Cambodia police clearance certificate issuance for expats!?

Yes, foreigners can absolutely obtain a Police Clearance Certificate (locally known as "Bulletin Number 3 of Criminal Record") in Cambodia. The official processing time is typically 12 to 20 days, and the fees range between $60 to $125 (250,000 to 500,000 KHR) depending on the desired speed.

Required Documents Before applying, ensure you have gathered the following paperwork:

-Residence Certification Letter: Obtainable from your local commune office (Sangkat) where you reside. You will typically need your passport, lease agreement, and a letter from your landlord confirming your registration in the "Foreigner Presence in Cambodia" system.

-Passport & Visa: A color copy of your passport's bio-data page and all pages containing your visas and Cambodian entry/exit stamps.

-Fingerprints: You will likely need your fingerprints taken on an official form, which can sometimes be done at the Ministry of Justice.

-Passport Photos: Two recent passport-sized photos.

How to Apply In-Person at the Ministry of Justice (MoJ):

-The standard method is applying directly at the Office of Criminal Records at the MoJ in Phnom Penh. You will need to submit your documents, provide a thumbprint, and pay the fee. Digital System: The Ministry of Justice has introduced the CR-MOJ Digital System and a mobile app designed to streamline applications. Users on forums like Reddit have experienced occasional technical glitches with the app, so applying in person before you leave is the most reliable option.

-Using a Visa/Travel Agent: Since the processing time takes a couple of weeks, many departing expats hire reputable local agencies (such as Husky & Partners or locally-recommended travel agents in Phnom Penh/Siem Reap). For a service fee of around $100–$150, they can handle the Sangkat paperwork, submit the documents, and even ship the final certificate to your home country.

-Important Tip: Because you need a local Residence Certification Letter from your commune, it is highly recommended to start the process while you are still living in your current Cambodian residence and before your landlord is out of reach.

@Ken007

Hi Bong.

Thanks for your helpful information.

But this process seems to be taking a long time and excessive bureaucracy.

Is it possible to shorten the process time to issue?