Construction Permits in Cambodia: Step-by-Step Process for Real Estate Developers (2025 Guide)

As Cambodia’s skyline stretches higher and its provinces welcome growing investment, the construction industry has become a key pillar of national development. But before breaking ground on any real estate project—whether residential, industrial, or commercial—a construction permit is non-negotiable.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire application process for construction permits in Cambodia, clarify timelines and costs, and show you how Adaeng Development can expedite approvals while keeping you compliant.

🏗️ Why Construction Permits Matter in Cambodia

The construction permit isn’t just a bureaucratic formality—it’s a legal requirement mandated by the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction (MLMUPC) under Cambodia’s Land Law.

Failing to obtain proper permits can result in:

Work stoppage or demolition orders
Regulatory fines
Issues with future title registration or occupancy certification

That’s why permitting is one of the first services Adaeng Development offers our foreign clients (https://adaeng.co/services).

🧱 Who Issues Construction Permits?

Urban Areas (e.g., Phnom Penh): District Office → Municipal Department → MLMUPC
Rural/Provincial Zones: Commune Chief → Provincial Department → MLMUPC

In some Special Economic Zones (SEZs), permits may be coordinated through the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) or zone-specific authorities.

📋 Step-by-Step Construction Permit Application Process

Here’s the standard permitting roadmap in 2025:

1. Land Title Verification

Ensure your land carries a clear Hard Title or LMAP registration. If you hold a Soft Title, you may face delays or rejection. 📌 Need help understanding land title types?

2. Zoning Compliance Check

Verify the land’s zoning matches your project’s intended use—residential, commercial, industrial, or mixed-use. 📌 Read our zoning law guide for investors here

3. Architectural Design Submission

Your plans must be drafted by a licensed Cambodian architect and include:

Site layout
Floor plans and elevations
Structural diagrams
Utility integration

4. Application Dossier Compilation

Prepare:

Certified land title copy
Identity card or company certificate (for investors)
Project summary and construction timeline
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or clearance (if required)

5. Submit Application to MLMUPC

The Ministry will route your dossier through several departments for approval:

Urban Planning
Engineering
Fire Safety
Environmental Review

Expect initial feedback within 30–45 business days.

6. Permit Issuance & Inspection

Upon approval, you’ll receive the official Construction Permit (Prakas) valid for the full construction duration. Authorities will also inspect periodically to ensure you comply with:

Setback requirements
Building height limits
Noise, safety, and environmental standards

Adaeng Development can manage this entire workflow under a service agreement.

💵 How Much Does a Construction Permit Cost?

Costs vary based on project size and location. As of 2025 estimates:

Project Type	Estimated Permit Fee (USD)
Single villa/home	$200 – $500
Commercial building	$1,000 – $3,000
Mid-rise apartments	$5,000+
Industrial warehouse	$3,000 – $8,000

These figures exclude architectural and legal consultation fees, which vary depending on scale and complexity.

Pro tip: Construction in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap generally costs more than in Kampot or Kampong Speu.

🕒 Timeline: How Long Does It Take?

Stage	Estimated Timeline
Land & zoning check	1–2 weeks
Architectural prep	2–4 weeks
Submission to MLMUPC	Immediate upon readiness
Review & approval	6–8 weeks
Total Time	8–12 weeks (standard case)

Delays can occur if:

Zoning conflicts arise
Environmental approvals are required
Titles are incomplete or disputed

With our help, you can often expedite permits by 15–25% using proper documentation and early coordination with officials.

✅ Compliance Requirements During Construction

Once permitted, you’re expected to uphold Cambodian construction standards such as:

National Building Code (NBC)
Labor Safety Standards (under MoLVT)
Periodic Reporting to MLMUPC

Illegal modifications or extensions may trigger revocation or penalties.

For SEZ developers or QIP-registered projects, inspections are coordinated jointly by CDC Cambodia and zone administrators.

🛡️ How Adaeng Development Supports Your Construction Journey

From acquisition to final approvals, Adaeng Development provides a full-service permitting solution:

✅ Title search and zoning checks
✅ Architect and engineering partner referrals
✅ Dossier preparation and translation
✅ Submission and follow-up at MLMUPC
✅ Support for EIA or CDC integration

We’ve helped clients from Singapore, France, Japan, and the U.S. successfully build homes, hotels, and logistics centers throughout Cambodia’s growth corridors.

📞 Start your construction permitting journey with us → Contact Us

🌟 Final Word

Construction permits may seem like red tape—but with the right guidance, they become a launchpad to real estate success in Cambodia.

If you’re ready to build and want to do it the right way, our legal, planning, and engineering network is at your service.