Cambodian Retirement Visa Guide

The Cambodian Retirement Visa (ER Visa) is ideal for retirees looking to stay in Cambodia long-term. This guide covers eligibility, application steps, documents, fees, renewals, benefits, and tips for a smooth retirement in Cambodia.

Cambodian Retirement Visa Eligibility

To qualify for a Cambodian Retirement Visa:

• You must be a retiree who has stopped working.
• If you are 55 or older, no proof of retirement or funds is required when applying through an agent.
• If you are under 55 or you are applying directly at the Immigration Office, you must provide official, certified proof of retirement/pension status and proof of sufficient funds/income.
  • An income of $1,500 per month is usually sufficient to meet financial stability requirements.
• No work is allowed under this visa.

How to Apply for a Cambodian Retirement Visa

Follow these steps:

1. Get an E Visa (Ordinary Visa):
   • Apply for it online at evisa.gov.kh (some nationalities may need additional documents).
   • Or obtain an E-type (Ordinary) Visa on arrival at the airport or land border.
   • Tourist visas (T visas) cannot be converted into an ER Visa, so ensure you apply for the correct visa type.
2. Enter Cambodia:
   • Your E Visa is valid for 30 days.
3. Apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS):
   • Before your E Visa expires, visit a visa agent in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Kampot, or Sihanoukville to extend it to an ER Visa.
   • If you are 55 or older, no retirement-related documents are required when applying through an agent.
   • If you are under 55, you must provide proof of retirement and financial stability.
     • An income of $1,500 per month is usually sufficient to meet financial stability requirements.

Documents for a Cambodian Retirement Visa

• Valid passport (at least 18 months remaining if applying for a 12-month visa).
• At least 2 blank pages in your passport.
• 1 passport-sized photo.
• Proof of retirement (only if under 55).
• Proof of sufficient funds/income (only if under 55).
• FPCS (Foreigners Registration) screenshot.
• Completed visa extension form (provided by the agent).

Cambodian Retirement Visa Fees

• E Visa (Ordinary Visa) on arrival: $35.
• ER Visa extension via an agent (recommended):
  • 1 month: $45 – $55
  • 3 months: $70 – $90
  • 6 months: $150 – $170 (multi-entry allowed)
  • 12 months: $270 – $300 (multi-entry allowed)
• Official fee if applying directly at the Immigration Office in Phnom Penh: $180 for 12 months.

Express processing (next-day service) is available for an extra $70 – $100.

Cambodian Retirement Visa Annual Renewal

• Renew yearly at the Immigration Office or through a visa agent (recommended).
• The renewal process is the same as the initial application.
• Fees are the same as the original ER Visa extension.

Recommended Visa Agents in Phnom Penh

Benefits of a Cambodian Retirement Visa

• Multi-entry: 6- and 12-month ER visas allow travel in and out of Cambodia freely.
• Low cost of living: A comfortable lifestyle for $400-$1,200/month.
• No tax on foreign pensions.
• Warm weather and laid-back lifestyle in places like Siem Reap or Kampot.
• Simple renewal process with agent assistance.

Tips for Retirees with a Cambodian Retirement Visa

• Apply for the E Visa (Ordinary Visa) early and allow at least 3 days for online approval if using eVisa.
• Use visa agents in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Kampot, or Sihanoukville for ER extensions.
• Get health insurance ($300-$800/year) – not required, but highly recommended.
• Learn basic Khmer phrases like:
  • Hello – “Sous-dey” (សួស្តី)
  • Thank you – “Aw-kun” (អរគុណ)