Asia isn’t an easy place to get a second passport. Cambodia is home to the continent’s only citizenship by investment option.
Sure, it’s a niche program. But if you’re looking to invest in Cambodia’s real estate market, start a business, or enjoy the benefits of dual nationality in ASEAN, Cambodian citizenship is perhaps worth considering for the right type of person.
Let’s explore the various ways to acquire Cambodian citizenship, including by birth, marriage, and investment, and delve into the unique aspects of the Cambodian Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program.
Why Cambodian Citizenship?
Before diving into the specifics of how to obtain Cambodian citizenship, it’s important to understand why someone might want to become a Cambodian citizen.
Cambodia offers a unique blend of opportunities for both investors and those seeking a new place to call home.
One of the main reasons to pursue Cambodian citizenship is the ability to purchase land. Cambodia has strict laws that only allow Cambodian nationals to own land or on-ground property.
This makes citizenship particularly valuable for investors looking to tap into Cambodia’s real estate market, which has been growing rapidly in recent years.
As a Cambodian citizen, you can buy agricultural land, own ground-floor properties, and invest in the country’s booming real estate sector without the restrictions faced by foreigners.
Additionally, Cambodia allows dual citizenship, meaning you won’t have to renounce your current nationality to acquire Khmer citizenship.
This is a significant advantage for those looking to expand their global footprint without giving up their existing citizenship.
Acquiring Cambodian Citizenship by Birth
The simplest and most straightforward way to acquire Cambodian citizenship is by birth.
If you are born to at least one Cambodian parent, you are automatically entitled to Cambodian citizenship, regardless of where you are born. This is a common practice in many countries, and Cambodia is no exception.
Moreover, if your parents are legally residing in Cambodia and you are born in the country, you can still claim Cambodian citizenship.
However, in this case, you will need to ensure that all your documents are in order and properly submitted to the relevant authorities.
Dual citizenship in Cambodia is allowed, so you won’t need to give up your current nationality in order to obtain Khmer citizenship.
It’s also worth noting that Cambodia is one of the few countries that allow dual citizenship, so even if you acquire Cambodian citizenship by birth, you can retain your original nationality.
Acquiring Cambodian Citizenship by Marriage
Another route to Cambodian citizenship is through marriage.
If you’re married to a Cambodian national, you can apply for citizenship after three years of marriage.
However, it’s important to note that your marriage must be legally registered in Cambodia. A religious ceremony alone will not suffice; you must ensure that your marriage is officially recognized by the Cambodian government.
While acquiring citizenship through marriage is a viable option, it is not as fast as the investment route.
You will still need to go through the naturalization process, which includes proving your fluency in the Khmer language (both written and spoken) and passing a test on Cambodian history.
Acquiring Cambodian Citizenship by Investment
Perhaps the most intriguing way to acquire Cambodian citizenship is through investment.
Cambodia’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program is not as well-known or streamlined as similar programs in other countries, but it offers a relatively fast and straightforward path to citizenship for those willing to invest in the country.
To qualify for Cambodian citizenship by investment, you have two main options:
- Donation: You can make a donation of $245,000 to the Royal Government of Cambodia. This money goes into the national budget and is used to boost the Cambodian economy.
- Investment: Alternatively, you can invest at least $305,000 into a government-approved project. This could be in sectors like real estate, infrastructure, or other industries that the Cambodian government deems beneficial for the country’s development.
In addition to the financial requirements, there are a few other basic criteria you must meet to qualify for citizenship by investment:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must have a valid passport.
- You must have a valid visa for entry into Cambodia.
- You must be in good mental and physical health.
The service fees and donation amounts can vary depending on who you are, who you know, and even which agent you use.
Some applicants have reported paying different amounts for the same service, adding to the program’s reputation as being somewhat “weird” and unpredictable.
Moreover, the process of acquiring Cambodian citizenship by investment is not as clear-cut as it may appear on paper.
In reality, you may need connections to the King of Cambodia, who has the power to grant citizenship to whomever he chooses.
This makes the process more challenging than simply meeting the financial and legal requirements.
Benefits of Cambodian Citizenship
While the Cambodian CBI program offers a fast track to citizenship, it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks before making a decision.
The Cambodian CBI program has been criticized for being opaque and inconsistent. It is perceived as unpredictable, with some applicants noting that they were charged different amounts for identical services.
Benefits:
- Land Ownership: As mentioned earlier, the biggest advantage of Cambodian citizenship is the ability to purchase land in the country. This is particularly valuable for investors looking to capitalize on Cambodia’s growing real estate market.
- Dual Citizenship: Cambodia allows dual citizenship, so you won’t have to give up your current nationality to become a Cambodian citizen.
- Fast Processing: Compared to other routes to citizenship, the investment option can be completed in as little as three to six months, making it one of the fastest ways to acquire Cambodian citizenship.
Drawbacks:
- High Cost: The Cambodian CBI program is relatively expensive compared to similar programs in other countries. For example, Caribbean countries offer citizenship by investment programs starting at $100,000, which is significantly cheaper than Cambodia’s $245,000 donation requirement.
- Limited Travel Benefits: A Cambodian passport does not offer the same level of visa-free travel as passports from other countries. While it allows for visa-free travel within the ASEAN region, it is not particularly useful for travel to Western countries.
- Lack of Transparency: The Cambodian CBI program has been criticized for its lack of transparency and consistency. The process can be unpredictable, and applicants may face additional challenges beyond what is outlined in the official requirements.
Conclusion: Is Cambodian Citizenship Right for You?
Cambodian citizenship offers unique opportunities, particularly for those looking to invest in the country’s real estate market or start a business.
The ability to purchase land and the option for dual citizenship are significant advantages that make Cambodian citizenship appealing to certain investors and expats.
However, the Cambodian Citizenship by Investment program is not without its challenges. The high cost, limited travel benefits, and lack of transparency in the application process may deter some applicants.
Additionally, if your primary goal is to acquire a second passport for visa-free travel or tax benefits, there are other countries with more attractive CBI programs, particularly in the Caribbean.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue Cambodian citizenship depends on your specific goals and motivations.
If you are looking to invest in Cambodia and take advantage of the country’s growing economy, Cambodian citizenship could be a valuable asset.
But if you’re primarily seeking a second passport for travel or tax purposes, you may want to explore other options.
At the end of the day, Cambodia remains a fascinating country with a lot to offer, and its citizenship program, while still evolving, provides a unique opportunity for those willing to navigate its complexities.
FAQs: Cambodian Citizenship by Investment
How Much Does the Cambodia CBI Program Cost?
By the word of the law, citizenship costs $250,000 through a donation. Yet various legal and other processing fees take the cost of Cambodian citizenship to slightly above $300,000 in total.
Can You Buy Land with Cambodia's CBI Program?
Yes, anyone who becomes a Cambodian citizen is allowed to buy land and any other type of property on the same terms as a local.
How Long Does Getting a Cambodian Passport Take?
From start to finish, the whole process of getting Cambodian citizenship is expected to take about 6 months. The timeframe does vary though as different people within the government must sign off, each with their own schedule.
