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
Cameroon offers a unique mix of warm social culture, strong regional business opportunities, and access to both coastal beaches and mountain landscapes.
Living in Cameroon in 2026 means navigating infrastructure challenges like power and internet reliability, but also enjoying a welcoming community and relatively affordable costs compared to Western countries.
This guide covers everything from salaries and safety to visas and property ownership, based on official data and real expat experiences.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Cameroon.
Is Cameroon a good place to live in 2026?
Is quality of life getting better or worse in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, the quality of life trajectory in Cameroon is best described as slowly improving in major cities like Douala and Yaoundé, while remaining stagnant or challenging in rural areas and conflict-affected regions.
The most noticeable improvement over the past two to three years in Cameroon has been the expansion of mobile money services and digital banking, which has made everyday transactions much easier for both locals and expats who previously struggled with limited ATM access.
However, the persistent challenge that continues to frustrate residents in Cameroon is the unreliable power grid, which forces most households and businesses to invest in generators and backup systems, adding significant monthly costs.
Are hospitals good in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, hospitals in Cameroon's major cities can handle most routine medical needs adequately, but they generally fall short of Western European or North American standards, especially for complex procedures or emergencies.
The hospitals that expats most commonly recommend in Cameroon include Hôpital Général de Yaoundé in the capital, Hôpital Laquintinie in Douala, and various private clinics in the Bonapriso and Bonanjo neighborhoods of Douala.
A standard doctor consultation in Cameroon in 2026 typically costs between 10,000 and 25,000 XAF for a general practitioner, which works out to roughly 15 to 40 USD or 14 to 37 EUR, while specialists may charge 15,000 to 40,000 XAF.
Private health insurance is strongly recommended for expats living in Cameroon because local costs for diagnostics and hospitalization can add up quickly, and medical evacuation to Europe or South Africa for serious conditions can cost tens of thousands of dollars without coverage.
Are there any good international schools in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, Cameroon has a modest but solid selection of international schools concentrated in Yaoundé and Douala, with options following American, British, and French curricula that meet reasonable international standards.
The most reputable international schools among expat families in Cameroon include The American School of Douala, American International School of Yaoundé, and Lycée Français Fustel de Coulanges in Yaoundé for families preferring the French system.
Annual tuition fees at international schools in Cameroon in 2026 typically range from 3 million to 8 million XAF per year depending on the grade level and curriculum, which translates to approximately 4,500 to 12,000 USD or 4,200 to 11,000 EUR.
Waitlists can be long at the most popular international schools in Cameroon because supply is limited relative to demand from diplomats, multinational employees, and wealthy local families, while public schools are generally not a practical option for expat children due to language barriers and different curriculum standards.
Is Cameroon a dangerous place in 2026?
As of early 2026, Cameroon has an uneven safety profile where major cities like Yaoundé and Douala are generally manageable for expats who take normal precautions, but certain regions face serious security concerns including armed conflict and kidnapping risks.
The most common safety concerns for expats in Cameroon include petty crime like pickpocketing and phone snatching in busy areas, occasional armed robbery especially after dark, and the serious risk of kidnapping in the Anglophone Northwest and Southwest regions and near the northern borders.
The neighborhoods generally considered safest for expats in Cameroon include Bastos, Nlongkak, and Quartier Fouda in Yaoundé, and Bonapriso, Bonanjo, Bonamoussadi, and Makepe in Douala, where security infrastructure and lighting tend to be better.
Women can live alone safely in Cameroon, particularly in the expat-friendly neighborhoods mentioned above, as long as they choose buildings with guards or gated access, use trusted transportation at night, and apply the same urban awareness they would in any major African city.
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How much does everyday life cost in Cameroon in 2026?
What monthly budget do I need to live well in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, a single person can live comfortably in Douala or Yaoundé with a monthly budget of around 1.2 to 1.8 million XAF, which is approximately 1,800 to 2,700 USD or 1,700 to 2,500 EUR.
For a more modest but decent lifestyle in Cameroon, a single person could manage on roughly 700,000 to 1 million XAF per month, around 1,000 to 1,500 USD or 950 to 1,400 EUR, by choosing a simpler apartment and limiting dining out.
An upscale lifestyle in Cameroon with a nice apartment in Bonapriso or Bastos, a car with driver, and regular international travel would require 2.5 to 4 million XAF monthly, roughly 3,800 to 6,000 USD or 3,500 to 5,500 EUR.
The expense category that takes the largest share of an expat budget in Cameroon is typically housing combined with backup infrastructure, because renting a secure apartment in a good neighborhood plus paying for a generator and backup internet can easily consume 40 to 50 percent of total monthly spending.
What is the average income tax rate in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, a typical middle-income earner in Cameroon can expect an effective income tax rate of roughly 10 to 20 percent after accounting for deductions, while higher-earning expats may see effective rates of 20 to 30 percent.
Cameroon uses a progressive income tax system where the marginal rates start at 10 percent for lower income brackets and climb to 35 percent for the highest earners, though the exact effective rate depends heavily on your specific salary structure and allowable deductions.
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.
What kind of foreigners actually live in Cameroon in 2026?
Where do most expats come from in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, the largest expat communities in Cameroon come from France, Lebanon, China, neighboring Central African countries like Chad and the Central African Republic, and increasingly from other West African nations.
The total number of foreign residents in Cameroon is difficult to pin down precisely, but estimates suggest around 200,000 to 300,000 non-nationals live in the country, though this includes a large population of refugees and displaced people alongside traditional expats.
French expats are drawn to Cameroon by historical and linguistic ties plus business opportunities, Lebanese families have long-established commercial networks especially in retail and trade, and Chinese nationals often come for infrastructure and construction projects.
The expat population in Cameroon is predominantly working professionals in corporate, diplomatic, or NGO roles, along with entrepreneurs and a smaller community of missionaries and educators, rather than retirees or digital nomads who tend to prefer other destinations.
Where do most expats live in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, expats in Cameroon concentrate heavily in two cities: Yaoundé neighborhoods like Bastos, Nlongkak, Quartier Fouda, and Odza, and Douala neighborhoods including Bonapriso, Bonanjo, Akwa, Bonamoussadi, and Makepe.
These neighborhoods attract expats because they offer better security with gated compounds and guards, more reliable electricity and water, proximity to international schools and embassies, and access to restaurants and services catering to foreign tastes.
Emerging areas gaining expat interest in Cameroon include parts of Kribi on the coast, which appeals to lifestyle-oriented expats who want beach access, and some quieter residential zones in Douala's outskirts like parts of Logpom where newer housing developments offer more space.
Are expats moving in or leaving Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, the expat migration trend in Cameroon is mixed, with some organizations reducing staff due to security concerns in certain regions while others continue to place people because Cameroon remains commercially important in Central Africa.
The main factor drawing expats to Cameroon right now is the country's role as an economic hub for the CEMAC region, with its deep-water port in Douala, growing energy sector, and large consumer market of over 28 million people.
The main factor pushing some expats to leave Cameroon recently is the ongoing instability in the Anglophone regions, which has caused some international organizations to relocate staff and has created uncertainty around the broader security environment.
Compared to similar destinations in the region like Gabon or Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon continues to attract a more diverse expat community because of its larger economy and stronger NGO presence, even if it faces more visible security challenges.
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What paperwork do I need to move to Cameroon in 2026?
What visa options are popular in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three most popular visa types for expats moving to Cameroon are the tourist or visitor visa for short stays, the business visa for meetings and short assignments, and the work visa combined with a work permit for those employed by local entities.
The most commonly used work visa in Cameroon requires a job offer from a Cameroonian employer or registered entity, proof of qualifications, a clean criminal record, and medical certification, with the employer typically handling much of the application process.
Cameroon does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa or remote worker visa, so freelancers and remote workers typically enter on tourist or business visas and must be careful not to overstay or work illegally.
Most expat visas in Cameroon are initially valid for three to twelve months depending on the type, and renewals require submitting updated documentation to immigration authorities, a process that can take several weeks and often benefits from local assistance.
How long does it take to get residency in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, obtaining temporary residency in Cameroon typically takes 4 to 12 weeks once you have all required documents from your employer or sponsor, though delays are common if documents need legalization or ministry approvals.
Common factors that can delay residency applications in Cameroon include missing document translations, incomplete employer paperwork, backlogs at immigration offices, and the need for documents to be authenticated by your home country, while having a local fixer or immigration lawyer can significantly speed things up.
Expats must generally live in Cameroon for at least five years on valid residency permits before becoming eligible to apply for permanent residency, and naturalization as a citizen requires even longer continuous residence plus language proficiency and integration requirements.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Cameroon. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
How hard is it to find a job in Cameroon in 2026?
Which industries are hiring the most in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, the industries hiring the most expats in Cameroon are the development and humanitarian sector concentrated in Yaoundé, logistics and port-related services in Douala, and energy and infrastructure projects linked to oil, gas, and construction.
Getting hired in Cameroon without speaking French is possible in some international NGO offices and multinational corporate teams, but it severely limits your options since French is the dominant professional language in most of the country.
The roles most accessible to foreign job seekers in Cameroon include country director and senior management positions at NGOs and multinationals, technical specialists in telecoms and energy, international school teachers, and regional business development roles where knowledge of Francophone Africa is valued.
What salary ranges are common for expats in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, expat salaries in Cameroon vary widely depending on whether you are on a local contract or an international package, with local professional contracts typically ranging from 600,000 to 2 million XAF per month, roughly 900 to 3,000 USD or 850 to 2,800 EUR.
Entry-level or mid-level expat positions in Cameroon on local contracts usually pay between 600,000 and 1.2 million XAF monthly, around 900 to 1,800 USD or 850 to 1,700 EUR, often without significant housing or school allowances included.
Senior or specialized expat roles in Cameroon, especially those with international packages from NGOs, embassies, or multinational corporations, can reach 3 to 6 million XAF equivalent monthly, roughly 4,500 to 9,000 USD or 4,200 to 8,300 EUR, when housing, schooling, and hardship allowances are factored in.
Employers in Cameroon do sponsor work visas for foreign hires, but typically only for senior positions or roles requiring skills that are scarce locally, while generalist positions usually go to candidates who already have the right to work.
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What's daily life really like for expats in Cameroon right now?
What do expats love most about living in Cameroon right now?
The top things expats love most about living in Cameroon include the genuine warmth and hospitality of Cameroonian people, the vibrant food culture with dishes like ndolé and grilled fish, and the easy access to natural beauty from beaches in Kribi to the volcanic landscapes near Mount Cameroon.
The lifestyle benefit most frequently praised by expats in Cameroon is the strong sense of community that forms quickly, with many expats finding it easier to build meaningful friendships here than in more transient destinations.
The practical advantage expats appreciate most in Cameroon is the relatively affordable cost of domestic help, including drivers, housekeepers, and cooks, which makes daily life much more manageable even when infrastructure is frustrating.
The social and cultural aspect that makes Cameroon particularly enjoyable for expats is the bilingual French-English dynamic combined with over 200 local ethnic groups, creating a culturally rich environment where there is always something new to discover.
What do expats dislike most about life in Cameroon right now?
The top complaints expats have about living in Cameroon are the unreliable electricity supply that requires constant generator backup, the heavy traffic congestion especially in Douala during rush hours, and the unpredictability of administrative and bureaucratic processes.
The daily inconvenience that frustrates expats most in Cameroon is the power situation, because frequent outages mean you cannot rely on electricity for work calls, cooking, or air conditioning without investing in expensive fuel for your generator.
The bureaucratic issue that causes the most headaches for expats in Cameroon is the document legalization and authentication process, where getting papers apostilled, translated, and accepted by various ministries can take weeks and often requires knowing the right people.
These frustrations are generally manageable for expats who come prepared with realistic expectations and budget for redundancy, but they can be deal-breakers for those expecting Western-level infrastructure or straightforward administrative processes.
What are the biggest culture shocks in Cameroon right now?
The biggest culture shocks expats experience when moving to Cameroon include the central importance of personal relationships in getting anything done, the flexible approach to time and scheduling, and the expectation of negotiation in situations where Westerners might expect fixed prices.
The social norm that surprises newcomers most in Cameroon is how much business, banking, repairs, and even medical appointments depend on knowing the right person, making networking not just helpful but essential for daily functioning.
The aspect of daily routines that takes the longest for expats to adjust to in Cameroon is the slower pace of transactions and services, where tasks that might take an hour in Europe can take a full day here due to queues, power outages, or simply different expectations around urgency.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Cameroon compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
Can I buy a home as a foreigner in Cameroon in 2026?
Can foreigners legally own property in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreigners can legally own property in Cameroon, but the real challenge is not legality but rather ensuring clear and verified land title, since disputed ownership and incomplete registration are common issues that have caught many buyers off guard.
The specific restrictions for foreigners buying property in Cameroon relate less to nationality and more to the type of title, because only properties with a proper "titre foncier" (land certificate) registered with the land registry provide secure ownership, while customary land transactions carry significant risk.
Foreigners in Cameroon can own apartments, houses, and commercial buildings with proper titles, but purchasing undeveloped rural land is more complex and often requires navigating customary land rights that may not be formally registered.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the whole property buying process for foreigners in Cameroon.
What is the average price per m² in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average price per square meter for residential property in Cameroon varies significantly by location: in Douala city center it averages around 1.2 million XAF per m² (roughly 1,800 USD or 1,700 EUR), while outside the center it drops to around 560,000 XAF per m² (roughly 850 USD or 780 EUR), and in Yaoundé prices are lower at around 500,000 XAF per m² in the center (roughly 750 USD or 700 EUR).
Property prices in Cameroon have remained relatively stable over the past two to three years in CFA franc terms, though dollar and euro buyers have seen some fluctuation due to currency movements, and demand in prime expat neighborhoods like Bastos and Bonapriso has kept prices firm despite broader economic pressures.
Also, you'll find our latest property market analysis about Cameroon here.
Do banks give mortgages to foreigners in Cameroon in 2026?
As of early 2026, mortgages for foreigners in Cameroon are available but limited, with stricter terms and more documentation required than for local citizens, and many property purchases by expats end up being largely cash transactions.
The banks in Cameroon that have been known to work with foreign buyers include Société Générale Cameroun, Ecobank Cameroon, and BICEC, though policies and appetite for foreign clients can vary by branch and change over time.
Typical mortgage conditions for foreigners in Cameroon include down payments of 30 to 50 percent, interest rates ranging from 8 to 14 percent depending on the bank and your profile, and maximum loan terms of 10 to 15 years, all of which are less favorable than what locals might receive.
To qualify for a mortgage in Cameroon, foreigners typically need proof of stable income or employment, valid residency documentation, the property's land certificate, a property valuation, and often a relationship with the bank through an existing account.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Cameroon.
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What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Cameroon, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| Cameroon National Institute of Statistics (INS) | Cameroon's official producer of national statistics. | We used it as the reference for official demographic and economic indicators. We cross-checked private estimates against INS-published data. |
| Bank of Central African States (BEAC) | The central bank for Cameroon's CFA franc monetary zone. | We used it to anchor inflation and monetary context for 2026. We triangulated BEAC data with IMF and World Bank reports. |
| World Bank Macro Poverty Outlook | A widely used benchmark for growth, poverty, and fiscal conditions. | We used it to assess whether daily life conditions are improving or tightening. We linked its findings to job market realism and household budgets. |
| IMF Cameroon Staff Report | IMF staff reports are standardized and heavily reviewed macro baselines. | We used it to contextualize macro stability, fiscal risks, and reform trajectory. We cross-checked it against BEAC and World Bank data. |
| UNHCR Operational Data Portal | The primary international reference for refugees and displacement statistics. | We used it to explain regional security and displacement realities. We cross-referenced it with travel advisories for consistent risk guidance. |
| US State Department Travel Advisory | Detailed and regularly updated for security and crime risk. | We used it to structure safety guidance on crime, kidnapping, and conflict areas. We triangulated it with UK advice for balance. |
| UK Foreign Travel Advice | A high-signal, frequently updated safety reference. | We used it to identify security red zones versus manageable areas. We cross-checked it with US advisories to avoid single-country bias. |
| PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries | A major global tax firm with standardized and reviewed country summaries. | We used it to summarize how personal income tax works in practice. We validated against official Cameroon finance law publications. |
| American School of Douala | The school's primary-source fee page with directly verifiable numbers. | We used it to price realistic expat family budgets. We cross-checked with other international schools for balance. |
| Numbeo (Douala and Yaoundé) | Transparent about sample size and update dates, useful for triangulation. | We used it to convert housing costs into concrete monthly numbers. We cross-checked against school fees and comfort salary logic. |
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Cameroon. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.