Cambodia Raises Citizenship Threshold for Foreigners: Investment-Based Naturalization Set at USD 1 Million or Donations of USD 3 Million

📰Hun Manet Signs Decree Clarifying Implementation Rules of the Nationality Law

Recently, 洪玛耐, Prime Minister of Cambodia, signed a decree establishing detailed implementation rules for the Nationality Law. The decree further clarifies the conditions and procedures for foreigners to obtain Cambodian nationality, and provides specific regulations regarding naturalization through investment or donation, as well as the renunciation and revocation of nationality.

According to the decree, foreign nationals applying for Cambodian nationality through naturalization are required to pay the relevant administrative service fees. The exact fee standards will be jointly announced by the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Economy and Finance. The granting of nationality must be issued by Royal Decree upon submission by the Prime Minister, following a proposal from the Minister of Interior. Approved applicants are required to take an oath before the Supreme Court, after which they may legally apply for a Cambodian national ID card and passport.

Investment-Based Naturalization: Minimum Investment and Sector Requirements

Regarding investment-based naturalization, the decree specifies that foreign investors who have obtained approval from the relevant authorities and whose investments align with government priority development policies may apply for naturalization under Article 21 of the Nationality Law. Applicants must use their own funds to implement investment projects within Cambodia, with a minimum investment amount of no less than 4 billion riels (approximately USD 1 million).

The investment projects must fall within the priority sectors listed in the annex of the decree and meet the prescribed project criteria. Applicants are also required to fulfill tax obligations, submit a complete and feasible investment plan, and pass the review of the relevant authorities.

Donation-Based Naturalization: Oversight of Funding Sources and Usage

The decree also outlines clear rules for naturalization through cash donations. Foreign nationals who donate personal funds to the national treasury or humanitarian sectors in support of Cambodia’s economic, social, or humanitarian development, with a donation amount of no less than 12 billion riels (approximately USD 3 million), may apply for naturalization under Article 22 of the Nationality Law.

All donated funds must originate from lawful sources and be transferred through the Ministry of Economy and Finance into the national financial system, where they will be subject to auditing and regulatory oversight.

Renunciation of Nationality: Voluntary and Law-Based Procedures

With respect to nationality renunciation, the decree states that Cambodian citizens aged 18 or above who have legally acquired another nationality may voluntarily apply to renounce Cambodian nationality. Applications must be submitted to the General Department of Identification under the Ministry of Interior and processed in accordance with legal procedures.

Revocation of Nationality: Defined Scope and Applicable Circumstances

Pursuant to the newly amended Article 29 of the Nationality Law, the decree clearly defines circumstances under which nationality may be revoked. For citizens who acquired Cambodian nationality by birth, nationality may be revoked under legally prescribed conditions if they engage in acts of treason, seriously endanger national interests, sovereignty, territorial integrity, or national security, voluntarily serve in a foreign military or hold foreign public office without resignation, or are involved in terrorism or other serious crimes threatening national security.

For individuals who obtained Cambodian nationality through recognition or naturalization, nationality may likewise be revoked if they are found to have engaged in treason, endangered national security, unlawfully served in a foreign military, obtained nationality through fraud or false information, or committed serious criminal offenses.

Analysts note that the issuance of these implementation rules marks a further step toward institutionalization, transparency, and the rule of law in Cambodia’s nationality management system, strengthening national security and public interests while continuing to attract compliant investment and donations.