Cambodia Overhauls Citizenship Prerequisites
BGA Cambodia Senior Analyst Chittra Somrang Chapho wrote an update on Cambodia’s amended citizenship law.
Context
- The government of Cambodia unveiled a comprehensive update to its Nationality Law, effective December 1, 2025, introducing significant changes to eligibility, dual citizenship recognition and the naturalization process for foreign investors and residents. The new sub-decree, issued by the Council of Ministers, amends the 1996 Nationality Law. Key changes include a formal, statutory pathway to citizenship for long-term residents and investors meeting specific financial thresholds.
- The law now explicitly recognizes and regulates dual citizenship, requiring declaration by a person acquiring another nationality. It tightens residency requirements for standard naturalization while creating a fast-track “citizenship by investment” program. Provisions also clarify the revocation process for Cambodian nationality obtained through fraud and introduce new obligations for dual citizens, including mandatory registration of foreign passports with Cambodian authorities.
Significance
- International human rights organizations have criticized the new regulations because they give the government ways to suppress dissent and control political opponents of the government by giving officials the authority to strip Cambodians of citizenship without recourse to appeal or judicial review. Human Rights Watch lists the conditions allowing the government to retract citizenship to include committing treason, colluding with foreign nations, undermining national security and being convicted by courts of crimes including insulting the king.
- When these new regulations were first considered several months ago, some 50 Cambodian nongovernment organizations said these policies would have a “chilling effect on the freedom of speech of all Cambodian citizens.” Government officials have sought to downplay these concerns. “Please don’t be concerned if you are a patriot and do not oppose the interest of country,” Prime Minister Hun Manet has said. “But if you conspired with foreign powers to destroy Cambodia then, yes, it is true you should be worried.”
Implications
- New Investment Pathway: A direct “citizenship by investment” option is established. Investors must commit at least $1 million (KHR 4 billion) in personal capital to an approved project.
- Donation to National Budget: A person who makes a cash donation of $3 million (KHR 12 billion) or more to the national budget for the benefit of socioeconomic development or the humanitarian sector in Cambodia may apply for Cambodian citizenship by naturalization in accordance with Article 22 of the Law on Nationality.
- Dual Citizenship Formalized: The law explicitly permits dual citizenship, a significant shift from the previous ambiguous practice. This provides certainty for investors wishing to obtain Cambodian citizenship without renouncing their original nationality.
- Mandatory Registration: Dual citizens must register their foreign passport(s) with the Cambodian government. Failure to comply may result in administrative penalties and could complicate legal and business transactions within the country.
- Due Diligence and Transparency: The government emphasizes enhanced vetting. Applicants should prepare for rigorous background checks and source-of-funds verification. The move aims to reduce fraud but may lengthen processing times initially.
We will continue to keep you updated on developments in Cambodia as they occur. If you have any comments or questions, please contact BGA Cambodia Senior Analyst Chittra Somrang Chapho at cchapho@bowergroupasia.com.
Best regards,
BGA Cambodia Team
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