A Cameroon residence permit is required for foreign nationals intending to stay in Cameroon for over three months. This permit, necessary for legal residence, work, and study, requires applicants to submit identity proof, a valid passport, and a criminal record check and pay a fee. It’s useful for two years, renewable.
The process for acquiring this document can be hectic and time-consuming especially for expatriate employees who are not familiar with the way things are done in Cameroon. Many of them lose their patience very quickly with the process. They would rather get straight to the work that brought them to Cameroon, than spend hours with the Cameroon immigration police for a resident permit.
Luckily, SPETIV Consulting facilitates the processing of resident permits for expatriate employees in Cameroon. We take on our shoulders the responsibility to process all supporting documents for your residence permit application and only bring you in when your picture and biometric information are required.
Some Information About Cameroon
Cameroon’s strict immigration laws mean non-compliance can lead to penalties, including deportation. Dual citizenship needs to be recognised, emphasising the importance of acquiring a residence permit for extended stays.
There are few countries in the world with citizens as friendly as Cameroonians. The people of Cameroon appreciate foreigners. In fact, it can be said that Cameroonians in their vast majority respect foreigners sometimes more than fellow citizens.
Cameroon is also one of the most peaceful countries in African, even though the protracted social crisis in the northwest and southwest regions and the intermittent terrorist incursions in the far north is a cause for concern. Yet, the rest of the country is enjoying calm and tranquility.
The country is blessed with a wide variety of foods. It is difficult to image a type of food eaten in the world that cannot be found in Cameroon. From vegetables to tubers, fruits and grains, the country has it all.
The climate of Cameroon is very diverse. Cameroon is generally referred to as the Africa in miniature because it has the major climates and vegetation of the continent. The country is separated in two main climatic zones: the equatorial climate in the south and the tropical climate in the northern part. The country is generally hot throughout the year, with mean annual temperatures ranging between the low 70s and low 80s F (within the 20s C). The southern regions are humid and equatorial, while the northern regions are semi-arid.
Central Africa may not be known for beautiful cities, but Cameroon has several of them. From the remarkably red and sandy streets of Maroua to the seductive city of Limbe (where the mountain kisses the sea), there is no shortage of tourist and holiday destinations in Cameroon. Yaounde, the political capital, and Douala, the economic capital, are of course the biggest cities in the country. However, most people enjoy spending weekends and vacations in the other less crowded cities and towns of Cameroon. In fact, the country is a real attraction.
The physical, human and social attributes of Cameroon have made the country the de facto Central African hub for business, diplomatic and charity organisations. The country is consequently a favorite destination for many people who wish to work in Africa.
Being aware of that, the government of Cameroon has put in place stringent measures to protect the employment and employment opportunities of the locals. One of such measures is tightened conditions to obtain a residence permit in Cameroon. However, SPETIV Consulting is the leading firm that assists people of foreign nationality residing in Cameroon or who visit Cameroon on a frequent basis, such as expatriate workers on a rotation schedule, to quick obtain a Cameroon residence permit that can grately facilitate their entry, stay and exit.
Cameroon Residence Permit Issuance and Renewal Conditions
In line with Decree No.2023/147 of 2 March 2023 to lay down the conditions of implementation of Law No. 97/012 of 10 January 1997 to lay down conditions of entry, stay and exit for aliens in Cameroon,
The residence permit shall be an identification document issued to aliens duly authorized to stay in Cameroon. It shall be valid for a period of 2 (two) years renewable once.
The issuance of the residence permit is subject to the production of:
- A certified true copy of a valid passport bearing a long-stay visa, no more than 3 (three) months old;
- A certificate of residence issued by the administrative authority or the police officer in charge with territorial jurisdiction, bearing the prior and compulsory signature of the neighbourhood or village head,
- A copy of the special criminal record of the applicant
- A valid certificate of non-indebtedness
- Evidence of payment of the stamp fixed by the Cameroon Finance Law
- Justification of stay, as provided for in article 35 of the above law which could include a contract of employment approved by the Minister of Employment and Vocational Training, a mission warrant, marriage certificate with a citizen of Cameroon or a residence permit holder, or admission letter from an accredited school.
The renewal of a residence permit is subject to presentation of the previous residence permit at least 1 (one) month before its expiry, and any other justification of stay.
Submission of the application for a residence permit entails the issuance of a provisional identification document indicating the applicant’s identity, parentage, height, and scanned signature. This provisional document dated and signed by the relevant government authority must bear the identification stamp, receipt number, stamp category and the applicant’s photograph.
Possession of the provisional identification document constitutes a presumption of identity. The provisional document is valid for 3 (three) months, renewable.
How To Obtain a Residence Card in Cameroon
There is a difference between the Cameroon residence permit and the Cameroon residence card. While both are identification papers issued to the alien authorized as resident in Cameroon, the Cameroon residence card is valid for up to 10 (ten) years, renewable once.
Issuance or renewal of the residence card shall be subject to the presentation, as the case may be, of the following:
- For an alien sojourning or authorised as resident:
- Residence permit renewed for the third time or a residence card, at least 1 (one) month to its expiry;
- A certificate of residence issued by the administrative authority or the police officer in charge with territorial jurisdiction, bearing the prior and compulsory signature of the neighborhood or village head;
- A copy of the special criminal record of the applicant
- A certified true copy of a valid passport, no more than 3 (three) months old, bearing a long stay visa;
- Evidence of payment of the stamp fixed by the Cameroon Finance Law
- Valid debt clearance certificate
- For members of duly recognized religious congregations
- Document of recognition of the congregation;
- Identification document testifying membership, duly signed by the head of the said congregation;
- Certified true copy of a valid passport no more than 3 (three) months old;
- Certificate of residence issued by the administrative authority or police officer in charge with territorial jurisdiction, bearing the prior and compulsory signature of the religious leader of the congregation;
- A copy of the special criminal record of the applicant.
- For the spouse of a person of Cameroonian nationality:
- A certified true copy of the marriage certificate no more than 3 (three) months old;
- A certified true copy of a valid passport no more than 3 (three) months old, bearing a long-stay visa;
- A certificate of residence issued by the administrative authority or the police officer in charge with territorial jurisdiction, bearing the prior and compulsory signature of the neighbourhood or village head;
- A copy of the special criminal record of the applicant.
- Evidence of payment of the stamp fixed by the Cameroon Finance Law
- Valid certificate of non-indebtedness.
In Conclusion
The process of acquiring a residence permit in Cameroon can demonstrate the country’s commitment to facilitating the inflow of foreign talent while also protecting its labour market. Having the appropriate residency document is crucial for expatriates, as it affords them various legal rights, including access to local services, rights to work, and compliance with Cameroonian laws. Failure to secure a residence permit can lead to legal repercussions, including fines, police harassment or deportation. SPETIV Consulting is the leading firm in Cameroon that helps companies and charities in navigating the residence permit process which is essential for ensuring a successful and lawful stay in Cameroon.
