Sub-Decree on the Management of Safety and Security in Concentrated Residential Areas

Introduction

On 5 January 2026, the Royal Government of Cambodia (“RGC“) issued Sub-Decree No. 03 on the Management of Safety and Security in Concentrated Residential Area (“Sub-Decree“) to ensure security, safety, and public order within such areas.   

This Sub-Decree applies to Heads of Unit, Owners, or Managers of Concentrated Residential Areas, as well as residents of the Concentrated Residential Areas throughout the Kingdom of Cambodia, except for areas under the authority of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and the National Police.

Key Features

In this Update, we will highlight the key features outlined under the Sub-Decree.

1. Definitions

The Sub-Decree provides for specific definitions of certain key terms, including the following:

• Concentrated Residential Area: refers to a concentrated lodging or residential premises of public or private institutions or enterprises. This includes, but is not limited to, boreys (gated community), condominiums, apartments, resorts, bungalows, co-owned buildings, factories, enterprises, farms, special economic zones, economic land concession zones, guest houses, hotels, dormitories, pagodas, churches, and orphanages.

• Head of Unit: refers to the person appointed to manage and be responsible for the Concentrated Residential Area of a public institution or unit of the State.

• Manager of Concentrated Residential Area: refers to a board of directors or management committee or individual who has been granted the right or appointed under the law to manage a Concentrated Residential Area of a private institution. The manager may also be the owner of the Concentrated Residential Area.

• Safety and Security Protection System: refers to the installation of technical equipment including but not limited to surveillance cameras, fire prevention systems, street lighting systems, elevators, entrances/exits controls and/or perimeter security systems of the Concentrated Residential Area.

2. Competent Authorities and Measures for the Management of Safety and Security

The Ministry of Interior (“MOI“) is the primary authority responsible for the implementation of this Sub-Decree. The MOI delegates the management and oversight of accommodation and safety and security matters to the administrative authorities of the capital, provinces, municipalities, districts, and khans, with the respective police commissioners acting as the executing officers.

In addition, police commissioners are authorised to prepare and implement inspection plans to assess the quality of, and compliance with, the safety and security protection systems within each Concentrated Residential Area.

3. Obligations to Participate in the Management of Safety and Security 

The Head of Unit, the Owner or the Manager of a Concentrated Residential Area shall comply with the following obligations:

• Maintain accurate records of all residents in written or electronic form, as determined by the competent authorities, and make such records available upon request;

• Promptly report any changes in residency within the premises to the relevant officials at the police station, commune, and sangkat offices; and

• Facilitate and cooperate with administrative inspections conducted by the competent authorities.

In addition, the Owner or the Manager of a Concentrated Residential Area shall report any temporary presence of foreign nationals within their premises to the police station, commune, and sangkat offices within a maximum period of 24 hours. Prior to authorising foreign nationals to reside in the premises, the Owner or the Manager shall require documentation evidencing their lawful residence in Cambodia.

Foreign immigrants, or their duly authorised representatives, who hold a valid permanent residence permit from MOI must report and register their residency within 48 hours of receiving the permit. Other foreign nationals residing in a Concentrated Residential Area must register their residency in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Furthermore, the Owner or the Manager of a Concentrated Residential Area shall, upon request, provide the safety and security protection system plan for the building or area under its management and ensure that such system is maintained in compliance with applicable technical standards and regulations.

4. Data Storage and Use of Surveillance Cameras

All data captured by surveillance cameras within a Concentrated Residential Area shall be retained for a minimum period of 90 days. In addition, records of movements into and out of the Concentrated Residential Area shall be maintained for a minimum period of one year. In each case, such data and records shall be made available to competent authorities upon request.    

If you have any queries on the above, please feel free to contact our team members who will be happy to assist.