Cambodia: Destination: Living a Peaceful Retirement in Cambodia

Cambodia remains one of the Asian countries where it is possible to consider a peaceful retirement with minimal administrative and financial constraints. Today, the Kingdom even offers special visas for retirees.

Along the Mekong. Photograph by Christophe Gargiulo

Entry visa and ER extension

In Cambodia, it is sufficient to purchase a visa on arrival at the airport (or online via the official portal evisa.gov.kh) by completing a short form and paying 30 USD for a tourist visa (T) or 35 USD for a “business” or “ordinary” visa (E), valid for one month. These fees were also reduced by the government in early 2025 — they previously stood at 36 and 42 USD. Once entering with an E visa, it is possible to apply for an ER (retirement) visa extension through the Immigration Department in Phnom Penh. This visa is intended for individuals of retirement age who can provide proof of retirement in their home country and demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves.

Eligibility conditions and extension fees

These ER visas are granted to individuals aged 55 and over, although some report being able to obtain one at a younger age. Those aged 55 and above are generally only required to provide proof of age, while those under 55 must demonstrate sufficient retirement or pension income. There is still no Cambodian law officially setting a minimum income threshold: the amount most often cited by immigration officers ranges between 800 and 1,000 USD in monthly income, with applicants required to provide three months of bank statements showing regular deposits in dollars (pension, retirement, dividends, or other fixed income, without the need to transfer these funds to Cambodia). Criteria for those under 55 remain discretionary and may vary depending on the officer consulted. Holders of this visa are not required to obtain a work permit but are not allowed to work. The ER visa extension can be issued for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months; current fees at the immigration office are approximately 45 USD for 1 month, 75 USD for 3 months, 155 USD for 6 months, and 285 to 300 USD for 12 months — the one-year extension being the only option offering unlimited multiple entries.

Facilities

The major cities of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap offer all desired modern comforts. There are many international banks, restaurants, bars, hotels, serviced apartments, shopping centers, cinemas, and telecommunications and internet providers.

All of this greatly simplifies the process of settling in. An expatriate can quickly arrive in Cambodia, find accommodation, open a bank account, obtain a phone number, and secure internet access. As for transportation, there is no need to invest in a car, as taxi and tuk-tuk services are abundant, and apps such as Grab, PassApp, and others greatly facilitate travel.

Cost of retirement in Cambodia

The cost of living in Cambodia remains among the lowest in Southeast Asia, although it has slightly increased in recent years. This still makes it an attractive destination for any retiree with a fixed pension or social security income. Many expatriates continue to settle there precisely because of this cost of living, which remains affordable.

Overall monthly budget

There is no fixed model, but in Phnom Penh, overall monthly budgets for a single person generally range between 700 and 900 USD for an economical lifestyle, between 1,100 and 1,500 USD for a comfortable lifestyle, and above 1,800 USD for a more upscale standard of living. These amounts may decrease with shared accommodation or increase significantly depending on location and comfort choices. After the sharp increases of the early 2020s, inflation has stabilized in Cambodia, with projections around 2 to 3 percent per year for 2025–2026; therefore, budgets should not experience sudden disruptions, although a gradual annual increase should be expected in the long term.

Housing

Housing generally represents the largest monthly expense. Rents have increased significantly in recent years: a one-bedroom apartment in a central area such as BKK1 or Tonle Bassac now typically rents for between 350 and 600 USD, compared to 250 USD previously for a similar unit. For example, a two-room apartment at 500 USD in the Chamkarmon district, including utilities (around 80 USD) and internet (around 40 USD), represents a total housing budget of approximately 620 USD per month. More affordable options remain available in outlying districts or in secondary cities such as Battambang.

Utilities, phone, and internet

The cost of utilities such as electricity will mainly depend on air-conditioning usage: typically between 30 and 60 USD per month for light consumption, and more for a large, heavily air-conditioned apartment. Including water and garbage collection, most expatriates spend between 50 and 120 USD per month in total, compared to around 100 USD previously for a similar budget. As for mobile phones and internet, they remain generally inexpensive: a mobile plan costs about 6 to 10 USD per month, and a decent fixed internet subscription ranges between 18 and 40 USD monthly depending on speed.

Domestic help and food

For those who do not wish to spend time on household chores, it is still possible to hire a cleaner several times a week or full-time, for a budget that remains around 150 to 200 USD per month depending on frequency. Groceries remain inexpensive and widely available in the many supermarkets and convenience stores in major cities: a simple meal in a local restaurant still costs only a few dollars, and one typically spends between 200 and 400 USD monthly on food and dining with a frugal lifestyle, compared to 400 to 700 USD for those who frequently dine at more upscale restaurants.

For those seeking to enjoy a comfortable retirement without having to count every penny to get by, Cambodia remains an attractive destination for a pleasant new life, provided that budget expectations are adjusted to current prices. Several thousand people have already taken the step and continue to be satisfied with their choice.