During the government and private sector forum ceremony, Prime Minister Hun Manet underlined that the government has streamlined another mechanism of long-term leasehold rights in addition to the old mechanisms regarding foreigners leasing land.

“According to Cambodian law, even if foreigners don’t have the right to buy land, villas or ground floor houses, we have a long-term contract that they [foreigners] can enter into long-term leases ranging from 15 to 50 years,” Manet said during an announcement on November 16.

“Along with the right to use, the right to enjoy. It's like a long-term offer, we do not need to change the law, so please check,” he added.

Hun Manet also requested that the Ministry of Land Management prepare the conditions and legal standards for the implementation of the mechanisms. This includes coordination and other incentives or mechanisms for comprehensive dissemination, monitoring and evaluation.

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According to Cambodian law, foreigners are not allowed to own land. Only persons with Khmer nationality can become owners.

But Cambodia also has a mechanism that gives foreigners the right to buy and own real estate with almost the same rights as the owners.

Foreigners can buy land through Cambodian representatives, but on the title they need to name the representatives as Cambodians. In order to protect those foreign investors, they must have a warranty contract with their representatives.

Moreover, in 2019, in trust company law, foreigners can buy land in Cambodia through a trust company that is properly registered with the Ministry of Economy. This means that foreigners can buy property and comply with the role of manager, but the company has no right to sell, unless the foreigner who owns the property allows it.

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In addition, foreigners who have invested in special tourist areas can obtain a visa to enter or leave Cambodia several times and stay for a long time in accordance with the law, or can use a special entry and exit permit from the government and receive the right to enjoy real estate in a particular area.