Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – The Cambodian government recently officially promulgated the implementing regulations of the Nationality Law, further standardizing the procedures and thresholds for foreigners applying for citizenship through investment or donation. Foreign citizens seeking Cambodian citizenship must invest at least US$1 million in Cambodia or donate US$3 million to relevant departments for socio-economic development or humanitarian purposes.
According to the implementing regulations of the Cambodian Nationality Law, foreigners who invest 4 billion riel (approximately US$1 million) in legal projects in Cambodia, and whose investment projects fall under priority areas listed in the official directory, are eligible to apply for Cambodian citizenship. The regulations emphasize that the source of personal investment funds must be legal and clearly documented.
Furthermore, foreign citizens who donate at least 12 billion riel (approximately US$3 million) to relevant national departments for socio-economic development or humanitarian purposes are also eligible to apply for Cambodian citizenship. The regulations emphasize that the source of personal donation funds must be legal and clearly documented, and the donation must be made through the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
Compared to previous policies, the new regulations significantly raise the threshold for citizenship. Previously, the minimum threshold for foreigners applying for citizenship through investment was US$300,000, while the minimum amount for applications through donations was 1 billion Cambodian riel (approximately US$240,000).
The revision and release of the implementing regulations of the Nationality Law aims to attract high-quality international capital into Cambodia's key industries, while strengthening background checks and financial oversight of citizenship applicants to ensure that immigration policy is consistent with national security and economic development strategies.
