Wholesale/Retail Business

All retail businesses operating in Cambodia are required to have a certificate of incorporation (business registration) and other relevant licenses. You can apply for these licenses as below:

1. For Certificate of Incorporation (business registration), you can register your certificate through the following link: www.businessregistration.moc.gov.kh or you can go to Department of Business Registration/Provincial Department of Commerce to assist you in business registration.
2. For Tax Registration for Patent Tax, VAT Number and Registration Tax, you can apply them at General Department of Taxation (National Tax School) in Phnom Penh or Provincial Tax Branch.
3. For Location Approval License, you can apply it at Phnom Penh Municipality.
4. For Registration for Opening Enterprise, Establishment Ledger, Payroll and Internal Work Rule, you can register it at Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training or online registration recognized by Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training.
5. For Tax Permit on Sign Board, you can apply it at General Department of Taxation or Provincial Tax Branch.
6. For Permit on Sign Board, you can apply it at Phnom Penh Municipality.

You are required to have the following documents for application process:

1. Document to certify the address, such as electricity bill, house renting contract or postal address
2. Identity Card or passport of the owner
3. Photo (4X6) of the owner
5. Voluntarily declaration of non-sentence (no criminal record) and not the Government officer under Cambodia Civil Service Law

Possessing a business registration certificate will provide you with the following benefits:

1. Your business will be recognized as a legal entity and protected by the laws of the Kingdom of Cambodia;
2. Your contractual relationships with business partners will have better legal standing, which is important in taking advantage of business opportunities, and increasing your access to resources such as financing; and
3. You will be able to consult with officials on business start-up, running the business and consumer protection.

During application process of business registration for retail business, you should expect the following inspections:

1. Local Authority Inspection by Ministry of Interior (MoI).

In addition, you should also expect the following inspections during your retail business operation:

1. Fire Safety and Security Inspection by MoI; and
2. Labor Compliance Inspection by MoLVT; and
3. Local Authority Inspection by Ministry of Interior (MoI).