Residence in Cameroon: permits and requirements
Living legally in Cameroon is possible through 3 permit types: work, study, family. Each program has its own requirements; below are the duration, renewal, costs and documentation according to the country's official sources.
Residence card for work
Residence type #1 of 3
Residence permit for foreigners with a contract approved by the labor authorities; it is applied for at the competent prefecture or police station.
Requirements
- Endorsed employment contract
- Regular entry and local registration
- Certificates and fees
- Visa + carte de séjour required beyond 3 months
- Endorsed employment contract (MINTP) or proof of activity; categories depending on purpose
Documentation
- Employment contract
- Passport
- Medical certificate
- Criminal record certificate
- Photographs
- Fees
- Passport
- Visa
- Certificates and supporting documents as required by decree
- Photographs and statutory fees
Frequently asked questions about residence in Cameroon
How many types of residence permits are there in Cameroon?
Cameroon offers 3 residence permit types, grouped into the categories work, study, family. Each permit has its own requirements, duration and documentation, detailed in this fact sheet according to the country's official sources.
How long do residence permits in Cameroon last?
Durations vary by permit type: Up to 2 years renewable, depending on the contract (Decree 2000/286); 1 year (renewable); Same as principal holder (renewable). The exact details of each type appear in the corresponding fact sheet.
Can residence permits in Cameroon be renewed?
Yes. All residence permit types of Cameroon (3 in total) are renewable before their expiration, according to the rules of each program.
What documentation is usually required to reside in Cameroon?
Although each permit requires its own file, the most recurrent documents are: Passport; Tasas; Visado. The complete list by residence type appears in each fact sheet, together with the corresponding official link.
Does residence in Cameroon lead to nationality?
Yes, through the Naturalization by residence pathway, which requires 5 years of legal residence. The complete requirements are in the nationality fact sheet of Cameroon.
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Anything to correct or add about Cameroon?
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