Work permit for Cambodia

In 3 bullets

• Mandatory to carry out paid work in Cambodia on an EB or ET visa — regardless of the employer (Cambodian, foreign, remote).
• 100 USD/year, to renew between 1 January and 31 March each year.
• Issued by the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT) via the FWCMS portal, usually handled by the employer.

Eligibility

The work permit (work permit, work card) concerns:

• Any foreigner holding an EB or ET visa who earns income from an activity carried out in Cambodia.
• Including remote workers if their tax residency is in Cambodia — the administration considers the activity to be exercised locally, regardless of where payment is made.
• Including foreign directors of Cambodian companies (Co. Ltd., branch).

The following are exempt:

• ER (retirement) visa holders — they do not have the right to work.
• T (tourist) visa holders — also no right to work.
• Spouses without paid activity. A spouse of an EB-holding expat can themselves take a “dependent” EB without a work permit as long as they do not work.

Cost and duration

• Official fee: 100 USD/year paid to MLVT via the employer or the FWCMS portal.
• Validity: from 1 January to 31 December of the current year, regardless of the application date.
• Agent fees: 50 to 200 USD extra if you go through a firm to handle the procedure on behalf of your employer (typical for freelancers, solo founders).
• Mandatory medical exam: 5 to 30 USD depending on the accredited clinic.
• Penalties beyond 31 March: vary by year (in practice, fees doubled to tripled).

The full list of Cambodia visas factors the work permit cost into its scenarios.

How to obtain the permit

1. Via your Cambodian employer (standard case)

If you are an employee of a Cambodia-law company:

1. The employer (HR or partner firm) registers the employee on FWCMS (Foreign Workforce Centralized Management System), MLVT’s portal.
2. Online file submission: passport, current EB, contract, photo, medical visit.
3. Payment of 100 USD by the employer.
4. Issuance of a digital card + printable PDF version.

You have nothing to do yourself in this case — beyond making sure your employer does not drag their feet (31 March is a real deadline).

2. Via an agent (freelance / micro-structure)

If you work remotely without a Cambodian entity or for a structure too small to handle FWCMS:

1. Choose a firm (there are many in Phnom Penh — get several quotes).
2. Provide: passport, EB, proof of activity (contract or sole-trader attestation), photo.
3. The agent charges 150 to 300 USD all-inclusive.
4. Issuance in 2 to 4 weeks.

3. Directly at MLVT

Theoretically possible, in practice very rare because the FWCMS portal is designed for companies and written Khmer is required on certain forms.

Required documents

• Passport (≥ 6 months validity) with current EB.
• 2 recent ID photos, passport format.
• Medical visit at a MLVT-accredited clinic.
• Proof of activity: employment contract, employer attestation, or company articles for a director.
• Cambodia address: lease, accommodation letter.
• FWCMS form filled (in Khmer or bilingual, depending on the portal version).

Extension / Renewal

Renewal is annual, anchored on the civil calendar (1 January to 31 December), not on the anniversary date. Consequence: all employed expats must renew simultaneously, between 1 January and 31 March.

• From 1 to 31 January: smooth period, official fees.
• From 1 February to 31 March: FWCMS portal loaded, agents overwhelmed. Don’t wait until 28 March.
• Beyond 31 March: penalties. Depending on the year, the fine has ranged from 1× to 3× the official fee, sometimes with a record entry.

Common pitfalls

FAQ

Is the work permit tied to the employer?

Yes. The permit lists the employer declared in FWCMS. If you change employer mid-year, the new employer must issue a new one (cancellation + new registration). No automatic transfer.

What if my foreign employer refuses to fund the permit?

You can pay it yourself via an agent (150-300 USD), registering as an “independent consultant” on FWCMS. This is the typical digital nomad scenario on EB.

Does the permit also cover my non-working spouse?

No. A spouse without paid activity does not need a work permit — their EB is enough. If they start working, they must apply for a separate one.

Can I work a few weeks before having the permit?

Legally no. In practice, many expats start working as soon as they get the EB and launch the permit immediately after. As long as FWCMS registration is done within 30 days of starting the role, the administration usually tolerates it.

Does the work permit grant access to social security (NSSF)?

NSSF (National Social Security Fund) registration is distinct but often bundled by HR with the work permit. If you are a declared employee, you contribute automatically (workplace accident + limited health coverage).