Cambodia offers several visa options for foreign nationals. The right choice depends on the purpose of your visit and how long you plan to stay in the country.
In this guide, we will explore the main types of Cambodian visas, their estimated costs, required documents, and application procedures as of October 2026.
1. Tourist Visa (T-Class)
A Tourist Visa (T-Class) is suitable for foreigners planning a short-term visit to Cambodia.
Key details:
- Initial validity: 30 days.
- Extension: An additional 30 days.
- Initial visa fee: $30.
- Extension fee: Approximately $40.
- Maximum stay: 60 days, including the extension.
After the maximum permitted stay of 60 days, you must leave Cambodia.
Additional Documents for a Tourist Visa Extension
When extending a tourist visa, you may be required to provide proof of accommodation registered through the Foreigners Present in Cambodia System (FPCS).
There are two common ways to obtain this confirmation:
Option 1: Through your hotel
- Hotels usually register their foreign guests in the FPCS system and can provide the necessary accommodation confirmation upon request.
Option 2: Through a visa agency
- Specialized agencies can assist with obtaining the required accommodation documentation. The estimated service fee is approximately $20.
Estimated total cost:
A tourist visa with a 30-day extension costs approximately $70, excluding additional agency services. If accommodation registration assistance is required, the total may increase to approximately $90.
2. Ordinary Visa (E-Class), Commonly Known as a Business Visa
The E-Class Visa, also known as the Ordinary Visa or Business Visa, is suitable for foreigners planning to live, work, or conduct business in Cambodia for an extended period.
The initial visa is valid for 30 days.
For citizens of certain countries, obtaining this visa may be relatively straightforward and may not require extensive supporting documentation.
However, applicants from some countries, including certain CIS countries, may be advised to prepare a company invitation letter and additional entry documents.
Application Procedure
- Prepare the required documents.
- Submit an online visa application if electronic applications are available for your nationality.
- Wait for the application to be processed, typically around 4–5 business days.
- Once approved, receive the necessary entry documentation.
- Upon arrival in Cambodia, complete immigration procedures and obtain the initial visa.
Estimated Costs
- Initial electronic E-Class Visa: $35.
- Company invitation letter and supporting entry documents, if required: $110.
After entering Cambodia, you have an initial 30-day period during which you can prepare the documents needed for a longer-term visa extension.
During this time, foreigners commonly find accommodation, sign a rental agreement, and obtain proof of residence.
It is important to distinguish the E-Class Ordinary Visa from the electronic application process. The appropriate visa category and application method should always be confirmed before applying.
3. Six-Month E-Class Visa Extension
A six-month extension is one of the most popular options for foreigners who want to spend an extended period in Cambodia without immediately committing to a full year.
Estimated six-month extension cost: $190–$195.
Proof of residence is generally required, and additional documents may be necessary depending on the visa extension category.
Application Procedure
- Enter Cambodia using an initial E-Class Visa.
- Find an apartment and sign a rental agreement.
- Ask your landlord to assist with obtaining a residence confirmation letter from the local Sangkat (commune or ward administration).
- Prepare the required documents and submit your visa extension application.
Depending on your purpose of stay, immigration authorities may request additional supporting documentation.
Important Considerations for Six-Month Extensions
If you intend to remain in Cambodia after your six-month extension expires, it is advisable to plan your next visa renewal in advance.
Foreign nationals who obtain an extension without a Work Permit may encounter difficulties when applying for a subsequent extension based on employment.
Working in Cambodia without the required authorization can also result in additional expenses, penalties, or immigration complications.
In certain situations, leaving Cambodia and re-entering with a new initial visa may be a practical alternative. However, this means starting the application and documentation process again.
Leaving Cambodia after six months is not mandatory for every E-Class extension category. Whether an extension can be renewed inside the country depends on the specific visa category, legal basis for staying, and supporting documents.
A six-month extension can therefore be a convenient choice for foreigners who are still deciding how long they want to remain in Cambodia.
4. Twelve-Month E-Class Visa Extension
A 12-month visa extension is one of the most convenient options for foreigners planning long-term residence, employment, or business activities in Cambodia.
- Estimated 12-month extension cost: $325.
One of its main advantages is the possibility of renewing the visa while remaining in Cambodia, without having to leave the country every year, provided all immigration requirements are met.
Documents Required for a 12-Month EB Extension
Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, the following documents may be required:
- Valid passport.
- Proof of accommodation registered through FPCS.
- Rental agreement and residence confirmation from the Sangkat.
- Registration documents of a Cambodian company.
- Valid company tax patent certificate.
- Work Permit.
- Additional supporting documents depending on the applicant’s immigration status and purpose of stay.
Complete Visa and Work Permit Package
For foreigners applying through a registered company, the estimated costs may include:
| Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Initial E-Class Visa | $35 |
| Company invitation and entry documents | $110 |
| 12-month visa extension | $325 |
| Work Permit | $225 |
| Company assistance and document processing | $110 |
| Total | $805 |
If a company invitation and additional entry documents are not required, the estimated total decreases to $695.
These amounts cover the services listed above. Actual costs may vary depending on nationality, the applicant’s circumstances, documentation requirements, and the service provider.
The annual EB extension is particularly suitable for foreigners who have a legitimate employment or business-related basis for staying in Cambodia.
5. Work Permit Requirements in Cambodia
A Work Permit is an official authorization allowing foreign nationals to work legally in Cambodia.
Foreigners who engage in employment or other activities requiring work authorization must obtain the appropriate permit.
An important distinction is that a Cambodian visa and a Work Permit have different validity periods.
Visa Validity vs. Work Permit Validity
A 12-month visa extension is valid according to the dates specified when it is issued.
A Work Permit, however, is generally linked to the calendar year and must be renewed for the following year, regardless of when the visa was issued.
Example
Suppose you arrive in Cambodia in October 2026 and obtain a Work Permit.
Even though your 12-month visa may remain valid until October 2027, your Work Permit will need to be renewed for the 2027 calendar year.
This means that foreigners relocating toward the end of the year should consider the additional cost of renewing their work authorization shortly after arrival.
Planning your relocation date and budgeting for future renewals can help avoid unexpected expenses.
6. Comparison of Cambodian Visa Options
The following table summarizes the main visa options and their approximate costs.
| Visa Type | Duration | Estimated Cost | Extension Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa (T-Class) | 30 days | $30 | One additional 30-day extension for approximately $40 |
| Initial Ordinary Visa (E-Class) | 30 days | From $35 | Extensions available with appropriate supporting documents |
| Six-Month E-Class Extension | 6 months | $190–$195 | Further extension depends on visa category and eligibility |
| Twelve-Month E-Class Extension | 12 months | $325 | Renewable in Cambodia if requirements are met |
A complete 12-month visa and Work Permit package, including company assistance and entry documentation, may cost approximately $805 under the example pricing provided above.
Which Cambodian Visa Should You Choose?
For a short holiday or a one-to-two-month visit:
A Tourist Visa is usually the simplest and most affordable option. It allows an initial 30-day stay with the possibility of one 30-day extension.
For a stay of approximately six months:
A six-month E-Class extension may be suitable if you qualify for the relevant extension category and can provide the necessary documents.
For long-term residence, employment, or business:
A 12-month E-Class extension with the appropriate supporting documents and Work Permit, where required, is generally the more practical solution.
It provides greater flexibility for long-term planning and may allow continued visa renewals without leaving Cambodia.
7. Long-Term Residence in Cambodia
One of Cambodia’s major advantages for foreign residents is the possibility of extending certain long-term visa categories without having to leave the country every year.
Many expatriates have lived in Cambodia for 10, 15, or even 20 years by maintaining their legal immigration status and renewing the necessary documents.
As long as a foreign national continues to meet the applicable visa requirements and has a valid legal basis for staying, it may be possible to remain in Cambodia through successive visa extensions.
However, long-term visa extensions do not automatically grant permanent residency, and approval remains subject to Cambodian immigration regulations.
Applying Independently or Through a Visa Agency
Foreign nationals can arrange their immigration documents independently or use specialized agencies that provide assistance with:
- Initial visa applications.
- Tourist and E-Class visa extensions.
- Company invitation letters and supporting documents.
- Accommodation registration through FPCS.
- Residence confirmation from the Sangkat.
- Work Permit applications and renewals.
- Long-term immigration documentation.
Professional assistance can be particularly useful for applicants unfamiliar with local administrative procedures or those who need company-related documents.
Conclusion
Cambodia offers several practical visa options for tourists, long-term visitors, employees, and business owners.
For short visits, a Tourist Visa is usually sufficient. Those considering a longer stay may benefit from a six-month E-Class extension, while foreigners planning to work, run a business, or settle in Cambodia for an extended period may prefer a 12-month extension with the appropriate documentation.
The most important step is to choose the correct visa category, prepare the necessary supporting documents, and ensure that both immigration status and work authorization remain valid.
With proper planning, Cambodia can offer a relatively straightforward pathway to long-term residence through renewable visa extensions.
Contact our lawyer for professional assistance with visa documentation and to plan your trip to Cambodia smoothly, whether you’re traveling for tourism or business.
***The document and visa processing service is available only for Baza Nova Real Estate clients