Foreigners who spend 4 billion riel ($1 million) of their own capital on a legitimate investment project in the Kingdom can apply for Cambodian citizenship. The same is true for those who make a cash donation to the national budget or humanitarian sector which totals 12 billion riel ($3 million), according to a December 1 sub-decree on the implementation of the Law on Nationality.
According to Article 29, any foreigner who has received permission for lawful investment in a priority area from the competent authorities can apply for Khmer citizenship by naturalisation, in accordance with Article 21.
“All foreign investors who apply for Khmer citizenship by naturalisation will have their applications evaluated by the Ministry of Interior. In some cases, the ministry may consult with relevant ministries and institutions to review the final decision.
“Personal investment capital must have a clear and legal source,” said the sub-decree.
To obtain citizenship via donation, foreigners must make a cash donation of at least 12 billion riel ($3 million) to the national budget or the humanitarian sector.
“Any foreigner who has made a personal cash donation to the national budget for the benefit of socio-economic development or the humanitarian sector in the Kingdom of Cambodia can apply for Khmer citizenship by naturalisation per Article 22 of the Law on Nationality,” said Article 31 of the sub-decree.
“The personal cash donation must have a clear and legal source. It must be paid into the national budget through the Ministry of Economy and Finance,” it added.
Previously, applying for Khmer citizenship through investment required just over $300,000, while a minimum donation of around $245,000 was needed.
