Business visa (not tourist)
- Employer sponsorship: A registered Cambodian company must sponsor your application
- Health clearance: Pass medical examination at approved clinic
- Age requirement: Must be between 18-60 years old (exceptions for specialists)
- Skills justification: Position must require skills unavailable in local workforce
- Clean record: No criminal history (background check may be required)
Required Documents
Employee Documents
- Passport (6+ months validity)
- 4-6 passport-sized photos
- E-class visa (or conversion receipt)
- Health examination certificate
- Educational certificates (notarized)
- CV/Resume
Employer Documents
- Business registration certificate
- Tax registration (patent)
- MLVT quota approval letter
- Employment contract
- Company letter of employment
- NSSF registration (if applicable)
Application Process
The work permit application process involves multiple steps across different government agencies. Here's a detailed timeline:
Obtain E-Class Visa
Enter Cambodia on an Ordinary/Business visa (E-class) or convert from tourist visa. Valid for 30 days initially.
Extend to EB Visa
Extend E-class to EB (Business Extension) visa for 6 or 12 months through travel agent or immigration office.
Employer Registration
Employer must register with MLVT and obtain foreign worker quota approval before hiring foreign employees.
Health Examination
Complete medical examination at approved clinic. Includes blood tests, chest X-ray, and general health check.
Document Submission
Submit application to Ministry of Labour with passport, photos, health certificate, employment contract, and employer documents.
Work Permit Issuance
Receive work permit card after MLVT processing and approval. Must be renewed annually by March 31.
Pro Tip
Visa Types for Work
Understanding the visa hierarchy is essential for legal employment in Cambodia:
| Visa Type | Duration | Work Allowed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-class (Tourist) | 30 days | No | Cannot be converted to work authorization |
| E-class (Ordinary) | 30 days | With permit | Entry visa for business purposes |
| EB (Business Extension) | 6-12 months | Yes | Required for work permit holders |
| EG (General Extension) | 6-12 months | Limited | For dependents, retirees |
| ES (Student) | 12 months | Part-time | Limited work hours |
Costs & Timeline
| Permit Type | Duration | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Work Permit | 1 year | $100-150 | Full-time employees at registered companies |
| Self-Employment Permit | 1 year | $200-300 | Business owners, entrepreneurs |
| NGO/INGO Permit | 1 year | $50-100 | Non-profit workers |
Total Annual Costs
Budget for the following annual costs to maintain legal work status in Cambodia:
- EB Visa (12 months): $285-360
- Work Permit: $100-300 (depending on type)
- Health Examination: $50-100
- Document Processing: $20-50
- Agent Fees (optional): $100-200
- Total: $555-1,010 per year
Employer Obligations
Cambodian employers hiring foreign workers must comply with strict MLVT regulations:
Foreign Worker Quota
Companies are limited to approximately 10% foreign workforce of their total employees. This quota applies to most industries, with exceptions for:
- Management and director positions
- Technical specialists with skills unavailable locally
- Special Economic Zone companies (higher limits)
- Certain industries (IT, education, hospitality management)
MLVT Registration
Employers must register with MLVT before hiring foreign workers:
- Submit company documentation to MLVT
- Declare total workforce and foreign worker needs
- Receive quota approval (valid 1 year)
- Register each foreign employee individually
- Report any employment changes within 30 days
Penalties & Compliance
Compliance is Mandatory
| Violation | Penalty | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Working without permit | $500-1,500 fine per employee | Possible deportation, 5-year entry ban |
| Employing unregistered workers | $1,500-3,150 per employee | Business license suspension |
| Expired work permit | $200-500 fine | Must renew immediately, potential deportation |
| Exceeding foreign worker quota | $1,000-2,000 per excess worker | Quota reduction for following year |
Frequently Asked Questions
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