Does Cambodia Allow Dual Citizenship? Cambodia’s Citizenship Regulations Explained

Asia can be restrictive when it comes to granting citizenship to foreign nationals, with Asian countries often imposing demanding naturalisation requirements. However, Cambodia takes a different approach, offering multiple pathways for foreigners interested in becoming citizens.

In this article, we’ll answer one of the most common questions people have when considering Cambodia as a plan B destination: Does Cambodia allow dual citizenship? We’ll examine: 

• The rules regarding dual citizenship in the country
• The legal bases for becoming a dual citizen of Cambodia
• The quickest ways to obtain Cambodia’s citizenship
• The benefits of being a dual citizen of Cambodia

Does Cambodia Allow Dual Citizenship? 

Yes, Cambodia allows dual citizenship. Cambodian nationals may obtain citizenship of other countries, and foreign citizens may be granted Cambodian citizenship without having to renounce their own. 

Cambodia implicitly recognised dual citizenship in its 1996 Law on Nationality. It was later confirmed in Sub-Decree 225, which governs the implementation of the Law on Nationality. 

Are There Any Special Restrictions or Rules for Cambodian Dual Citizens?

In general, dual citizens of Cambodia enjoy the same legal rights as citizens who only have Cambodian citizenship. The two notable exceptions include:

1. Prohibition from holding high office
2. Passport registration requirement

The ban on dual citizenship for the country’s top officials was enacted in 2021. The measure targets the offices of the prime minister, the speakers of the upper and lower houses, and the head of the constitutional council. Therefore, the ban has little effect on foreign citizens interested in Cambodia’s dual citizenship. 

The requirement to register a foreign passport with the General Department of Identification affects all dual citizens of Cambodia. This measure doesn’t prevent citizens from obtaining or using a passport other than Cambodia’s; however, non-compliance might lead to penalties. 

Who Can Hold Cambodian Nationality?

The 1996 Law on Nationality establishes three routes for becoming a national or citizen of Cambodia: 

1. Citizenship by birth
2. Citizenship by marriage
3. Citizenship by naturalisation

Citizenship by Birth

The Cambodian Law on Nationality recognises two principles on which a person can be granted the country’s citizenship at birth: 

1. Jus sanguinis, which states that a person born to at least one Cambodian parent can become a Cambodian citizen regardless of where they were born
2. Jus soli, which states that a person born in Cambodia can become a citizen even if their parents aren’t Cambodian nationals, provided that they reside in the country for a minimum of three years and that the parents were in the country legally

Citizenship by Marriage

Foreign nationals who marry Cambodian citizens can apply for citizenship after being married for at least three years. The law also allows applicants to apply for a child they’ve had before the marriage, either as a family or individually. 

If a Cambodian citizen marries a foreign citizen, they can retain their Cambodian citizenship. 

An application for citizenship by marriage can be denied in any of the following cases: 

• The marriage is determined to be feigned
• The application contains forged documents
• The marriage isn’t legal under Cambodia’s laws
• The spouses fail to meet other conditions stipulated by relevant laws

Citizenship by Naturalisation

Citizenship by naturalisation allows foreigners to be granted Cambodian citizenship based on specific grounds:

Grounds	Main Requirement
Residence in Cambodia	Seven years of legal residence
Donation	Minimum donation of around KHR 1.22 billion (USD 300,000) to the country’s budget (proposed increase to USD 1–3 million from 2027)
Special qualities or abilities	Provide special merit or achievement to the country

In addition to the main requirement, applicants also need to meet additional criteria, which include: 

• Language familiarity: The ability to speak, read, and write Khmer is required from long-term residents and investors, but not donors or special merit applicants
• No criminal history: No convictions of felonies or misdemeanours
• Physical and mental health: Applicants should prove their health status won’t present a danger to Cambodians or a burden on the country

It’s important to understand that naturalisation in Cambodia isn’t seen as a right, but as a favour granted by the country’s ruler. An applicant can fulfil all the criteria set by the law and still be rejected in the highly discretionary application approval process. 

How To Apply for Dual Citizenship in Cambodia

The application process for becoming a dual citizen of Cambodia includes: 

1. Choosing the grounds for citizenship
2. Meeting the requirements
3. Gathering the necessary documents 
4. Submitting the application
5. Waiting for processing 
6. Taking an oath

Bonus: Watch Nomad Capitalist’s founder, Andrew Henderson, discuss his experience obtaining Cambodian citizenship in this video.

Choosing the Grounds for Citizenship

Unless the grounds are clearly present, i.e., if you’re married to a Cambodian, born to a Cambodian parent, or have done a great service to the country, the choice of grounds for citizenship will be between making a business investment and a donation.

For most applicants, the donation might be the preferred choice, even though it’s the more expensive one. 

If you’re applying for citizenship based on an investment in the country, you will be expected to actually set up and run the business. This includes: 

• Choosing one of the priority sectors, as defined by the Cambodian government, to start a business in
• Securing a valid investment permit from the relevant institution
• Fulfilling other conditions, such as tax obligations and creation and implementation of an investment plan

For this reason, investing in a business to secure Cambodian citizenship is recommended only to investors genuinely interested in establishing a business presence in Cambodia.

Bonus read: For more countries that offer citizenship-by-donation, read our guides on Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and São Tomé and Príncipe.

Meeting the Requirements

Once you’ve chosen your preferred route, you should start meeting the requirements, which can include: 

• Obtaining a Cambodian visa and applying for an extension to cover residency requirements
• Setting up a qualifying business in the country
• Learning the language
• Making the required donation

At this stage of the process, assistance from professionals with on-the-ground experience can be invaluable, as navigating the local administration can prove challenging for Westerners. 

Gathering the Necessary Documents

The documents you will need when applying for Cambodian citizenship can include: 

• A citizenship application
• Your brief biography
• 10 recent 4 cm x 6 cm photos of yourself
• Copy of your passport 
• Copy of your residence permit or visa
• A certificate of residence issued by the commune or district authorities in Cambodia
• Your birth certificate
• A certificate of good conduct issued by the commune or district authorities
• A criminal record from both your country of origin and Cambodia
• A health certificate issued by a specialist at a Cambodian state hospital (recognised international hospitals might also be accepted)

In addition to these documents, you will also need to provide supporting documents specific to your eligibility category. These can include documents relating to your qualified investment or a certificate confirming your donation. 

The documents you submit with your application have to be translated into Khmer by an official translator and attested by your country’s or Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Submitting the Application

After meeting the pathway requirements and gathering the necessary documents, you have to submit your application to the General Department of Identification. 

You have to be present in the country at the time of submission.

Waiting for Processing

The declared application processing time can be up to 45 business days. If it’s determined during processing that your application is incomplete or needs any correction, you will be notified and given 30 business days to remedy the issue. 

Upon receiving your updated application, processing can take an additional 15 business days. During the process, you might be required to attend interviews. 

The actual timeline for receiving your Cambodian dual citizenship can be up to six months. Application processing is only a part of the procedure. If the outcome is favourable, the Minister of the Interior will recommend you for citizenship to the country’s Prime Minister. They will, in turn, request a royal decree proclaiming you a citizen of Cambodia. 

Taking an Oath

After the royal decree has been issued, you will finalise the process by taking an oath before the country’s Supreme Court. 

You will then become a citizen of Cambodia, and you’ll be issued a Cambodian ID card and passport. You will also be able to get a family book. 

Are There Alternative Pathways to Cambodia’s Citizenship?

If you don’t need to be granted Cambodia’s citizenship in the shortest possible timeframe, you can apply for the Cambodia My 2nd Home (CM2H) program. It’s Cambodia’s version of a Golden Visa, and it offers:

• 10-year residence in the country
• Citizenship eligibility after five years instead of seven
• A less expensive entry point with a minimum investment of USD 50,000
• Assistance with local administration

The investment under the program has to be in a government-approved real estate development. 

Benefits of Being a Dual Citizen of Cambodia

Cambodian citizenship provides you with a permanent legal status in the country and affords you rights not available to foreign residents. For example, as a citizen, you can own property, including land, without restrictions. 

Other benefits of becoming a citizen include: 

• Business opportunities: Even though Cambodia’s economy is open to foreign investment, citizenship can afford you government concessions and licences that are only available to Cambodian nationals
• Regional access: As a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Cambodia provides access to a regional bloc of 11 countries, with agreements facilitating travel, professional mobility, and investment across member states
• Financial privacy: Cambodia hasn’t committed to implementing the OECD’s Common Reporting Standard (CRS), which means it doesn’t participate in automatic exchange of financial account information, although it does participate in other forms of international tax information exchange

To access all these benefits, you have to undergo a highly selective naturalisation process requiring more than simply meeting the financial requirements. You have to prepare extensive documentation, demonstrate your eligibility, and navigate a foreign administrative system with very few resources available in English. 

Working with an experienced professional who understands both the local and international context of becoming a dual citizen of Cambodia can help you navigate the process more effectively. To reduce the risk of errors and unnecessary delays, contact Nomad Capitalist.

Become a Cambodian Dual Citizen With Nomad Capitalist

Nomad Capitalist is an advisory company that specialises in global mobility and wealth preservation. We’ve helped more than 1,500 clients achieve their financial and lifestyle goals by acquiring a second citizenship, accessing international banking services, reducing tax exposure, and diversifying their assets abroad. 

Our core service is the development of an Action Plan, a step-by-step blueprint for your international strategy. We take a comprehensive approach when creating our Plans, centring them on your unique circumstances and needs, and sequencing the steps to minimise delays and resource use. 

Here’s what partnering with Nomad Capitalist looks like: 

1. We ask you to fill out a form to help us determine whether we’re a good match 
2. We schedule a 45-minute onboarding call to learn more about your circumstances and desires
3. Your case manager develops an Action Plan and presents it to you for approval
4. We implement the Plan over 12 months, providing assistance and keeping the process on track
5. You continue receiving support even after the Plan is implemented

If you’re interested in becoming a dual citizen of Cambodia, Nomad Capitalist can provide strategic and hands-on assistance. We can help you assess how Cambodia fits your international plan and determine whether it’s a good option for you. If it is, we can provide practical guidance and support throughout the process. To get started, contact Nomad Capitalist now!