Residence Permit (Carte de Séjour)

The Carte de Séjour, or Residence Permit, is a mandatory identification document for foreign nationals who intend to stay in Cameroon for a period exceeding three months. It serves as the primary legal authorization for expatriates to reside, work, or study within the country. This biometric document is designed to ensure that foreign residents are properly registered with the Cameroonian immigration authorities, facilitating their access to local public services and ensuring compliance with national security regulations. The permit is typically valid for a period of two years and is renewable, provided the applicant continues to meet the necessary legal and administrative criteria for their specific category of residence.

To obtain a Carte de Séjour, applicants must present a valid passport that contains a long-stay visa entry stamp, which must be no more than three months old at the time of application. The process requires submitting comprehensive documentation, including proof of the purpose of stay—such as an approved employment contract, mission warrant, or proof of enrollment at an accredited educational institution—along with a criminal record check and a health certificate. The application involves a fee of at least 250,000 XAF, though this amount is subject to change based on government discretion and the applicant's nationality. Applicants are issued a provisional identification document upon submission, which serves as a temporary substitute until the final biometric card is processed.