Guide to Residency in Cameroon

Obtaining a residency visa in Cameroon is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Cameroon gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

• Research Cameroon Residency Requirements
  • Visit the official website of the Cameroon Immigration Department or contact the nearest Cameroon embassy to understand the specific requirements for obtaining residency.
  • Identify the type of residency permit you need based on your purpose of stay, such as work, study, family reunification, or retirement.
• Prepare Necessary Documentation
  • Gather personal documents such as your passport, birth certificate, and marriage certificate (if applicable).
  • Obtain a police clearance certificate from your home country to prove you have no criminal record.
  • Get a medical certificate from an accredited health institution confirming you are free from contagious diseases.
• Apply for a Visa
  • Apply for an entry visa to Cameroon, which you can do at a Cameroon embassy or consulate in your home country.
  • Fill out the visa application form accurately and submit it along with your passport, photos, and other required documents.
  • Pay the visa application fee and wait for processing. The duration can vary, so apply well in advance of your planned move.
• Enter Cameroon
  • Once you have your visa, travel to Cameroon and ensure you comply with all entry requirements upon arrival.
• Apply for a Tax Number
  • Visit the nearest tax office in Cameroon to apply for a tax identification number (TIN).
  • Complete the TIN application form and submit it along with your identification documents.
  • Wait for the processing of your TIN, which is necessary for the residency application.
• Apply for Residency Permit
  • Go to the Cameroon Immigration Department or the nearest police station with an immigration office to start your residency application.
  • Complete the residency permit application form with accurate information.
  • Submit the form along with your passport, visa, TIN, and other required documents such as proof of accommodation, employment contract (if applicable), and financial means.
  • Pay the residency permit application fee.
  • Attend an interview or meeting with immigration officials if required.
• Wait for Residency Permit Approval
  • After submitting your application, wait for the processing to be completed. This can take several weeks or months.
  • Keep in touch with the immigration office to check the status of your application.
• Collect Your Residency Permit
  • Once your residency permit is approved, you will be notified to collect it from the immigration office.
  • Ensure that all the details on the permit are correct before leaving the office.
• Comply with Local Laws and Regulations
  • After obtaining your residency permit, make sure to comply with all local laws and regulations.
  • Renew your residency permit as required, usually on an annual basis or according to the validity period stated on the permit.

Please note that the process for obtaining residency in Cameroon may change, and it is important to verify the current procedures and requirements with the Cameroon Immigration Department or the nearest Cameroon embassy. Unfortunately, as of my knowledge cutoff date in 2023, there is no official government website with an English version that provides detailed information on the residency application process in Cameroon. It is advisable to seek assistance from a local lawyer or immigration consultant in Cameroon for the most accurate and up-to-date guidance.

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Cameroon?

"In order to visit Cameroon, foreign nationals must obtain a visa prior to arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting an application form, a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, and proof of sufficient funds to cover the duration of the stay. Depending on the purpose of the visit, additional documents may be required. In order to obtain residency in Cameroon, foreign nationals must submit an application to the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization. The application must include a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, proof of sufficient funds to cover the duration of the stay, and a letter of motivation. Depending on the purpose of the stay, additional documents may be required. Once the application is approved, the applicant will be issued a residence permit," commented one member living in Cameroon.