KUALA LUMPUR - Foreign nationals seeking Cambodian citizenship through naturalisation must invest at least US$1 million in the country or make a cash contribution of US$3 million to the national budget for socio-economic development or humanitarian purposes, under a sub-decree signed by Prime Minister Hun Manet in late 2025.

Chapter 4 of the sub-decree on the implementation of the Law on Nationality states that foreign nationals who obtain a valid investment permit from a competent authority may apply for citizenship by naturalisation in accordance with Article 21, provided they comply with the government’s priority investment policies.

“Applicants must invest at least 4 billion riel (US$1 million) in personal capital to implement an actual investment project in Cambodia,” Article 29 said.

It added that the investment must fall within priority sectors and project types listed in the sub-decree’s official appendix, with applicants also required to meet fiscal obligations and submit approved investment plans.

Article 30 states that the Ministry of Interior will review and evaluate the capital used for investment projects, priority sectors, project types and other conditions for foreign investors applying for citizenship.

“If necessary, the ministry may consult relevant ministries and institutions before making a decision,” it said, adding that personal investment capital must be clear and legal.

Article 31 provides an alternative pathway, stipulating that “foreign nationals who make a personal cash donation of at least 12 billion riel (US$3 million) to the national budget for socio-economic development or the humanitarian sector” may apply for Cambodian citizenship by naturalisation in accordance with Article 22 of the Law on Nationality.

“Personal cash donations must have a clear and legal source, and the donation must be paid into the national budget through the Ministry of Economy and Finance,” it said.

Priority projects and sectors eligible under the scheme include agriculture and agro-industry, food and agricultural processing for domestic and export markets, manufacturing for local consumption and import substitution, waste processing, tourism and related services.

They also cover digital and high-tech industries, innovation and research and development, small and medium enterprises in priority sectors, industrial and science parks, high-value new industries, regional and global supply-chain industries, SME financing through banks and financial institutions, and affordable housing in government-priority areas.

In December 2025, Prince Group founder Chen Zhi was stripped of his Cambodian citizenship ahead of his arrest and deportation on January 6, 2026.

In an interview with Reuters, Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn said an investigation found that Zhi had obtained his Cambodian citizenship illegally, although he did not disclose further details.