Cambodia work permit for foreigners
If you work for an employer in Cambodia or run a registered company, you may need a work permit from the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training in addition to the right visa. This guide explains how the two documents fit together and how a local agent can coordinate the steps.
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 can confirm what applies to your situation and coordinate the paperwork.
Who needs a work permit in Cambodia?
Work permit requirements depend on your role, your employer and your visa status. Many employed foreigners and company directors are expected to hold a work permit alongside the appropriate visa. A local agent can confirm whether it applies to your specific case.
- 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, while the work permit governs your right to be employed. Holding one does not automatically cover the other, so most working foreigners arrange both.
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. It is handled through the immigration side and is a prerequisite before most working arrangements make sense.
Work permit (MLVT)
The work permit and accompanying employment card are issued by the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training. They link you to a specific employer and confirm your right to work. This is a labour-side document, separate from the visa.
Exact requirements, validity periods and fees are set by the authorities and can change. Confirm the current details with a local agent or the relevant office before you commit.
How the process generally works
- Confirm your visa status first, since a suitable business (E-class) visa and extension usually come before the work permit.
- Gather employer and personal documents, often including a passport copy, photos, an employment contract and company registration papers.
- The employer or an authorised agent submits the work permit application to the Ministry of Labour, frequently through its online system.
- 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 outline and confirm the current procedure with a local agent.
What a local agent coordinates
A local agent can map out which documents you need, prepare and check the paperwork, liaise with the employer and the Ministry of Labour, and keep your visa and work permit aligned so both stay valid. This is especially helpful when you do not speak Khmer or are short on time. An agent cannot guarantee approval, but they can give you a realistic timeline and handle the coordination so you can focus on your work.
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
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 from the Ministry of Labour covers your right to work for an employer. They are separate documents and many employed foreigners hold both. A local agent can confirm what applies to your specific role and status.
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 it links you to a registered company. If you run your own company, you or your agent can handle it. Ask a local agent to clarify the practical steps for your situation.
How much does a Cambodia work permit cost?+
Government fees for the work permit are set by the authorities and can change, and an agent's service fee is separate. The total also depends on whether your visa and extension are already in place. Ask a local agent for a current breakdown of government fees versus service fees before you proceed.
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 most people move onto the right visa first. The exact path depends on your nationality, employer and timing. A local agent can advise on the cleanest way to arrange both for your case.
Related visa guides
- 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.
- Cambodia work permit in Phnom Penh
A Cambodia work permit and a business (E-class) visa are two separate documents. The Ministry of Labour, which issues work permits, is based in Phnom Penh.
- 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 Business Visa Extension – National Guide
A Cambodia business visa extension is generally for individuals working, running a business, or sponsored by a registered company in Cambodia. The appropriate sub-category, duration, and.
- 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.
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.