Naturalization

[Zasp]

Has anybody here successfully become a naturalized citizen of Cambodia? If so, what route did you take and what was required of you?

The actual full requirements for the different methods of naturalization don't appear to be published (that I can find). Only basic criteria.

[SunSan]

They are published.

I think Krisduncs posted them just a week or two ago. Or maybe Barang.

[Zasp]

Yes, the general guide lines for becoming naturalized are easily available, but the real requirements not so much. I was wondering if anybody had experience in becoming a naturalized citizen who actually had to complete the real steps to becoming such.

[Doctor Seuss]

If you are doing business here with some of the elite, you can get naturalized for free.

If you are are doing business and you company has a CDC license and you re investing more than $250,000 (Im not 100% on this figure) into Cambodia, you can get naturalized for free.

You can pay $20,000 and get naturalized. This could be cheaper if you have connections.

If you have been here for a certain amount of time and are married and can speak the language with proficiency you can get it for free (obviously it is not going to be free.. they will say your Khmer isnt good enough or make some bullshit excuse that will result in you departing with some amount of cash). Im not sure if this is 6 or 7 years in country, but I noticed that recently when people have been asking me how long I have been in Cambodia, whenever I tell them 7 years their first response is to ask me if I have claimed my naturalization yet... Ive been asked that more than a dozen times... and this is just from common folk... so it must be general knowledge. When I was replying to this by saying 6 years, no one ever asked me if I was naturalised.

[the_purple_turtle]

don't you have to do a test too? and be able to read and write? To what standard though, i have no idea.

[krisduncs]

i heard you only have to write your name or something like that. speaking is more important i hear. not 100% sure though?

[doktor_d]

From the LAW ON NATIONALITY (9. October 1996)




I'd say article 8.5 will instantly disqualify 99.8% of the posters on this forum.. especially these parts :

"..know khmer scripts..

..prove clear evidence that he/she can live in harmony in khmer society as well as can get
used to good khmer custom and tradition.."

[doktor_d]

I believe the law of 1996 is based upon Decree No. 913-NS, of November 20, 1954, and Law No. 904-NS, dated September 27, 1954 -

referred to here :



in the book "Propaganda, Politics, and Violence in Cambodia - Democratic Transition under United Nations Peace-keeping"

I have a hard time imagining any of the barangs on this forum assimilating to Cambodian "manners, customs and traditions" or living "in harmony in Khmer society".. (i.e. in agreement with actions, opinions and feelings of Khmers)

I'd put more money on Elvis landing in a UFO on the Loch Ness monster.