Registering a company in Cambodia follows a structured process overseen by the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) and involves several key steps designed to ensure legal compliance and operational readiness. The process begins by selecting a suitable business structure, such as a Private Limited Company (PLC) for foreign investors, which allows 1–30 shareholders and requires no residency for directors. Alternatively, businesses may opt for a Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, or Branch Office, depending on their objectives. Next, entrepreneurs must reserve a unique company name with the MOC, ensuring it adheres to naming conventions (e.g., including “Co., Ltd.” for PLCs) and does not infringe on existing trademarks. Once the name is approved (typically within 1–3 days), the Articles of Incorporation (AoI) must be drafted in Khmer, outlining the company’s purpose, capital structure, and governance framework. This document, along with notarized identification proofs for directors and shareholders (passports for foreigners or national IDs for locals), proof of a registered office address in Cambodia, and parent company documents (for branches), is submitted to the MOC for formal registration. Approval usually takes 2–4 weeks, after which the company receives a Certificate of Incorporation.

Following registration, businesses must obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the General Department of Taxation (GDT) and register for VAT if annual turnover exceeds 250 million KHR (~$62,000). Sector-specific licenses (e.g., from the Ministry of Tourism or the National Bank of Cambodia) are required for regulated industries, and foreign employees must secure work permits from the Ministry of Labour. A corporate bank account must also be opened using the incorporation certificate and TIN. Post-registration, companies must comply with annual filings, tax returns, and labour regulations, including employee registration with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). While Cambodia permits 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, certain industries like media or agriculture may require local partnerships. Engaging a local legal advisor is highly recommended to navigate bureaucratic complexities and language barriers. With its strategic ASEAN location, growing economy, and incentives like tax holidays for Qualified Investment Projects (QIPs), Cambodia offers a promising environment for businesses targeting Southeast Asia’s expanding markets. The entire process of company formation in Cambodia typically takes 4–8 weeks, depending on sector-specific approvals.