Cambodia retirement visa (ER extension)

The Royal Embassy of Cambodia in Berlin describes the ER extension as intended for people aged 55 or over, with exceptions possible. You must show that you are retired and no longer employed, for example with a pension statement or a social security entitlement letter, and that you have enough money to support yourself, for example with bank statements or a statement from your pension provider.

No minimum income or deposit amount is published on the official pages consulted. Health insurance is not a requirement for the extension, although the embassy recommends it strongly for retirees.

First you obtain an Ordinary Visa (E): online on evisa.gov.kh for USD 35, through a Cambodian embassy, or on arrival. Do not enter on a Tourist Visa, because a T visa cannot be converted into an ER extension. The E visa gives you 30 days in Cambodia.

Within those 30 days you apply for the extension of stay at the immigration office; the embassy notes that this can also be done through a visa agent. Once granted, the extension appears with the code ER.

ER extensions are granted for 1, 3, 6 or 12 months and can be renewed repeatedly. One- and three-month extensions are single-entry, so a trip abroad would end them and you would need a new visa to return. Six- and twelve-month extensions are multiple-entry, which suits retirees who travel regularly. The passport must have at least six months of validity.

ER holders do not need a work permit, because the extension is meant for people who are not working. If you take up employment, the appropriate class is EB together with a work permit. Every entry to Cambodia also requires the free e-Arrival form.