Can Foreigners Own Property in Cambodia?

If you are looking to invest in Southeast Asia’s booming real estate market, Cambodia is likely on your radar. With its fully dollarized economy (meaning you buy and rent in USD) and highly attractive rental yields, it is a magnet for expats and international investors.

But can a foreigner actually own property here?

The short answer is: Yes, absolutely—but what you can own depends entirely on the type of property.

Under Article 44 of the Cambodian Constitution, foreigners cannot directly own land or landed property (like villas, shophouses, or townhouses) in their own name. However, Cambodia has made it incredibly easy for foreigners to own modern residential assets outright.

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The Straightforward Path: Strata-Title Condos

Thanks to the 2010 Foreign Ownership Property Law, foreigners can enjoy 100% freehold ownership of apartments and condominiums, registered directly in their own name. This is done via a legal document called a Strata Title.

To qualify for foreign ownership, the property must meet three simple rules:

1. First Floor and Above Only: You cannot own a ground-floor or underground unit. The ground floor is legally tied to the land, which is reserved for locals.

2. The 70% Quota: Foreigners can own up to 70% of the total usable floor area of any single condominium building.
3. Co-Owned Buildings: The building must be officially registered as a "co-owned building" (usually modern developments built after 2010).

What About Land, Villas, and Boreys?

If you have your heart set on a beautiful villa or a landed house inside a Borey (gated community), you cannot get a direct title deed in your name. However, the legal system provides reliable workarounds that thousands of expats use safely:

• The Cambodia Trust Law (Most Secure): Regulated heavily since 2019, this is the gold standard for landed property. You place the property into a registered trust company. They hold the title legally, but you retain full management rights and benefit entirely from the asset.
• Long-Term Leases: You can sign a long-term lease for up to 50 years, often with options to renew for another 50 years. These leases can be officially registered at the local Land Office to protect your rights.
• Land Holding Companies (LHC): For large investments, you can form a joint-venture company where Cambodian citizens hold 51% of the shares, and you hold 49%. Through legal structures and power-of-attorney agreements, you retain operational control over the land.
• Nominee Structures: You use a trusted Cambodian national to hold the property title in their name while signing a separate legal agreement protecting your investment. Tip: Most experts recommend using a professional corporate nominee rather than a personal acquaintance to avoid risks.

A Quick Warning for Buyers: Always ensure you are working with a licensed agency and a reputable developer. Before handing over a deposit, verify that the building has a valid Strata Title approval. Labeling a building a "condo" in marketing materials does not automatically mean it qualifies for foreign ownership!

Ready to find your dream property or investment unit in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap? Explore our latest verified condo listings directly on cambodiahousing.com or contact our team for expert, step-by-step guidance!