Feeling overwhelmed by the maze of company formation costs and annual compliance in Cambodia? You’re not alone. Many entrepreneurs and digital nomads are frustrated by opaque fees and shifting regulations. In this guide, you’ll find a clear, data-driven breakdown of the real costs of starting and maintaining a Private Limited Company (Co., Ltd.) in Cambodia in 2025—so you can make informed decisions and optimize your fiscal strategy.
Company Formation Costs in Cambodia (2025): What to Expect
Setting up a Private Limited Company in Cambodia involves several state-imposed fees and procedural expenses. Here’s a transparent look at the average outlay, based on the latest data:
| Expense Item | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Business registration fee (Ministry of Commerce) | $400 |
| Stamp duty on Articles of Incorporation | $20 |
| Company seal | $15 |
| Publication in official gazette | $15 |
| Notary/legal service fees (average) | $200 |
| Total Direct Costs | $700 |
| Minimum capital requirement (not a fee, but required deposit) | $1,000 |
Pro Tip #1: The $1,000 minimum capital is not a sunk cost—it’s a deposit that can be used for company operations after registration. However, you must show proof of this capital during the incorporation process.
Annual Maintenance Costs: Staying Compliant in 2025
Once your company is up and running, annual compliance is non-negotiable. Here’s what you’ll need to budget for each year:
| Annual Expense | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Annual business registration renewal fee | $100 |
| Annual tax declaration filing (accountant fees, minimum) | $300 |
| Mandatory bookkeeping/accounting services | $100 |
| Optional legal retainer (recommended) | $200 |
| Other compliance costs (e.g., labor compliance, if applicable) | $100 |
| Total Annual Maintenance | $500–$1,200 |
Pro Tip #2: While the minimum annual cost is $500, budgeting closer to $1,200 gives you a buffer for legal advice and unexpected compliance requirements. This is especially relevant if you plan to hire staff or operate in regulated sectors.
Case Example: A Digital Nomad’s First Year in Cambodia
Imagine you’re a location-independent entrepreneur launching a consulting firm in Phnom Penh. Here’s your first-year cost snapshot:
- Company creation (direct costs): $700
- Minimum capital deposit: $1,000 (usable post-registration)
- Annual maintenance (year one): $500–$1,200
Total cash outlay in year one: $1,200–$1,900 (excluding the capital deposit, which remains available for business use).
Checklist: Streamlining Your Company Setup and Compliance
- Prepare your $1,000 minimum capital and supporting documents.
- Register your business with the Ministry of Commerce (official portal).
- Pay the registration and stamp duty fees.
- Engage a notary or legal service for document preparation.
- Order your company seal and arrange for gazette publication.
- Set up annual accounting and tax filing systems from day one.
- Consider a legal retainer for ongoing compliance support.
Pro Tip #3: Outsourcing bookkeeping and tax filing to a local accountant can save you time and reduce the risk of compliance errors—especially as regulations evolve in 2025.
Key Takeaways for 2025
- Expect to pay around $700 in direct company creation costs, plus a $1,000 minimum capital deposit.
- Annual maintenance ranges from $500 to $1,200, depending on your need for legal and compliance services.
- Staying proactive with compliance and documentation is the best way to avoid state-imposed penalties and keep your entrepreneurial freedom intact.
For more details on the process and up-to-date regulations, consult these official and expert resources: