Overview of the Program

Cambodia’s Citizenship by Investment Program, often referred to as Khmer Citizenship, is designed to attract foreign investors and stimulate economic growth within the country. The program allows foreign nationals to obtain Cambodian citizenship in exchange for a significant financial contribution. This initiative aims to enhance job creation and increase capital inflow into the Cambodian economy.

Investment Requirements

To qualify for Cambodian citizenship through investment, applicants must meet one of two primary financial criteria:

• Donation Option: A donation of approximately US$ 244,000 to the Kingdom of Cambodia.
• Investment Option: An investment of at least US$ 305,000 in a government-approved project facilitated by the Cambodian Development Council (CDC).

These amounts are subject to change based on government policies and economic conditions.

Application Process

The application process for obtaining Cambodian citizenship involves several steps:

• Document Preparation: Applicants must gather all required documents, including proof of investment or donation, identification documents, and any other necessary paperwork.
• Due Diligence Screening: The principal applicant undergoes a thorough due diligence process that includes background checks and evaluations of their financial history.
• Knowledge Test: Applicants are required to pass a test assessing their knowledge of Cambodian history and culture.
• Submission of Application: Once all documents are prepared and tests passed, the application is submitted to the relevant authorities in Cambodia.
• Review Process: The application goes through various rounds of review before final approval is granted.
• Issuance of Citizenship: Upon successful completion of the above steps, applicants will receive their citizenship status along with rights and benefits associated with being a Cambodian citizen.

Costs Associated with Application

The costs involved in applying for Cambodian citizenship can vary significantly based on processing speed and additional fees:

• $135 for processing within 45-55 days
• $185 for processing within up to 25 days
• $290 for processing within up to 14 days
• $380 for processing within up to 3 days
• $480 for expedited processing within one business day

These fees are subject to change based on governmental regulations.

Benefits of Obtaining Cambodian Citizenship

Acquiring citizenship in Cambodia comes with several advantages:

1. Property Ownership Rights: Only Cambodian citizens can own land outright; foreigners can only hold up to 49% ownership in real estate ventures.
2. Employment Opportunities: Citizens face no restrictions on job opportunities, whereas companies are limited in hiring foreign workers (10% cap).
3. Travel Access: A Cambodian passport allows visa-free travel or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries within Southeast Asia under ASEAN agreements.
4. Political Stability: Cambodia has maintained a relatively low crime rate and stable political environment compared to some neighboring countries.
5. Long-term Residency Options: For those not immediately interested in full citizenship, Cambodia offers long-term residency programs that may lead to citizenship after five years.

In summary, Cambodia’s Citizenship by Investment Program presents an attractive opportunity for foreign investors looking for residency options while contributing positively to the local economy.