CameroonAsylum & protectionLast checked October 17, 2026

Refugee card

carte de réfugié

Foreigners granted asylum in Cameroon receive a refugee card from the DGSN. The card is issued on presentation of a UNHCR card and a refugee certificate from the Minister of External Relations. It is valid for two (02) years, renewable, and is free of stamp duty. Refugees are counted as 'foreigners in stay' under the immigration decree.

Get started →See requirements ↓

Life in Cameroon

Money

Currency

Central African CFA Franc

XAF

Central African CFA Franc

Cost of living

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

10–35%

Income tax (national)

VAT 17.5% · social security 4.2%

IRPP on salaries 10/15/25/35% (35% above XAF 5,000,000 net a year), plus 10% communal additional centimes on the tax (effective 11-38.5%).

Official rates, 2026 · headline only

Living

Happiness

5.1

#98 of 145 countries

World Happiness Report 2025

Who it’s for

People recognised as refugees in Cameroon.

Eligibility

Recognised refugee
The card is issued to any foreigner who benefits from the right of asylum. 'Refugee' has the meaning used in the conventions Cameroon has joined and its laws (Decree 2023/147, arts. 19 and 43).
Required proofs
Show a UN High Commissioner for Refugees card and a refugee certificate from the Minister in charge of external relations.
- Source cited: DGSN
Official wording
A card issued by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and a refugee certificate issued by the Minister in charge of external relations (DGSN).

Sign in to read the full guide (free)

The full steps, your rights while you wait, and free legal help contacts are free for anyone with an e-Passage account. You can turn on sensitive mode for discreet emails.

2 documents
1 fee
4 steps
Processing times and conditions

Get started Sign in

Official sources

Was this page helpful? Helpful Report a concern

All routes to Cameroon →