What Cambodia’s New Capital Gains Tax Means For Property Owners And Investors
After years of postponements , Cambodia’s Capital Gains Tax (CGT) will officially take effect from 1 September 2025 . This is a landmark reform in the Kingdom’s tax system, impacting property owners, investors, and businesses alike.
The Ministry of Economy and Finance confirmed the rollout through Prakas No. 496 MEF.PRK , issued on 18 July 2025 . Here’s what the updated framework means for you.
What is Capital Gains Tax?
Capital Gains Tax is a flat 20% levy on profits earned from selling or transferring capital assets.
- . tax base = selling price – allowable expenses
- Applies to both individuals and legal entities when they realize a gain
When Does CGT Apply?
- From 1 September 2025 :
CGT applies to capital gains from: - Leases and subleases
- Investment assets (shares, bonds, securities)
- Business goodwill (brands, reputation, customer lists)
- Intellectual property (patents, trademarks, copyrights)
- Foreign currency transactions
- From 1 January 2026 :
CGT will also cover immovable property (real estate) sales and transfers.
How is CGT Calculated?
- General rule : 20% of net capital gain
- Immovable property (from 2026) :
- Lump-sum method : automatic 80% deduction of sale price
- Actual cost method : deduct acquisition price, improvements, and official fees
- Other assets (from Sept 2025) : only the actual cost method is allowed.
If no profit is made, no CGT is payable.
DEEP DIVE: How Does the Capital Gains Tax in Cambodia work?
Residency & CGT Scope: Understanding Who Pays What
Cambodia’s Capital Gains Tax doesn’t treat everyone the same. The law makes a clear distinction between resident taxpayers និង non-resident taxpayers , and this determines where your gains are taxed .
- Residents are taxed on their worldwide gains (profits from assets both inside and outside Cambodia).
- Non-residents are taxed only on gains from Cambodian assets .
What does “taxed on worldwide gains" mean?
For residents, it means that if you earn a profit from selling assets abroad, such as property, shares, or investments in another country, the 20% CGT still applies. However, if you already paid capital gains tax overseas , Cambodia allows a credit so you don’t end up paying twice.
For non-residents, the scope is narrower. They only pay CGT on sales of Cambodian assets, such as real estate or investments located in Cambodia.
Example:
- A Cambodian resident sells shares in Singapore → taxable in Cambodia, but any tax already paid in Singapore can be credited.
- A non-resident sells a Phnom Penh condo → taxable in Cambodia.
- A non-resident sells property in their home country → not taxable in Cambodia.
Exemptions
CGT does not apply to:
- Sale of a primary residence held for at least 5 years
- Agricultural land actively used for cultivation (with approval)
- Transfers via inheritance or first-time family donation
- Properties owned by the state, diplomatic missions, or for public interest
- New share issuances used for capital increases
DEEP DIVE: Important Update for Property Owners: Tax Exemptions Extended, including Capital Gains, extended until the End of 2025
Compliance & Deadlines
- CGT must be declared and paid within three (3) months of realizing a capital gain.
- Transfer Validity: Failure to pay CGT may render the asset transfer legally invalid.
Why Real Estate is Delayed Until 2026
The government postponed real estate inclusion until 1 January 2026 to give property owners and businesses more time to prepare, organize documentation, and adjust financial planning before the new rules apply.
READ MORE: Cambodian Property Tax Guide
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
On the surface, this might make Cambodia seem less competitive for investors who compare tax rates alone.