Retirement visa (ER) for Cambodia

In 3 bullets

• Reserved for ages 55 and over, with no income proof required on entry.
• 35 USD on entry + 285 USD/year for the multi-entry extension: the simplest total annual cost to anticipate.
• No work permit required (and no right to work) — the key differentiator with the EB visa.

Eligibility

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

• People aged 55 or older at the time of application. Single proof: date of birth on the passport.
• Any nationality: no bilateral agreement required.
• No pension proof demanded on entry by Cambodian immigration. Unlike Thailand or the Philippines, Cambodia does not impose an income threshold for its retirement visa.

Material conditions on entry:

• 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.
• Annual extension: 285 USD for 12 months, multi-entry (you can exit and re-enter without further formality).
• Optional agent fees: 30 to 80 USD to manage renewal for you.
• No work permit: 0 USD — the major saving versus the EB visa (which adds 100 USD/yr).

To compare ER and EB side by side, see the full list of Cambodia visas.

How to obtain the visa

1. e-Visa (recommended)

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

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. Explicitly ask for the “Ordinary E, Retired” visa at the counter — otherwise you will leave with a default Tourist visa.

3. Embassy

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

Required documents

On entry:

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

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

• Passport with current ER.
• 2 passport-format photos.
• Extension form (filled at the immigration office or by your agent).
• 285 USD (+ any agent fees).
• Residential address in Cambodia (lease or accommodation letter).

Extension / Renewal

The annual extension (285 USD, 12-month multi-entry) is renewable indefinitely. The central office is in Phnom Penh, near the airport. Two channels:

• In person: hand over passport for 5 to 10 business days. Official cost only.
• Via agent: drop off your passport with the agent. Cost + 30 to 80 USD service. Majority choice for settled retirees.

Renewal is anchored on the expiry date of the previous extension, not on the calendar year: no peak season to dread as with the work permit.

Common pitfalls

FAQ

Do I need to prove a pension or income?

No, neither on entry nor at annual renewal. It is one of the big differences with Thailand (Retirement Visa OA) or the Philippines. No official threshold is applied by Cambodian immigration.

Is my French pension taxable in Cambodia?

If you are tax-resident in Cambodia (≥ 183 days/yr) and have not opted to maintain French taxation via the Franco-Cambodian tax convention, your pension may be declared in Cambodia. The country applies the Tax on Salary ( ToS ) but foreign pensions are generally non-taxable under ToS if paid outside Cambodia. See our upcoming Tax residency guide.

Can I switch my EB visa to ER after 55?

Yes, but like any category conversion, it requires exiting and returning with a new e-Visa of the right sub-class. No administrative switch in-country.

How long does the annual extension take?

Count 5 to 10 business days between passport drop-off and pick-up. Start the procedure at least 2 weeks before expiry.

Does the ER visa allow buying real estate?

The visa does not change property rules: a foreigner cannot own land outright but can buy a condominium unit within the 70%-per-building cap. The ER visa eases stay, not purchase. See our upcoming Buying a condo guide.