Tourism Operator License Cambodia 2026
Cambodia welcomed over 5 million tourists in 2025, with numbers continuing to grow. Starting a tour company requires a Ministry of Tourism operator license, vehicle registration, guide certification, and proper insurance. This guide covers every requirement for foreign tourism entrepreneurs.
Tourism Business Types
Cambodia's tourism sector encompasses several distinct business types, each with specific licensing requirements:
Licensing Requirements
| License | Issuing Body | Cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Registration (MoC) | Ministry of Commerce | USD 700–1,500 | 2–4 weeks |
| MOT Tour Operator License | Ministry of Tourism | USD 500–2,000 + $10,000 deposit | 4–8 weeks |
| GDT Tax Registration | General Department of Taxation | USD 100–400/year | 1–2 weeks |
| MLVT Labor Registration | Ministry of Labour | ~USD 50 | 1–2 weeks |
| Vehicle Registration (transport) | MPWT | Per vehicle registration | 2–4 weeks |
| Tourism Insurance Certificate | Insurance company + MOT | USD 500–5,000/year | 1–2 weeks |
| NSSF Registration | National Social Security Fund | Based on payroll | 1–2 weeks |
| Signage/Business Permit | Khan/Municipal Office | USD 50–200 | 1–2 weeks |
Tour Guide Certification
Vehicle Registration & Transport
Operating tourist transport services requires compliance with both MOT and MPWT regulations:
- All tourist vehicles must pass annual MPWT safety inspection covering brakes, tires, lights, seatbelts, and structural integrity.
- Tourist vehicles receive distinctive license plates identifying them as registered tourism transport.
- Comprehensive insurance including passenger liability is mandatory — minimum coverage depends on vehicle capacity.
- Drivers must hold the correct license class (B for cars/vans, C for minibuses, D for coaches) and have no major traffic violations.
- GPS tracking recommended by MOT for fleet operators — becoming mandatory for operators with 5+ vehicles.
- Vehicle age restrictions: MOT guidelines suggest tourist vehicles should not exceed 10 years old, though enforcement varies.
Insurance Requirements
Third-Party Liability Insurance
Covers injuries to tourists and third parties. Minimum coverage varies by activity type. Adventure tourism requires higher limits.
Vehicle Insurance (Comprehensive)
Third-party and comprehensive coverage for all tourist vehicles. Passenger injury coverage required.
Professional Indemnity
Covers claims arising from professional advice or service failures. Important for travel agencies booking flights and hotels.
Workers Compensation
NSSF covers workplace injuries. Additional private coverage recommended for high-risk adventure tourism employees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a foreigner own a tour company in Cambodia?
Yes. Cambodia allows 100% foreign ownership of tour companies and travel agencies. There is no requirement for a Cambodian partner. The company is registered as a Private Limited Company (PLC) at the Ministry of Commerce, then obtains a Tour Operator License from the Ministry of Tourism. A security deposit of USD 10,000 is required, held by MOT and refundable upon business closure. The foreign owner needs a valid work permit. Many successful tour operators in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh are fully foreign-owned.
What is the MOT security deposit and how does it work?
The Ministry of Tourism requires all licensed tour operators to lodge a security deposit of USD 10,000. This deposit serves as a guarantee fund to cover tourist compensation in case the operator fails to deliver services, goes bankrupt, or causes harm to tourists. The deposit is held in a dedicated MOT account and is refundable (minus any claims) when the operator surrenders their license. The deposit can be provided as cash or a bank guarantee from a Cambodian commercial bank. Annual licensing fees are separate from the deposit.
Can I hire foreign tour guides?
Yes, but with restrictions. Foreign nationals can obtain MOT tour guide licenses, but they are typically restricted to languages where there is insufficient supply of qualified Cambodian guides. In practice, this means foreign guides are most commonly licensed for Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Russian language tours. English and French-language guiding has sufficient Cambodian supply, making it harder for foreign nationals to obtain licenses in these languages. All foreign guides must hold work permits and comply with the 90% Cambodian workforce quota at the company level.
What insurance do I need to operate tours in Cambodia?
Minimum requirements: (1) Third-party liability insurance covering tourist injuries — required for MOT license. (2) Vehicle insurance (comprehensive + passenger liability) for any tourist transport vehicles. (3) NSSF registration for employee workplace injury coverage. Strongly recommended: professional indemnity insurance, adventure activity-specific coverage (for trekking, kayaking, diving operations), and travel protection insurance offered to tourists. Cambodian insurance companies (Forte, Caminco, CITIC-Prudential) offer tourism-specific policies. International operators often add global umbrella policies through Singapore or Thailand-based insurers.
How do I register tourist vehicles?
Tourist vehicles (vans, minibuses, coaches) must be registered with the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) and carry specific tourism designations: (1) Vehicle safety inspection at MPWT testing center, (2) Tourist vehicle registration (distinct license plates), (3) Annual roadworthiness certificate, (4) Comprehensive insurance with passenger liability coverage, (5) Driver must hold appropriate license class for vehicle type. Vehicles imported for tourism use can receive duty reductions under QIP status. Most operators lease vehicles initially to reduce capital requirements. Vehicle age restrictions may apply — some MOT regulations limit tourist vehicles to 10 years old.
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Legal Disclaimer: Tourism licensing requirements are set by the Ministry of Tourism and are subject to change. This guide is for informational purposes only. Consult a licensed Cambodian lawyer before commencing operations.
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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