Cambodian law says foreigners aren’t allowed to own land outright. Don’t worry, that doesn’t mean you can’t invest in property here, you just need to get a little creative. Here’s the full rundown:
๐ญ: ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฑ๐ผ ๐ฎ๐น๐น ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐!
The easiest and safest route is buying a condo. You can get full ownership as long as it’s not on the ground floor, and there’s a limit on foreign control of the building. This is perfect if you’re looking for a place to live, a vacation rental, or a straightforward investment.
๐ฎ: ๐๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐๐ฒ๐น๐ณ ๐ฎ ๐๐ฎ๐บ๐ฏ๐ผ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ฎ๐ป ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐ป๐ฒ๐ฟ
This one is trickier. You set up a company where you have 49% ownership and a Cambodian citizen (or entity) has the majority 51%. This company buys the land or property. It’s more complex and there’s an element of trust needed, so choose your partner wisely!
๐ฏ: ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ด-๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐บ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ต๐ผ๐น๐ฑ
Leaseholds are the middle ground. This isn’t ownership, but you gain control of a property for up to 50 years, and the lease can be renewed. It’s a good option if the condo route doesn’t suit your needs.
๐ฐ: ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ก๐ผ๐บ๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐๐ฟ๐๐ฐ๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ (High Risk)
You’ll hear about the ‘nominee structure’. You sign an agreement with a Cambodian local to buy the property on your behalf. However, it’s risky and you need to think carefully.
๐ฑ: ๐จ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฎ ๐ง๐ฟ๐๐๐ ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฒ
This option keeps you in the background. You’ll work with a reputable trust company who will hold the property title on your behalf. They handle the legal paperwork and management, while you retain the benefits and decision-making power.
๐ฒ: ๐๐ฝ๐ฝ๐น๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐๐ฎ๐บ๐ฏ๐ผ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐ถ๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ต๐ถ๐ฝ
It’s a longer path, but it’s worth considering if you’re deeply invested in Cambodia. By becoming a citizen, you then have the same rights as any Cambodian local, including the right to purchase land directly.
So, what’s the verdict?
* Condo ownership has the least hassle, especially for smaller investments.
* Company setup and trusts can be good for bigger projects if that’s your game.
* Leases provide security if you need long-term.
* Citizenship is your most open-ended option but needs a strong commitment
Always get a lawyer or professional agents to help you as your advisor.
No matter what you choose, get a rock-solid Cambodian lawyer or professional agent on your side. They’ll navigate the paperwork, help you understand the rules, and make sure everything is above board.
Let me know if you have any questions about a specific method or want more details!
