Cambodian Citizenship by Investment 2026: USD 245k Donation or USD 1M Investment Route + Full Support
Obtaining Cambodian citizenship opens the door to ASEAN freedom of movement, direct land ownership, and a Cambodian passport. Three pathways exist: a direct government donation (from USD 245,000), an approved investment (from USD 1 million), or naturalization after 5 years of legal residency. Our licensed lawyers have guided clients through all three routes successfully.
Single Citizenship Country: Cambodia does not recognize dual citizenship. Obtaining a Cambodian passport requires renouncing your current citizenship. This is an irreversible decision — consult your home country's laws before proceeding.
Why Cambodian Citizenship?
Cambodia's citizenship program attracts investors and families from around the world for several compelling reasons. The Kingdom sits at the heart of ASEAN — a 680-million-person economic bloc with rapidly expanding trade and investment ties. As a Cambodian citizen, you gain full access to this region without the restrictions that apply to foreign nationals.
Domestically, citizenship unlocks rights unavailable to foreigners: direct land ownership (bypassing trust structures), unrestricted business activities in all sectors, and full participation in Cambodia's fast-growing economy. Property prices and business costs remain low by regional standards, making the Kingdom an attractive base for entrepreneurs.
For high-net-worth individuals considering a second citizenship, Cambodia offers a cost-effective entry point compared to European programs (Portugal, Malta) while providing genuine ASEAN positioning. The donor route, at approximately USD 245,000, is among the most affordable citizenship-by-donation programs globally for an Asian passport.
Cambodian Passport Benefits
The Three Citizenship Routes
Route 1: Direct Donation
Make a non-refundable donation of 1 billion Cambodian Riel (approximately USD 245,000–250,000) to the Royal Government of Cambodia's designated fund. This is the fastest and most straightforward citizenship route.
- 1Submit application to the Ministry of Interior (MoI)
- 2Background check and KYC documentation verified
- 3Donation transferred to designated government account
- 4Approval recommended to the Council of Ministers
- 5Royal Decree issued by His Majesty the King
- 6Cambodian passport issued by MoI
Route 2: Investment in Approved Project
Invest a minimum of USD 1 million in a Royal Government-approved project — qualifying sectors include real estate, manufacturing, tourism infrastructure, agriculture, and technology. The investment must be maintained for a minimum holding period.
- 1Select an approved investment project vetted by CDC (Council for the Development of Cambodia)
- 2Lawyers structure investment vehicle and prepare QIP application
- 3Submit citizenship application to MoI alongside investment proof
- 4Government due diligence on investment authenticity
- 5Approval via Council of Ministers and Royal Decree
- 6Cambodian passport and identity card issued
Route 3: Naturalization (Residency Path)
After 5 continuous years of legal residency in Cambodia (e.g., via CM2H Golden Visa), you may apply for citizenship through naturalization. This route requires basic Khmer language proficiency.
- 1Maintain legal residency (CM2H or other) for 5+ years
- 2Demonstrate basic Khmer language proficiency
- 3Submit naturalization application to MoI with full documentation
- 4Renounce previous citizenship (Cambodia is single citizenship only)
- 5Approval via Council of Ministers
- 6Royal Decree and passport issuance
Required Documents (All Routes)
- Valid passport from current nationality (and copies of all pages)
- Birth certificate (apostilled)
- Marriage certificate if applicable (apostilled)
- Clean criminal background check from all countries of residence (apostilled)
- Proof of investment or donation transfer
- Medical certificate from licensed Cambodian clinic
- Passport photos (10 copies, white background)
- Proof of legal residency in Cambodia
- Renunciation declaration (for Route 1 and 2)
Important Considerations
No Dual Citizenship
Cambodia's Law on Citizenship (1996) does not permit dual citizenship. Before proceeding, carefully research the implications for your current nationality. Some countries allow "renunciation with right to reclaim" — your home country lawyer must advise on this.
Royal Decree Required
All citizenship grants require a Royal Decree signed by His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni. This is a formal state process. Our lawyers have direct experience navigating the Ministry of Interior to Council of Ministers approval pathway.
Tax Implications
Becoming a Cambodian citizen may affect your global tax obligations. Cambodia operates on a territorial tax basis — residents are only taxed on Cambodia-sourced income. However, some countries (notably the USA) tax citizens on worldwide income regardless of residency. Seek advice from an international tax specialist.
In-Depth Guides
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Legal Disclaimer: Citizenship regulations are set by the Royal Government of Cambodia and subject to change without notice. Cambodia Knowledge Hub does not provide citizenship or immigration advice directly. All information is general in nature. Consult a licensed Cambodian lawyer and your home country's legal counsel before making citizenship decisions.
Our legal content is developed in partnership with licensed Cambodian attorneys and business consultants who specialise in foreign investment, immigration, and property law.
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