Moving to Cameroon: taxes, residence and life
How to become tax resident in Cameroon: personal, dividend and corporate tax, 3 residence programmes, days needed, climate, safety and economy — compared with 194 countries.
Taxes
In Cameroon the top income tax rate is 38%, dividends are taxed at up to 16.5% and companies pay 33% corporate tax.
How to move and become tax resident
You can become tax resident in Cameroon from arrival once you take up residence (Foyer (home/family) or principal stay in the country, or 183 days). The typical route is None realistic: Residence card via work or business only There are 3 open residence programmes in Cameroon — see the list below.
Living there
Douala has a tropical monsoon climate with winter highs around 27.5 °C and summer highs around 32.5 °C. The economy grew +3.6% in 2025; the IMF forecasts 3.8% for 2026. Its passport opens about 48 countries without a visa in advance. Security: Anglophone separatist conflict; Boko Haram/ISWAP in Far North.
Key facts
| Top income tax | 38% |
|---|---|
| Dividend tax | 16.5% |
| Corporate tax | 33% |
| Résidence fiscale | dès l'arrivée — Foyer (home/family) or principal stay in the country, or 183 days |
| Voie de résidence typique | None realistic — Residence card via work or business only |
| Passeport | sans visa ou visa à l'arrivée dans 48 pays |
| Economic growth | +3.6% (2025), forecast 3.8% (2026) |
| Type de climat | tropical monsoon · 27.5° / 32.5° (Douala) |
| Guerre & conflits | armed — Anglophone separatist conflict; Boko Haram/ISWAP in Far North |
| Tous les risques naturels | 5/10 |
| Solidité bancaire | 2/10 · B- |
| Protection de la propriété | 2/10 |
| Logements chauds en hiver | 9/10 |
Residence programmes in Cameroon
- Residence Card via Employment — employment · open · 2026-10
- Residence Card via Own Business / Investment — entrepreneur · open · 2026-10
- Family Residence Card — family · open · 2026-10
Plan your residence route
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to spend in Cameroon to become tax resident?
dès l'arrivée. Foyer (home/family) or principal stay in the country, or 183 days Francophone (CGI-style) rules; enforcement and treaty network limited
How much tax will I pay in Cameroon?
In Cameroon the top income tax rate is 38%, dividends are taxed at up to 16.5% and companies pay 33% corporate tax.
Which residence programmes does Cameroon offer?
Residence Card via Employment; Residence Card via Own Business / Investment; Family Residence Card
What is the usual way to move to Cameroon?
None realistic. Residence card via work or business only
Compare with nearby countries
Algeria · Angola · Benin · Botswana · Burkina Faso · Burundi · Central African Rep. · Chad · Congo · Côte d'Ivoire · Dem. Rep. Congo · Egypt
Information générale uniquement – pas de conseil fiscal, juridique, migratoire, en investissement ou financier, ni de relation client. Chiffres simplifiés, indicatifs et parfois dépassés. Vérifiez toujours auprès de l'autorité officielle et d'un professionnel agréé du pays concerné avant d'agir. Les liens partenaires éventuels sont signalés et peuvent nous rémunérer.