Business visa (EB) for Cambodia

In 3 bullets

• 35 USD on entry, valid 30 days, then 1 to 12-month extensions (45 to 285 USD).
• The only visa that grants right to work in Cambodia — but requires a separate annual work permit.
• Renewable indefinitely in-country: it is the standard visa for settled expats.

Eligibility

The EB visa (category Ordinary Visa E, sub-class Business) is open to:

• Anyone wishing to work, start a business, or stay long-term in Cambodia.
• No age requirement (≠ ER retirement visa which requires 55 years).
• No employment contract required at entry: unlike other Asian countries, Cambodia issues the EB without prior employment proof. Regularisation via the work permit is done once in-country.

Material conditions:

• Passport valid ≥ 6 months after entry, 1 blank page.
• ID photo (digital for e-Visa, paper for VOA ).
• 35 USD.

Cost and duration

• Initial visa: 35 USD via e-Visa or VOA, valid 30 days.
• Extensions (in-country, follow-on extension):
  • 1 month — 45 USD, single entry.
  • 3 months — 75 USD, single entry.
  • 6 months — 155 USD, multi-entry.
  • 12 months — 285 USD, multi-entry. (Most common choice for resident expats.)
• Annual work permit: 100 USD per year (mandatory if you work — see the work permit guide).
• Optional agent fees: 30 to 80 USD to manage renewal on your behalf.

The full list of Cambodia visas summarises annual costs by profile.

How to obtain the visa

1. e-Visa (recommended)

Apply at evisa.gov.kh by selecting category “Ordinary Visa E”:

1. Online form, scanned passport, digital photo.
2. Payment of 35 USD by card.
3. Receive the PDF within 3 business days.
4. Print 2 copies for entry.

2. Visa on arrival (VOA)

At international airports and main land border crossings. Same procedure as the tourist visa, but explicitly ask for the “Ordinary E”, Business sub-class visa — otherwise you will leave with a T visa that cannot be converted to EB without leaving the country.

3. Embassy

Possible but of little interest — e-Visa is faster and cheaper.

Required documents

On entry:

• Passport (≥ 6 months validity, 1 blank page).
• ID photo.
• 35 USD.

For the first extension (to do before the initial 30 days):

• Passport with current EB.
• 2 passport-format photos.
• Extension form (filled at the immigration office or by your agent).
• Amount corresponding to chosen duration (45 to 285 USD).
• Residential address in Cambodia (lease or employer letter).

Extension / Renewal

Unlike the tourist visa, the EB is extendable indefinitely. The central office is in Phnom Penh (General Department of Immigration, Russian Federation Boulevard, near the airport). Two channels:

• In person: hand over passport for 5 to 10 business days. Official cost only.
• Via agent: drop off passport with the agent, who handles it. Cost + 30 to 80 USD service. Majority choice for frequent travellers.

You can chain extensions without a cumulative cap: one 12-month multi-entry, then another 12-month at expiry, and so on.

Common pitfalls

FAQ

Do I need an employment contract to obtain the EB?

No, not on entry. It is one of Cambodia’s quirks: you take the EB first, then regularise your situation (contract, work permit) in the following months.

Does remote work for a foreign employer count as “working”?

Legally yes: if you are tax-resident in Cambodia (≥ 183 days), your activity is exercised there — even if you are paid by a French company. In practice, the Cambodian administration does not actively monitor remote workers, but the work permit remains legally required.

Can I include my spouse and children?

Not automatically. Each takes their own visa. Spouses without activity often take a “dependent” EB (without a work permit). Children at international schools generally take an ES (student) visa.

How long does a 12-month extension take?

Count 5 to 10 business days between drop-off and passport return. Start the procedure at least 2 weeks before expiry of your previous extension to avoid falling into irregularity.

Can I leave the country while my passport is at the agent’s?

No, not without a passport. Plan your trips before or after renewal — it is the main downside of the agent route.