Construction Permits in Cambodia: Step-by-Step Guide (2025)
Everything Foreign Investors & Developers Need to Know
As Cambodia’s skyline rises and its provinces welcome new investment, the construction sector has become a cornerstone of national development. But before you lay a single brick, there’s one non-negotiable requirement: a construction permit.
Whether you’re building a residential complex in Phnom Penh, a factory in Kampong Speu, or a resort in Siem Reap, securing the proper permits is essential for legal compliance, financing, and long-term success.
This 2025 guide walks you through:
The full construction permit process
Who issues permits and when
Required documents and timelines
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
How Adaeng Land Co., Ltd can help you get approved faster
Why Construction Permits Matter in Cambodia
A construction permit is not just a formality—it’s a legal requirement under Cambodia’s Land Law and enforced by the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (MLMUPC).
Without a permit, you risk:
🛑 Work stoppage or demolition orders
💸 Regulatory fines and legal disputes
🧱 Delays in title registration or occupancy certification
❌ Ineligibility for financing or resale
✅ That’s why permitting is one of the first services Adaeng Land offers to foreign clients.
Who Issues Construction Permits?
The authority depends on the project’s location and scale:| Location | Issuing Authority |
|---|---|
| Phnom Penh & Urban Areas | District Office → Municipal Department → MLMUPC |
| Rural/Provincial Zones | Commune Chief → Provincial Department → MLMUPC |
| SEZs or Large-Scale Projects | Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) or MLMUPC |
🧠 Projects over 3,000 m² or 11+ floors must be approved directly by the MLMUPC under Prakas No. 013 (2022).
Step-by-Step Construction Permit Process (2025)
1. Land Title Verification
Ensure your land has a valid Hard Title or LMAP. Soft titles may cause delays or rejection.
📘 Need help? Read: Understanding Land Titles in Cambodia
2. Zoning Compliance Check
Confirm the land’s zoning matches your intended use:
- Residential
- Commercial
- Industrial
- Mixed-use
⚠️ Zoning mismatches are a top reason for permit denial.
3. Architectural Design Submission
Plans must be drafted by a licensed Cambodian architect and include:
- Site layout
- Floor plans and elevations
- Structural diagrams
- Utility and drainage integration
4. Application Dossier Compilation
Prepare the following:
- Certified land title copy
- Investor ID or company registration
- Project summary and timeline
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or clearance (if required)
5. Submit to MLMUPC or Local Authority
Your dossier will be reviewed by:
- Urban Planning
- Engineering
- Fire Safety
- Environmental Review
⏳ Expect feedback within 30–45 business days.
6. Permit Issuance & Site Inspections
Once approved, you’ll receive a Construction Permit (Prakas) valid for the duration of the project. Authorities will inspect periodically to ensure compliance with:
- Setback and height limits
- Safety and environmental standards
- Noise and waste management
What Projects Require a Construction Permit?
According to Prakas No. 013 (2022), permits are required for:
Buildings over 3,000 m² or 11+ floors
Projects with basements deeper than 5 meters
Fuel stations, chemical storage, or flammable goods
Water tanks over 15 meters or 50 m³
Sports, tourism, and cultural facilities
Infrastructure near borders, airports, or protected zones
Even renovations or additions may require permits if they exceed thresholds.
⚠️ Common Pitfalls to Avoid
❌ Submitting incomplete documentation
❌ Using unlicensed architects or engineers
❌ Ignoring zoning restrictions
❌ Starting construction before approval
💡 Adaeng Land helps you avoid these mistakes with end-to-end permitting support.
How Adaeng Land Co., Ltd Can Help
We specialize in helping investors and developers:
Verify land titles and zoning
Coordinate with licensed architects and engineers
Prepare and submit permit applications
Liaise with MLMUPC and local authorities
Manage inspections and compliance
✅ We don’t just help you build—we help you build legally, safely, and profitably.
💚 Invest with Purpose: Support the Sao Sary Foundation
Every dollar of profit made through Adaeng Land is donated to the Sao Sary Foundationn—a Cambodian NGO supporting vulnerable children and families.
When you build with us, you’re not just creating structures—you’re creating impact.
📞 Ready to Build in Cambodia?
Let’s get your project approved—faster, safer, and fully compliant.
📍 Start with a free consultation → www.adaeng.co/contact-us
