PHNOM PENH – The Royal Government of Cambodia has officially established new financial requirements for foreign nationals seeking citizenship through naturalization. Under a new sub-decree signed by Prime Minister Hun Manet, applicants must now either invest a minimum of $1 million in priority sectors or provide a $3 million donation to the state budget.
The Investment Route
According to the sub-decree issued in late 2025, foreign investors must commit at least 4 billion riel (approximately $1 million) in personal capital toward projects approved by the government. These investments must align with the nation’s priority sectors, which include:
- Agriculture and agro-industry
- Food processing for domestic and export markets
- Manufacturing and import substitution
- Digital and high-tech industries
- Tourism and related services
- Affordable housing projects
The Ministry of Interior will be responsible for reviewing and evaluating these investment plans to ensure the capital is from a legal and transparent source.
The Donation Route
For those choosing the donation path, the threshold is set at 12 billion riel (approximately $3 million). This personal cash contribution must be paid directly into the national budget through the Ministry of Economy and Finance. These funds are earmarked for socio-economic development, humanitarian sectors, and national infrastructure.
Stricter Oversight
The new regulations come amidst a period of heightened scrutiny regarding Cambodian nationality. Notably, the sub-decree follows the high-profile case of Chen Zhi, founder of the Prince Group, who was stripped of his Cambodian citizenship in late 2025 after investigations revealed it was obtained illegally.
Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn recently emphasized that all future applications will undergo rigorous legal and regulatory reviews to maintain the integrity of the naturalization process.
Reference: This article is based on reporting by Kiripost.