Employer of Record in Cambodia

Guide to Hiring Employees in Cambodia

Your guide to hiring employees in Cambodia, covering the employment landscape, employer of record responsibilities, working customs, and local labor laws.

Hiring Employees In Cambodia
Employer Of Record In Cambodia

Capital City

Phnom Penh

Currency

Cambodian Riel

 (

)

Timezone

GMT +7

Payroll Frequency

Monthly

Tax Year

1 January - 31 December

Employer Tax

5.40%

Languages

Khmer

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How to Hire Employees In Cambodia

Hiring in Cambodia for the first time can be overwhelming, especially when navigating unfamiliar employment laws.  Whether you hire independent contractors, set up a legal entity, or use an EOR service, understanding the local employment landscape is crucial for success.  Playroll’s comprehensive guide can help you get started if you're hiring locally or relocating a team member.

Companies can hire employees in Cambodia in the following three ways:

  • Setting up a local entity. Entity establishment reduces risk exposure and enables direct hiring, but can be costly and time-consuming – making it less practical for companies seeking quick and flexible solutions for hiring in Cambodia.
  • Partnering with an Employer Of Record. An EOR, like Playroll, is a third-party entity that serves as the legal employer of your international workforce which hires, pays, and manages compliance with Cambodia’s labor laws and tax regulations.
  • Hiring independent contractors. Hiring contractors gives companies a flexible, affordable alternative to hiring local employees, though it involves unique misclassification risks.

Good To Know

The country provides a strategic location in Southeast Asia, facilitating trade and investment opportunities.

With relatively low labor costs and a skilled workforce, Cambodia presents an attractive option for businesses seeking cost-effective production or service delivery.

Cambodia’s labor market is characterized by a young and increasingly skilled workforce.

Phnom Penh, the capital city, has become a hub for professionals from various backgrounds, contributing to a diverse talent pool.

Employment and Labor Laws in Cambodia

Businesses can only operate smoothly in Cambodia if they comply with local labor laws including drafting compliant employment contract agreements and meeting taxation and payroll obligations. Learn more about the employment laws and regulations in Cambodia below, to avoid any compliance issues.

Employment Contract Requirements

In Cambodia, employment contracts can be for a fixed or indefinite term and are typically written in Khmer. These contracts cover important details like:

  • Compensation
  • Job description
  • Start and end date
  • Termination requirements

Onboarding Process

We can help you get a new employee started in Cambodia quickly, with a minimum onboarding time of just 1-2 working days. The timeline starts once the employee submits all required information onto the Playroll platform and completes any necessary local authority registrations. For non-nationals, the Right to Work assessment (if applicable) may add up to three extra days. Additional time may be needed for follow-ups on this assessment. Please note, payroll cut-off dates can impact the actual start date. Playroll's payroll cut-off date is the 10th of each month unless otherwise specified.

Working Hours in Cambodia

Normal working hours cannot exceed 8 hours or 48 hours per week . An employee who works 8 consecutive hours are entitled to a one-hour lunch break.

Overtime in Cambodia

Overtime is restricted to a maximum of two hours per working day beyond the regular eight hours.

  • Employees who work overtime during normal working hours are entitled to receive overtime pay at a rate of 150% of their regular hourly wage.
  • For those engaged in permanent or shift work between 10:00 pm to 5:00 am (this is regarded as Night Work), the overtime pay rate is set at 130% of their normal pay rate.
  • The employer is entitled to provide the employee with accommodation and transport.
  • Over-time worked on public holidays and weekly time off is paid at a rate of 200%

Probation Period in Cambodia

In Cambodia, the maximum probation period is limited to three months. It cannot be extended beyond this period.

  • Regular employee = 3 months
  • Specialized employee = 2 months
  • Non-specialized employee = 1 months

Employer of Record in Cambodia

An Employer of Record (EOR) acts as the legal employer for workers in Cambodia, taking on key responsibilities to ensure compliance with local labor laws and regulations. The EOR facilitates the hiring process for businesses that want to employ workers without establishing a legal entity in the country.

The employer of record in Cambodia is responsible for:

  • Employment Compliance: Ensure all employment contracts comply with Cambodia's labor laws and regulations, including proper classification of employees.
  • Payroll Management: Calculate, process, and distribute employee salaries in accordance with Cambodia's payroll laws, including deductions for taxes and social security contributions.
  • Tax Filing and Contributions: Handle the registration, filing, and payment of employer taxes and social security contributions to the relevant authorities.
  • Employment Contracts: Draft and maintain compliant employment agreements, detailing salary, benefits, working hours, and termination terms in line with Cambodia's legal requirements.
  • Benefits Administration: Provide mandatory employee benefits as required by Cambodia's labor laws, such as health insurance, pension contributions, and statutory leave.
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Payroll Management in Cambodia

Fiscal Year in Cambodia

1 January - 31 December is the 12-month accounting period that businesses in Cambodia use for financial and tax reporting purposes.

Payroll Cycle in Cambodia

The payroll cycle in Cambodia is usually monthly, with employees being paid on or before the last day of the month.

Minimum Wage in Cambodia

The minimum wage for employees in Cambodia is typically 5,118 KHR per hour, amounting to ~818,800 KHR per month for a typical 40 hour work week.

Bonus Payments in Cambodia

In Cambodia, there is no statutory requirement for a 13th-month salary.

Employment Taxes in Cambodia

Employer Tax Contributions

Employer payroll contributions are generally estimated at an additional 5.4% on top of the employee salary in Cambodia.

Tax TypeTax Rate
Health Insurance2.6%
Mandatory Pension contribution (Maximum 1,200,000 KHR)2%
National Social Security Fund (Maximum 1,200,000 KHR)0.8%

Employee Payroll Tax Contributions

In Cambodia , the typical estimation for employee payroll contributions cost is around 2%.

Tax TypeTax Rate
Mandatory Pension contribution (Maximum 1,200,000 KHR)2%

Individual Income Tax Contributions

In Cambodia, individual income tax is calculated based on progressive rates ranging from 0% to 20% as follows:

Income BracketTax Rate
0 - 1,500,000 KHR0.00%
1,500,001 KHR - 2,000,000 KHR5.00%
2,000,001 KHR - 8,500,000 KHR10.00%
8,500,001 KHR - 12,500,000 KHR15%
12,500,000 KHR - And above20%

Pension in Cambodia

Companies with employees must register with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). To get pension benefits, one must be at least 60 years old, registered in the NSSF pension scheme, and have contributed for at least 12 months. Pension contributions are based on monthly earnings, capped at KHR 1,200,000.

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The tax-related information provided in this guide is intended for general guidance and informational purposes only. Reach out to our dedicated team for insights on remote hiring in Cambodia tailored to your needs.

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Work Permits & Visas in Cambodia

In Cambodia, work permits and visas are essential for employers hiring foreign workers. The process involves submitting applications, paying fees, and meeting specific eligibility criteria. The key visa types include the Ordinary (E) Visa, Business Visa, and Investor Visa. Employers must ensure compliance with local labor regulations when sponsoring foreign employees.

Annual Leave & Company Policies In Cambodia

Mandatory Leave Entitlement in Cambodia

The annual leave entitlement in Cambodia is 18 days for a full time worker. These can include public holidays on top of that or within those days, which would otherwise be unpaid.

Public Holidays In Cambodia

The number and dates of paid public holidays in Cambodia are determined annually by a Prakas issued by the Ministry of Labor.

HolidayDate
New Years Day1 January
Victory Day over Genocide7 January
Khmer New Year Days14-16 April
International Labor Day1 May
Visak Bochea Day4 May
Royal Plowing Ceremony8 May
King Norodom Sihamonis Birthday14 May
Queen Monineaths Birthday18 June
Constitutional Day24 September
Pchum Ben Festival13-15 October
Commemoration of the Kings Father15 October
Coronation Day of King Sihamoni29 October
National Independence Day9 November
Water Festival26-28 November

Paid Time Off in Cambodia

In Cambodia, employees earn 1.5 days of paid vacation for every month they work at a company, with a maximum cap of 18 days off per year. They also get an extra day off every three years, and there's room for negotiating longer annual vacations through collective agreements.

Maternity Leave In Cambodia

Female employees in Cambodia are entitled to 90 days of paid maternity leave at 50% of their regular salary rate if she has been employed for one year of service. They also receive two paid nursing breaks of 30 minutes each working day until the child reaches the age of 12.

Paternity Leave In Cambodia

There is no paid statutory paternity leave. However, male employees can utilize their annual leave entitlement for paternity leave, with a maximum duration of up to seven days.

Sick Leave In Cambodia

Employees can take up to six months of sick leave with a medical certificate. During the first month, they receive 100% of their salary, followed by 60% for the next two months. The remaining sick leave is unpaid. If the leave exceeds six months, the employer can choose to terminate the employee, depending on internal policies.

Parental Leave In Cambodia

There is no additional or separate parental leave policy beyond maternity leave in Cambodia.

Bereavement Leave

Employees are entitled to seven days of unpaid leave in the unfortunate event of the death of an immediate family member.

Wedding Leave

Employees can take seven days of unpaid leave for their own wedding.

Employment Termination and Severance Policies in Cambodia

Termination Process in Cambodia

Dismissal in Cambodia is required to be justified, especially when it results from an employee's failure to meet reasonable performance standards communicated by the employer. Some of the reasons that may lead to termination include:

  • Misconduct
  • Breach of contract
  • Poor performance
  • Mutual agreement

Notice Period in Cambodia

The termination of an employment contract requires a justifiable reason, and the employer is obligated to provide notice to the employee. The notice period varies depending on the length of the employee's service:

  • Seven days of notice for employees with six months or less of service.
  • Fifteen days of notice for employees with 6 to 24 months of service.
  • One month of notice for employees with 2 to 5 years of service.
  • Two months of notice for employees with 5 to 10 years of service.
  • Three months of notice for employees with more than ten years of service.

Severance in Cambodia

In Cambodia, severance payments are required to be at least 5.00% of the total wages paid to the employee over the duration of their contract. For employees with no fixed contract duration:

  • If they worked between 6 months to 1 year, severance is seven days of regular salary.
  • If they worked more than a year, it's 15 days of regular salary for each year, up to a maximum of 6 months' salary and benefits.

Disclaimer

THIS CONTENT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE. You should always consult with and rely on your own legal and/or tax advisor(s). Playroll does not provide legal or tax advice. The information is general and not tailored to a specific company or workforce and does not reflect Playroll’s product delivery in any given jurisdiction. Playroll makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this information and shall have no liability arising out of or in connection with it, including any loss caused by use of, or reliance on, the information.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jesse Weisz

Jesse is an experienced R&D Analyst at Playroll, a leading Employer of Record (EOR) provider. With a strong background in data analysis and market research, Jesse specializes in identifying emerging trends and driving innovation in global HR solutions. She is an all-rounder, critical thinker and success-seeker (often inextricably linked to being a late-night tea drinker).

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FAQS

FAQs About Hiring In Cambodia

Questions and Answers

What Is an EOR in Cambodia?

An Employer of Record (EOR) in Cambodia is a third-party organization that legally employs workers on behalf of your company. The EOR handles all local employment tasks, including compliance with labor laws, payroll, taxes, benefits, and employment contracts. This allows businesses to easily hire talent in Cambodia without the need to set up a legal entity there, saving time and ensuring compliance with local regulations.

Can I Hire in Cambodia Without an Employer of Record?

Yes, you can hire in Cambodia without an Employer of Record, but this typically requires setting up a legal entity in the country. Establishing a local entity involves navigating registration processes, tax systems, and employment regulations. This can be costly and time-consuming, often taking between 4-6 months to enter a new market. An EOR provides an alternative by allowing you to hire talent quickly and compliantly without the need to establish a legal presence in Cambodia.

How Much Does It Cost To Employ Someone In Cambodia?

The cost of employing someone in Cambodia includes more than just their salary. You also need to consider mandatory contributions such as taxes, social security, insurance, and benefits. These additional costs can vary based on the role, location, and specific employment laws in Cambodia. When using an Employer of Record, there are additional service fees, usually charged as a percentage of the employee's salary or as a monthly or annual fee. This ensures compliance and covers administrative tasks.

What Is the Minimum Wage In Cambodia?

As of January 1, 2024, Cambodia's minimum wage rates are:

  • 5,118 KHR p/h KHR per month.
  • Applies nationwide across all sectors.
  • Adjustments typically occur annually.

How Does an EOR Help You Run Payroll In Cambodia?

An EOR simplifies payroll management in Cambodia by handling all aspects of salary payments, tax deductions, and compliance with local labor laws for your international employees. The EOR calculates gross pay, deducts necessary taxes and contributions, and ensures employees are paid accurately and on time. They also manage year-end tax reporting and compliance filings, reducing the administrative burden on your team and minimizing the risk of errors or penalties.

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