Guide to KYC on Coinbase With a Cambodian Passport

Cambodia's cryptocurrency landscape shifted dramatically in 2024, affecting how Cambodian passport holders access global exchanges

The relationship between Cambodian passports and cryptocurrency exchange verification has become increasingly complex following Cambodia's November 2024 decision to block access to 16 major crypto exchange websites, including Coinbase. While Cambodian passports remain technically acceptable for Coinbase's Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements, practical access challenges and Cambodia's evolving regulatory framework create unique considerations for crypto investors holding or considering Cambodian citizenship.

Cambodia's citizenship by investment program, offering naturalization for investments starting at $305,000 or donations of $245,000, has attracted international attention as a relatively affordable entry point to Southeast Asian citizenship. However, the intersection of Cambodia's citizenship system, its moderate passport strength ranking 84th-88th globally, and recent cryptocurrency regulatory developments presents both opportunities and challenges for digital asset investors.

The December 2024 breakthrough regulation from the National Bank of Cambodia, Prakas B7-024-735, partially reversed previous blanket restrictions while maintaining strict controls over cryptocurrency activities. This regulatory evolution, combined with Cambodia's non-participation in the Common Reporting Standard and the upcoming implementation of a 20% capital gains tax in September 2025, creates a complex decision matrix for crypto investors evaluating Cambodian citizenship.

Cambodian passports face no explicit restrictions on Coinbase, though website blocks complicate access

Coinbase's current KYC framework maintains no specific exclusions for Cambodian passport holders, and Cambodia does not appear on the exchange's list of sanctioned or restricted countries. The standard verification process requires government-issued photo identification, proof of address, and biometric selfie verification - requirements that Cambodian passport holders can theoretically satisfy without additional complications.

However, Cambodia's Telecommunications Regulator (TRC) blocked access to Coinbase's website along with 15 other major exchanges in November 2024, affecting 102 domains total. This action targeted unlicensed crypto operations that lacked proper authorization from Cambodia's Securities and Exchange Regulator. Mobile applications remain functional, allowing existing verified users to continue accessing services and new users to potentially complete registration through smartphone apps.

The practical workaround for Cambodian residents involves using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which remain legal in Cambodia, or relying exclusively on mobile applications. While this creates an additional step in the verification process, it doesn't fundamentally prevent Cambodian passport holders from accessing Coinbase services. The absence of Cambodia-specific complaints on major crypto forums like Reddit's r/CoinBase and BitcoinTalk suggests that Cambodian passports undergo routine processing without systematic rejection.

Alternative major exchanges demonstrate varying levels of accessibility for Cambodian users. Binance, with approximately 200,000 registered Cambodian users, continues operating through its mobile app despite website restrictions. Bybit has emerged as particularly popular among Cambodian investors, supporting Khmer Riel (KHR) deposits through peer-to-peer trading and local bank transfers. Kraken, OKX, and Crypto.com also accept Cambodian passports for verification, though with varying degrees of local banking integration.

Cambodia offers multiple pathways to citizenship, including an active investment program

Cambodia's citizenship system operates under the Law on Nationality of 1996, administered by the Ministry of Interior. The country maintains both standard naturalization procedures and an active citizenship by investment program that has operated since 1996, though with varying degrees of transparency and consistency in implementation.

The investment route requires a minimum investment of 1.25 billion Riels (approximately $305,000-312,500) in projects approved by the Council for the Development of Cambodia or authorized by the Royal Government. This pathway exempts applicants from the standard seven-year residency requirement but maintains other conditions including Khmer language proficiency, background checks, and good moral conduct certification. The donation route offers an alternative through a contribution of 1 billion Riels (approximately $245,000-250,000) to the national budget for economic restoration and rebuilding.

Processing times for citizenship by investment applications typically range from three to six months, requiring three visits to Cambodia for documentation, submission, and passport collection. Final citizenship requires a Royal Decree, and reports suggest that connections to the royal family or senior government officials can significantly influence approval chances. Total fees, including the investment or donation, can reach $85,000 in service charges, with a breakdown of $5,000 deposit, $25,000 before submission, $40,000 after approval, and $15,000 for passport collection.

Standard naturalization follows more traditional requirements: seven years of continuous legal residence (reduced to three years for those born in Cambodia or married to Cambodian citizens), clean criminal background, good moral conduct certification from local authorities, demonstrated Khmer language proficiency and cultural knowledge through examination, and physical and mental fitness assessment. The government processes standard applications in approximately two to three months.

Cambodia permits dual citizenship, allowing new citizens to retain their original nationality if their home country permits it. This policy provides flexibility for international investors who wish to maintain ties to their country of origin while gaining the benefits of Cambodian citizenship.

A concerning development emerged in August 2024 when the National Assembly passed constitutional amendments allowing the government to revoke citizenship of nationals accused of "colluding with foreign powers." This vaguely defined provision, opposed by 50 civil society groups, introduces political risk for citizenship holders who might engage in activities deemed contrary to government interests.

Cambodian passport strength remains moderate within Southeast Asia

The Cambodian passport ranks between 78th and 89th globally according to various passport indices, providing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 52-56 destinations. While this positions Cambodia in the lower tier of ASEAN countries, the passport offers strong regional mobility with visa-free access to all ASEAN member states for periods ranging from 14 to 30 days.

Within Southeast Asia, Cambodia's passport strength trails significantly behind Singapore (1st globally with 195 destinations), Malaysia (12th with 183 destinations), and even Thailand (63rd with 80 destinations). It performs comparably to Vietnam (87th with 52 destinations) and slightly better than Laos (90th with 50 destinations). This moderate strength affects not only travel convenience but also perceptions of financial institutions and payment processors when evaluating KYC documentation.

Notable visa-free destinations for Cambodian passport holders include all ASEAN countries, with Malaysia and Singapore offering 30-day stays, Indonesia providing 30 days, and Thailand recently reducing its visa-free period from 30 to 14 days following 2025 border tensions. Outside Southeast Asia, Cambodian citizens enjoy visa-free access to Ecuador (90 days), Panama (30 days), and several Caribbean nations including Barbados (90 days) and Dominica (21 days).

Major economies require advance visa applications, with the United States offering an eVisa option at $35, while the European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, China, Japan, and South Korea all maintain standard visa requirements. This limited access to developed economies constrains the passport's utility for international business travelers and may trigger additional scrutiny during financial services KYC processes.

Cambodia implemented biometric e-passports in July 2014, featuring Extended Access Control technology and trilingual text in Khmer, English, and French. The passports meet ICAO 2025 standards and cost $100 for 10-year validity, representing the highest passport fees in Asia but a 65% reduction from the previous system. The technological sophistication of Cambodian passports enhances their acceptance for digital verification processes used by cryptocurrency exchanges.

Cambodia's regulatory stance evolved significantly with December 2024 framework

Cambodia's cryptocurrency regulatory landscape underwent fundamental transformation with the National Bank of Cambodia's issuance of Prakas B7-024-735 on December 26, 2024. This regulation partially reversed the 2019 blanket prohibition on cryptocurrency activities, establishing a framework for licensed Cryptoasset Service Providers (CASPs) while maintaining strict controls.

The new framework creates a classification system distinguishing between Group 1 assets (tokenized securities and stablecoins) which banks can handle with limitations, and Group 2 assets (unbacked cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin) which remain prohibited for banking institutions. Commercial banks can hold Group 1a exposures up to 5% of their Common Equity Tier 1 Capital and Group 1b exposures up to 3%, with quarterly reporting requirements and mandatory prior approval from the NBC.

This regulatory evolution follows Cambodia's complex relationship with digital currencies. The 2019 joint statement by the NBC, Securities and Exchange Regulator, and National Police had effectively banned all cryptocurrency transactions through financial institutions, citing concerns about terrorism financing and black market activities. The November 2024 website blocks affecting Binance, Coinbase, and 14 other exchanges appeared to signal continued hostility toward crypto, but mobile app accessibility and the December regulation reveal a more nuanced approach.

The Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia operates a FinTech regulatory sandbox with two licensed platforms: Royal Group Exchange (RGX) and Cambodian Network Exchange (CNX). These platforms face restrictions on converting crypto to Cambodian riel or USD but provide a regulated environment for digital asset trading. SERC's June 2024 memorandum of understanding with Binance for regulatory framework development and December 2024 partnership with Cambo Trust Plc for sandbox implementation suggest ongoing efforts to develop comprehensive oversight.

Cambodia's approach contrasts sharply with regional neighbors. Thailand maintains progressive regulation with SEC oversight and recently approved USDT for domestic trading. Malaysia operates a comprehensive framework under Securities Commission Malaysia with clear licensing categories. Singapore leads the region with sophisticated regulation under the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Vietnam allows crypto ownership while prohibiting payment use, with comprehensive regulations expected by March 2025.

The Cambodian government's blockchain initiatives demonstrate selective embrace of digital innovation. Project Bakong, the national Central Bank Digital Currency launched in 2020, achieved 65% population adoption and enables cross-border payments with regional systems. However, endemic challenges persist, with UN reports documenting $49 billion in crypto transactions through the Huione Guarantee marketplace between 2021-2024 and cybercriminal operations generating $7.5-12.5 billion annually, representing approximately 50% of Cambodia's formal GDP.

Southeast Asian passport comparison reveals clear tiers for crypto access

Analysis of Southeast Asian passports for cryptocurrency exchange KYC purposes reveals a distinct hierarchy correlating passport strength with exchange acceptance. Singapore and Malaysia emerge as optimal choices, offering both strong global mobility and comprehensive exchange support across all major platforms including Coinbase, Binance, and Kraken.

Singapore's position as the world's strongest passport with 195 visa-free destinations combines with its sophisticated financial regulatory framework to provide seamless crypto exchange access. The Monetary Authority of Singapore's in-principle approval for Coinbase operations and clear regulatory frameworks make Singaporean passports ideal for crypto investors, though citizenship remains extremely difficult to obtain, requiring 10+ years of residency and meeting exceptionally high standards.

Malaysia's 13th global ranking with 183 visa-free destinations and full support across major exchanges positions it as an excellent alternative. The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) visa program offers a potential pathway to residency, though the country's prohibition on dual citizenship and challenging naturalization process for non-ethnic Malays present obstacles.

Thailand and the Philippines occupy a middle tier, with broad exchange support but weaker passport strength. Thailand's 67th global ranking and growing crypto adoption, evidenced by initiatives like TouristDigiPay, make it attractive despite language requirements for naturalization. The Philippines' English-speaking population aids KYC processes, though its 72nd global ranking and limited fiat on/off ramps on some exchanges create constraints.

Indonesia and Vietnam face greater limitations. Indonesia's large domestic crypto market (3rd in global adoption index) contrasts with restricted banking integration on international exchanges. Vietnam's 5th global ranking in crypto adoption belies highly limited exchange support, with most platforms offering only debit card transactions rather than full banking integration.

Myanmar and Laos represent high-risk options with minimal exchange support, weak passports (99th and 90th globally respectively), and underdeveloped financial infrastructure. Myanmar's political instability and potential sanctions exposure make it particularly problematic for crypto investors.

This tiered structure reflects broader patterns where ASEAN integration strength, banking infrastructure development, regulatory clarity, and economic development correlate strongly with cryptocurrency exchange acceptance. Countries with developed banking systems receive full exchange features, while those with limited infrastructure face restricted access despite potentially high domestic crypto adoption.

Cambodia's citizenship by investment program costs and requirements

The Cambodian citizenship by investment program's financial requirements position it as relatively affordable compared to Caribbean and European programs, though questions about transparency and consistency in implementation persist. The total investment ranges from $330,000 to $397,500 including all fees, with the core investment or donation representing the largest component.

The investment option requires capital deployment in sectors approved by the Council for the Development of Cambodia, typically including real estate development, agriculture, manufacturing, or tourism projects. Investors must demonstrate the investment's economic benefit to Cambodia and maintain it for a specified period, though enforcement mechanisms remain unclear. The donation alternative directs funds to the national budget for economic restoration, with less ongoing obligation but no potential for investment returns.

Due diligence requirements encompass criminal background verification from the applicant's country of origin, good conduct certification from local Cambodian authorities if residing in-country, health and mental fitness assessments, financial background reviews including source of funds verification for investments, and educational or professional background verification. Investment applications undergo additional scrutiny including CDC authorization letters and business documentation review.

The three-visit requirement creates logistical considerations, with initial documentation gathering, formal submission, and passport collection each requiring physical presence in Cambodia. Some service providers claim to minimize these requirements, though official procedures mandate personal appearance. The Khmer literature examination, administered by the Minister of Interior, theoretically tests language proficiency and cultural knowledge, though reports suggest variable enforcement for significant investors.

Recent program developments include the Cambodia My 2nd Home (CM2H) initiative launched in July 2022, offering a 10-year renewable golden visa for minimum $100,000 real estate investments. While not providing immediate citizenship, CM2H creates a potential pathway after five years of residence, with benefits including work permit eligibility, property ownership rights, and VIP airport access.

Comparative analysis reveals Cambodia's program costs fall below Caribbean options like St. Kitts and Nevis ($150,000 donation plus fees) or Dominica ($100,000 donation plus fees) when considering total investment requirements. However, Caribbean programs typically offer stronger passports with visa-free access to Europe and the UK, which Cambodian citizenship does not provide.

Alternative exchanges demonstrate varying Cambodian passport acceptance

Beyond Coinbase, Cambodian passport holders can access multiple international cryptocurrency exchanges, though with varying degrees of functionality and local integration. Binance, despite website restrictions, maintains the strongest presence with approximately 200,000 Cambodian users accessing services through mobile applications and supporting KHR deposits via peer-to-peer trading networks.

Bybit has emerged as particularly suited for Cambodian users, offering limited KYC options for basic access with 20,000 USDT daily withdrawal limits and full verification for advanced features. The platform's support for KHR deposits through P2P trading, local bank transfers including ABA Bank and ACLEDA, and KHQR payment integration provides superior local currency accessibility compared to purely international platforms.

Kraken maintains its position among the "big three" exchanges alongside Coinbase and Binance, accepting Cambodian passports for verification with robust security protocols and regulatory compliance. The platform's long-standing reputation and comprehensive trading options make it a reliable alternative, though local banking integration remains limited.

OKX operates in over 160 countries including Cambodia, with mandatory KYC accepting government-issued IDs and over 350 cryptocurrencies available. The platform's extensive derivative products and staking options appeal to sophisticated traders, though recent global regulatory pressures have led to service restrictions in some jurisdictions.

KuCoin's recent implementation of mandatory KYC in 2024-2025 marks a shift from its previously permissive approach. The exchange accepts Cambodian passports for verification and maintains a wide range of trading options, though its regulatory status in various jurisdictions remains evolving.

Crypto.com provides standard international KYC processes accepting Cambodian passports, with strong regulatory compliance measures and established banking partnerships. The platform's Visa card program and mainstream marketing efforts position it as a user-friendly option for retail investors.

Local licensed options through Royal Group Exchange (RGX) and Cambodian Network Exchange (CNX) operate within SERC's regulatory sandbox, providing legally compliant but limited trading capabilities. These platforms cannot facilitate crypto-to-fiat conversions to KHR or USD, significantly restricting their utility for investors requiring liquidity in traditional currencies.

Legal and tax implications shape the investment landscape

Cambodia's tax regime for cryptocurrency investors will undergo significant changes with the implementation of capital gains tax in September 2025. The flat 20% rate on net capital gains will apply to residents' worldwide gains, including cryptocurrency transactions, though specific guidance on crypto tax treatment remains pending. This positions Cambodia's tax burden above Singapore and Malaysia (0% capital gains tax) but below Thailand (up to 35% progressive rates).

The country's non-participation in the OECD's Common Reporting Standard provides a privacy advantage compared to most developed nations, as Cambodian financial accounts are not automatically reported to other tax jurisdictions except the United States under FATCA. This feature may appeal to investors seeking legitimate financial privacy, though it could attract scrutiny from home country tax authorities.

Cambodia's absence of inheritance and estate taxes creates estate planning advantages for crypto investors, particularly given the challenges many jurisdictions face in properly taxing digital asset inheritances. Cambodian citizens can inherit property without restrictions, unlike foreigners who must sell inherited real property within three months.

Tax residency triggers at 182 days of physical presence in any 12-month period, or through maintaining a domicile or principal place of abode in Cambodia. Citizens living abroad can potentially avoid Cambodian tax residency and worldwide taxation by carefully managing presence and residential ties. The growing network of double taxation agreements, currently covering 11 countries with active negotiations for additional treaties, provides foreign tax credit opportunities.

The December 2024 regulatory framework requires all cryptocurrency activities to proceed through licensed entities, creating compliance obligations that may affect tax treatment. The distinction between Group 1 assets (stablecoins and tokenized securities) and prohibited Group 2 assets (Bitcoin and unbacked cryptocurrencies) could influence how different crypto investments are taxed.

Comparative regional analysis reveals Cambodia's emerging position between restrictive and permissive jurisdictions. While less favorable than Singapore's sophisticated framework or Malaysia's zero capital gains approach, Cambodia offers clearer regulatory structure than Vietnam or Laos, with potential advantages over Thailand's high progressive tax rates.

Due diligence and background checks intensify for citizenship applicants

Cambodia's due diligence process for citizenship applicants encompasses multiple verification layers, though enforcement consistency varies. Criminal background checks from applicants' countries of origin must be apostilled or authenticated by Cambodian embassies, with translations into Khmer required for all documents.

Good conduct certification from commune or quarter chiefs requires establishing local relationships and potentially involves unofficial payments to facilitate approval. These local endorsements carry significant weight in applications, as they theoretically verify the applicant's integration into Cambodian society and absence of local legal issues.

Health and mental fitness assessments, while standard requirements, typically involve basic medical examinations rather than comprehensive evaluations. The stated purpose of ensuring applicants pose no danger or burden to the nation leaves considerable discretion to examining authorities.

Financial due diligence for investment applications includes source of funds verification, requiring bank statements, business ownership documents, and potentially tax returns from home jurisdictions. The level of scrutiny appears to correlate with investment size and political connections, with larger investors potentially facing less stringent review.

Educational and professional background verification serves primarily to establish applicants' identities and credentialsrather than as qualification requirements. Unlike skilled migration programs in developed countries, Cambodia's citizenship by investment program does not require specific educational achievements or professional experience.

The Khmer language and cultural knowledge examination requirement presents a significant hurdle for many applicants, though reports suggest variable enforcement. The test, administered by the Ministry of Interior, theoretically covers written Khmer, spoken comprehension, and knowledge of Cambodian history and culture.

Recent political developments, particularly the August 2024 constitutional amendment permitting citizenship revocation, introduce new due diligence considerations. Applicants with political activism histories, journalism backgrounds, or connections to organizations critical of the Cambodian government may face additional scrutiny or rejection.

Financial services recognition varies for Cambodian passports

Major financial institutions and payment processors demonstrate mixed recognition of Cambodian passports for KYC purposes, influenced by Cambodia's FATF gray list status from February 2019 for strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. While removal from the gray list remains pending, this designation affects how international financial institutions view Cambodian documentation.

Traditional banking relationships show stronger recognition within the ASEAN region, where Cambodian passports benefit from regional integration and established correspondent banking relationships. ABA Bank, ACLEDA Bank, and Canadia Bank maintain international partnerships facilitating cross-border transactions, though access to European and American banking remains constrained.

Payment processors like PayPal, Stripe, and Square show limited support for Cambodian-issued documentation, often requiring additional verification steps or declining service entirely. This limitation particularly affects e-commerce entrepreneurs and digital nomads relying on international payment processing.

Cryptocurrency exchanges generally demonstrate more flexibility than traditional financial institutions, with most major platforms accepting Cambodian passports for basic verification. However, enhanced due diligence requirements may apply for large transactions or when accessing advanced features like margin trading or institutional-grade services.

The implementation of biometric e-passports since 2014 has improved digital verification success rates, as the machine-readable features and security elements meet international standards. Exchanges using automated verification systems can process Cambodian passports more efficiently than older manual review processes.

Regional financial centers show varying recognition levels. Singapore financial institutions, given the strong bilateral relationship and significant Cambodian diaspora, generally accept Cambodian documentation. Hong Kong institutions demonstrate similar acceptance, while Japanese and South Korean banks may require additional documentation or embassy verification.

The upcoming capital gains tax implementation and evolving regulatory framework may improve international recognition as Cambodia demonstrates commitment to international tax standards. However, concerns about money laundering, particularly related to casino operations and real estate transactions, continue affecting institutional risk assessments.

Recent policy changes reshape Cambodia's citizenship landscape

The August 2024 constitutional amendment allowing citizenship revocation for "colluding with foreign powers" represents the most significant recent change to Cambodia's citizenship framework. This broadly defined provision grants the government unprecedented power to strip citizenship from critics, activists, or individuals engaged in activities deemed contrary to state interests.

Opposition from 50 civil society organizations highlighted concerns about the amendment's vague language and potential for political weaponization. The provision's impact on citizenship by investment participants remains unclear, though investors engaged in international business or maintaining foreign government relationships may face elevated risk.

The November 2024 cryptocurrency exchange website blocks signal evolving government attitudes toward digital assets, though the December NBC regulation suggests a more nuanced approach than initially apparent. The selective blocking of websites while maintaining app functionality indicates possible compromise between control imperatives and practical limitations.

The Cambodia My 2nd Home program's July 2022 launch created an alternative pathway to residence and eventual citizenship, with lower investment thresholds than the traditional CBI program. The $100,000 minimum real estate investment and five-year path to citizenship may appeal to investors seeking gradual integration rather than immediate naturalization.

Recent diplomatic developments affect citizenship value, including visa exemption negotiations with Ukraine (September 2024) and the Philippines (February 2025). These agreements, while currently limited to diplomatic and official passports, suggest potential future expansion of visa-free access for ordinary passport holders.

Economic pressures, including inflation and currency stability concerns, influence government citizenship policy. The program's revenue generation potential conflicts with security concerns and international reputation considerations, creating policy tension reflected in inconsistent implementation and periodic program adjustments.

Transparency International's corruption perceptions and international media coverage of citizenship sales to sanctioned individuals or criminals damage program reputation. These reputational challenges may affect future acceptance of Cambodian passports by financial institutions and immigration authorities globally.

Conclusion: Cambodian passports offer complex tradeoffs for crypto investors

Cambodian citizenship presents a nuanced proposition for cryptocurrency investors, with technical acceptability for Coinbase KYC contrasting against practical access challenges and evolving regulatory frameworks. While Cambodian passports face no explicit restrictions from major exchanges, the November 2024 website blocks and December regulatory changes create an environment requiring careful navigation.

The citizenship by investment program's relatively affordable entry point at $305,000-397,500 total investment provides access to Southeast Asian residency and eventual naturalization. However, investors must weigh this against the passport's moderate global mobility (52-56 visa-free destinations), upcoming 20% capital gains tax implementation, and political risks introduced by the 2024 citizenship revocation provisions.

Cambodia's non-participation in CRS and absence of inheritance taxes offer specific advantages for wealth planning, while the growing double taxation agreement network provides some international tax relief. The December 2024 NBC regulation establishing a framework for licensed cryptocurrency activities suggests gradual normalization of digital assets, though restrictions on unbacked cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin remain.

For crypto investors prioritizing Southeast Asian presence and accepting moderate passport strength, Cambodia offers a viable option with clearer regulatory frameworks than many regional peers. However, those seeking maximum exchange access and global mobility should consider Singapore or Malaysia despite higher barriers to entry. The optimal choice depends on individual circumstances, risk tolerance, and specific investment objectives within the evolving Southeast Asian cryptocurrency landscape.

Disclaimer

CitizenX is a technology service providing legal information and access to self-service tools. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice. If you have unique considerations, please talk with a lawyer in your jurisdiction before proceeding.