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?

@Ken007

Is it possible to obtain a police clearance prior to returning to Cambodia after residing there previously.  I  left a rental contract before the 1 year term was complete in Kampot.   Like to know Ii f any action was taken that might prevent me from returning. I doubt it,  but don't want a surprise at immigration.  Would be nice to get clearance before I arrive there. I did sign the lease with my finger print .   So that could id me at immigration?  Be nice to get clearance in advance

@w20415

Hi

I don't know exactly about this case even though i don't think any issue would happen!

In this case I'm gonna move to Vietnam therefore the Cambodian police clearance is required document for Vietnamese immigration office!

You should know the cost of police clearance is 140 usd for foreigners and it normally takes 12 working days to be issued!

If it's not necessary avoid wasting money!

I went through this process earlier this year. It's remarkably simple, and a lot of the AI generated info from the first response did not apply to my case. (E.g at no point was I asked for my sangkat registration document.)

You need to download the app, it's called CR-MOJ, and fill in the request there. The app tells you exactly what to do, what documents you need etc.  After you have paid the fee (250k riels for standard service,  20 working days,  500k riels for fast service,  12 days), you can track the status of the application. When the criminal record check document is ready, the app status updates and tells you the date and time you need to go to the office.

The office is a bit difficult to find, it's not very well signposted and the Google maps location it shows in the app is incorrect (it sends you to the back of the building, you have to enter through the front, on the Riverside side of the building). 

To get the documents, just enter the office and take a ticket, you will be called to the desk. I spent about 5 minutes waiting.

Overall the process was actually very well organised any quite simple.