Residence Permit for Cameroon

A Cameroon residence permit is required for foreign nationals to stay in Cameroon for more than 3 months but not more than 6 consecutive years. The Residence Permit is granted to foreign nationals who have entered Cameroon with a long-stay visa.

Review the information below to understand all aspects of the Cameroon Residence Permit.

Documentation Required to Apply for a Residence Permit in Cameroon

Completed application form: Obtainable from the Immigration Office in Cameroon.
Valid passport: A valid passport from the applicant's home country with at least six months remaining validity.
Passport-size Photograph: Keep at least 2 recent passport-size photographs.
Yellow fever vaccination card: Evidence of yellow fever vaccination.
An employment contract or admission letter: Depending on the purpose of stay (work or study, Long-term training, respectively).
Visa entry stamp in Cameroon: Proof of legal entry into the country.
Tax revenue receipt: Confirmation of tax payments in Cameroon.
Consular card (for foreign nationals): Issued by the applicant's country’s consulate in Cameroon.

Note: The document requirements may change depending on individual circumstances, so it is recommended to consult the Cameroon Immigration website for the latest information on residency.

How to Apply for a Cameroon Residence Permit

Residence permit applications are usually submitted in Cameroon at the Ministry of External Relations or a designated office.

Application Process

Determine the type of permit required based on the purpose of stay.
Visit the Ministry of External Relations office to collect the application form and confirm the document and fee requirements.
Submit the completed application with all required supporting documents.
Pay the residence permit application fee.
Attend an interview and/or biometric data collection, if required.
Issuance of a temporary receipt: As processing takes 2 to 3 months, a temporary receipt is issued. This allows the applicant to remain in Cameroon while the application is under review legally.
Collect the residence card once notified of issuance.

Validity and Renewal Process

The Cameroon Residence Permit is valid for 2 years and is renewable.

Renewal must be initiated at least 3 months before the current permit expires.
Applications are submitted to the designated government office in Cameroon.
Applicants must demonstrate continued eligibility by submitting updated documents, such as a renewed employment contract or proof of continued enrollment.

Cameroon Residence Permit Rights and Restrictions

Cameroon residence permit holders are granted certain rights and also face certain limitations. Read below for detailed information:

Rights of Residence Permit Holders

Legal Residency: Permit holders can legally reside in Cameroon for the duration of the permit.
Work Authorization: Permit holders can work in Cameroon with proper authorisation.
Access to Education: Permit holders can enrol in Cameroonian educational institutions, adhering to their rules.
Freedom of Movement: Permit holders can move freely within Cameroon, subject to any governmental restrictions.
Healthcare Access: Permit holders can access healthcare services following provider regulations.

Restrictions for Residence Permit Holders

Prohibition on Dual Citizenship: Cameroon does not permit holders to hold dual citizenship.

No Engagement in Illegal Activities: Permit holders must refrain from all illegal activities, including drug trafficking and other crimes.

Adherence to Immigration Laws: Permit holders must comply with all immigration laws to avoid penalties or deportation.

Exclusion from Political Participation: Permit holders cannot participate in political activities like voting or candidacy, which are exclusive to citizens.

Access to Restricted Areas: Certain areas, especially military or sensitive zones, are off-limits to permit holders.

Impacts of Exceeding Your Residence Permit Duration in Cameroon

Financial Repercussions

Fines and Penalties: Fines and penalties are imposed for overstaying residency. The amount of fine may vary depending on the length of the overstay.

Legal Actions

Deportation: The person overstaying will be deported from the country and will be banned from re-entering.

Impact on Future Travel

Visa Ineligibility: An overstay can affect eligibility for future visas or residency permits, complicating future travel or stays in Cameroon.

Criminal Consequences

Criminal Charges: Sometimes an overstay is treated as a criminal offence and can lead to imprisonment or other legal repercussions.

How to avoid overstaying the Cameroon Residence Permit?
It is vital to renew your residence permit in a timely manner to avoid consequences. In cases of overstaying, consulting with an immigration lawyer is advisable to explore options and mitigate potential impacts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seek clarification on the reasons, correct any issues, and reapply or appeal the decision.

Contact the Ministry of External Relations or the designated local office immediately to inquire about the delay and potential extension of the temporary receipt.

The residence permit is for a temporary stay. The path to citizenship typically involves separate naturalisation processes with specific eligibility criteria, often including a longer period of continuous legal residence beyond the six-year permit duration.

For foreign nationals intending to work, a work permit is mandatory and is a prerequisite for obtaining a residence permit. The work permit application is typically employer-driven.