Work Permits in Cambodia: Full Sponsorship, Quota Requests & Compliance from Our Legal Partners

Cambodia Work Permit Requirements 2026

Cambodia's Labour Law requires all foreign nationals who work in the Kingdom — whether employed by a local company, a branch of a foreign company, or an NGO — to hold a valid Annual Work Permit Card issued by MLVT. Working without a permit is a violation that can result in fines, deportation, and banning of your sponsor employer from hiring foreign workers.

The permit must be sponsored by a legally registered Cambodian employer. If you are self-employed or a freelancer, you typically need to be employed through your own registered company (100% foreign-owned LLCs are permitted — see our Company Registration service).

Step-by-Step Work Permit Process

1. 1
   Enter Cambodia on a Business Visa (E-Class)

   A work permit cannot be obtained on a Tourist Visa. You must first enter on a Business Visa. Your lawyer will advise on the correct sub-class.
2. 2
   Employer registers quota request

   Your sponsoring employer submits a Foreign Worker Quota Request to MLVT via the FWCMS online platform. Our lawyers prepare and file this on behalf of your employer.
3. 3
   Health examination

   You attend a mandatory health examination at an MLVT-approved clinic. The check covers TB, HIV, and general health. Results typically returned within 3–5 days.
4. 4
   Work permit application submitted

   With the health certificate, employment contract, passport copies, and employer documents in hand, our team submits the formal work permit application to MLVT.
5. 5
   Work Permit Card issued

   Upon approval (typically 2–4 weeks), you receive the Annual Work Permit Card from MLVT. This card must be renewed every year.

Annual Costs

The government fee for an Annual Work Permit Card is approximately USD 100–200 depending on your job category and employer size. This is paid annually to MLVT at the time of application or renewal. In addition:

• Health examination: approx. USD 50–80
• Employer quota request fee: variable by quota size
• Legal service fee: quoted transparently after consultation
• Business visa extension (12 months EG): approx. USD 290

Documents Required

• Valid passport with business visa
• Passport photo (4x6cm, recent)
• Employment contract signed by both parties
• Health examination certificate from approved clinic
• Employer's business registration certificate (MoC)
• Employer's patent tax certificate (GDT)
• Foreign Worker Quota approval from MLVT
• Criminal background check from your home country (apostilled)

What Our Lawyers Handle For You

NSSF Contributions

All employees in Cambodia — foreign or local — must be registered with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). Employer contributions cover occupational risk, healthcare, and pension schemes. Our lawyers ensure your employer registers you correctly and handles ongoing monthly filing obligations.

Freelancers & Digital Nomads

If you work remotely for clients abroad and are not employed by a Cambodian entity, you exist in a legal grey zone. While enforcement is currently limited, the responsible approach — and the one that protects you in the event of an audit — is to register a company and employ yourself through it. This also opens corporate banking, simplifies tax compliance, and demonstrates economic contribution.

Our legal partners offer a combined company registration + work permit package that handles everything in sequence, typically completed within 4–5 weeks total.