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CameroonStudyLast checked October 17, 2026

Long stay visa for students and long-term trainees, then carte de séjour

Students and long-term trainees (over 3 months) are 'foreigners in stay' under Cameroon's immigration rules. They need a long stay visa, which is the only visa that allows study. After arrival they apply to the DGSN for a carte de séjour (residence card). Students pay a reduced card fee of 50,000 FCFA.

See requirements ↓

Life in Cameroon

Money

3

Currency

Central African CFA Franc

XAF

Central African CFA Franc

Cost of living

36

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

1

Happiness

5.1

#98 of 145 countries

World Happiness Report 2025

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Who it’s for

Foreigners admitted to a university or vocational training institution in Cameroon, and trainees on a placement of more than three months.

Eligibility

  • Admission

    Students need a certificate of enrolment or re-enrolment from the head of the institution (Decree 2023/147, art. 36).

  • TraineesLong-term trainees

    If your internship lasts more than three months, you need a placement certificate signed by a competent authority.

    • Applies to long-term trainees only
    • Long-term means a stage of more than three months
    • Cited in arts. 16 and 36
    Official wording

    Long-term trainees (stage of more than three months) need a placement certificate signed by a competent authority (arts. 16 and 36).

  • Passport

    Your passport must be valid for more than six (06) months.

    more than six (06) months

    Minimum passport validity · art. 36

    Official wording

    Passport valid for more than six (06) months (art. 36).

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementRepatriation guarantee
  • Document checklistCertificate of enrolment / admission
  • FeesLong stay visa (up to 1 year)

The full requirements are for members

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  • 2 more requirements
  • 5 documents
  • 2 fees
  • 6 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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