Cambodia
20%
Impuesto corporativo
2–4 weeks
Tiempo de constitución
KHR 4,000,000 (~$1,000)
Capital mínimo
100%
Propiedad extranjera
#144
Facilidad para negocios
Cambodia is an emerging ASEAN market offering 100% foreign ownership, low operating costs, and a USD-based economy that eliminates the currency risk found in most Southeast Asian countries. The $1,000 minimum capital and straightforward incorporation make it one of the easiest countries in the region for basic company formation. Cambodia is a major garment and textile manufacturing hub, benefiting from Everything But Arms (EBA) trade preferences with the EU and GSP benefits from several developed countries. Phnom Penh is developing a modest tech startup scene, and the real estate and hospitality sectors attract significant foreign investment. The trade-offs are genuine: weak rule of law, unpredictable contract enforcement, and infrastructure limitations outside Phnom Penh require realistic expectations.
- Manufacturers seeking low-cost production with ASEAN and RCEP trade access
- Real estate and hospitality investors in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap
- E-commerce and digital businesses wanting an inexpensive ASEAN base with USD transactions
- Social enterprises and NGOs with programmes in Cambodia and the Mekong region
Cambodia's weak rule of law is the primary concern for foreign businesses. Contract enforcement through the courts is slow and unpredictable, and land ownership by foreigners is restricted (foreigners cannot own land outright but can hold long-term leases or use nominee structures with associated risks). The 1% monthly prepayment of tax on turnover acts as a minimum tax that can be painful for low-margin businesses. Corruption indices rank Cambodia poorly — factor compliance costs and due diligence into your operating budget. Infrastructure outside Phnom Penh remains limited.
De un vistazo
Estructuras empresariales disponibles
Resumen de costos
Resumen fiscal
Realidad bancaria
Cronograma: 1–2 weeks
Cambodia's banking sector has grown rapidly and is largely USD-denominated, which simplifies international transactions. Major banks include ABA Bank (owned by National Bank of Canada), ACLEDA Bank (the largest), Canadia Bank, and Wing Bank (strong in mobile payments). Account opening is relatively straightforward for registered companies — requiring the Certificate of Incorporation, business registration, patent tax certificate, and director identification. The USD-based economy means businesses can receive, hold, and pay in USD without conversion. Mobile banking and fintech are advancing rapidly, with Wing and ABA Bank leading digital payments.
Visas e inmigración
Cambodia does not offer formal entrepreneur, digital nomad, or golden visa programmes. However, Cambodia has one of the most permissive visa regimes in Southeast Asia. The Business Visa (Type E) is available on arrival for most nationalities and can be extended indefinitely through annual renewals. A work permit is required for foreign employees and is obtained through the Ministry of Labour. The combination of easy business visa access and straightforward extensions makes Cambodia practically accessible for foreign founders, though without formal immigration programmes.
Zonas francas y ZEE
23 zonas francas disponibles
Errores comunes
Underestimating the 1% monthly prepayment of tax on turnover
Fix: Cambodia requires a monthly prepayment of corporate income tax equal to 1% of turnover. This is not refundable if the company makes a loss — it becomes the minimum tax. For low-margin businesses, this can exceed the actual 20% tax on profits. Model this into financial projections before committing.
Relying on verbal agreements or informal arrangements
Fix: Cambodia's court system is weak on contract enforcement. Always formalise agreements in writing with clear dispute resolution clauses (preferably specifying arbitration at the National Commercial Arbitration Centre or Singapore International Arbitration Centre). Do not rely on informal relationships for material business arrangements.
Attempting to own land directly as a foreign individual or company
Fix: Foreigners cannot own land in Cambodia. Foreign-owned companies can hold long-term leases (up to 50 years, renewable) or own upper-floor strata-title property. Nominee structures carry legal risk. Structure real estate investments through long-term leases with proper legal documentation.
Preguntas frecuentes
Da el siguiente paso
Obtén un resumen de constitución para Cambodia
Estimación personalizada de costos, estructura recomendada y próximos pasos.
This content is educational and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always consult a qualified professional for your specific situation. Data last verified March 2026.