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.

Obtaining Residency Status in Cameroon

Here are detailed directions for a foreigner to obtain residency status in Cameroon:

• Prepare the Required Documents
  • Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
  • Two recent passport-sized photographs
  • Completed application form (available at the immigration office)
  • Police clearance certificate from your country of origin
  • Medical certificate issued by a Cameroonian doctor
  • Proof of financial means (bank statement or employment contract)
• Apply for a Long Stay Visa
  • Visit the Cameroonian embassy or consulate in your home country
  • Submit the required documents
  • Pay the visa application fee
  • Wait for visa approval
• Enter Cameroon
  • Upon arrival, present your passport and long stay visa at immigration
  • Obtain an entry stamp
• Register with the National Police
  • Visit the nearest police station within 8 days of arrival
  • Present your passport and long stay visa
  • Obtain a registration certificate
• Apply for a Residence Permit
  • Visit the General Delegation for National Security (DGSN) or the nearest police station
  • Submit the required documents, including:
    • Passport and photocopies of relevant pages
    • Two recent passport-sized photographs
    • Completed application form
    • Police clearance certificate
    • Medical certificate
    • Proof of financial means
    • Registration certificate from the police
  • Pay the residence permit application fee
  • Wait for permit approval
• Apply for a Tax Number
  • Visit the nearest tax office
  • Present your passport and residence permit
  • Complete the tax number application form
  • Pay the tax number application fee
  • Obtain your tax number
• Renew Your Residence Permit
  • Residence permits are valid for 3 years and can be renewed
  • Visit the DGSN or the nearest police station before the permit expires
  • Submit the required documents, including:
    • Passport and photocopies of relevant pages
    • Completed renewal application form
    • Proof of payment of taxes
    • Proof of financial means
  • Pay the renewal fee
  • Wait for permit renewal

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to contact the Cameroonian embassy or consulate in your home country or visit the official website of the General Delegation for National Security (DGSN): www.dgsn.cm

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.