Cambodia has emerged as one of Southeast Asia's most exciting business destinations. With a rapidly growing economy, young workforce, strategic location connecting major Asian markets, and increasingly business-friendly policies, the Kingdom is attracting entrepreneurs, investors, and corporate travelers from around the world. Whether you're attending meetings in Phnom Penh's emerging business district, exploring manufacturing partnerships in Sihanoukville's special economic zones, or scouting real estate opportunities in Siem Reap, the Cambodia Business e-Visa (Type E) is your gateway. Unlike the tourist visa, the Business e-Visa offers crucial extension options for longer-term engagements. With DoVisa, your application is processed quickly and reviewed by experts to maximize approval chances.
What is the Cambodia Business e-Visa?
The Cambodia Business e-Visa (Type E) is an electronic visa specifically designed for travelers visiting Cambodia for business purposes. This includes attending meetings, conferences, exploring investment opportunities, meeting with partners, or conducting other commercial activities that don't involve formal employment.
The key advantage of the Business e-Visa over the Tourist e-Visa is extendability. While both cost the same initially and allow 30 days, the Business visa can be extended for 1, 3, 6, or even 12 months while in Cambodia. This makes it the preferred choice for anyone considering longer-term business engagement.
Once approved, you receive your e-Visa via email as a PDF. Print it and present it at immigration upon arrival at Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, or Sihanoukville airports. The process is entirely online—no embassy visits required.
Business e-Visa at a Glance
Initial validity: 30 days from entry
Stay duration: Up to 30 days (extendable)
Entry type: Single entry
Processing time: 1-3 business days
Cost: $42 USD (government fee)
Extension options: 1, 3, 6, or 12 months
Purpose: Business activities (not employment)
Also needed: e-Arrival registration
Who Can Apply for the Business e-Visa?
The Cambodia Business e-Visa is available to citizens of most countries. Understanding eligibility helps ensure you apply for the right visa type.
- Most nationalities eligible: Citizens of USA, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, and most other countries can apply online
- ASEAN exemptions: Some ASEAN nationals may have different arrangements—check specific requirements
- Purpose of travel: Business meetings, conferences, negotiations, site visits, investment exploration
- NOT for employment: The Business e-Visa doesn't permit formal employment—work permits are separate
- Age requirements: All ages can apply; business travelers typically provide company documentation
- Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned arrival
Business vs Tourist: Which to Choose?
If there's ANY chance you'll stay longer than 30 days or return frequently, choose the Business e-Visa. Same price, same initial duration, but vastly better extension options. Many expats use the Business visa route while arranging longer-term residency.
Requirements for Cambodia Business e-Visa
The Business e-Visa has straightforward requirements. Gather these before starting your application:
- Valid passport: Must have at least 6 months validity and a blank page for the visa stamp
- Digital passport photo: Recent photo (within 6 months), white background, 4x6cm dimensions
- Passport scan: Clear, color scan of your passport's biographical data page
- Email address: Valid email where your approved visa will be sent
- Credit/debit card: For online payment of the $42 government fee
- Business letter (recommended): Invitation from a Cambodian company helps, especially for extensions
- Accommodation details: Hotel or address where you'll be staying
- Business purpose: Brief description of your business activities in Cambodia
- Company information: Your employer/company details (optional but helpful)
- e-Arrival registration: You'll also need to complete Cambodia's e-Arrival before flying
Invitation Letter for Extensions
While not strictly required for the initial e-Visa, if you plan to extend your Business visa in Cambodia, having an invitation letter from a local company or registered business makes the process much smoother. Consider this if you anticipate staying longer.
How to Apply for Cambodia Business e-Visa
The application process is straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Check eligibility: Confirm the Business e-Visa is available for your nationality using our visa checker
- Gather documents: Collect your passport, photo, and any business documentation
- Start your application: Visit the Cambodia e-Visa portal or use DoVisa's guided application for expert assistance
- Select Business (Type E): Make sure you choose the Business visa, not Tourist
- Enter personal details: Full name exactly as in passport, date of birth, nationality, occupation
- Provide travel details: Planned arrival date, port of entry, accommodation address
- Add business information: Purpose of visit, company details if applicable
- Upload documents: Submit your passport scan and photo
- Pay the fee: $42 USD government fee (plus DoVisa service fee for premium processing)
- Submit and wait: Standard processing takes 1-3 business days
- Receive your e-Visa: Approved visa arrives via email as PDF—print it for travel
Don't Forget e-Arrival
The Business e-Visa is your permission to enter Cambodia. You'll also need to complete the separate e-Arrival registration before your flight. This is Cambodia's digital arrival form—see our e-Arrival guide for details.
Costs and Processing Time
The Business e-Visa has the same initial cost as the Tourist e-Visa:
Business e-Visa Fees
| Service | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Government e-Visa Fee | $42 USD | 1-3 business days |
| DoVisa Standard Service | $55 USD total | 1-3 business days |
| DoVisa Express Service | $75 USD total | 24 hours |
| Extension (1 month) | ~$45 USD | In Cambodia |
| Extension (6 months) | ~$160 USD | In Cambodia |
| Extension (12 months) | ~$280 USD | In Cambodia |
Extension costs are approximate and handled by visa agents in Cambodia. Prices can vary. The extension process is straightforward—agents handle the paperwork while you continue your business activities.
Get Your Cambodia Business e-Visa with DoVisa
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid These Application Errors
Business travelers often make these preventable mistakes:
- Choosing Tourist instead of Business: If you might extend your stay, the Business visa is essential—Tourist visas have very limited extension options
- Forgetting e-Arrival: The e-Visa is separate from the e-Arrival form—you need both!
- Name mismatches: Enter your name exactly as it appears in your passport
- Poor quality photo: Business photo standards are the same—white background, recent, proper dimensions
- No business documentation: While optional for initial visa, having a business letter helps if questioned at immigration
- Not planning for extensions: If you might stay longer, arrange a local contact or company letter in advance
- Passport validity: Ensure 6+ months validity—business trips often extend unexpectedly
- Last-minute application: Allow at least 1 week before travel for any issues
DoVisa Business Traveler Review
Our team reviews every business visa application before submission, ensuring your documents meet requirements and maximizing approval chances. We also provide guidance on extension options if you're considering a longer stay.
Business Travel Tips for Cambodia
Cambodia's business culture has unique aspects. Here's what you need to know for successful business interactions:
- Business culture: Relationship-focused. Multiple meetings may be needed before business discussions. Patience is valued over rushing deals
- Business cards: Essential! Exchange with both hands, take a moment to read the card you receive. Print cards in English and Khmer if possible
- Dress code: Smart casual is acceptable for most meetings. Full business attire for formal meetings and government offices
- Currency: USD is the primary business currency. Cambodian Riel is used for small transactions. Keep clean, undamaged USD bills
- Language: English is widely spoken in business, especially in Phnom Penh. Hiring a local fixer/translator helps for complex negotiations
- Gifts: Small gifts from your home country are appreciated but not expected. Avoid white wrapping (funerals)
- Best business months: October to April (dry season). Avoid Khmer New Year (mid-April) when businesses close for a week
- Key business areas: Phnom Penh (main hub), Sihanoukville (SEZs, ports), Siem Reap (tourism investments)
- Work permits: Business visa doesn't include work rights—if you'll be employed, you need a separate work permit
Extension Strategy
Many business travelers enter with the 30-day Business e-Visa, then extend through a local visa agent in Phnom Penh. Popular agents charge $45-50 for a 1-month extension, $160 for 6 months, or $280 for a full year. This is the standard path for longer business engagements.
Why Business Travelers Choose DoVisa
Expert guidance on Business vs Tourist visa
Express 24-hour processing for urgent travel
Extension advice and local contacts
Document review before submission
24/7 support across time zones
Secure corporate payment options
Track applications for your team
Dedicated business travel specialists
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work in Cambodia with a Business e-Visa?
What's the difference between Tourist and Business e-Visa?
Can I extend the Business e-Visa?
Do I need an invitation letter?
Can I enter and exit multiple times?
Where can I get visa extensions?
Is USD really the main currency?
What's the business environment like?
Do I need the e-Arrival form too?
Can DoVisa help with work permits?
Ready for Business in Cambodia?
Cambodia offers tremendous business opportunities in Southeast Asia—a young workforce, growing economy, strategic location, and increasingly sophisticated infrastructure. Whether you're exploring a one-time deal or laying groundwork for long-term engagement, the Business e-Visa's flexibility makes it the smart choice.
Apply with DoVisa for fast, reliable processing. Our team understands business traveler needs, offers express service for urgent trips, and can advise on extension strategies if your plans evolve. The Kingdom of Cambodia awaits your business!
Cambodia
Capital: Phnom Penh
Currency: Cambodian Riel (KHR) / USD widely used
Language: Khmer, English (business)
Timezone: UTC+7 (Indochina Time)
Processing: 1-3 business days
Quick Facts
- Best for business: October - April (dry season)
- USD is the primary business currency
- Power: 230V, Type A/C/G plugs
- Country code: +855
- GDP growth: ~6-7% annually
- Key sectors: Garments, tourism, construction
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Apply for your Cambodia Business e-Visa and manage documents on the go.
Comments(12)
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The extension option makes the Business e-Visa SO much better than tourist. Extended mine for 6 months while setting up manufacturing partnerships in Phnom Penh. Worth the extra planning!
Question: Can I open a bank account with a Business visa? Need to receive payments from local clients.
Phnom Penh is developing fast - new hotels, office buildings everywhere. Lots of opportunity but do your due diligence on partners. Not everyone is what they seem.
Pro tip: The business culture is VERY relationship-based. Don't expect to close deals on the first meeting. Plan multiple trips if you're serious. Coffee meetings matter!
DoVisa's express processing saved my trip! Had a last-minute meeting scheduled and got my visa in under 24 hours. Their support team (thanks Alex!) even helped me with the e-Arrival form.
How reliable are the visa agents for extensions? Any recommendations in Phnom Penh?
Bring CLEAN USD bills! I'm not kidding - a $100 bill with a small tear was refused everywhere. Even banks rejected it. Keep your cash pristine.
The garment industry is massive here. If you're in textiles/fashion, Cambodia should be on your sourcing list. Young workforce, competitive costs, and improving quality.
Don't forget Khmer New Year in April - literally everything shuts down for a week. Government offices, banks, most businesses. Plan around it!
Question: Is it better to stay in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap for business? I have meetings in both cities.
The co-working scene in Phnom Penh is surprisingly good. Factory Phnom Penh, Emerald Hub - great spaces to work and network. Perfect for remote business travelers.
Applied through DoVisa for both my Business visa and e-Arrival - super convenient having everything in one place. The status tracking feature is great for peace of mind.