Dual Citizenship in Cambodia 2026: Can You Keep Your Original Passport?
Cambodia's Nationality Law (1996) technically requires renunciation of prior citizenship on naturalization — but the enforcement reality is very different. Thousands of naturalized Cambodians hold two passports simultaneously, and Cambodia has no public record of prosecuting anyone for dual-holding. Whether you can do the same safely depends far more on your home country's law than Cambodia's. This guide explains both sides.
What Cambodian Law Says About Dual Citizenship
Cambodia's Nationality Law (1996) technically requires a foreign national to renounce their prior citizenship when naturalizing as a Cambodian citizen. The declaration of intent to renounce forms part of the naturalization application and oath of allegiance process.
However — and this is the critical point — Cambodia does not have a formal mechanism to notify or coordinate with foreign governments. Cambodia does not contact your home country's embassy to confirm that naturalization has occurred. Cambodia does not demand proof that you have actually completed any foreign renunciation process. The declaration in the naturalization application is a formal requirement that is not enforced in practice.
In practice, many thousands of naturalized Cambodians hold both their original country passport and their Cambodian passport simultaneously, travelling freely on both. There is no public record of Cambodia ever prosecuting or penalizing a naturalized citizen for retaining their original nationality.
Cambodia explicitly recognizes and encourages dual nationality for Khmer diaspora (overseas Cambodians) returning from abroad. The Law on Cambodian Nationality specifically provides for Khmer diaspora to maintain both their adopted country citizenship and Cambodian citizenship. This is the one category where dual nationality is not merely tolerated — it is expressly permitted and encouraged by Cambodian law as a matter of national policy.
Country-by-Country Reality — Your Home Country's Rules Matter Most
The more important question is not what Cambodia says about dual citizenship — it is what your home country says. Some countries automatically strip citizenship when a national voluntarily acquires a foreign nationality. Others allow it freely. The table below outlines the position for the most common expat nationalities living and investing in Cambodia.
The key principle: it is your home country's law that determines whether you lose your original citizenship, not Cambodia's law. Cambodia will grant you Cambodian citizenship. Your original country decides what happens to theirs.
| Country | Dual Citizenship |
|---|---|
| USA | Allows dual |
| UK | Allows dual |
| Australia | Allows dual |
| Canada | Allows dual |
| France | Allows dual |
| Germany | Generally does NOT allow |
| China | Does NOT recognize dual |
| South Korea | Generally does NOT allow |
* Nationality laws change. Always confirm the current position with a qualified lawyer in your home country before making any citizenship decisions.
Practical Guidance for Dual Citizens in Cambodia
The Investment Route — No Renunciation Enforcement in Practice
Cambodia's citizenship by investment program grants citizenship by Royal Decree via a special contribution route, typically requiring a substantial investment (USD 245,000+) plus a prior period of permanent residency. The same Nationality Law technically applies — the naturalization declaration refers to renouncing prior citizenship — but the enforcement reality is identical to regular naturalization: there is no enforcement of the dual-holding prohibition.
Citizenship by investment applicants processed through the official program are routinely advised by their legal representatives on the dual citizenship question during the process. The consistent practical guidance from Cambodian lawyers: obtain Cambodian citizenship, retain your original passport, use each passport only in the country it belongs to.
The above reflects current enforcement practice as of March 2026. Cambodia's government policy could change. Any future tightening of dual citizenship enforcement would most likely be prospective (affecting future applicants) rather than retroactive. Our lawyers monitor regulatory developments and will alert clients to any policy changes.
For investors from strong-passport countries (USA, UK, Australia, Canada, EU) who want Cambodian residency rights without any citizenship complexity, the CM2H Golden Visa is an excellent alternative — it grants long-term permanent residency with 100% foreign ownership of business and property rights, and explicitly does not require renunciation of your existing passport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Cambodia take away my old (original) passport?
No. Cambodia does not confiscate or cancel your original country's passport. When you naturalize as a Cambodian citizen, Cambodia issues you a Cambodian passport. What happens to your original passport depends entirely on your home country's law — not Cambodia's. Cambodia has no mechanism to notify or coordinate with foreign governments. Many naturalized Cambodians hold both passports simultaneously without any Cambodia-side enforcement issue.
Can my children hold dual nationality in Cambodia?
Children born to a Cambodian parent (by naturalization or birth) are eligible for Cambodian citizenship. Whether they also hold their other parent's nationality depends on that other country's law. Most Western countries (USA, UK, Australia, Canada, France) allow children to hold two nationalities either from birth or until adulthood. Your lawyer should advise on the specific combination of nationalities in your family's situation.
What if my home country doesn't allow dual citizenship?
Then the risk sits on your home country's side, not Cambodia's. If your home country (e.g., Germany, China, South Korea) does not allow dual nationality and you naturalize as Cambodian, your home country may treat you as having lost your original citizenship — sometimes without formal notice to you. Cambodia will still have granted you valid Cambodian citizenship. You should take legal advice in your home country before proceeding with any Cambodian naturalization process.
Do I need to tell my home country I got Cambodian citizenship?
Cambodia does not formally notify foreign governments when it naturalizes their citizens. However, depending on your home country's law, you may have a legal obligation to self-report acquiring a foreign nationality. For example, some countries require civil servants, military personnel, or those holding security clearances to declare dual citizenship status. Consult a lawyer in your home country before naturalizing.
Can I travel to my home country on my original passport after getting Cambodian citizenship?
In most cases yes, if your home country allows dual citizenship. Countries that permit multiple nationality (USA, UK, Australia, Canada, France, etc.) expect their citizens to enter and exit their home country on their original passport. The universal practice for dual citizens is to use the Cambodian passport only when entering and exiting Cambodia, and the original passport for all other travel. Do not show your Cambodian passport to your home country's immigration officers.
Our Approach to Dual Citizenship Advice
- We assess your current passport strength and your home country's dual citizenship stance before advising
- We require you to take independent legal advice in your home country if that country has restrictions
- We explain the practical approach (which passport to use where) in clear terms
- For investors from strong-passport countries, we often recommend CM2H residency as a cleaner solution
- We only proceed when you have made a fully informed decision about the implications
Get Citizenship Advice
Our legal team advises on Cambodia naturalization, citizenship by investment, and how dual citizenship interacts with your home country's laws. Book a confidential consultation.
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Legal Disclaimer: This guide reflects general information about Cambodia's nationality law and enforcement practice as of March 2026. Nationality laws change frequently and the information about your home country's stance on dual citizenship may not be current. This is not legal advice. Always consult a qualified lawyer in both Cambodia and your home country before making any decisions about acquiring, renouncing, or changing citizenship status.
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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