On 17 June 2025, the Real Estate Business and Pawnshop Regulator (“RPR”) under the Non-Bank Financial Services Authority (“FSA”) issued a notification on the obligation to apply for a business license from RPR (“Notification”), reaffirming the conduct on real estate and pawnshop activities without a valid license from RPR constitutes a regulatory offense, subject to legal sanctions.
Key Highlights of the Notification
1). Scope of RPR Licensing Requirements: The following business activities are subject to mandatory licensing by the RPR prior to the commencement of operations:
-
- Residential development: construction and sale of flats, link villas, twin villas, detached villas, and residential communities.
- Co-owned property development: condominiums, office, commercial, and mixed-use buildings.
- Land lot development: residential, commercial, and agricultural land plots.
- Real estate services: property management, appraisal, and real estate agency services.
- Pawnshop and pledge businesses: Transactions involving the pledge or assignment of movable property as collateral for loans under contractual repayment terms.
2). Submission Procedures: Applicants must complete the prescribed application forms and submit them to the FSA at Building No. 168F, 7th Floor, Street 598, Sangkat Chrang Chamres 1, Khan Russey Keo, Phnom Penh, during official working hours.
3). Regulatory Consequences of Non-Compliance: The Notification reaffirms that entities conducting or planning to conduct regulated real estate or pawnshop activities without a valid license from the RPR will be subject to strict enforcement under applicable Cambodian laws. Non-compliant operations may face regulatory consequences, including administrative penalties, enforcement measures, and potential disruption of business activities.
This legal update is brought to you by Davies SM Attorneys-at-law.