Regulatory Compliance + Corporate Secretarial
Written By VLP Law Office

VLP Legal Press #28

Security & Safety at Concentrated Residential Locations

Sub-Decree No. 03 was issued by the Royal Government of Cambodia on 5 January 2026 (“Sub-Decree”) to regulate the management of security and safety at concentrated residential locations, with the objective is to maintain public order, security and safety in the society.

Q1: Who and what does this apply to?

This Sub-Decree applies broadly to concentrated residential locations (“Location”) within Cambodia, which (from the wording of the Sub-Decree) include apartments, borey, condominium, staff accommodation etc.

The parties addressed in this Sub-Decree include:

(1) Authorities

  • Ministry of Interior

  • Capital/provincial/municipal/district/khan administrations

  • Administrative Police Post of Commune/Sangkat

(2) Private parties

  • Owners/landlords of the Location

  • Managers of the Location

  • Head of unit, i.e. person appointed to manage the Location

  • Occupiers/tenants

  • Private security company or agency of the Location

Q2: What are the obligations of owners/managers/head of unit/private security company or agency?

Owners or managers are required to:

(1) General obligations

  • Ensure security and safety within the premises

  • Prevent activities that may affect public order or safety

(2) Security & safety systems

  • Maintain proper functioning of key security and safety systems, including CCTV, fire safety systems, lighting, elevators, and entry and exit routes, and comply with any instructions from competent authorities for upgrades or improvements

  • CCTV footage must be retained for at least 90 days, and entry and exit logs must be retained for at least 1 year

(3) Occupancy & reporting

  • Maintain a written or electronic register of residents

  • Report changes in residency status to the Administrative Police Post of Commune/Sangkat  

  • Report the presence of any foreign national within 24 hours

  • Report suspicious activities to authorities

  • Facilitate inspections by competent authorities

📢Prior to this Sub-Decree, landlords in Cambodia renting to foreigners are required toregister tenants through the FPCS (Foreigners Present in Cambodia System)and update the records when the tenant moves out or changes address.

Q4: What are the obligations of occupiers?

Foreign immigrants holding permanent residence cards must register their residence within 48 hours upon arrival, and other foreign nationals must also comply with applicable residence registration requirements.

Q5: What happens if there is non-compliance?

Non-compliance by owners/managers may result in the following consequences:

  • Neglecting the maintenance of safety and security systems:fine of KHR400,000, in addition to any damages that may arise.

  • Intentionally allowing foreign nationals to stay illegally: fine of KHR4,000,000 per foreigner in addition to any criminal liability imposed under applicable law.

This is for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice. For further guidance, contact us at:📧 connect@vlplaw.co

VLP Law Office
Next