Cambodia
Last Updated: 2026-03-31
Official Portal: Ministry of Interior — General Department of Immigration
Embassy Finder: Cambodian Diplomatic Missions
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Residency for naturalization | 7 years of continuous residence |
| Language requirement | Knowledge of Khmer language |
| Civics test | Knowledge of Cambodian history, customs, and traditions required |
| Processing time | 6—24 months |
| Naturalization fee | Varies; investment pathway involves significant financial contribution |
| Dual citizenship | Permitted (no restriction in law) |
| Citizenship by birth in Cambodia | Yes, full jus soli — anyone born in Cambodia is a citizen |
| Citizenship by descent | Children of Cambodian citizens acquire citizenship automatically |
| Governing law | Law on Nationality, 1996 (as amended) |
Dual Citizenship
Cambodia permits dual citizenship without restriction. There is no provision in the 1996 Law on Nationality requiring renunciation of a foreign nationality upon acquiring Cambodian citizenship, nor does acquiring a foreign nationality cause loss of Cambodian citizenship.
Practical implications:
- Foreign nationals who naturalize in Cambodia retain their original citizenship (subject to the laws of that other country).
- Cambodian citizens who acquire a foreign nationality remain Cambodian citizens.
- Dual citizens may enter and exit Cambodia on their Cambodian passport.
- There are no restrictions on dual citizens holding public office under the nationality law, though the Constitution requires certain officeholders to hold only Cambodian citizenship.
Cambodia is one of the most permissive countries in Asia regarding multiple nationality.
Acquisition of Nationality
By Birth (Jus Soli)
Cambodia has full jus soli — one of the few countries in Asia to grant citizenship based purely on birth within its territory.
Article 4 of the Law on Nationality: Any person born in the Kingdom of Cambodia is a Cambodian citizen, regardless of the nationality of the parents.
This is an unusually broad provision with no additional conditions regarding parental residency status or legal status.
By Descent (Jus Sanguinis)
A person born inside or outside Cambodia acquires Cambodian citizenship automatically if:
- Both parents are Cambodian citizens, OR
- One parent is a Cambodian citizen (regardless of whether it is the father or mother).
For births abroad, registration at a Cambodian diplomatic mission is recommended but citizenship accrues by operation of law.
By Adoption
A foreign child adopted by a Cambodian citizen acquires Cambodian citizenship. The adoption must be legally recognized under Cambodian law, which typically requires a court order.
By Marriage
A foreign national who marries a Cambodian citizen may acquire Cambodian citizenship under the following conditions:
- The marriage must be legally recognized in Cambodia.
- The foreign spouse must apply to the Ministry of Interior.
- No specific waiting period is prescribed in the law, but in practice a period of marriage is expected.
- The applicant must demonstrate good moral character.
The law does not distinguish between husbands and wives — both foreign spouses have equal access.
By Naturalization
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Continuous residence | 7 years in Cambodia |
| Language | Knowledge of Khmer language (spoken and written) |
| Cultural knowledge | Knowledge of Cambodian history, customs, and traditions |
| Good character | No criminal record; good moral standing |
| Health | Must not suffer from a mental illness or infectious disease that endangers public health |
| Renunciation | Not required — dual citizenship is permitted |
| Approval | Granted by Royal Decree (Sub-Decree of the Council of Ministers) |
Investment pathway: Cambodia has been known to grant citizenship through substantial contributions to the country, either through investment or donations to the national budget. While not codified as a formal “citizenship by investment” program, Article 12 of the Law on Nationality allows citizenship to be granted to persons who have made “outstanding contributions” to Cambodia. In practice, contributions of USD 250,000—500,000 or more have been associated with expedited citizenship grants.
Loss and Renunciation
Voluntary Renunciation
A Cambodian citizen may renounce citizenship by submitting a request to the Ministry of Interior. The renunciation must be approved by Royal Decree. The applicant must already hold or be assured of acquiring another nationality.
Involuntary Loss
| Ground | Details |
|---|---|
| Fraud | Citizenship obtained through false declarations, fraud, or concealment of material facts may be revoked |
| Threat to national security | Acts prejudicial to national security or the interests of the Kingdom |
| Service in foreign military | Service in a foreign military without authorization from the Royal Government |
| Criminal conviction | Serious criminal conviction in Cambodia or abroad |
Note: Acquiring a foreign nationality does not cause loss of Cambodian citizenship. This is consistent with Cambodia’s acceptance of dual citizenship.
Restoration of Nationality
Former Cambodian citizens who lost citizenship by renunciation may apply for restoration. The application is submitted to the Ministry of Interior, and restoration is granted by Royal Decree.
Requirements:
- The applicant must be residing in Cambodia or demonstrate strong ties to the country.
- Good moral character must be established.
- No outstanding criminal matters or threats to national security.
Ethnic Khmer who lost citizenship during the Khmer Rouge era (1975—1979) or subsequent conflicts have pathways for recognition or restoration of citizenship, though the process can be administratively challenging.
Stateless Persons and Foundlings
Cambodia acceded to the 1954 Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons in 1992 but is not a party to the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness.
- Foundlings: A child found in Cambodian territory whose parents are unknown is presumed to be born in Cambodia and therefore acquires Cambodian citizenship under the jus soli provision.
- Statelessness: Cambodia’s broad jus soli provision significantly reduces the risk of statelessness for persons born in the country. However, ethnic Vietnamese residents in Cambodia have historically faced challenges in obtaining citizenship documentation despite long-term residence.
Document Checklist
Completed application form (from Ministry of Interior or Cambodian embassy)
Birth certificate (certified and translated into Khmer if necessary)
Valid passport or identity document
Proof of 7 years continuous residence (for naturalization)
Marriage certificate (if applying through marriage)
Police clearance certificate (Cambodian and from country of origin)
Medical certificate confirming good health
Evidence of Khmer language ability
Passport-sized photographs (4 copies)
Evidence of financial contribution or investment (if applying under Article 12)
Character references from Cambodian citizens
Sources
-
Law on Nationality, 1996 — Kingdom of Cambodia, primary nationality legislation. Available through the Council of Ministers.
-
Constitution of the Kingdom of Cambodia — Articles on nationality and citizenship rights. https://www.senate.gov.kh/
-
Ministry of Interior — Department of Immigration, responsible for citizenship applications. https://www.immigration.gov.kh/
-
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation — Cambodian missions abroad. https://www.mfaic.gov.kh/
-
UNHCR Cambodia — Reporting on statelessness and refugee matters. https://www.unhcr.org/cambodia