Bank Account Opening in Cambodia

Foreigners can open a bank account in Cambodia, and it is one of the easier countries in the region to do so. Most banks want to see that you have a legal presence in the country, such as a long-stay visa, a lease, or a work contract. A Cambodia bank account opening is still an application, not a purchase: the bank runs its own checks and can decline without giving every reason. We prepare the pack the bank asks for and stay on the application until the bank opens the account or declines it.

Documents banks commonly ask for

Two large banks publish their rules for foreigners:

• ABA Bank asks for a valid passport and a valid Cambodian visa. Applicants without a long visa extension can show a lease, residence certificate, or proof of employment instead. A Cambodian phone number is needed for the mobile app.
• ACLEDA Bank asks for a passport with at least three months of validity, and a document showing your reason for being in Cambodia, such as a residence document, employment contract, business agreement, or mission letter.

Applicants must be at least 18. Banks also ask about your occupation and the source of the funds you will deposit, and US persons complete FATCA forms.

Visas and local presence

The visa matters. Banks generally look for a business (E-class) visa with an extension of several months, or for other proof that you will stay. A tourist visa alone is often not enough. If you live abroad and have no local ties, expect a smaller choice of banks and more questions. Banks in Cambodia are supervised by the National Bank of Cambodia.

US dollars and riel

The US dollar is used widely in Cambodia alongside the Cambodian riel (KHR). Banks open accounts in both currencies, and many everyday transactions are in dollars. Opening deposits differ by bank and account type.

Do you need to visit the bank?

Usually, yes. Most banks identify foreign clients in person at a branch with the original passport and visa. Some offer app-based onboarding, mainly for people already in the country. We confirm the bank's process before you travel.

Company accounts

A company account needs the certificate of incorporation from the Ministry of Commerce, the memorandum and articles, the tax registration (patent) certificate, a board resolution, and identification for the directors, shareholders, and beneficial owners. See our company incorporation service in Cambodia.

Why applications get delayed or refused

• Missing local documents the bank needs, such as a tax number or proof of local presence
• Proof of address or income the bank does not accept
• A source of funds that is not documented
• A purpose for the account that is vague
• Foreign documents that are not certified, apostilled, or translated

Most of these are fixed before submission. That is the main reason to prepare the pack before the bank sees it.

Related to your application

A local account is often opened alongside other paperwork. If you hold or are applying for Cambodia citizenship by investment, the bank can ask for your certificate of registration or passport as part of its checks. You can browse every Cambodia service, including company incorporation, passport renewal, and the police clearance certificate.

• A check of which bank in Cambodia will consider your nationality, residence, and planned use of the account
• A document checklist built from that bank's current rules for non-residents
• Review of your passport, second ID, proof of address, references, and source-of-funds papers before anything is sent
• Help arranging notarised or certified copies, apostilles, and translations when the bank asks for them
• Preparation of the bank's application, signature, and tax-residence (FATCA/CRS) forms
• Submission and follow-up with the bank, including answers to its compliance questions
• A clear note in advance if the bank wants a branch visit, a video call, or more documents
• For companies: preparation of the corporate pack (incorporation documents, registers, good standing, ownership chart, board resolution)

1. Brief. Tell us who the account is for (you, your family, or your company), where you live, the currencies you need, and what the account will be used for.
2. Bank match. We identify a bank in Cambodia that accepts your profile and confirm its document list, whether it needs a visit, and its opening deposit and fees. You then receive our quote.
3. Document pack. You send scans; we check them, arrange notarised copies, references, or translations if needed, and fill in the bank's forms with you.
4. Submission. The signed forms and certified documents go to the bank, by courier where originals are required.
5. Compliance review. The bank runs its due-diligence checks and may ask follow-up questions about your income, assets, or planned transactions. We help you answer them.
6. Account opened. The bank confirms the account number and you fund the opening deposit. Cards and online-banking access follow on the bank's own timeline.
7. After opening. Keep your details up to date: banks ask account holders to refresh identification and address documents from time to time.

You receive a quote before any filing starts. It separates the CitizenX fee from the bank's opening deposit and charges, notarisation, apostille, translation, and courier costs. Those extras are added only when they apply, and only after you approve them.

Minimum opening deposits and monthly fees are set by each bank and differ by account type, so we confirm them with the chosen bank before you apply.