New Sub-Decree Guides Implementation of the Law on Nationality

January 28, 2026

On December 1, 2025, the Royal Government of Cambodia issued Sub-Decree No. 225 to implement the Law on Nationality. The Sub-Decree provides procedures, conditions, and institutional mechanisms for the acquisition, voluntary renunciation, and revocation of Khmer nationality, addressing cases involving marriage, naturalization, investment, donation, and legal violations. An overview is provided below.

Acquisition of Khmer nationality through marriage

• Foreigners legally married to Cambodian citizens may apply for Khmer nationality. Applications must be submitted in person to the General Department of Identification.
• The marriage must be lawful and genuine, not entered into solely for the purpose of acquiring nationality.
• Applicants must satisfy general legal and procedural requirements, including residency in Cambodia, good conduct, health standards, and compliance with Cambodian law.
• Foreign-issued documents must be legalized prior to submission.

Applications involving minor children

• Parents may apply together with minor children as a family unit.
• If children were not included in the original application, parents may apply subsequently with proof of parentage and confirmation of the parents’ Khmer nationality.

Naturalization

Foreigners may acquire Khmer nationality through naturalization under three main categories:

• General eligibility: Based on lawful residence, employment, or investment in Cambodia. Applicants must demonstrate stable residence, economic activity, good conduct, and compliance with the Law on Nationality.
• Cash donation: For individuals who make a personal cash contribution of at least KHR12 billion to the national budget or humanitarian sector. The donation must have a legal source and be paid through the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
• Special qualities or abilities: This category applies to individuals whose skills or contributions are officially recognized by the Royal Government of Cambodia. This recognition typically involves approval granted through a sub-decree or another formal legal instrument, in addition to general legal and conduct requirements.

Investment requirements

• Foreign investors with a valid investment permit may apply if they have made a personal investment of at least KHR4 billion in priority sectors and approved projects.
• Investments must have a lawful source and comply with obligations, including tax obligations.

Review, decision, and appeal

• Applications are reviewed within 45 working days.
• Applicants are notified to correct deficiencies within 30 working days.
• Corrected applications are re-evaluated within 15 working days.
• Approved applicants must take an oath before the Supreme Court.
• Applications may be rejected for sham marriages, fraud, false documents, violations of Cambodian law, or failure to meet eligibility requirements.
• Rejected applicants have the right to appeal through the courts within 30 working days of notification

Renunciation of Khmer nationality

• Khmer citizens 18 years or older holding or acquiring another nationality may voluntarily renounce Khmer nationality.
• Applications must be submitted to the General Department of Identification.
• Parents may renounce on behalf of minor children to prevent statelessness.
• Applications for renunciation of Khmer nationality will be examined within 30 working days.
• If the application is incomplete or does not comply, the applicant will be notified in writing to correct the deficiencies within 30 working days.
• Corrected applications will be re-examined and processed within 10 working days from the date of receipt of the corrected documents.

Revocation of Khmer nationality

Citizens by birth:

Khmer nationality by birth may be revoked if a citizen:

• Commits treason or colludes with a foreign country against Cambodia’s interests.
• Acts against national sovereignty, territorial integrity, or security.
• Serves in a foreign military or public office and refuses to resign despite government orders.
• Is convicted of crimes such as insulting the King, threatening state security, or terrorism.

Citizens by naturalization or claiming nationality

Khmer nationality acquired by naturalization or other nationality claim may be revoked if a citizen:

• Commits treason, undermines sovereignty, or refuses to leave foreign military/public service.
• Obtains nationality through fraud or false information.
• Is convicted of crimes against the King, state security, or terrorism.