Cambodia (KH)

Authority: Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS) — Department of Higher Education for degree equivalency assessments. For employment purposes: the hiring employer (international school, university, NGO, company) typically makes its own assessment and may not require formal MoEYS recognition. For immigration/visa extension purposes: work permits issued by Ministry of Labour (MOLVT) require proof of qualifications but do not always require formal MoEYS equivalency — employer attestation often suffices.

Process: For formal MoEYS academic equivalency: submit notarised/legalised degree certificate and transcripts, Khmer translation, passport copy, and application fee to MoEYS Department of Higher Education in Phnom Penh. Process takes 1–3 months; cost USD 50–200. For work permit (MOLVT): employer submits work permit application with copy of degree; MoEYS equivalency not always required if employer certifies the qualification is appropriate for the role. For university teaching positions (Royal University of Phnom Penh, Pannasastra University): foreign faculty typically need PhD or master's with MoEYS or institution recognition; HR handles process.

Equivalency service: No single expat-friendly online equivalency portal exists for Cambodia. The main options: (1) Direct MoEYS submission (formal but slow). (2) Employer HR assessment (practical for private sector). (3) Professional agent or law firm experienced in Cambodian education ministry processes. (4) Embassy assistance for complex cases involving certified credentials from certain countries.

Apostille: Cambodia is NOT a member of the Hague Apostille Convention and does not recognise apostilles issued by other countries. Do not rely on an apostille for documents destined for Cambodian government ministries or professional bodies — it will not be accepted. Full consular legalisation is required for all foreign official documents used in official Cambodian processes. For documents being sent from Cambodia to other countries: check whether the destination country requires an apostille or full legalisation, then proceed via the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Legalisation: Full legalisation is required for all foreign documents submitted to Cambodian government authorities. The chain is: (1) Notarisation or authentication in country of origin, (2) Authentication by the foreign ministry of the origin country, (3) Legalisation by the Cambodian embassy or consulate in the origin country. Alternatively, if you are already in Cambodia: legalisation via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC) in Phnom Penh after the document has been authenticated by the home country embassy in Cambodia. Using a local Cambodian lawyer or document agent for this process saves significant time and reduces errors in the chain.

Sworn translation: Khmer translation is required for most Cambodian government ministry submissions, court matters, property transactions, and formal business filings. Use a certified Cambodian translator recognised by the relevant ministry — informal translations are not accepted. English works for most private employers, international schools, and NGOs without formal Khmer translation. For court and property matters: notarised Khmer translation is essential. Cost: USD 20–80 per document/page; turnaround typically 1–5 business days.