Cambodia Work Permit for Indians: Eligibility, Requirements & Application Process

A Cambodia work permit for Indians is an essential requirement for Indian professionals planning to take up employment in Cambodia. As Cambodia continues to attract international businesses and skilled talent, understanding its work authorisation procedures is important for employees and organisations managing cross-border assignments.

Obtaining a work permit involves more than securing an entry visa. Indian professionals must comply with Cambodia’s labour regulations, prepare the required documentation and obtain the appropriate work authorisation before commencing employment. The Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT) oversees the work permit and foreign employment card requirements for foreign nationals working in Cambodia.

Do Indians Need a Work Permit to Work in Cambodia?

Yes. Indian nationals taking up employment in Cambodia must obtain the appropriate work permit and foreign employment card. A Cambodia E-Class (ordinary/business) visa allows eligible foreign nationals to enter the country for business-related purposes, but it does not independently authorise employment. Under MLVT Notification No. 038/25, foreign nationals entering Cambodia for work or business must apply for a work permit within 90 calendar days of their first entry. However, this deadline should not be interpreted as permission to work without authorisation. Employees must obtain the required work permit before commencing employment.

What Are the Cambodia Work Permit Requirements?

Indian professionals and employers should prepare the following documents, subject to the applicable MLVT requirements:

• Valid Indian passport and appropriate Cambodian visa.
• Employment contract certified by the MLVT.
• Approved Foreign Manpower Quota (FMQ) of the sponsoring employer.
• Medical fitness certificate issued or certified by the relevant Cambodian labour medical authority.
• Cambodian residential certificate or supporting address documentation, where required.
• Passport photographs and other prescribed application information.

Applications are processed through Cambodia’s Foreign Workers Centralized Management System (FWCMS).

What Should Cambodian Employers Know About Foreign Worker Quotas?

Cambodian employers must obtain Foreign Manpower Quota approval before employing foreign nationals. Under the standard quota framework, foreign employees generally cannot exceed 10% of the Cambodian workforce, divided into:

• Office personnel: 3%
• Skilled personnel: 6%
• Unskilled personnel: 1%

Businesses requiring additional foreign employees may apply for special approval from the MLVT with appropriate justification.

An important update for employers is that the 2027 Foreign Manpower Quota application window runs from 1 September to 30 November 2026. Applications must be submitted through FWCMS. Employers must also comply with the required integration between the Labour Automated Central Management System (LACMS) and FWCMS.

How Can Indian Employees Prepare for Relocation to Cambodia?

Before travelling, employees and employers should coordinate visa documentation, employment contracts, quota approval and medical certification. The Cambodia E-Class visa generally provides an initial stay of 30 days, subject to the applicable entry conditions and extension procedures. Employees should confirm the appropriate visa and subsequent immigration status with the Cambodian authorities before departure. Work permits are generally valid for one year and require renewal under the applicable annual procedures.

Cambodia Work Permit Assistance with Lex Visas

International employee relocation requires careful coordination of immigration documentation and local employment authorisation. Lex Visas, established in 2005, supports businesses with outbound and inbound immigration, document authentication, and expat housing and destination services. With 21 years of experience in global mobility, Lex Visas helps organisations navigate international employee movement and coordinate immigration requirements for cross-border assignments.

Planning to relocate employees to Cambodia? Connect with Lex Visas for corporate immigration and international mobility assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can Indian citizens work in Cambodia?

Yes. Indian citizens can work in Cambodia after obtaining the appropriate immigration permission, work permit and foreign employment card.

2. How long do foreign employees have to apply for a Cambodia work permit?

Foreign nationals entering Cambodia for work or business must apply for their work permit within 90 calendar days of their first entry. They must obtain the required authorisation before starting employment.

3. Is a Cambodia E-Class visa sufficient to work in the country?

No. An E-Class visa facilitates entry for eligible business-related purposes but does not replace the work permit and foreign employment card required for employment.