Residency options are available for foreigners wishing to live, work, or retire in Cameroon. Securing legal residency allows you to stay there beyond the short-term visa limits, whether you are relocating for business, family, or personal reasons.

Cameroon is accommodating residents from Africa and all parts of the world, particularly those willing to make an economic contribution or develop the local community.

Who Needs a Residence Permit for Cameroon?

Any foreigner who wishes to remain in Cameroon for longer than a year must procure a residence permit. This includes:

• Foreign workers and persons discharging business operations
• Students pursuing studies in the Cameroonian educational institutions
• Retirees who want to settle permanently
• Family members who join a citizen or resident in Cameroon.

Types of Residency Permits in Cameroon:

There Are Different Kinds of Residence Permits in Cameroon for Different Purposes of Staying in the Country:

Work Permit in Cameroon

Securing a work permit in Cameroon can be a complex process, especially for foreigners. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the requirements:

• Apply: Submission of the application for a work permit happens at the appropriate government ministry.
• Job Offer: You must have a contract with an organization registered in Cameroon. The organization becomes your sponsor.
• Professional Certificate: Include a copy of your professional certificate as proof of your qualifications.
• Medical Certificate: The medical certificate proving that you are in good health should be included.
• Entry Visa or Residency permit: In case you are already in Cameroon, provide a copy of your entry visa or residence permit.
• Company Info: This includes the profile of the company.
• Proof of Residence: Certificate of residence.
• Government Fees: Pay any requisite official fees.

Tip: It would be advisable to seek the help of a local immigration attorney, who could assist with appointments and get your paperwork done right to increase the chances of getting approved.

Resident Permit for Immigration

For all foreign nationals and even Cameroonians by birth, it is a requirement to acquire a resident permit. All you need to:

• Application Submission: Begin by addressing your application for a resident permit to the immigration office.
• Residency Certificate: Include a copy of your residency certificate.
• Yellow Fever Card: Provide a copy of your yellow fever vaccination certificate.
• Employment Contract or Admission Letter: Include a copy of your employment contract or admission letter if applicable.
• 3-Month Entry Visa: Attach a copy of your 3-month entry visa in Cameroon.
• Tax/Revenue Receipt: Prove that you've paid the required taxes and revenue.
• Consular Card/Attestation of Membership: Include a consular card or an attestation of membership in the country union.

Business Permit in Cameroon

You need a business permit in Cameroon in case you intend to start a business in Cameroon. The following is what you are to prepare:

• Residence Certificate: Include a copy of your residence certificate.
• 3-Month Entry Visa: Attach a copy of your 3-month entry visa.
• Company Taxpayer's Card: Provide the company's taxpayer card.
• Company Profile: Include a copy of the company's profile.
• Passport Data Page: Submit a copy of your passport bio data page.
• Application for a Business Permit: Complete the necessary application form.

Hiring an immigration lawyer is also the best tip because they assist you in filling the paperwork and help you schedule an appointment for biometric data capture, fingerprinting, and signature.

The first thing you will receive is a temporary resident card, and the original business permit will appear approximately in 3 months. Permits are often given a 2 year validity and these have to be renewed in time.

Cameroon Entry Requirements

Cameroon welcomes you provided you comply with the following minimum requirements:

• A passport valid for a period of six months with at least two blank pages must be available for the entry stamps.
• Visa: Most people will obtain a visa before arriving. A Cameroon e-Visa can be applied for online or through a Cameroonian embassy. The nationals of a few countries are exempted from this requirement for short stays.
• Yellow Fever Certificate: Evidence of vaccination against yellow fever is a requirement for entry into Cameroon. You must present a valid certificate upon arrival.
• Return Ticket: Proof of onward or return ticket may be demanded (especially from those coming in as tourists).
• Proof of Accommodation: In regard to accommodations, travelers must maintain evidence, either through a pre-arranged hotel booking or an invitation letter from a host.
• Sufficient Funds: The traveler must possess sufficient funds to cater to his or her own basic needs during their stay

The Land and Its People

Geographical Diversity: Cameroon is vast, occupying more than 475,000 square kilometers of surface land. It is political neighbor to: Nigeria, Chad, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Congo. The Atlantic Ocean at the Bight of Bonny kisses the seashore of Cameroon.

Population: Cameroon has about 22.25 million people with approximately equal rural-urban distribution in this population. Among its major cities are Douala, Yaoundé, and Garoua: all hip towns.

Languages: One of the most alienating aspects of Cameroon is its linguistic variation. More than 230 distinct languages are spoken inside the borders of this country. While French is the official language spoken by about 80%, local tribal languages are also significant: among them, Baka and Bakoo are most widely established as native languages.

Expatriate Community: Cameroon is known for political and social stability in Central Africa; hence, it attracts expatriates. The largest group of foreign nationals are Nigerians; next comes the Sudanese. Only about 2% of the total population is expatriates from outside Africa-mainly Europeans and then Chinese ones.

Cameroon Climate

In Cameroon, the climates differ according to regions. Nevertheless, the country is ideally tropical and semi-arid.

Can Cameroon Residency Be Denied?

Yes. Residency applications may be denied due to several reasons including:

• Documents being incomplete or forged
• When you have a criminal record
• You have a history of overstaying your visa
• You do not meet the financial or legal criteria

Always follow the rules and keep copies of all submissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for getting a residence permit in Cameroon?

In order to obtain a residence permit in Cameroon, one must submit:

• A certified copy of a valid passport (not older than 3 months), bearing a long-stay visa.
• The residence certificate must be duly issued by the local administrative or police authority and also signed first by the local quarter head or village chief.

Are foreigners allowed to work in Cameroon?

Yes. Foreigners, even those born within Cameroon, must obtain both a work visa and residence permits in order to work legally in the country. Employed foreign workers must respect local labor and immigration laws, while the employers might have additional government fees to pay.

How long can a tourist remain in Cameroon?

Tourists may remain within the country for a maximum of 90 days per visit. There are two types of tourist eVisas: short-stay eVisa and long-stay eVisa. Make the right selection based on how many days you will stay and how many times you will return.

Content Disclaimer: While this information was last updated in July 2025, we strongly suggest confirming all travel details with the appropriate governmental agencies, embassies, and airlines.