Cambodia Tightens Residency Rules and Immigration Oversight

Cambodia is ramping up enforcement of foreign residency laws through a nationwide sweep led by the General Department of Immigration. The initiative aims to improve national security and curb illegal activities by ensuring every foreign national is properly documented and registered at a verified address.

Under Sub-Decree No. 03, which took effect in early 2026, authorities are conducting regular spot checks of residential areas, apartments, and guesthouses. Property owners are now legally required to verify the status of foreign tenants before allowing them to stay, or they face fines of up to $1,000 per undocumented occupant.

Who is affected

This policy shift primarily impacts expats and digital nomads on long-term stays. While short-term tourists are less likely to be targeted by door-to-door inspections, anyone staying in "collective residential premises" like condos or serviced apartments will find their data being shared more frequently with the police.

If you are living in Cambodia on an Ordinary (E) visa, you must ensure your paperwork is impeccable. This includes having a valid work permit if you are listed on a company tax certificate, as officials are increasingly linking residency status to employment documentation.

What you need to do

Staying compliant requires proactive communication with your landlord and local authorities. Follow these steps to avoid fines or potential deportation:

• Register your address: Permanent residents must register within 48 hours of arrival. All other foreigners must report address changes to local police within 24 hours.
• Check your visa and permits: Ensure your visa extension is current. If you work remotely for a local entity or are on a business extension, confirm your 2025 work permit application is submitted before the March 31 deadline.
• Verify landlord reporting: Ask your property manager if they have logged your details in the official registry. They are now required to keep entry and exit logs for one year and security footage for 90 days.

Staying on top of these nomad news updates is the best way to ensure your stay in the Kingdom remains hassle-free.

Read our full Cambodia guide for the complete picture.