Best visa option for long-term stay
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Best visa option for long-term stay
I know there’s been a few threads on visas and renewals but the ones I’ve seen may now be out of date so more recent advice would be appreciated.
I plan on moving back to Cambodia to live in 2024.
I’m married to a Cambodia national, but our marriage certificate is from my country.
When I last lived in Cambodia in 2017, I applied for an E-type Business/Ordinary visa on arrival and renewed that for 12 months no problem.
I do not plan on working in Cambodia but I’m not old enough to be officially retired in my country. I have savings we’ll live on and my wife owns a house in Cambodia. When I’m old enough I will apply for a government pension from back home but that’s not for a while.
So, I won’t be looking for employment or starting a business, do not qualify as officially retired, and I’m not a diplomat, volunteer, or student. I’m after a visa for 12 months that’s constantly renewable.
Things seem to have changed since my last stay so what’s my best option?
Cheers.
I plan on moving back to Cambodia to live in 2024.
I’m married to a Cambodia national, but our marriage certificate is from my country.
When I last lived in Cambodia in 2017, I applied for an E-type Business/Ordinary visa on arrival and renewed that for 12 months no problem.
I do not plan on working in Cambodia but I’m not old enough to be officially retired in my country. I have savings we’ll live on and my wife owns a house in Cambodia. When I’m old enough I will apply for a government pension from back home but that’s not for a while.
So, I won’t be looking for employment or starting a business, do not qualify as officially retired, and I’m not a diplomat, volunteer, or student. I’m after a visa for 12 months that’s constantly renewable.
Things seem to have changed since my last stay so what’s my best option?
Cheers.
- Phuket2006
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only 1 < get the EB extension as before, but now u'll need go thru an agent till ur 55>>OR Cambodia adds a marriage extension as Thailand does
"We are turning into a nation of whimpering slaves to Fear—fear of war, fear of poverty, fear of random terrorism, or suddenly getting locked up in a military detention camp on vague charges of being a Terrorist sympathizer." HST
Because you are not legally married in Cambodia, are under 55 and do not have official proof of retirement/pension status, and are not going to be working/owning a business - your only real option is to pay extra to a Visa agency for an EB (Business) EOS, they will facilitate the necessary supporting documentation for both a Work Permit and the EB EOS. Not exactly legal, but accepted practice as the DoI get a nice slice of the pie.
Since people continually ask this question, here is a basic summary for general Foreigners wishing to stay long term, work, retire, study, etc...
1. You must enter the country on an E-type (Ordinary) Visa. $35 on arrival, valid for 1 month. (Note: this Visa is often incorrectly referred to as the Business Visa). There are no supporting documentation requirements for the majority of Nationalities, no passport picture is required. Ensure that you have the Visa fee in crisp, new, clean USD bills, preferably exact change.
Update: With effect 12th Jan 2023, the E-type (Ordinary) Visa can also be applied for online in advance by all Nationalities on the official www.evisa.gov.kh website. Note that certain Nationalities have different supporting documentation requirements.
2. Prior to your Visa expiry date, go to a Visa agency and apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS). There are different EOS categories available, the main ones are;
- EB (Business/Employment) EOS - 1,3,6,12 month options, can be renewed indefinitely
- ER (Retirement) EOS - 1,3,6,12 month options, can be renewed indefinitely
- ES (Student) EOS - 1,3,6,12 month options, can be renewed indefinitely
- EG (General) - 1,3 month options - 1 time deal, cannot be renewed in-country
- EP (Proposal - seeking employment/business opportunities) 1,3 month options - 1 time deal, can convert to EB EOS with the necessary supporting documentation.
Only 6 & 12 month options valid for multi-entry/exit.
Each EOS category has it's own supporting documentation requirements, but minimum requirements for all are;
- Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity remaining from the date the EOS will expire ie. If applying for 12 mth EOS, you need at least 18 months validity remaining on your passport
- Minimum 2x blank Visa pages in passport
- 1x Passport pic
- Completed EOS application form (most agents will complete on your behalf)
- FPCS details screenshot
Costs if applying via a Visa agency (price depends on agency and location);
- 1 mth EOS = $45 - 55
- 3 mth EOS = $70 - 90
- 6 mth EOS = $150 - 170
- 12 mth EOS = $270 - 300
There is no standard processing time for EOS applications, average is 7-10 business days, but you should allow up to 14 business days, anything less is a bonus. If you need it quickly, you can pay an additional $70 - 100 for express processing (next day) when applying via a Visa Agency.
*You also can apply for your EOS directly at the Department of Immigration (DoI) Visa Office in Pochentong, Phnom Penh, but only if you have all of the necessary supporting documentation, which they are very strict about. Official fee for a 12 month EOS applying directly is $180.
Enforcement of Visa Extension of Stay requirements with effect 17th October 2022.
- If you arrive with an E-type (Ordinary) Visa and want to apply for a 12 mth EB (Business) EOS, you are required to have a copy of your Work Permit card, Employment Letter and Companies Patent Tax License.
- If you don't have a Work Permit then you are only allowed to apply for a 6 mth EB EOS, you must have your Employement Letter and Patent Tax License.
- If you don't have an Employment Letter then you are only allowed to apply for a 3 month EP (Proposal) EOS which you can then change to an EB EOS once you have secured a Work Permit and Employment Letter with copy of the Patent Tax License.
- All subsequent EB EOS applications will require Work Permit, Employment Letter and Patent Tax License.
- Those legally married in Cambodia to a Cambodian Citizen, who do not work and aren't eligible for, or don't want, an ER EOS, they can still apply for the EB EOS based on marriage without the need to provide employment related supporting documentation including the WP. Different supporting documentation requirements apply.
- Those applying for an EB EOS as a non-working dependent spouse of their foreign husband/wife can still apply without the need to provide employment related supporting documentation including the WP. Different supporting documentation requirements apply.
- EG (General) EOS only available for 1 or 3 months, no more 6 month options.
- You can no longer convert from an EG EOS to any other EOS category in country.
Most of the above aren't actually policy changes, just stricter enforcement of the correct Immigration policy (Sub Decree 123)
Since people continually ask this question, here is a basic summary for general Foreigners wishing to stay long term, work, retire, study, etc...
1. You must enter the country on an E-type (Ordinary) Visa. $35 on arrival, valid for 1 month. (Note: this Visa is often incorrectly referred to as the Business Visa). There are no supporting documentation requirements for the majority of Nationalities, no passport picture is required. Ensure that you have the Visa fee in crisp, new, clean USD bills, preferably exact change.
Update: With effect 12th Jan 2023, the E-type (Ordinary) Visa can also be applied for online in advance by all Nationalities on the official www.evisa.gov.kh website. Note that certain Nationalities have different supporting documentation requirements.
2. Prior to your Visa expiry date, go to a Visa agency and apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS). There are different EOS categories available, the main ones are;
- EB (Business/Employment) EOS - 1,3,6,12 month options, can be renewed indefinitely
- ER (Retirement) EOS - 1,3,6,12 month options, can be renewed indefinitely
- ES (Student) EOS - 1,3,6,12 month options, can be renewed indefinitely
- EG (General) - 1,3 month options - 1 time deal, cannot be renewed in-country
- EP (Proposal - seeking employment/business opportunities) 1,3 month options - 1 time deal, can convert to EB EOS with the necessary supporting documentation.
Only 6 & 12 month options valid for multi-entry/exit.
Each EOS category has it's own supporting documentation requirements, but minimum requirements for all are;
- Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity remaining from the date the EOS will expire ie. If applying for 12 mth EOS, you need at least 18 months validity remaining on your passport
- Minimum 2x blank Visa pages in passport
- 1x Passport pic
- Completed EOS application form (most agents will complete on your behalf)
- FPCS details screenshot
Costs if applying via a Visa agency (price depends on agency and location);
- 1 mth EOS = $45 - 55
- 3 mth EOS = $70 - 90
- 6 mth EOS = $150 - 170
- 12 mth EOS = $270 - 300
There is no standard processing time for EOS applications, average is 7-10 business days, but you should allow up to 14 business days, anything less is a bonus. If you need it quickly, you can pay an additional $70 - 100 for express processing (next day) when applying via a Visa Agency.
*You also can apply for your EOS directly at the Department of Immigration (DoI) Visa Office in Pochentong, Phnom Penh, but only if you have all of the necessary supporting documentation, which they are very strict about. Official fee for a 12 month EOS applying directly is $180.
Enforcement of Visa Extension of Stay requirements with effect 17th October 2022.
- If you arrive with an E-type (Ordinary) Visa and want to apply for a 12 mth EB (Business) EOS, you are required to have a copy of your Work Permit card, Employment Letter and Companies Patent Tax License.
- If you don't have a Work Permit then you are only allowed to apply for a 6 mth EB EOS, you must have your Employement Letter and Patent Tax License.
- If you don't have an Employment Letter then you are only allowed to apply for a 3 month EP (Proposal) EOS which you can then change to an EB EOS once you have secured a Work Permit and Employment Letter with copy of the Patent Tax License.
- All subsequent EB EOS applications will require Work Permit, Employment Letter and Patent Tax License.
- Those legally married in Cambodia to a Cambodian Citizen, who do not work and aren't eligible for, or don't want, an ER EOS, they can still apply for the EB EOS based on marriage without the need to provide employment related supporting documentation including the WP. Different supporting documentation requirements apply.
- Those applying for an EB EOS as a non-working dependent spouse of their foreign husband/wife can still apply without the need to provide employment related supporting documentation including the WP. Different supporting documentation requirements apply.
- EG (General) EOS only available for 1 or 3 months, no more 6 month options.
- You can no longer convert from an EG EOS to any other EOS category in country.
Most of the above aren't actually policy changes, just stricter enforcement of the correct Immigration policy (Sub Decree 123)
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I'm not a negative person, I encourage people all the time...it's usually to f**k off! But, whatever.
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Thanks for the information.
I'm over 55 now but reluctant to show officials evidence of savings for privacy and security reasons.
Can anyone recommend an agent to handle visa renewals and any idea what they would charge?
Cheers.
I'm over 55 now but reluctant to show officials evidence of savings for privacy and security reasons.
Can anyone recommend an agent to handle visa renewals and any idea what they would charge?
Cheers.
If you are over 55 then you can apply for the ER (Retirement) EOS via a Visa agency - no need to provide proof of retirement/pension status or sufficient funds - simple.Bill Shakey wrote: ↑Sun Dec 17, 2023 11:28 amThanks for the information.
I'm over 55 now but reluctant to show officials evidence of savings for privacy and security reasons.
Can anyone recommend an agent to handle visa renewals and any idea what they would charge?
Cheers.
The only 2 agents in PP I reccomend are
- Kim Lennox (Call Kim) you can contact her via Phone, WhatsApp or Telegram on +855 92 256 388
- CINA Travel House #129, st.130
I'm not a negative person, I encourage people all the time...it's usually to f**k off! But, whatever.
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- Phuket2006
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didn't know u were over 55,
agents fees are $290-300 for the 1 year extension
or fuck around with it direct at immigration and save $100
agents fees are $290-300 for the 1 year extension
or fuck around with it direct at immigration and save $100
"We are turning into a nation of whimpering slaves to Fear—fear of war, fear of poverty, fear of random terrorism, or suddenly getting locked up in a military detention camp on vague charges of being a Terrorist sympathizer." HST
Directly at the DoI is not an option for him as he has stated he doesn't have official proof of Retirement/Pension Status and does not want to provide financial information, therefore needs to apply via an agency.Phuket2006 wrote: ↑Sun Dec 17, 2023 12:52 pmor fuck around with it direct at immigration and save $100
I'm not a negative person, I encourage people all the time...it's usually to f**k off! But, whatever.
- Phuket2006
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i never knew that> thought all u needed to qualify was be over 55PSD_Kiwi wrote: ↑Sun Dec 17, 2023 12:55 pmDirectly at the DoI is not an option for him as he has stated he doesn't have official proof of Retirement/Pension Status and does not want to provide financial information, therefore needs to apply via an agency.Phuket2006 wrote: ↑Sun Dec 17, 2023 12:52 pmor fuck around with it direct at immigration and save $100
my agent last time i did a 1 year, did not ask for anything other than my passport and the copy of my FPCS
"We are turning into a nation of whimpering slaves to Fear—fear of war, fear of poverty, fear of random terrorism, or suddenly getting locked up in a military detention camp on vague charges of being a Terrorist sympathizer." HST
If aged 55+ and applying via an agency then not required. If under 55 and applying via an agency required. If applying directly at the DoI Visa office, strict supporting documentation requirements, regardless of age.Phuket2006 wrote: ↑Sun Dec 17, 2023 1:46 pmi never knew that> thought all u needed to qualify was be over 55PSD_Kiwi wrote: ↑Sun Dec 17, 2023 12:55 pmDirectly at the DoI is not an option for him as he has stated he doesn't have official proof of Retirement/Pension Status and does not want to provide financial information, therefore needs to apply via an agency.Phuket2006 wrote: ↑Sun Dec 17, 2023 12:52 pmor fuck around with it direct at immigration and save $100
my agent last time i did a 1 year, did not ask for anything other than my passport and the copy of my FPCS
I'm not a negative person, I encourage people all the time...it's usually to f**k off! But, whatever.
- Phuket2006
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got ya, so basically the same as ThailandPSD_Kiwi wrote: ↑Sun Dec 17, 2023 3:41 pmIf aged 55+ and applying via an agency then not required. If under 55 and applying via an agency required. If applying directly at the DoI Visa office, strict supporting documentation requirements, regardless of age.Phuket2006 wrote: ↑Sun Dec 17, 2023 1:46 pmi never knew that> thought all u needed to qualify was be over 55PSD_Kiwi wrote: ↑Sun Dec 17, 2023 12:55 pmDirectly at the DoI is not an option for him as he has stated he doesn't have official proof of Retirement/Pension Status and does not want to provide financial information, therefore needs to apply via an agency.Phuket2006 wrote: ↑Sun Dec 17, 2023 12:52 pmor fuck around with it direct at immigration and save $100
my agent last time i did a 1 year, did not ask for anything other than my passport and the copy of my FPCS
if in Pattaya show no money using an agent 1 year is apx $360
going direct ....need show $$$ and the extension is 1,900 baht ( $55)
Cambodia $290-300 with agent
direct no agent $180??
1
1
"We are turning into a nation of whimpering slaves to Fear—fear of war, fear of poverty, fear of random terrorism, or suddenly getting locked up in a military detention camp on vague charges of being a Terrorist sympathizer." HST
G'day Kiwi,PSD_Kiwi wrote: ↑Sun Dec 17, 2023 10:59 amBecause you are not legally married in Cambodia, are under 55 and do not have official proof of retirement/pension status, and are not going to be working/owning a business - your only real option is to pay extra to a Visa agency for an EB (Business) EOS, they will facilitate the necessary supporting documentation for both a Work Permit and the EB EOS. Not exactly legal, but accepted practice as the DoI get a nice slice of the pie.
Since people continually ask this question, here is a basic summary for general Foreigners wishing to stay long term, work, retire, study, etc...
1. You must enter the country on an E-type (Ordinary) Visa. $35 on arrival, valid for 1 month. (Note: this Visa is often incorrectly referred to as the Business Visa). There are no supporting documentation requirements for the majority of Nationalities, no passport picture is required. Ensure that you have the Visa fee in crisp, new, clean USD bills, preferably exact change.
Update: With effect 12th Jan 2023, the E-type (Ordinary) Visa can also be applied for online in advance by all Nationalities on the official www.evisa.gov.kh website. Note that certain Nationalities have different supporting documentation requirements.
2. Prior to your Visa expiry date, go to a Visa agency and apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS). There are different EOS categories available, the main ones are;
- EB (Business/Employment) EOS - 1,3,6,12 month options, can be renewed indefinitely
- ER (Retirement) EOS - 1,3,6,12 month options, can be renewed indefinitely
- ES (Student) EOS - 1,3,6,12 month options, can be renewed indefinitely
- EG (General) - 1,3 month options - 1 time deal, cannot be renewed in-country
- EP (Proposal - seeking employment/business opportunities) 1,3 month options - 1 time deal, can convert to EB EOS with the necessary supporting documentation.
Only 6 & 12 month options valid for multi-entry/exit.
Each EOS category has it's own supporting documentation requirements, but minimum requirements for all are;
- Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity remaining from the date the EOS will expire ie. If applying for 12 mth EOS, you need at least 18 months validity remaining on your passport
- Minimum 2x blank Visa pages in passport
- 1x Passport pic
- Completed EOS application form (most agents will complete on your behalf)
- FPCS details screenshot
Costs if applying via a Visa agency (price depends on agency and location);
- 1 mth EOS = $45 - 55
- 3 mth EOS = $70 - 90
- 6 mth EOS = $150 - 170
- 12 mth EOS = $270 - 300
There is no standard processing time for EOS applications, average is 7-10 business days, but you should allow up to 14 business days, anything less is a bonus. If you need it quickly, you can pay an additional $70 - 100 for express processing (next day) when applying via a Visa Agency.
*You also can apply for your EOS directly at the Department of Immigration (DoI) Visa Office in Pochentong, Phnom Penh, but only if you have all of the necessary supporting documentation, which they are very strict about. Official fee for a 12 month EOS applying directly is $180.
Enforcement of Visa Extension of Stay requirements with effect 17th October 2022.
- If you arrive with an E-type (Ordinary) Visa and want to apply for a 12 mth EB (Business) EOS, you are required to have a copy of your Work Permit card, Employment Letter and Companies Patent Tax License.
- If you don't have a Work Permit then you are only allowed to apply for a 6 mth EB EOS, you must have your Employement Letter and Patent Tax License.
- If you don't have an Employment Letter then you are only allowed to apply for a 3 month EP (Proposal) EOS which you can then change to an EB EOS once you have secured a Work Permit and Employment Letter with copy of the Patent Tax License.
- All subsequent EB EOS applications will require Work Permit, Employment Letter and Patent Tax License.
- Those legally married in Cambodia to a Cambodian Citizen, who do not work and aren't eligible for, or don't want, an ER EOS, they can still apply for the EB EOS based on marriage without the need to provide employment related supporting documentation including the WP. Different supporting documentation requirements apply.
- Those applying for an EB EOS as a non-working dependent spouse of their foreign husband/wife can still apply without the need to provide employment related supporting documentation including the WP. Different supporting documentation requirements apply.
- EG (General) EOS only available for 1 or 3 months, no more 6 month options.
- You can no longer convert from an EG EOS to any other EOS category in country.
Most of the above aren't actually policy changes, just stricter enforcement of the correct Immigration policy (Sub Decree 123)
You have been one person on this site I trust. I came to Cambodia in 2009 and left in 2015.
I'm planning a return in June of 2024. In your opinion, is it still a reasonable place for expats?
Thanks,
Doodles
Yep Doodles, that PSD_Kiwi champ is a wealth of information alright.
I reckon if he got 1 riel for every sentence of immigration advice he's posted here he'd be a millionaire.
I reckon if he got 1 riel for every sentence of immigration advice he's posted here he'd be a millionaire.
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