Little is known to the CBI industry that Cambodia is another asian country, has active citizenship by investment program offers citizenship to foreign investors by donating $250K by cash to the economy of Cambodia.
Article 21 of the draft law states that foreigners with legal investments and permission from the relevant authorities can apply for Cambodian citizenship (Khmer).
According to Phnom Penh Post, As of January, a total of 1,136 foreigners received Khmer nationality. Of that number,
- 1,068 obtained citizenship through investment and
- 64 by living in the Kingdom for longer than seven years.
- 4 foreigners obtained citizenship through outstanding achievements, according to the National Police.
According to the Khmer nationality law
Article 12: Any foreigner who has made a donation in cash, to the national budget of from 1,000,000,000 riels (US$ 250,000) or more, for the interest of restoration and rebuilding of economy of the Kingdom of Cambodia, may have right to file an application for khmer nationality, in case when upon he/she has fulfilled the conditions as stated in the sub-paragraphs 1, 2, 5 and 6 of the article 8 of this law.
Residency is waived under Article 12,13 for citizenship. You must also satisfy the following conditions in order to be eligible for citizenship by investment
- Above 18 years of age.
- No criminal record
- Good knowledge of Khmer language and history.
- Not pose a threat or danger to Cambodia.
Cambodia permits dual citizenship. The National Assembly on Thursday approved a draft law on nationality which, if passed, would see foreigners prosecuted for illegally obtaining Cambodian identification cards or passports.
Well known celebrities like Angelina Jolie have Cambodian citizenship. The American actress was awarded citizenship in Cambodia by the king for all her environmental and conservation work in the poverty-stricken country. There are other notable american cambodians who are dual citizens of Cambodia.