Living in Cambodia – GOV.UK

This guide sets out basic information for British nationals moving to or living in Cambodia, including where to find advice on health, education, welfare, residency requirements, finances and more. We are unable to provide any guidance on general lifestyle inquiries other than the information and links listed below. For more detailed information on what our embassies, high commissions and consulates can and cannot help, visit our embassy website. This information is in addition to our Cambodia travel advice.

Our publication Supporting British Nationals Abroad: A guide sets out the steps British nationals can take to be safe abroad and provides details of how the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) can help you if you are in difficulty information.

before you go

See our Cambodia travel advice for the latest information on local laws and customs, safety and emergencies.

See also moving abroad or retiring.

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

You should follow the advice of the Cambodian government and local government. You can also read Cambodia travel advice for our latest guide.

For information on getting vaccinated against COVID-19 in Cambodia as a British national, see our coronavirus travel advice.

keep up to date

you should:

Entry and Residence Requirements

There are no residency requirements in Cambodia other than obtaining a currently valid visa. Permanent residency in Cambodia can be granted on a case-by-case basis, but this is at the sole discretion of the King and may depend on language proficiency and other factors.

To obtain an entry visa, please contact the Cambodian Embassy in London.

Renewal of long-term visas can currently be done normally within the country.

Healthcare and Drugs

Visit the Health section of our travel advice page for detailed advice on medical services, vaccinations and health risks in Cambodia.

Cambodia and the UK do not have a reciprocal healthcare agreement. It is strongly recommended that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance before travelling. You will be responsible for any medical expenses you incur.

Insurance companies in Cambodia:

If you plan to leave the UK for an extended period, you should also make sure you have health insurance for UK treatment, otherwise the NHS will bill you for any care you receive in the UK.

The NHS provides information for expats.

Some private hospitals in Cambodia have English-speaking staff who assist patients, their relatives and insurance companies. Staff in public hospitals often speak little or no English.

drug

If you have a prescription for any form of medication, you should make sure you have a supply available, or be able to get one in Cambodia. Certain medicines may not be available in Cambodia (including major brands that are readily available in the UK) and may be banned from entering the country. You should consult your GP before traveling to Cambodia to find out about any available alternatives.

For information on bringing medicines into Cambodia, please consult the Cambodian Embassy in London. You should also check that your prescription is legal in Cambodia. You must apply for a permit to bring medicines containing psychotropic or narcotic substances into the country. If you are in any doubt, it is recommended to consult a medical professional.

Health insurance

If you are a resident of Cambodia, please ensure you have appropriate health insurance.

Insurance companies in Cambodia:

If you are a visitor, please arrange comprehensive travel insurance before travelling. Make sure your policy covers the following:

• Air ambulance in case you need to fly home this way
• Full medical insurance (medical bills can be expensive)
• Repatriation of your remains in case of your death
• Repatriation of your family if you must return home due to illness or injury

work in cambodia

You must apply for a visa if you plan to work, volunteer or carry out business or investment activity (see Visas). You should make arrangements through your employer or volunteer organisation, and seek advice and information from the Cambodian Embassy in London.

Your voluntary organization should be legally registered with the Cambodian Ministry of Commerce. You will need a reference letter from a volunteer organization to apply for a visa and work permit.

You should legalize your UK education certificates before leaving the UK if you think you may need them.

Certificate of Good Conduct (Police Crime Check)

The UK embassy will not issue letters guaranteeing your good character, nor will they be involved in the process of obtaining a police criminal investigation (CRB/certificate of good conduct). This is best done in person at the Department of Justice before you leave the UK, but can also be done online at https://www.acro.police.uk/police_certificates.aspx.

To obtain a police certificate in Cambodia, see How to Obtain a Police Check Report. For your convenience, you can also download the resume form in advance. If you have further questions, you should direct inquiries to the Department of Justice.

currency

The Cambodian Riel is the official currency of Cambodia, but the US dollar is widely used and accepted everywhere. Prices in hotels, shops and restaurants are quoted in US dollars and riel, but the riel is increasingly the currency of choice.

See our entry on money in our travel advice for more information.

Tax

Check taxation if you are living abroad outside the UK and taxation on your UK income if you are living abroad.

View information about taxation in Cambodia from the Cambodia Revenue Authority. We recommend that you seek professional advice on paying your taxes in Cambodia.

You can pay national insurance abroad to protect your entitlement to state pensions and other benefits and allowances.

pension

If you’re retiring abroad, see State Pension and New State Pension.

UK National Pensions Certificate of Life – If you get a ‘Certificate of Life’ from the UK Pensions Service, you need to respond as soon as possible – if you don’t your payments could be suspended.

benefit

See Applying for Benefits if you live, move, or travel internationally.

Find out which UK benefits you can get while abroad and how to apply for them.

Many income-related benefits, such as pension credits and housing benefits, cannot be paid if you are abroad for more than four weeks.

driving in cambodia

See the Driving abroad and local travel sections in our travel advice.

For information on obtaining a local driver’s license, see the website of the General Directorate of Public Works and Transport.

If you are asked to provide a letter certifying, certifying or confirming your UK driving licence, you should contact your UK licensing office (eg DVLA).

See also Taking a vehicle out of the UK.

Language, Social Ethics and Traditions

• The official language of Cambodia is Khmer.
• Buddhism is the state religion of Cambodia
• There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual activity, but public attitudes may vary.
• There are many Facebook groups and other online forums for expats where you can get first-hand information about living in Cambodia.

vote

British citizens living abroad can vote in certain UK elections – you need to be registered as an overseas voter.

Check polls while abroad.

Birth, Death and Marriage

See foreign birth registration.

Check out what to do when someone dies and bereavement information in Cambodia.

See getting married abroad. British embassies can hold same-sex marriage ceremonies where at least one partner is a British national.

legal and other services

Check out our list of English-speaking lawyers and translators who can provide you with legal services and official translations in Cambodia. Please note that inclusion on this list does not constitute official endorsement by the British Embassy or the UK Government.

Notary and Document Services

Cambodian consular officers can certify the freedom to marry or same-sex marriage.

See Notary and Document Services in Cambodia.

british passport facility

The British Embassy does not process passport applications and cannot provide advice on this. For information on how to apply for your first passport or renew an existing one, visit the Overseas Passports section on GOV.UK.

Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date you plan to return to your home country. Cambodia will refuse entry on arrival and some airlines will not allow passengers to board if the passport does not meet this requirement.

pet

See Traveling with Pets.

Emergency situations

Cambodia has the following emergency numbers:

Emergency phone numbers in Phnom Penh

Note that these numbers are not always answered and there may not be English-speaking staff.

Lodging and Buying Property

Generally speaking, foreigners can own property in Cambodia, but there are restrictions. If you are considering buying property or land, you should contact a lawyer. List of Cambodian lawyers and notaries.

See Buying Property Abroad.

leave cambodia

To transfer your pension to the UK please contact the International Pensions Centre.

If you’re returning to the UK, check taxes.

See Bringing your pets to the UK.

visa overstay

If you overstay your visa in Cambodia, you risk heavy fines, detention and other severe penalties. Overdue fines are $10 per day. If your overstay is longer than 30 days, it will be paid at the visa office. If your overstay is less than 30 days, you can choose to pay the fine at the border when you leave the country.

The visa office is located opposite Phnom Penh International Airport:

exit visa

If you are traveling with an emergency travel document, you will need a Cambodia exit visa. The fee for an exit visa is US$30, payable to the visa office. Visa processing time is usually three working days.

return to england

If you live in Cambodia and are considering returning to live in the UK (for example when you retire), you should consider how you will support yourself and how your non-UK family members will accompany you. There is some information to help you make informed choices about living abroad and considering returning to the UK.

national insurance

If you do not pay your National Insurance (NI) contributions in full, you may not be eligible for state benefits or support. HM Revenue & Customs has some useful information for non-residents about returning to live in the UK, including how to make NI contributions from abroad.

health care

Your entitlement to free NHS treatment depends on how long and for what purpose you live in the UK, not your nationality. Even if you are a UK citizen, you must be able to prove living in the UK to be eligible for free treatment. The Citizens Advice Bureau or the NHS can provide more information.

visa

If you wish to return to live in the UK with family members who do not hold British citizenship, they will need to meet the UK’s immigration requirements to settle in the UK. See the UK Visas and Immigration page for more information.