Nationality of Cameroon: all obtaining pathways
Cameroon requires five years of residence for ordinary naturalization, with a period of five years of marriage accompanied by residence for those married to Cameroonian citizens. Nationality is transmitted by birth in accordance with the ius sanguinis of Cameroonian legislation.
1Nationality by birth (ius sanguinis)
Nationality by birth (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- At least one parent must be a Cameroonian national
- Nationality is transmitted by descent
- Children found in the territory of unknown parents are presumed Cameroonian
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Cameroonian identity card of the father or mother
- Carte nationale d'identité
2Naturalization by residence
Naturalization by residence
Requirements
- Legal and continuous residence of 5 years in Cameroon
- Minimum age of 21
- Good character and conduct
- Knowledge of French or English
- Integration into the Cameroonian community
- Not having been sentenced to imprisonment exceeding 6 months
- Renunciation of another nationality (dual nationality restrictions)
Documentation
- Formal application to MINATD
- Birth certificate
- Valid passport
- Carte de séjour proving 5 years of residence
- Criminal record certificate (casier judiciaire)
- Medical certificate
- Proof of knowledge of the language
- 4 recent photographs
3Naturalisation with matrimonial exemption (Code 1968-LF-3, secs. 25-26)
Naturalisation with matrimonial exemption (Code 1968-LF-3, secs. 25-26)
Requirements
- Ordinary term: five CONSECUTIVE years of habitual residence up to the application (sec 25(b)) + main interests based in Cameroon + good character and morals + sound body and mind + age 21 (sec 25(a))
- The spouse of a Cameroonian WIFE is EXEMPT from the residence probation (sec 26(a)) — naturalisation without stage
- Also exempt: those born in Cameroon (sec 26(a)), exceptional services or exceptional interest (sec 26(b))
- Disability: a naturalized foreigner may not hold elective office for five years from naturalisation (sec 30(2)), unless outstanding services
Documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Cameroonian identity card of the spouse
- Applicant's birth certificate
- Certificate of residence
- Criminal record certificate
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Cameroon
How many years of residence does Cameroon require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Cameroon (Naturalization by residence), the term is 5 years. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Does Cameroon allow dual nationality?
Renunciation of another nationality (dual nationality restrictions)
Can the nationality of Cameroon be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Naturalisation with matrimonial exemption pathway (5 consecutive years | married to a Cameroonian: NO term (sec 26)). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Cameroon require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Formal application to MINATD; Birth certificate; Valid passport; Carte de séjour proving 5 years of residence; Criminal record certificate (casier judiciaire); among 3 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Cameroon?
Cameroon provides 3 pathways: Nationality by birth, Naturalization by residence, Naturalisation with matrimonial exemption.
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