Cambodia’s 2026 work permit and work book renewal requirements.
Under Cambodian Labour Law, all foreign nationals employed by a legally registered entity in Cambodia must hold a valid work permit and employment card. These are now reflected on the same card issued by the MLVT.
For businesses employing foreign nationals, the announcement sets clear deadlines and reinforces the consequences of non-compliance under Cambodian Labour Law.
The renewal deadlines
The deadline for existing foreign employees to complete their work permit and employment card renewal was 31 March 2026, and as of now, new foreign employees must apply within 90 days of entering Cambodia. Employers should factor this window into their onboarding process to avoid any gap in legal working status. All applications must be submitted online through the Foreign Workers Centralized Management System (FWCMS) portal.
Failure to meet the required timeframe constitutes a breach of Cambodian Labour Law. The MLVT enforces compliance through inspections, and penalties are applied to the employer and employee. These may include fines for each undocumented foreign worker, administrative sanctions that affect the company’s regulatory standing and, in more closely regulated sectors, potential risks to business licences. Affected employees may also be required to cease work until their documentation is regularised, which has a direct impact on business continuity.
What employers should take into account
Employers should review the documentation status of their entire foreign workforce to identify any missed renewals or gaps in compliance. Where renewals were not completed on time, prompt action should be taken to regularise work permits and employment cards through the FWCMS. It is also important to confirm that the company holds a valid and sufficient foreign employee quota (FEQ) for 2026, as this remains a prerequisite for processing work permits. For businesses with a larger foreign workforce, managing multiple renewals can be administratively demanding, and engaging an experienced advisory firm can reduce the risk of missed deadlines or submission errors.
