Cambodia is one the fastest growing countries in southeast asia, currently there are very good opportunities and the competition is not very high, it’s best for foreigners to think about it.
While Cambodia is going popular day by day those who visit the country for a tourism and than want to stay for longer time Cambodia want to convert Thier tourist visas to work visas.
Let explain the situation of a tourist visa, how it work, how much validity it have can it be extended.
What’s Cambodia tourist visa?
Cambodia tourist visa is an entry permit for short period stay in Cambodia for the purpose of tourism. This visa is not allow you to work or engage in any paid event.
Cambodia tourist visa have 3 months validity with 30 days stay, if you want to stay for longer time you maybe able to apply for an extension. the Cambodian immigration which make a decision about extension base on the reason why you want stay more.
You may get 15 days or 30 days extension, the Cambodian immigration generally issues 30 days extension but some people were grant only 15 days additional extension.
Is it possible to convert a tourist visa to work visa in Cambodia?
The answer is No, you can not convert a tourist visa to work visa or work permit in Cambodia, however if you want to stay for longer time you need to apply for e class business visa, this visa have the ability to open a way to work permit.
In general Cambodia have to types eVisas, currently the Cambodia eVisa is vey popular and mostly foreigners need to obtain an eVisa.
When you apply for Cambodia eVisa, there are tow types of visas, e tourist visa or e class business visa. If you want to stay for longer time in Cambodia you need to apply for e class business visa.
This visa have 3 months validity and 30 days duration of stay. The good news is that you can apply for a work permit if you have e class business visa.
This visa grant you the right to apply multiple times for extension and stay for longer time in Cambodia.
Cambodia e Class visa can be extended for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year, base on this visa you can apply for work permit for opening a business in Cambodia.
How to get an E class visa for Cambodia?
Getting an e class visa is very easy for Cambodia, you can apply for this visa online, depends on your nationality you may be able to get this visa without additional documents or may you need to submit additional documents and information.
Mostly these documents are required for e class visa:
- Passport: minimum 6 months valid passport
- A scanned photo taken within last 3 months
- Bank statement: A bank statement of last 6 months which should show Bank records and your name.
- Proof of accomodation: you need to submit a proof of accomodation mean where you will be stay in Cambodia, it can be a rental agreement, hotel reservation…
- Health insurance: you need to have a health insurance to protect you against all possible risks include COVID.
- Cover letter: you need a cover letter which includ short personal information and your business plan in Cambodia like seeking business opportunity…
- Flight reservation: you have to submit a ticket reservation.
You can submit your visa application online, it can take up to 48 hours to get your visa. This can is cost 42 USD without any additional fee.
All you need to take a print of it and when you travel to Cambodia you need to present it at the airport.
Work permit in Cambodia
As we explained you need to enter to Cambodia with E class visa to apply for multiple longer stay extension or work permit.
So let explain work permit:
A work permit is an official document which issue by the ministry of labour and vocational training which will allow foregin national to work in Cambodia legally.
Read more: Cambodia visit visa for Pakistani nationals
Mainly applicants need to apply for work visa and than for work permit but if you are on e class visa it’s possible to apply within Cambodia for work permit.
All you need to have :
- A job offer from an employer
- Be eligible or fit with that job( for example if it’s health related job you need to have health experience and a education document).
- Have a residence in Cambodia
- Passport with minimum 6 months validity
You can read more deeper about work permit here. Work permit process in Cambodia
Longer stay for remote workers
If you are work remotely and want to stay for longer time in Cambodia it’s possible, fortunately Cambodia have a very friendly and helpful visa and immigration policy.
If you are working remotely you can apply for e class business visa and than extend your visa for up to 1 year. You can apply for extension as a Freelancer and show your income documents .
One of the important thing is that you need have a proper income, this will help you to extend your visa for longer time. Even if you want to stay more than a year you just can renew your stay by applying for additional extension.
Or you can even have a short trip to Thailand and apply again for a new visa. But actually you don’t need for it because you can extend your visa in Cambodia for multiple time.
Is Cambodia is safe?
Cambodia is generally considered safe for tourists and travelers, but like any destination, it has its risks and precautions.
The Cambodia Thailand region is very popular for tourism and millions of foreigners visit Cambodia each year so there is nothing to afraid. Cambodia is a safe country.
