Since 1999, Cambodia has granted citizenship to over 5,000 foreigners, with an average of 200 people per year granted the privilege. Candidates must meet the required qualifications and fulfil the conditions stipulated in the Nationality Law.
The figure was shared by the General Department of Identification (GDI) in a letter, released today, July 8. It was issued in response to same-day claims made by former opposition leader Sam Rainsy, who accused Cambodia of selling citizenship and passports to organised crime figures “as if they were goods in a market”.
“The number of foreigners who have received Cambodian citizenship remains low compared to many countries in the region. Additionally, all each of the individuals granted Cambodian citizenship have been verified by the relevant authorities to ensure good moral conduct and a clean criminal record prior to receiving citizenship,” stated the GDI.
The department considered the accusation that Cambodia has sold citizenship to foreigners as “an incorrect claim with malicious intent, damaging Cambodia’s reputation on the international stage”.
According to the GDI, foreigners who obtain Cambodian citizenship are legally recognised as Cambodian citizens with the right to use identification documents, including passports.
“The General Department rejects the baseless and unsubstantiated accusations made by the individual named Sam Rainsy, which are raised with malicious intent to defame and tarnish Cambodia’s reputation on the international stage,” it said.
There are four conditions for obtaining Cambodian citizenship: by birth, by adoption, by marriage and by naturalisation.
For naturalisation, applicants must meet one of four specific conditions. They include legally residing in Cambodia for an extended period, legally investing in Cambodia with a minimum capital of 4 billion riel (approximately $1 million), donating at least 12,000 million riel to the national budget (approximately $3 million), or possessing special merits or exceptional talents.
The GDI reiterated that all applicants must provide a certificate of good conduct and a clean criminal record.
