Hiring with the Type E Visa: Requirements & Process in Cambodia

Basic Eligibility Requirements for the Type E Visa

Employers and workers should check that the following conditions are satisfied:

Employee / foreign hire requirements:

• Valid passport with at least six months’ validity at time of entry. 
• A job offer from a Cambodian-registered employer, or an invitation from a registered company in Cambodia (if you are arriving for employment or business).
• For working (not just business meetings) the employee must hold the proper work permit/employee card under the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training (MLVT) in Cambodia.
• The foreign worker must respect Cambodian labour laws (e.g., age bounds, health certificate, etc.) when applying for the permit. 

Required Documents (Employee)

Here’s what the foreign hire typically needs to provide:

• Valid passport (with required validity and blank pages).
• Passport-style photo (recent). 
• Completed visa application form (Type E). 
• An invitation letter from the Cambodian company, an employment contract or a letter of assignment. 
• For work permit applications: copies of employment contract, passport, visa extension evidence, health certificate (if required), etc.

Required Documents (Employer)

• Company registration certificate and tax permit. 
• Proof of business activity, labour quota approval (if applicable). 
• Employment contract with the foreign worker, the proposed salary and job description matching qualifications.
• Support documentation for work-permit application and visa extension (if needed).

Employer / sponsoring company requirements:

• The company must be registered in Cambodia and have a valid business registration, tax status, and labour quota approval (if required).
• The employer must offer a binding employment contract (or similar) that meets Cambodian labour-law requirements and supports the visa/work permit application.
• The employer should assist the hire in timely visa and work-permit applications, monitor restrictions (such as foreign-worker quotas), and maintain compliance with immigration rules.

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Step-by-Step Process for Sponsoring a Type E Visa in Cambodia

Here’s how the process works from the employer and employee sides:

1. Secure the job offer: The Employer issues a formal job offer or assignment to the foreign candidate, matching qualifications and role.
   
   
2. Apply for the initial Type E Visa: The employee applies for the Type E Visa (often online or via the Cambodian embassy/consulate) or obtains it upon arrival, based on their circumstances.
3. Arrival and initial stay: The Type E Visa is often valid for a single-entry, up to 30 days' stay upon entry, within a 3-month validity from issuance.
4. Extend and apply for work permit: Employer (and employee) then work to extend the visa (often from 1, 3, 6, or 12-month extensions) and apply for the work permit and employment card via MLVT.
5. Compliance while employed: Once the permit is approved, the employee may legally work. Employers should monitor compliance, renew visas/permits on time, and adhere to labour and immigration laws.

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Costs & Fees Employers Should Plan For – Sponsoring the Type E Visa

Here are typical cost areas and who pays what:

Government fees (foreign hire/employer may share):

• Initial Type E Visa: Around US $35 when entering. 
• Work permit/employee card: For example, the annual permit fee is around US $200 (for the work permit) according to a recent guide.

Employer costs vs. employee costs.

Employer internal costs:

• Time and internal resources to gather documents, liaise with immigration, and ensure compliance.
• Possible legal/immigration advisor fees if outsourcing the process.
• Relocation or benefits for the foreign worker if offered.
• Tracking renewals and compliance monitoring.
  

Employee-borne costs:

• Visa fees, extension costs, any travel related to initial entry.
• Possibly a medical certificate or health check if required.
  

Renewal/extension fees

• Visa extension fees: 1-month, 3-month, 6-month or 12-month extensions range from roughly US $45 up to US $270 or more, depending on duration.

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Employer Responsibilities to Ensure Compliance

• Ensure the hire works only in the approved role and for the approved employer during the initial permit period. Any change of role or employer may require a fresh application.
• Monitor working hours, contract terms, and salary, and ensure they meet Cambodian labour law and immigration conditions.
• Maintain accurate records: job offer, employment contract, visa and permit copies, renewal receipts, employee residence/contact details.
• Report major changes: early termination of employment, change of job description, salary changes, employee leaves the country for a long time.
• Respect foreign-employee quota limits (for example, many companies must keep foreign workers to a certain percentage).
• Start renewal processes ahead of expiry (e.g., renewal at least 30 days before the visa or permit expires).
• Understand that working on a tourist visa instead of the correct Type E Visa + work permit may lead to fines, deportation, and risk of blacklisting.

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