Cambodia work permit in Phnom Penh
If you work for an employer in Cambodia or run a registered company in Phnom Penh, you may need a work permit alongside your visa. The Ministry of Labour is headquartered in the capital, so the process is often coordinated locally.
A Cambodia work permit and a business (E-class) visa are two separate documents. The visa governs how long you may legally stay; the work permit, issued by the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT), authorises you to work. In Phnom Penh, where the MLVT is based, both layers can usually be coordinated by a local agent. Exact requirements and fees are set by the authorities and can change.
Who needs a work permit in Cambodia?
Work permit requirements depend on your role, your employer and your visa status. Many employed foreigners in Phnom Penh are expected to hold one.
- Foreigners employed by a company registered in Cambodia.
- Foreign directors or shareholders actively working in their own company.
- Foreigners on a business (E-class) visa who carry out paid work locally.
- Employees being moved from a tourist status onto a proper working setup.
Visa and work permit: two separate documents
It helps to think of these as two layers. The visa governs how long you may stay in the country; the work permit authorises the work itself. You generally need both to be in order.
Business (E-class) visa and extension
The E-class visa, usually extended to cover a longer stay, is what keeps your presence in Cambodia legal while you work.
Work permit (MLVT)
The work permit and accompanying employment card are issued by the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, which is headquartered in Phnom Penh.
Exact requirements, validity periods and fees are set by the authorities and can change. Confirm the current framework before you rely on any figure.
How the process generally works
- Confirm your visa status first, since a suitable business (E-class) visa and extension usually need to be in place.
- Gather employer and personal documents, often including a passport copy, photos, an employment contract and company papers.
- The employer or an authorised agent submits the work permit application to the Ministry of Labour, based in Phnom Penh.
- Pay the applicable government fees and complete any required medical or supporting steps as advised.
- Collect the work permit and employment card, then keep them current alongside your visa.
Steps, processing times and fees are set by the authorities and may change. Treat this as a general overview, not legal advice.
What a local agent in Phnom Penh coordinates
A local agent can map out which documents you need, prepare and check the paperwork, liaise with the Ministry of Labour and your employer, and give you a realistic timeline. Being in the capital, close to the relevant offices, can help keep the process moving.
Before you contact any visa agent
- No reputable agent can guarantee a visa outcome — the final decision rests with the authorities.
- You do not need to send passport scans at first contact; describe your situation first.
- Ask for a clear split between official government fees and the agent's service fee.
- Expect a realistic timeline based on your case, not an instant promise.
- Stay cautious with anyone who guarantees approval or asks for full payment up front.
Please do not attach passport scans in this form. Describe your situation only. Share sensitive documents later, and only with the provider you choose.
Request work permit guidance in Phnom Penh
Frequently asked questions
Do I need both a visa and a work permit to work in Cambodia?+
In most cases, yes. The business (E-class) visa keeps your stay legal, while the work permit authorises the work itself. Confirm your specific situation with an agent or the relevant authorities, since requirements can change.
Who applies for the work permit, me or my employer?+
The application is usually made by the employer or an authorised agent on your behalf, since employer documents are involved. If you run your own company, an agent can guide you through both roles.
Is the work permit handled in Phnom Penh?+
The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, which issues work permits, is headquartered in Phnom Penh, so the process is often coordinated from the capital. An agent can confirm the current procedure for your case.
Can I get a work permit while on a tourist visa?+
A work permit is generally tied to a business (E-class) visa rather than a tourist visa, so a conversion or extension usually comes first. An agent can advise on the right order for your situation.
Related visa guides
- Cambodia business visa extension in Phnom Penh
A Cambodia business visa (E-class, commonly the EB extension) is the long-stay option for people employed by or running a company in Phnom Penh. Extensions can usually be arranged without leaving the country, and a local agent can prepare the paperwork and coordinate with your sponsoring company. The exact requirements depend on your nationality, your company situation and your current status, so confirm the current rules with a local agent or the relevant authorities.
- Visa agents in Phnom Penh for Cambodia visa extensions, work permits and expat help
Phnom Penh hosts Cambodia's main immigration and labour offices, so a local visa agent in the capital can often coordinate extensions, work permits and business visas close to the source.
- Cambodia visa extension in Phnom Penh
Most Cambodia visas can be extended without leaving the country, and Phnom Penh hosts the main General Department of Immigration. The right approach depends on your current visa type (tourist, ordinary/E-class, retirement, business or EG), your nationality, and how soon your current visa expires. A Phnom Penh-based agent can usually clarify your options and, in many cases, handle the paperwork on your behalf so you do not have to visit an office in person.
- Cambodia work permit cost: what actually drives the price
The cost of a Cambodia work permit usually combines official government fees, the service fee charged by your visa or labour agent, and optional add-ons such as document translation, medical checks or express handling. The work permit is an annual obligation, so plan for a recurring yearly cost rather than a one-off payment. Figures vary and can change, so ask a licensed local agent in Siem Reap for a current, itemised quote for your specific situation.
- Cambodia work permit in Siem Reap
A Cambodia work permit and a business (E-class) visa are two separate documents. The visa lets you stay legally; the work permit, issued by the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT), covers your right to work for an employer. Most employed foreigners are expected to hold both. A local agent in Siem Reap can confirm what applies to your situation and coordinate the paperwork.
Important
Visa rules and requirements in Cambodia can change. This guide is informational only and does not replace official immigration advice. Always check with the relevant authorities or a qualified local visa service provider before making decisions.