Naturalisation by investment in CambodiaOverview
Cambodia has no standalone citizenship-by-investment programme. Instead, its Law on Nationality allows naturalisation for foreigners who make a significant economic contribution. For many years the thresholds set under the 2018 framework were relatively modest. An investment of KHR 1.25 billion (just over USD 300,000) or a donation of KHR 1 billion (around USD 245,000) could support an application, which made the route one of the least expensive in Asia.
That changed in late 2025. On 5 September 2025 a law amending seven articles of the Law on Nationality was promulgated, and Sub-Decree No. 225 on its implementation took effect on 1 December 2025. Under Article 29 of the sub-decree, an investor holding a valid investment permit must commit at least KHR 4 billion of personal capital to a legitimate, approved project in a priority sector and meet ongoing obligations, including tax. Under Article 31, a donor must make a personal cash contribution of at least KHR 12 billion to the national budget, for socio-economic development or the humanitarian sector, through the Ministry of Economy and Finance. These routes lead to naturalisation under Articles 21 and 22 of the Law on Nationality respectively.
The Ministry of Interior evaluates investor and donor applications and may consult other ministries before deciding. The sub-decree sets a 45-working-day initial review and a 30-working-day window to correct deficiencies. Approved applicants then take an oath before the Supreme Court. Applications may be rejected for fraud, false documents, breaches of Cambodian law or failure to meet the criteria, and rejected applicants may appeal through the courts. Funds must come from a clear and lawful source, and enhanced background and source-of-funds checks are expected.
The 2025 reforms also widened the grounds for revoking Cambodian nationality. These now include treason, colluding with foreign states and undermining national security. Human rights organisations have criticised the revocation procedure for lacking judicial review. The Cambodian passport offers limited visa-free travel, mainly within ASEAN. The route therefore suits investors with real business interests in Cambodia or the region, not families seeking global mobility.
Key benefits
- Full citizenship, including the right to own land, which foreigners generally cannot hold in their own name
- Dual nationality permitted, subject to declaring and registering foreign passports
- Investment route allows capital to remain in a productive Cambodian project, not a sunk donation
- Clear statutory thresholds and review timelines set out in Sub-Decree No. 225
- Spouse and minor children may be included in or added to the application
- Strengthened standing for long-term business activity in a fast-growing ASEAN economy
Requirements
- Foreign national of full legal age with a valid passport
- Investment route: valid investment permit and at least KHR 4 billion of personal capital in an approved priority-sector project
- Donation route: personal cash donation of at least KHR 12 billion paid through the Ministry of Economy and Finance
- Clear and lawful source for all funds, with full documentary evidence
- Good conduct and a clean criminal record
- Compliance with Cambodian law, including tax obligations for investors
- Truthful and complete documents; fraud or false documents lead to rejection or later revocation
- Declaration of other nationalities held
- Approval by the Cambodian authorities, which remains discretionary
Investment options
Naturalisation by investment
KHR 4,000,000,000 (about USD 1 million)
Personal investment in a legitimate project in a priority sector, approved by the competent authorities and held under a valid investment permit. The investor must continue to meet tax and other obligations.
Naturalisation by donation
KHR 12,000,000,000 (about USD 3 million)
Non-refundable personal cash donation to the national budget, for socio-economic development or the humanitarian sector, paid through the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
Recognised special contribution
Persons whose special qualities or contributions are officially recognised by the Royal Government, typically through a formal legal instrument. There is no fixed amount.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Strategy and route selection
We review the family's objectives and Cambodian business interests and decide whether the investment or donation route is appropriate.
- 2
Investment structuring or donation planning
For investors, the project is structured and the investment permit obtained in a priority sector. For donors, the transfer through the Ministry of Economy and Finance is planned.
- 3
Source-of-funds file
A full source-of-funds and source-of-wealth file is prepared, with civil documents legalised and translated.
- 4
Submission to the Ministry of Interior
The application is lodged with the Ministry of Interior, which may consult other ministries and institutions.
- 5
Review and corrections
The authorities review the file within 45 working days. Any deficiencies must be corrected within 30 working days, with re-evaluation within 15 working days.
- 6
Approval and oath
On approval, the applicant takes an oath before the Supreme Court, after which identity and travel documents can be obtained.
Typical documents
- Valid passport and copies of all passports held
- Birth certificate and, where relevant, marriage certificate and children's birth certificates
- Police clearance certificates from countries of nationality and residence
- Investment permit and project approval documents, for the investment route
- Evidence of the donation transfer through the Ministry of Economy and Finance, for the donation route
- Source-of-funds and source-of-wealth evidence, including bank statements
- Tax compliance records for Cambodian business activities
- Legalised and translated foreign civil documents
- Completed application forms and photographs
How Legal Wealth helps
Legal Wealth helps clients judge whether Cambodian naturalisation fits their regional business and family plans, especially given the higher thresholds since December 2025 and the wider revocation powers introduced in 2025. We coordinate with licensed Cambodian counsel on investment structuring and permits, prepare a full source-of-wealth file, and make sure contributions move only through official channels. Each matter is handled discreetly and alongside the family's existing nationalities, residence and succession arrangements.
Enquire with Legal WealthFrequently asked questions
What changed in December 2025?
Sub-Decree No. 225, in force from 1 December 2025, raised the investment threshold from KHR 1.25 billion to KHR 4 billion and the donation threshold from KHR 1 billion to KHR 12 billion.
Is Cambodian citizenship guaranteed once I invest or donate?
No. Naturalisation is discretionary. The Ministry of Interior evaluates each application, and approval depends on due diligence, lawful funds and good conduct.
Can I keep my existing nationality?
Yes. Cambodia permits dual nationality, but other nationalities must be declared and foreign passports registered with the authorities.
Can citizenship be withdrawn?
Yes. It can be revoked if obtained by fraud. Since the 2025 amendments it can also be revoked on grounds such as treason, colluding with foreign states or undermining national security.
How long does the process take?
The sub-decree sets a 45-working-day initial review, with further time if corrections are needed. Preparing the investment or donation and the supporting file usually adds several months.
How strong is the Cambodian passport for travel?
Visa-free access is limited and concentrated in South-East Asia. The route is mainly valuable for those with business or family ties to Cambodia.
Last reviewed: 2026-10. Requirements, fees and timelines change. Information is general, reviewed on the date shown, and is not legal or tax advice.
Sources
- Open Development Cambodia: Sub-Decree No. 225 on the Implementation of the Law on Nationality
- Open Development Mekong: Law on the Amendment to the Law on Nationality (NS/RKM/0925/030)
- Phnom Penh Post via Asia News Network: Cambodian citizenship available to USD 3m donors, USD 1m investors
- Andersen Cambodia: New Sub-Decree Guides Implementation of the Law on Nationality
- Human Rights Watch: Cambodia finalizes process to arbitrarily strip citizenship (January 2026)
