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CameroonWork permitsLast checked October 17, 2026

Employment: MINEFOP-approved (visé) work contract, long stay visa and carte de séjour

Foreigners who want to take paid work in Cameroon need a work contract approved (visé) by the Minister in charge of employment (MINEFOP), and a long stay visa. Independent workers need an authorisation to practise their profession or activity, where one is required. After arrival, they apply to the DGSN for a carte de séjour. The card fee depends on nationality, for example 150,000 FCFA for Africans and 300,000 FCFA for non-Africans.

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

Foreign employees in the private sector, foreigners with a work contract in the public or parapublic sector, technical assistance staff, and self-employed foreigners in a liberal, commercial, industrial, agricultural, pastoral, cultural or craft activity.

Eligibility

  • Approved work contract

    Foreigners who want salaried work must present a work contract endorsed (visé) by the Minister in charge of employment (Decree 2023/147, art. 36). MINEFOP's Directorate of Labour Regulation handles the 'visa des contrats de travail', with an office for expatriate work contracts.

  • Independent workersIndependent workers

    Self-employed foreigners need an authorisation to practise a liberal profession or run a farming, pastoral, industrial, commercial, artistic or other activity, issued by the competent authority where required (art. 36).

  • Repatriation guarantee

    For stays over 3 months, show a non-transferable return ticket or, if you are a salaried worker, a repatriation commitment signed by your employer.

    • Return ticket must be valid at least one year
    Official wording

    For stays over 3 months: a non-transferable return ticket valid at least one year, or a repatriation commitment signed by the employer for a salaried foreigner (art. 60).

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementPassport
  • Document checklistWork contract endorsed (visé) by the Minister of Employment
  • FeesLong stay visa (up to 1 year)

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  • 1 more requirement
  • 5 documents
  • 6 fees
  • 6 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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