Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Cameroon Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Cameroon Property Pack
Buying property in Cameroon requires extensive documentation and careful preparation, particularly as requirements differ significantly for citizens versus foreigners and vary by region.
The documentation process involves identity verification, criminal background checks, property title validation, and tax compliance measures that must be completed before any property transaction can proceed legally.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Cameroon, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
Property buyers in Cameroon must prepare comprehensive documentation including identity verification, police clearance certificates, and land title validation through MINDCAF authorities.
The process requires notarial involvement, tax identification numbers, and varies significantly based on citizenship status and property location within the country.
| Document Category | Required Documents | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Identity Verification | Valid passport or national ID card | Foreign documents may need apostille and translation |
| Criminal Background | Police clearance certificate | Essential for foreign buyers, recommended for all |
| Property Verification | Land title certificate, registration proof | Verified through MINDCAF and Cameroon Land Registry |
| Legal Documentation | Notarial deed of sale, purchase agreement | Must be prepared by licensed notary |
| Financial Proof | Bank transfer receipts, payment verification | Required for transaction audits and registration |
| Tax Compliance | Tax Identification Number (TIN) | Mandatory for all property owners |
| Survey Documentation | Site plan, cadastral map | Particularly important for land purchases |
Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert
Cedella Besong 🇨🇲
Co-Founder & CEO, CFB Holding
What type of property are you planning to buy in Cameroon?
You can purchase any type of property in Cameroon including land plots, houses, or apartments, with each following similar legal procedures.
The documentation requirements remain largely consistent across property types, though land purchases typically require additional surveyor reports and cadastral maps. Houses and apartments may need building permits and construction compliance certificates depending on their development status.
Regional variations exist throughout Cameroon, with certain areas requiring additional local authority approvals or specific documentation. Properties in urban centers like Douala and Yaoundé generally follow standardized procedures, while rural or border regions may have enhanced requirements.
As of September 2025, the Cameroonian property market shows consistent growth across all property types, with apartments in major cities experiencing the highest demand from both local and foreign buyers.
Do you have valid identification documents like a passport or national ID card?
A valid passport or national identification card is absolutely essential for any property purchase in Cameroon, serving as your primary identity verification document.
Cameroonian citizens can use their national ID cards for domestic transactions, while foreign buyers must present valid passports along with any applicable visa documentation. All identification documents must be current and not expired at the time of transaction.
Foreign buyers need additional documentation including certified translations of their passports into French if originally in other languages, and apostilled copies depending on their country of origin. Some regions may require proof of legal residency status for non-citizens attempting property purchases.
The notary handling your transaction will verify these documents against official databases to ensure authenticity before proceeding with the sale.
Are you aware that certain regions may require additional local documentation?
Yes, property location significantly impacts documentation requirements, with certain regions demanding additional local authority approvals and specialized permits.
Border regions, coastal areas, and zones designated as economically sensitive may require special authorizations from regional governors or local administrative authorities. These areas often have enhanced security measures and foreign ownership restrictions that affect documentation needs.
Urban centers like Douala, Yaoundé, and Bafoussam typically follow standard national procedures, while rural communities may have traditional land ownership customs that require additional consultation with local chiefs or traditional authorities. Some municipalities have specific building codes and zoning requirements that generate additional paperwork.
It's something we develop in our Cameroon property pack.
Always consult with local legal professionals familiar with your target region to understand specific requirements that may apply to your intended purchase location.
Does your citizenship status affect the required documentation?
Your citizenship status fundamentally determines both the complexity and volume of documentation required for property purchases in Cameroon.
| Buyer Type | Additional Requirements | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Cameroonian Citizens | Standard national procedures, national ID card sufficient | 2-4 weeks typically |
| CEMAC Citizens | Proof of CEMAC citizenship, some reciprocal agreements apply | 3-6 weeks typically |
| Other African Citizens | Apostilled documents, sometimes authorization letters | 4-8 weeks typically |
| Non-African Foreigners | Full apostille package, translations, possible ministry approvals | 6-12 weeks typically |
| Dual Citizens | Must choose which citizenship to use for transaction | Varies by chosen citizenship |
Foreign buyers face significantly more bureaucratic requirements including apostilled documents from their home countries, certified translations, and sometimes ministerial authorizations for large purchases or sensitive locations.
Cameroonian citizens benefit from streamlined procedures but still must comply with all legal requirements including tax identification and property verification through MINDCAF.
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Have you obtained a police clearance certificate?
A police clearance certificate is mandatory for foreign buyers and strongly recommended for all property purchasers in Cameroon to verify clean criminal records.
This document must be issued within the last six months and originate from your country of primary residence or citizenship. Foreign certificates require apostille authentication and certified French translation before acceptance by Cameroonian authorities.
Cameroonian citizens can obtain their clearance certificates from local police stations or the National Security office, while foreigners must request them from their home country's appropriate law enforcement agency. The process typically takes 2-4 weeks for domestic certificates and 4-8 weeks for international ones.
Some regions may waive this requirement for small-value transactions under 10 million CFA francs, but it's generally safer to obtain the certificate regardless of purchase price.
Have you verified the property's land title legitimacy?
Land title verification through MINDCAF (Ministry of State Property, Surveys, and Land Tenure) is absolutely critical and must be completed before any purchase commitment.
The verification process involves checking the property's registration status, confirming the seller's legal ownership, and ensuring no outstanding disputes or liens exist against the property. This due diligence protects buyers from fraudulent sales and ownership conflicts.
MINDCAF maintains comprehensive records of all registered properties in Cameroon, and their verification typically takes 1-3 weeks depending on the property's complexity and location. Properties without proper MINDCAF registration cannot be legally sold and should be avoided.
Request a current land title certificate dated within the last three months, and always conduct this verification personally rather than relying solely on seller representations.
Is the property registered with the Cameroon Land Registry?
Property registration with the Cameroon Land Registry is mandatory for all legal real estate transactions and serves as proof of legitimate ownership.
The Land Registry maintains official records of property boundaries, ownership history, and any encumbrances or restrictions affecting the property. Unregistered properties cannot be legally transferred and should be rejected by potential buyers.
Registration documents include the official land certificate, cadastral plans showing exact boundaries, and survey reports confirming the property's physical characteristics. These documents must be current and match the physical property exactly.
It's something we develop in our Cameroon property pack.
Properties in the process of registration can be purchased but require additional legal safeguards and escrow arrangements to protect the buyer until registration completion.
Do you have a Tax Identification Number from Cameroon tax authorities?
A Cameroonian Tax Identification Number (TIN) is absolutely mandatory for all property owners regardless of citizenship status and must be obtained before property transfer.
The TIN registration process involves visiting local tax offices with identification documents, completing application forms, and providing proof of address or intended property location. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days for standard applications.
This number enables you to fulfill annual property tax obligations, which are set at 0.1% of declared property value and must be paid by all property owners. Failure to obtain a TIN prevents legal property registration and ownership transfer.
Foreign buyers may need additional documentation for TIN applications, including proof of legal status in Cameroon and sometimes sponsorship letters from local legal representatives.
Have you prepared the notarial sale documentation?
Notarial involvement is legally mandatory for all property transactions in Cameroon, with licensed notaries preparing and authenticating all sale documentation.
The notarial deed of sale (Acte de Vente) serves as the primary legal document transferring ownership and must be prepared by a notary licensed to practice in the region where the property is located. This document includes detailed property descriptions, purchase price, payment terms, and both parties' obligations.
An agreement in principle signed by both buyer and seller typically precedes the final notarial deed, establishing the sale terms and timeline for completion. This preliminary agreement protects both parties while final documentation is prepared.
Notary fees typically range from 1-3% of the property value depending on complexity and location, and these costs are usually shared between buyer and seller unless otherwise agreed.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Cameroon versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.
Do you have proper proof of payment documentation?
Comprehensive payment documentation is essential for property transactions and must include bank transfer receipts or legalized cash payment receipts for audit and registration purposes.
Bank transfers are strongly preferred over cash transactions due to enhanced security and clearer documentation trails. All payment receipts must clearly indicate the sender, recipient, amount, date, and purpose of the transaction.
Cash payments exceeding 1 million CFA francs require additional documentation and may trigger enhanced scrutiny from financial authorities. Large cash transactions must be conducted through authorized banking institutions with proper receipt generation.
Payment documentation becomes part of the permanent property record and may be requested during future sales or tax audits, making accuracy and completeness crucial.
Have you arranged for notary authentication of the transaction?
Notary authentication is the final step in property transactions and involves the notary verifying all documentation, confirming payment, and registering the ownership transfer with appropriate authorities.
The authentication process includes document verification, identity confirmation of all parties, payment confirmation, and final registration with the Cameroon Land Registry. This step legally transfers ownership from seller to buyer.
Notaries also handle the submission of all required documents to relevant government agencies including tax authorities and land registry offices. They provide certified copies of all transaction documents to both parties for their records.
It's something we develop in our Cameroon property pack.
The authentication appointment should be scheduled only after all preliminary documentation is complete and verified to avoid delays or additional costs.
Are you aware of property tax obligations and fees?
Property tax obligations in Cameroon are comprehensive and apply to all property owners regardless of citizenship status or property type.
| Tax Type | Rate | Payment Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Property Tax | 0.1% of declared property value | Due annually by December 31st |
| Rental Income Tax (Individuals) | 15% of gross rental income | Monthly or quarterly payments |
| Rental Income Tax (Companies) | Higher corporate rates apply | According to corporate tax schedule |
| Transfer Tax | Varies by property value and type | Due at time of purchase |
| Registration Fees | Fixed fees plus percentage of value | Due at time of registration |
Outstanding property taxes must be cleared before any property transfer can occur, requiring a tax clearance certificate as proof of payment compliance. New owners assume responsibility for all future tax obligations from the date of ownership transfer.
Tax rates and payment schedules may change annually, making it important to stay updated with current requirements through official tax authority communications or qualified tax professionals.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
Buying property in Cameroon requires extensive documentation and careful attention to legal procedures that vary significantly based on citizenship status and property location.
Success depends on thorough preparation, working with qualified local professionals, and ensuring all documentation meets current legal requirements before proceeding with any transaction.
Sources
- Kinsmen Advocates - Due Diligence Buying Land in Cameroon
- TheAfricanVestor - Moving to Cameroon Buy Property
- Halle Law - Foreign Property Investment in Cameroon
- Primetime Law Office - Buying Property in Cameroon
- Kinsmen Advocates - Documents Required for Land Purchase
- Primetime Law Office - Process Land Title Cameroon
- Edanate Lawyers - Basic Steps to Follow in Land Purchase
- Kinsmen Advocates - Buying a House in Cameroon
- LinkedIn - Property Taxes Work in Cameroon
- Boyo Real Estate - Understanding Property Taxes and Fees