Registering a business in Cambodia involves specific legal procedures managed by the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) and other relevant government institutions. Below is a detailed guide to business registration in Cambodia:
Business Registration Timeline
1- Name Reservation: 1-3 business days.
2- MOC Registration: 7-14 business days.
3- Tax Registration: 5-7 business days.
4- Additional Licenses: Varies depending on the sector.
Types of Legal Business Entities in Cambodia
Step 1: Choose a Business Name
Step 2: Register with the Ministry of Commerce (MOC)
Step 3: Obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN)
Step 4: Open a Corporate Bank Account
Step 5: Obtain Operating Licenses
Step 6: Register with the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training (MLVT)
Before registering, decide on the appropriate legal structure for your business:
1- Sole Proprietorship: Owned by one individual with unlimited liability.
2- Partnership: A general or limited partnership with two or more owners.
3- Private Limited Company (CO.,LTD ): The most common entity for foreign investors, offering limited liability.
4- Public Limited Company: Used for large enterprises intending to issue shares to the public.
5- Branch Office: Operates as an extension of a parent company.
6- Representative Office: Limited to non-commercial activities like market research.
7- Foreign Subsidiary: A separate legal entity owned by a foreign company.
Key Steps for Registering a business in Cambodia
Step 1: Choose a Business Name
1- Conduct a name search on the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) online portal.
2- Ensure the name complies with Cambodian naming regulations and isn’t already registered.
Step 2: Register with the Ministry of Commerce (MOC)
Submit the required documents:
1- Completed application form.
2- Proposed business name.
3- Articles of Incorporation (for companies).
4- Shareholder details and ownership structure.
5- Proof of registered office address.
6- Identification documents of shareholders and directors (e.g., passports, ID cards).
7- Pay the registration fee (varies based on entity type).
8- Online Registration Portal: Cambodia Business Registration System.
Step 3: Obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN)
1- Register with the General Department of Taxation (GDT) to obtain a TIN.
Submit the following:
2- Certificate of Incorporation from MOC.
3- Lease agreement or property ownership documents for the business address.
4- Identification of company directors.
Open a Corporate Bank Account
1- Deposit the minimum capital required for the business entity.
2- Private Limited Company: Typically no minimum capital is required, but for certain sectors, a specific capital amount may apply.
3- Public Limited Company: Minimum of USD
Register with the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training (MLVT)
1- Employers must register their business and employees with MLVT.
2- Obtain labor permits and ensure compliance with Cambodia’s labor laws.
