Retirement Visa (ER Extension of Stay)

The Cambodia Retirement Visa is an Extension of Stay (EOS) under the ER (Retirement) sub-category of the Ordinary (E-class) visa, allowing retired foreign nationals aged 55 and older to reside in Cambodia on the basis of passive income such as pensions, social security payments, or retirement savings. The programme is administered by the General Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Interior. Extensions are available for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months and can be renewed indefinitely, effectively serving as Cambodia's primary long-term residence mechanism for retirees since the country does not offer a formal permanent residency category.

• Foreign nationals of any nationality aged 55 or older (exceptional cases for younger applicants may be considered)
• Must demonstrate retired status
• Proof of financial self-sufficiency — approximately USD 1,500/month in pension or retirement income is typically expected
• Alternatively, a bank statement showing a minimum balance of USD 30,000 maintained for at least 6 months may be accepted
• Must hold a valid Ordinary (E-class) visa — the ER extension cannot be obtained on a Tourist (T-class) visa
• No educational or professional qualifications required

• Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
• Passport-sized photographs (typically 3)
• Proof of retirement status (pension statement, social security entitlement letter, or equivalent)
• Proof of financial resources (bank statements or pension provider statement)
• Valid Ordinary (E-class) visa stamp in passport

Extensions are available for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months. There is no official limit on the number of renewals — the extension can be renewed indefinitely using the same process and documentation. Extensions of 1 or 3 months are single-entry (leaving Cambodia invalidates the extension). Extensions of 6 or 12 months are multiple-entry, allowing free travel in and out of Cambodia during the validity period.

Employment in Cambodia is strictly prohibited for ER visa holders. Working for any Cambodian employer or engaging in any form of local employment — formal or informal — may result in fines, imprisonment, or deportation.

Cambodia taxes residents (present 182+ days in any 12-month period) on worldwide salary income at progressive rates of 0-20%. Non-residents are taxed only on Cambodian-sourced income at a flat 20%. Foreign pension income is generally not subject to Cambodian salary tax as it is not classified as employment income earned in Cambodia. However, retirees who establish tax residency should be aware of their potential obligations.

The application follows a two-stage procedure:

1. Obtain an Ordinary (E-class) visa before entering Cambodia — either online through the official e-Visa portal (evisa.gov.kh) for USD 36 (USD 35 + USD 6 processing fee), at a Cambodian embassy or consulate for USD 35, or on arrival at an international airport or major land border crossing for USD 35. This grants an initial 30-day stay.
2. Apply for the ER Extension of Stay before the initial 30-day stay expires by visiting the General Department of Immigration in Phnom Penh or using an authorised visa agent. Submit the required documents and pay the extension fee.

Extension fees are approximately USD 45-55 for 1 month, USD 150-170 for 6 months, and USD 270-300 for 12 months. Processing takes 7-15 working days.

The ER visa does not include provisions for accompanying dependants. Each family member must obtain their own visa independently. A spouse aged 55 or older who is also retired may apply for their own ER extension. Younger spouses or children would need to apply under a different visa category such as EG (General) for short-term stays or ES (Student) if enrolled in a Cambodian educational institution.

Overstaying any visa in Cambodia incurs a fine of USD 10 per day. Overstays exceeding 30 days may lead to arrest, detention, deportation, and potential prohibition from re-entering Cambodia. The extension must be applied for in-country at the General Department of Immigration in Phnom Penh or through an authorised visa agent — it cannot be applied for from outside Cambodia. Upon arrival, foreign nationals should ensure their presence is registered through the Foreigner Present in Cambodia System (FPCS), which is typically handled by hotels, guesthouses, and landlords. The Cambodia e-Arrival system (arrival.gov.kh) allows travellers to submit arrival information within 7 days before arrival or on arrival, free of charge.