Cameroon Work (Long-stay) Visa

The Cameroon Work (Long-stay) Visa is a type of visa that allows foreign nationals to stay in Cameroon for an extended period of time in order to work legally in the country. This visa is only available to individuals who have obtained an employment permit and a work permit from the competent regional authorities in Cameroon.

To be eligible for a Cameroon Work (Long-stay) Visa, applicants must provide evidence of their employment permit and work permit, as well as a valid passport, completed visa application form, and any other documents required by the Cameroonian embassy or consulate where the application is being submitted. Applicants may also be required to undergo a medical examination and provide proof of their financial means.

The processing time for a Cameroon Work (Long-stay) Visa can vary depending on a number of factors, including the applicant's country of origin, the specific Cameroonian embassy or consulate where the application is being submitted, and the time of year. In general, applicants should expect the processing of their visa application to take several weeks or longer.

Once a Cameroon Work (Long-stay) Visa has been issued, holders are allowed to work legally in Cameroon for the duration of their visa. However, it is important to note that the visa is only valid for the specific job and employer listed on the work permit, and holders are not allowed to engage in any other employment or business activities in Cameroon without obtaining the necessary permits and visas.

It is possible to renew or extend a Cameroon Work (Long-stay) Visa, subject to the approval of the Cameroonian government. Applicants should apply for a visa renewal or extension well in advance of the expiration date of their current visa to allow for sufficient processing time.

Overall, the Cameroon Work (Long-stay) Visa provides foreign nationals with the opportunity to legally work in Cameroon for an extended period of time, provided they have obtained the necessary permits and visas and comply with the laws and regulations of the country.

Eligibility Requirements for a Cameroon Work (Long-stay) Visa

To be eligible for a Cameroon Work (Long-stay) Visa, foreign nationals must meet the following requirements:

  • Job offer: Applicants must have a job offer from a registered Cameroonian employer or a company registered with the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Crafts.
  • Work Permit: Applicants must obtain a work permit from the Cameroonian Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training.
  • Educational qualifications: Applicants must possess the necessary educational qualifications, skills, or experience required for the job.
  • Medical certificate: Applicants must provide a medical certificate that shows they are in good health and free from contagious diseases.
  • Police clearance: Applicants must provide a police clearance certificate issued by the competent authorities in their home country or any country where they have resided for more than six months.
  • Valid passport: Applicants must possess a valid passport with a minimum of six months validity from the date of entry into Cameroon.
  • Proof of financial support: Applicants must provide proof of financial support to cover their stay in Cameroon.

It is important to note that the eligibility requirements for a Cameroon Work (Long-stay) Visa may vary depending on the type of job and the employer.

Application Process for a Cameroon Work (Long-stay) Visa

If you are planning to work in Cameroon for more than 90 days, you will need to obtain a Cameroon Work (Long-stay) Visa. Here is the application process for a Cameroon Work (Long-stay) Visa:

Gather Required Documents: Collect all the necessary documents such as a valid passport, completed visa application form, two passport-sized photos, a copy of your work contract or letter of invitation from the company in Cameroon, proof of payment of visa fees, and a medical certificate proving you are not carrying any infectious diseases.

Submit Your Application: Once you have all the necessary documents, you can submit your application to the Cameroon embassy or consulate in your home country. It is advisable to submit your application well in advance of your intended travel date.

Attend an Interview: You may be required to attend an interview at the embassy or consulate. During the interview, you will be asked questions about your purpose of travel, work, and other relevant details.

Wait for Processing: After submitting your application and attending the interview, you will need to wait for the visa to be processed. The processing time can vary from several days to several weeks.

Collect Your Visa: Once your visa is approved, you can collect it from the embassy or consulate. Make sure to check the validity and duration of your visa before traveling to Cameroon.

Required Documents for a Cameroon Work (Long-stay) Visa

To apply for a Cameroon Work (Long-stay) Visa, there are specific documents you need to submit along with your application. These documents include:

Completed Application Forms: You need to fill in two application forms accurately and sign them.

Biometric Passport Photographs: Two recent passport photographs with a white background are required. Your head must face the camera, and your eyes should be open.

Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your return date.

Passport Copy: A copy of the main page of your passport is also required.

National Identity Card and Resident Permit/Visa Copy: If your country of residence and citizenship are different, you need to submit a copy of your national identity card and resident permit or visa.

Flight Ticket Reservation: A reservation of an air ticket is necessary. However, it's recommended not to buy the ticket until the visa application decision is made.

Proof of Accommodation: You need to provide proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Cameroon. The invitation letter should include the inviter's contact details, copy of their ID, and residency permit or lease agreement in good standing.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required as proof of immunization.

Proof of Means of Subsistence: You must provide evidence of how you will support yourself during your stay in Cameroon. This can be in the form of bank statements for the last three months, travelers' cheques, cash, credit cards with sufficient funds, or salary advances.

Medical Insurance: A valid medical insurance policy that guarantees repatriation must be submitted.

Proof of Purpose of Visit: Depending on the purpose of your visit, you may need to submit a company letter, introduction letter from a business partner, employment contract, or partnership contract between business partners. These documents must be legalized and signed by the relevant authorities.

Additional documents may be required by the embassy, and it's advisable to check with them before submitting your application. All documents must be submitted in either English or French.

Cameroon Work (Long-stay) Visa Fees

The Cameroon Work (Long-stay) Visa fee for foreign nationals can range from 75 to 300 USD and may vary depending on the applicant's nationality and country of application. This fee covers the cost of processing the visa application and is non-refundable, regardless of whether the visa is approved or not. The exact fee will be determined by the Cameroonian embassy or consulate where the application is made.

It is important to note that additional fees may be required for other services related to the visa application process, such as courier services, translation of documents, or the cost of obtaining additional documents required for the application. It is also recommended that applicants allow sufficient time for payment processing and confirmation before submitting their application to avoid any delays.

Processing Time for a Cameroon Work (Long-stay) Visa

The processing time for a Cameroon Work (Long-stay) Visa typically takes between 3 to 25 working days. The actual time may vary depending on the country from which the visa application is being made. It is advisable to start the visa application process well in advance to allow for sufficient time for processing and any unforeseen delays.

It is important to note that the processing time does not include the time required for the submission of documents, biometric data collection, and any additional requirements that may be requested by the embassy or consulate. Therefore, it is recommended to carefully review the visa application requirements and ensure that all necessary documents are included in the application package to avoid any potential delays.

Applicants should also keep in mind that processing times may be longer during peak travel seasons or due to unforeseen circumstances such as security alerts or a high volume of visa applications. 

Renewal and Extension of a Cameroon Work (Long-stay) Visa

A Cameroon Work (Long-stay) Visa is initially issued for a period of one year and can be extended for up to three years, subject to the same eligibility requirements and conditions as the initial application. The application for renewal or extension of the visa must be submitted at least 30 days before the expiration date of the current visa.

To apply for a renewal or extension of a Cameroon Work (Long-stay) Visa, the applicant must submit the following documents to the local immigration authorities:

  • A completed application form for a visa extension or renewal
  • A valid passport
  • A copy of the current work permit
  • A letter from the employer confirming continued employment in Cameroon
  • Evidence of financial means to support the stay in Cameroon
  • A copy of a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate
  • Proof of medical insurance coverage for the duration of the stay in Cameroon

It is important to note that the local immigration authorities have the discretion to accept or reject a request for an extension or renewal of a Cameroon Work (Long-stay) Visa. The decision is based on the assessment of the applicant's eligibility and the availability of job opportunities in Cameroon. Therefore, it is advisable to submit the application well in advance of the expiration date and ensure that all the necessary documents are provided.

If the applicant wishes to change jobs during the period of the visa, a new work permit and employment contract must be obtained from the new employer, and the local immigration authorities must be informed of the change. If the applicant is unable to secure a new employment contract before the expiration of the current visa, they must leave Cameroon and apply for a new Cameroon Work (Long-stay) Visa from their country of origin or residence.

Benefits and Limitations of a Cameroon Work (Long-stay) Visa

A Cameroon Work (Long-stay) Visa can offer several benefits to foreign nationals who want to work in the country.

One of the primary benefits is that it allows the visa holder to legally work in Cameroon for an extended period. This can open up various job opportunities and provide a stable source of income. Additionally, the visa holder can also bring their family members to Cameroon on a dependent visa.

However, there are also some limitations to consider. The visa holder must comply with all immigration laws and regulations in Cameroon and may face consequences if they violate any rules. Moreover, the visa may be limited to a specific job or employer, and if the visa holder changes their job or employer, they may need to apply for a new visa.

Another limitation is that the visa application process can be time-consuming and expensive. The visa applicant may need to provide various documents, attend an interview, and pay a fee. The processing time can also vary depending on the country of application, which can cause delays in starting work in Cameroon.

FAQ

A Cameroon Work (Long-stay) Visa is a type of visa that allows foreign nationals to work in Cameroon for a longer period of time. The visa is valid for up to 12 months and can be extended upon expiration.

Foreign nationals who have secured employment in Cameroon and have obtained the necessary employment and work permits from the relevant authorities are eligible to apply for a Cameroon Work (Long-stay) Visa.

The required documents may vary depending on the embassy or consulate, but typically include a valid passport, two application forms, two passport-sized photos, a flight reservation, proof of accommodation, proof of means of subsistence, medical insurance, proof of yellow fever vaccination, and a company letter or employment contract.

The processing time for a Cameroon Work (Long-stay) Visa can vary depending on the embassy or consulate, but it typically takes 2-4 weeks.

Yes, a Cameroon Work (Long-stay) Visa can be renewed or extended upon expiration. The renewal or extension process typically involves providing additional documentation and paying a fee.

No, it is not possible to work legally in Cameroon without a Work (Long-stay) Visa and the necessary employment and work permits. Engaging in employment without the proper documentation can result in deportation and other legal consequences.

Yes, family members of the visa holder can accompany them to Cameroon on a Work (Long-stay) Visa. However, family members may need to obtain their own visas depending on their nationality and the purpose of their visit.

 

Valid Passport
Apply eVisa