Cambodia was recently ranked as the best country for retirees by a reputable publication . The country remains a dynamically developing destination and has long been home to a number of expats who sought to live and retire in the Kingdom due to the relative ease of obtaining a visa, affordable cost of living, and a growing number of direct routes to overseas destinations.
Cambodia is generally a safe country for retirees, and as new doors open in terms of affordability, new groups of retirees are considering the Kingdom as a viable option.
Retirement visa to Cambodia
Regarding visa options for Cambodia, the ER visa program allows foreign citizens over 55 years of age to be eligible for visas for a maximum of 12 months (which can be extended annually).
In International Living’s annual Global Retirement Index 2024, Cambodia was ranked as one of the best places to retire , particularly in Asia and ASEAN countries, where accessibility and ease of obtaining visas are key factors.
To obtain a retirement visa to Cambodia, you must first apply for a regular visa ( E visa ), and after entering Cambodia, you must extend your visa to a retirement visa ( ER ), which can be done through a visa agency who will help you with the application forms.
It is useful to pay attention to the following documents required to complete the application:
- • Passport valid for at least 6 months
- • A blank page in your passport for visa issuance
- • Passport photo
- • Document confirming retirement or pension system*
- • Health certificate
- • Criminal background check
The ER visa costs approximately US$300 per year and can be extended for 1, 3, 6 or 12 months, although not all visas are multiple entry.
Where to live in Cambodia?
When it comes to choosing a place to live, Cambodia offers a variety of landscapes to suit a variety of lifestyles. For those who prefer city living, Phnom Penh may be the ideal choice . The city continues to grow, with new shopping malls and high-rise buildings, both residential and commercial, appearing.
Siem Reap is a preferred destination for a more relaxed lifestyle, and the area is particularly popular due to its proximity to the Angkor Wat temple complex, the largest religious monument in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
While Siem Reap may be more of a tourist-friendly city with a larger expat community, it still offers plenty of entertainment options, excellent restaurants, and easy access to the surrounding countryside.
Sihanoukville, Kampot and Kep are also popular retirement destinations, but they all offer something different and have undergone significant changes in recent years.
Sihanoukville is experiencing significant development, particularly with the construction of large real estate developments and resorts, and there are ambitious plans to transform the coastal area into an economic and tourist hub in the coming years. It is also traditionally the gateway to the islands of Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem .
Kampot and Kep are known for their laid-back lifestyle, but new beaches, tourist attractions and resorts, as well as ever-improving transport access via ferries and other means, are opening these areas up to tourists from Vietnam and Thailand.
Remember that foreigners are allowed to own property in Cambodia, and there is a handy list of tips to consider before investing in real estate.
Healthcare in Cambodia
Cambodia’s healthcare system has significantly improved and continues to improve, thanks to Korean, Japanese, Malaysian, and other healthcare providers opening local clinics and hospitals or partnering with local providers. Several private clinics exist, and the public sector is continually expanding its services and infrastructure.
Dental care is also generally of a very high standard and quite affordable in Cambodia compared to more developed countries, while pharmacies are easy to find and offer inexpensive medications – generally more readily available than in many developed countries – and may not require a prescription but can be purchased over the counter.
Many retirees choose to purchase health insurance that covers their medical expenses both in Cambodia and abroad, and this is highly recommended for emergency treatment. It’s important to research and understand available health care options and consider incorporating medical expenses into your retirement budget.
It is worth noting that the World Happiness Report 2025, prepared by the Centre for the Study of Well-Being at the University of Oxford, highlights aspects of Cambodia positively.
Currency and banking in the Kingdom
Cambodia uses a dual currency: the Cambodian riel (KHR) and the US dollar (USD) . It’s important to note that only US banknotes are used, not coins, and the country does not issue riel coins.
The official currency is the Cambodian riel ( KHR ), with common denominations of 100, 500, 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, and 50,000 KHR . However, the US dollar is widely used for everyday transactions, and many prices are quoted in both riels and US dollars.
For large transactions, including real estate purchases, the preferred currency is the US dollar . Since Cambodian real estate is priced and sold in US dollars, it provides protection against currency risks, making it an attractive option for international investors.
Both currencies are widely used for everyday transactions, including digitally , through a range of tools such as QR codes or the Bakong banking payment system, to which most local banks are connected.
Cheques are rarely used in Cambodia, so retirees wishing to transfer pensions from abroad should check with their provider and in their home country to determine how easy it is to do so in Cambodia. Foreign retirees may need to transfer their pension funds to a local bank or use a money transfer service.
When it comes to banking in Cambodia, opening a local bank account is relatively easy and there is a wide choice on the market – most banks offer options to open accounts using riel or dollars as the default currency.
Fortunately, Cambodia offers a variety of options for transferring funds from abroad through banks or third-party services.
Cost of living
Cambodia is known for its affordable cost of living , making it an attractive option for retirees. There’s endless debate about how Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia compare in terms of affordability, but when you factor in all expenses, including housing, utilities, transportation, food, entertainment, and visas, you can agree that the Kingdom is a desirable destination and much more affordable than many developed countries.
The monthly cost of living can vary depending on your lifestyle and location, with Phnom Penh being relatively more expensive than other cities.
Accessible transportation
Domestic transportation in Cambodia is relatively affordable, including tuk-tuks, motorbikes, trains, and buses.
Waterway transport is expanding, with large cruise ships visiting Sihanoukville and a new ferry service connecting coastal hubs with the islands scheduled to open in 2025 in neighboring countries.
Currently, air traffic is provided through three international airports, and a new airport called Techo International Airport (TIA) opened in Phnom Penh in September 2025 .
Retiring in Cambodia remains a popular option for expats, and the ease of obtaining a Cambodian retirement visa, affordable cost of living, wide range of housing options and neighborhoods, coupled with continually improving infrastructure and healthcare, make Cambodia a great place to enjoy your golden years.