Cambodia Sets Clear Investment and Donation Pathways to Citizenship
Cambodia has formally defined how foreign nationals can qualify for citizenship through naturalisation by introducing firm financial thresholds tied to investment and public contribution. Under a sub decree signed by Prime Minister Hun Manet in late 2025, foreigners may apply for Cambodian citizenship if they invest at least one million US dollars in approved priority sectors or make a personal cash donation of three million US dollars to the national budget in support of socio economic development or humanitarian causes. The policy is designed to attract serious long term investors while ensuring that all funds involved are transparent, lawful, and aligned with national development goals.
Investment Based Citizenship Focuses on Priority Sectors
The sub decree outlines that foreign nationals holding a valid investment permit from a competent authority may apply for citizenship under Article 21 of the Law on Nationality, provided their projects meet Cambodia’s priority investment policies. As stated in Article 29, “Applicants must invest at least 4 billion riel ($1 million) in personal capital to implement an actual investment project in Cambodia.” These projects must fall within officially listed priority sectors and comply with approved investment plans, tax obligations, and other regulatory requirements. The aim is to ensure that investments are genuine, productive, and beneficial to the Cambodian economy rather than purely symbolic contributions.
Strict Review Process Ensures Transparency and Legality
To safeguard the integrity of the process, Article 30 assigns the Ministry of Interior the responsibility to review and evaluate all investment capital, project types, and compliance conditions related to citizenship applications. The ministry may consult other relevant institutions before reaching a final decision. The regulation clearly states that “Personal investment capital must be clear and legal,” reinforcing the government’s emphasis on transparency, accountability, and lawful sources of funds throughout the application process.
Donation Option Provides Alternative Route to Naturalisation
In addition to investment, the sub decree offers a donation based pathway under Article 22 of the Law on Nationality. Article 31 specifies that “foreign nationals who make a personal cash donation of at least 12 billion riel ($3 million) to the national budget for socio economic development or the humanitarian sector” may apply for Cambodian citizenship by naturalisation. These donations must come from a clear and legal source and be transferred directly into the national budget through the Ministry of Economy and Finance, ensuring full oversight and public accountability.
Priority Industries Aligned With National Development Goals
The government has clearly identified sectors eligible for citizenship linked investments, reflecting Cambodia’s long term economic strategy. These include agriculture and agro industry, food and agricultural processing for domestic and export markets, manufacturing that supports local consumption and import substitution, waste processing, tourism, and related services. The list also extends to digital and high tech industries, innovation and research and development, SMEs in priority sectors, industrial and science parks, high value new industries, regional and global supply chain activities, SME financing through banks and financial institutions, and affordable housing in government priority areas.
Recent Citizenship Revocation Highlights Enforcement
The tightening of citizenship rules comes amid heightened scrutiny of how Cambodian nationality has been granted in the past. In December 2025, Prince Group founder Chen Zhi was stripped of his Cambodian citizenship ahead of his arrest and deportation on January 6, 2026. Speaking to Reuters, Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn said an investigation found that Zhi had obtained citizenship illegally, though specific details were not disclosed. The case underscores the government’s renewed commitment to enforcing nationality laws and ensuring that citizenship is granted only through lawful and transparent means.
Conclusion
Cambodia’s new investment and donation thresholds mark a decisive shift toward a more structured and accountable citizenship by naturalisation framework. By clearly defining financial requirements, prioritising strategic sectors, and enforcing rigorous legal reviews, the government aims to attract responsible foreign investors while protecting the integrity of Cambodian nationality. As recent enforcement actions demonstrate, citizenship is no longer merely a transactional benefit but a privilege tied closely to genuine contribution, legality, and alignment with national development objectives.