Introduction
Cambodia is an emerging market in Southeast Asia, offering strategic access to regional trade routes and a rapidly growing consumer base. With competitive labor costs, pro-investment government policies, and increasing integration through ASEAN and free trade agreements, it presents strong opportunities for expansion. Its youthful workforce and improving infrastructure make Cambodia an attractive destination for businesses seeking growth in frontier markets.
EOR & PEO Solutions in Cambodia
If you’re looking to hire employees in Cambodia without setting up a legal entity, using an Employer of Record (EOR) like Empleyo is the simplest and most compliant path forward. An EOR in Cambodia acts as the official legal employer on your behalf, managing everything from payroll and HR administration to employment contracts and statutory employee benefits.
This model allows you to expand into Cambodia quickly, while remaining fully compliant with local labor laws — without the complexity or cost of registering a local entity.
What Is an Employer of Record in Cambodia?
An Employer of Record Cambodia (also known as an EOR provider) enables businesses to hire and onboard Cambodia employees without having to incorporate in-country. The EOR manages:
- Employment contracts in Cambodia
- Monthly payroll and tax filings
- Statutory benefits in Cambodia (like social insurance and leave)
- Ongoing HR and compliance responsibilities
What’s the Difference Between EOR and PEO?
A Professional Employer Organization (PEO) typically supports businesses that already have a registered entity in Cambodia, offering co-employment solutions for HR, payroll, and benefits. An EOR, however, is ideal when you don’t have a legal presence in Cambodia but still want to hire full-time staff.
Whether you choose an EOR or PEO depends on your Cambodia hiring strategy, budget, and long-term plans for the market.
Benefits of Using an EOR Service in Cambodia
- Hire employees in Cambodia faster, with no setup delays
- Stay compliant with labor and tax laws
- Avoid the cost of forming and maintaining a local entity
- Access local expertise in employment law and payroll in Cambodia
- Simplify HR management while maintaining control over your team
By using an EOR solution, companies can confidently build their team in Cambodia, access top talent in Cambodia, and stay focused on business growth — without getting tangled in bureaucracy.
Hiring in Cambodia
Cambodia is a thriving market with a growing pool of skilled professionals, making it an ideal destination for businesses looking to expand globally. But to hire in Cambodia successfully, it’s important to understand your options — especially when you don’t have a legal entity in Cambodia.
That’s where using an Employer of Record in Cambodia makes all the difference.
Your Hiring Options in Cambodia
Businesses have two main paths to hire employees in Cambodia:
- Register a local entity, manage payroll and HR directly, and take on full legal responsibility.
- Use an Employer of Record (EOR) — a third-party EOR provider that acts as the legal employer in Cambodia on your behalf.
The second option is faster, lower-risk, and ideal for companies that want to test the market, launch quickly, or hire remote employees without permanent infrastructure.
Why Use an EOR to Hire in Cambodia?
- Drafting and executing employment contracts in Cambodia
- Managing Cambodia payroll and mandatory contributions
- Handling employee benefits as required under labor law
Employment in Cambodia
Understanding how employment in Cambodia works is key to managing your team successfully and staying compliant. Whether you’re hiring directly or using an Employer of Record (EOR), companies must follow labor laws closely — especially when it comes to employment contracts, payroll, and employee benefits.
That’s why many growing businesses choose to use an EOR in Cambodia to handle these responsibilities with confidence.
Employment Contracts in Cambodia
All employees in Cambodia must be hired under a written employment contract, clearly outlining the job role, salary, benefits, working hours, and duration of employment. Contracts must comply with the Labor Code of Cambodia, and are usually signed before or on the first day of work.
By working with a Cambodia employer of record, you can ensure that all employment contracts in Cambodia are properly structured, compliant, and aligned with local requirements — without having to hire a full in-house HR team.
Payroll & Employer Contributions
Payroll in Cambodia involves more than just paying a monthly salary. Employers are required to withhold income tax and make contributions to:
- National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Contributions
- Healthcare
- Occupational Risk
- Pension
These deductions and employer contributions are calculated based on the employee’s gross monthly salary, and must be submitted on time to remain compliant. An EOR in Cambodia handles this for you — managing all payroll, tax filings, and reporting on your behalf.
Employee Benefits and Leave
labor law mandates several employee benefits, including:
- Annual Leave
- Sick and Maternity Leave
- Paid Public Holidays
- Overtime Compensation
- Severance Pay (upon termination)
Using an employer of record service ensures your team in Cambodia receives all required benefits — and that your business remains fully compliant with employment law.
Termination & Notice Periods
Ending an employment contract in Cambodia requires adherence to the Labor Law, which outlines notice periods, severance, and lawful grounds for termination. Notice depends on the employee’s length of service, ranging from 7 days to 3 months, and severance or indemnity payments may also apply. Given the complexity of compliance and the need for proper documentation, partnering with an Employer of Record helps businesses manage terminations smoothly while mitigating legal and operational risks.
Visas & Permits in Cambodia
If you’re planning to hire employees in Cambodia or bring in foreign talent, understanding Cambodia’s visa and permit requirements is critical. Navigating these processes can be complex, but working with a trusted Employer of Record (EOR) in Cambodia makes it much easier.
An experienced EOR provider will ensure all permits are handled legally, so you can focus on building your team in Cambodia with confidence.
Work Permits for Foreign Employees in Cambodia
Foreign nationals who plan to work in Cambodia must obtain a valid work permit and employment card, in addition to the appropriate visa. Employers are responsible for securing these permits, which require medical checks, supporting documents, and annual renewals. By partnering with an Employer of Record, companies can streamline this process, ensure compliance with local labor regulations, and onboard foreign talent more efficiently into the Cambodian market.
Types of Visas for Foreign Talent
There are several types of visas used to work or do business in Cambodia, including:
- E-class visa (E, EB, EG, EP)
- EB Visa (Business Visa)
- EG Visa (General Visa)
- EP Visa (Professional Visa)
- DN Visa
Each visa type has specific use cases, duration limits, and documentation requirements. If you’re looking to hire in Cambodia or send international staff temporarily, an EOR Cambodia solution helps you identify the right visa and manage the application process end-to-end.
Business Permits for Foreign Companies
To operate directly in Cambodia, foreign companies typically need to register a legal entity in Cambodia and apply for a business license. This can be a time-consuming process that includes office registration, investment approvals, and compliance with labor laws.
Alternatively, you can use an EOR in Cambodia to bypass the need for a local entity. The Cambodia employer of record is already registered and authorized to employ staff and manage payroll, contracts, and local compliance — making it easier and faster to hire employees in Cambodia.
Why Visas & Permits Matter for Global Hiring
If you’re hiring foreign employees in Cambodia, or placing international staff in-country, it’s essential to stay compliant with immigration laws. The right employer of record service helps you:
- Avoid visa delays or permit denials
- Ensure alignment with employment law
- Quickly hire and onboard top talent without risk
- Operate legally, even without a registered entity in Cambodia
Common Questions on EOR in Cambodia
Yes, EORs ensure full compliance with Cambodian labor law, including working hours, required leave, minimum wage where applicable, and termination procedures—providing peace of mind and reducing risk for employers.
Onboarding via an EOR is notably efficient—often finalized within two weeks—thanks to their expertise in preparing compliant employment contracts, conducting registrations (e.g., NSSF), and setting up payroll systems.
Both Cambodian nationals and foreign employees can be engaged through an EOR. Local hires are straightforward, while foreign employees require valid work permits and visas, which the EOR can help manage.
Yes. EORs draft and validate employment contracts that align with Cambodian law, ensuring clarity on key terms (salary, hours, leave, social contributions, termination clauses); contracts are typically provided in Khmer for legal enforceability.
Industries like manufacturing (particularly textiles), e-commerce, tourism, and export-oriented operations tend to benefit most, as EORs let firms tap Cambodia’s skilled workforce quickly and compliantly—without the delays of setting up local infrastructure.