How to Get a Cambodian Business Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide
The top reason for visiting Cambodia is tourism. However, coming up in a close second is business. With its developing market, opportunities for taking up business ventures and investments are varied. However, being a non-resident of the country, how do you avail these dynamic opportunities? A simple solution is to get a business visa, visit the country, and invest in its economy.
Introduction to Cambodian Business Visa (Type E)
The year 2006 saw the introduction of the online visa system in the country of Cambodia. Not only was the online portal designed to streamline the application process, but it also aimed to boost travel. Further in 2021, the online application for the Type E Business Visa was launched.
While the tourist visa allows you to visit Cambodia, it neither allows you to work nor explore investment opportunities. However, with its growing economy, Cambodia presents multiple lucrative opportunities for business ventures as well as employment opportunities.
To opt for these, you need to get a business visa that allows you to pursue employment and entrepreneurship, and visit the country for business related purposes.
The Cambodian business visa:
- Has validity of 90 days from the issuing date
- Allows you to stay for 30 days
- Is a single-entry visa
- Is processed within 3 business days from application
When You Will Need a Cambodian Business Visa (Type E)
The Cambodian Business Visa, also called the Type E visa, is available to people from visa-eligible countries who qualify as per the following criteria:
- Joining an organization based out of Cambodia
- Accepted an invite from a registered Cambodian business for official purposes
- Those working in a Cambodian company in a foreign country and have been asked to visit Cambodia for business purposes.
When carrying the Cambodian Business Visa, you can pursue any of the below:
- Explore potential opportunities for business undertakings
- Attend a workshop, seminar, meeting, or a business summit.
- Enter Cambodia for project-related tasks
- Attend contract negotiations and legal meetings
Eligibility Requirements for a Cambodian Business Visa (Type E)
No matter your country of origin, you are free to explore business opportunities in Cambodia. Criteria to fulfill include:
- Possession of a valid passport
- Providing proof of funds to be able to support your stay as well as your business ventures.
- Proof of ties to your homeland
- Confirmed return tickets that prove that you will leave Cambodia
- Supporting documents that prove why you are going to Cambodia
- There should be no criminal records registered against you
- Proof of medical fitness
Further, applicants can check their country-wise eligibility with simple online tools.
Documents Required for the Application
When applying for a Cambodian Business Visa, supporting documents to prove your identity and the authenticity of your visit is essential. They include:
Valid Passport and Passport-sized Photos
When traveling to Cambodia and applying for a Business Visa, it is important to have a passport that is valid for a minimum of 6 months from your date of travel. It should also have blank pages (minimum two) for stamping.
Your online visa form will also ask for some mandatory information related to your name, ID, passport details as well as a photograph that has been taken in the past 6 months. For accurate guidelines, check with the official website.
Business Invitation Letter or Sponsorship
Also called an Invitation Validation Certificate, it ensures that you as a traveler can guarantee an invitation from a business registered in Cambodia. This should be done via the official website by the concerned business.
Further, if you have received an offer of employment, make sure to provide the same. Also, make sure to provide a valid address and contact number for your duration of stay in Cambodia.
How to Apply for a Business Visa to Cambodia
Filing a Cambodian visa application is fairly simple. Either you can go online and use the official portal or submit a form with the consulate. However, the best way to avail a Cambodian Business Visa is via the online route.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Application Process
When applying online, follow the below steps:
- Open the portal for the visa form
- Opt for the correct visa category
- Complete the form with the right information
- Pay using a valid bank card
Without receiving payment, your visa application will not be processed. Once your form is done, and fees paid, wait for the approval mail from the visa officials.
If you are opting for the consular route, you will have to download and form, fill it, and submit it along with the necessary documents to the consulate in person. You may be asked for follow up interviews and documents, as necessary.
Online vs. In-person Application
An in-person Cambodian Business Visa needs to be submitted to the official authorities at the embassy. However, this involves queues and a longer wait time. Also, processing a Consulate Visa takes longer than the online version.
While some visa categories can only be availed via the Consular Route, if and whenever possible, it is better to opt for the online application. Not only are there no queues, but the process is also fairly user friendly. To add, the wait time is much less.
Using the online portal not only is the visa application process easy to use, but you also have the below benefits:
- Application tracking
- Modifying travel information
- Repeating payment in case of a failure
- Getting a receipt
- Downloading the eVisa
Processing Times
No matter the country, fees for every visa category varies as per the type, duration of stay, whether it is a multi-entry option, and other parameters. This is true for the Cambodian Business Visa as well.
The usual time taken is 3 working days. So, apply at least 3 days before your trip. Our advice is to apply early to ensure that you have sufficient time in hand in case of any issues.
Duration and Extensions of Cambodian Business Visas
The visa issued is valid for a period of three m months from issue. Further, it allows people to stay up to 30 days. However, you may avail a visa extension if needed.
The usual time frame by which you can get your visa extended is by one or three months for the single-entry business visa. In case your visa validity is about to expire but your work is not completed, apply for an extension with the immigration department.
Common Issues and How to Avoid Them
The biggest issue when availing a visa is avoiding mistakes in the application. To add, documentation submitted needs to be accurate.
Data filled in the visa form should be the same as your passport. Also, check your passport validity before applying. Cross check all details before submitting and retain a copy with yourself.
Navigating Visa Denials
In case you have been asked for clarification, address the issue immediately. Gather specified documents and appear for a meeting with the visa officials. In case of a denial or cancellation, appeal with the help of a professional.
Proceeding with the Cambodian Business Visa
With the eVisa approval route, getting a Cambodian Business Visa is easy. Opt for an on-time application and visit Cambodia for work related purposes as well as exploring business opportunities.
Check Eligibility for Cambodia e-Visa and apply for Cambodia e-Visa 5 days prior to your scheduled flight to Cambodia. French citizens, Georgian citizens, Czech citizens, Spanish citizens and South African citizens are eligible to apply online for Cambodia e-Visa.