On 5 January 2026, the Royal Government of Cambodia issued Sub-Decree No.03 on the Management of Security and Safety at Collective Residential Locations, to establish strict management of security and safety at collective residential locations. This new regulation aims to guarantee social security, safety, and public order by imposing specific monitoring and technical requirements on concentrated living areas.

In recent years, international criminal syndicates have increasingly exploited private residential compounds, condominiums, gated residential communities (Boreys) to host illegal “scam centers.” These operations are frequently linked to virtual currency fraud, “pig butchering” schemes, and the forced labor of trafficked individuals. By mandating that property owners verify the legal status of all residents and maintain 90 days of surveillance data, the government aims to eradicate these illicit activities, safeguard public safety, and restore Cambodia’s international reputation and investor confidence.

1. Applicability and Enforcement

This Sub-Decree applies to all heads of units, owners, or managers of collective residential locations and their residents within Cambodia. This includes Boreys, condos, apartments, resorts, factories, special economic zones, hotels, and guesthouses.

The Ministry of Interior is the competent authority to lead the implementation of this Sub-Decree. The Ministry delegates residency and security management to Capital, Provincial, Municipal, and District administrations.

2. Requirements and Processes

All owners and managers have obligations in ensuring security and must all comply with the following requirements:

• Residency Records: Owners and managers must record all residents in paper or electronic formats and provide these lists to competent authorities as required.
• Reporting Requirements: Managers must report changes in resident status to local commune police posts and report the presence of any foreigner within 24 hours of arrival.
• Foreigner Verification: Prior to occupancy, managers must ensure foreigners provide documents proving legal residency in Cambodia.
• Security: Locations must maintain proper security systems in accordance with technical standards.
• Data: CCTV data must be stored for at least 90 days, and residency entry/exit logs must be kept for at least one year for authority inspection.

3. Applicable Penalties

According to the Sub-Decree on the Management of Security and Safety at Collective Residential Locations, owners or managers who fail to maintenances of security systems or negligence in fulfilling their obligations may be subjected to a fine of KHR 400,000 (approximately USD 100), notwithstanding any additional damages caused by their negligence. Furthermore, for intentionally hiding or allowing illegal foreigner to stay in the residential areas a fine of KHR 4,000,000 (approximately USD 1,000) per a foreigner may be imposed. This fine is applied without prejudice to any criminal penalties.

Any officer found dishonestly concealing the presence of illegal foreigners within these locations will be dismissed from their position, without prejudice to any criminal penalties.

Should you require professional assistance in implementing these new security protocols or ensuring your residency reporting systems are fully compliant, our team is available to provide expert guidance.