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
Yes, foreigners can legally buy property in Cameroon, but with important restrictions and requirements.
The legal framework allows foreigners to purchase buildings and enter into long-term leases, while direct land ownership requires special government approval and is heavily restricted in certain areas including border regions and agricultural zones.
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.
Foreigners can purchase buildings throughout most of Cameroon but face restrictions on direct land ownership, which typically requires ministerial approval and is often structured as long-term leaseholds.
The property acquisition process takes 2-6 months, requires extensive documentation, and involves total costs of 8-20% of the property value in taxes and fees.
| Property Type | Foreign Ownership Status | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Buildings | Fully Permitted | Standard documentation, no special approval needed |
| Commercial Buildings | Fully Permitted | Standard documentation, no special approval needed |
| Land (Freehold) | Heavily Restricted | Minister of State Property approval required |
| Land (Leasehold) | Permitted | Up to 99 years, ministerial approval needed |
| Agricultural Land | Restricted | Special government endorsement required |
| Border Area Property | Prohibited | National security restrictions apply |
| Customary Land | Restricted | Local council approval and special permits required |
Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert
Cedella Besong 🇨🇲
Co-Founder & CEO, CFB Holding
What is the legal framework for property ownership in Cameroon for foreigners?
The legal framework for foreign property ownership in Cameroon is governed by three main pieces of legislation as of September 2025.
The Land Tenure Law establishes the foundation for all property transactions, while the Investment Code provides specific provisions for foreign investors. Ministerial regulations supplement these laws with detailed procedures and approval requirements.
Foreign property ownership operates under a dual system where buildings can be purchased outright, but land ownership typically requires government approval. The Minister of State Property holds ultimate authority over land transactions involving foreigners, ensuring national security and economic interests are protected.
Legal compliance requires working with qualified local attorneys who understand both the statutory framework and customary law implications. The framework prioritizes transparency through mandatory registration processes and title verification systems.
It's something we develop in our Cameroon property pack.
Are foreigners allowed to own land in Cameroon, or are there restrictions?
Direct freehold land ownership by foreigners is heavily restricted and requires special approval from the Minister of State Property.
Most foreign land acquisitions are structured as long-term leaseholds, typically lasting up to 99 years. These leasehold arrangements provide effective ownership rights while maintaining government oversight of land transfers.
The restriction stems from national security concerns and the government's desire to maintain control over strategic land resources. Customary lands, which represent a significant portion of rural Cameroon, face additional restrictions as they are governed by traditional authorities alongside statutory law.
Agricultural land purchases by foreigners require special government endorsement and often involve complex approval processes. Border areas and regions near strategic installations are completely off-limits to foreign land ownership for national security reasons.
Foreigners seeking land ownership should expect extensive due diligence processes and potential delays as each case undergoes individual government review.
What types of property can foreigners buy in Cameroon?
Foreigners can purchase residential and commercial buildings throughout most parts of Cameroon without restrictions.
| Property Type | Ownership Status | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Buildings | Fully Permitted | Standard documentation only |
| Commercial Buildings | Fully Permitted | Standard documentation only |
| Industrial Properties | Permitted with Approval | Investment Code compliance required |
| Agricultural Properties | Restricted | Government endorsement needed |
| Customary Land | Heavily Restricted | Traditional authority and government approval |
| Border Area Properties | Prohibited | National security restrictions |
| Strategic Zone Properties | Prohibited | Military and security considerations |
Is there a limit on how much property a foreigner can own in Cameroon?
There is no explicit cap on the quantity or value of property a foreigner can own in Cameroon.
However, each transaction undergoes case-by-case approval, especially for land purchases. Large property acquisitions or substantial landholdings face greater scrutiny from government authorities.
The approval process becomes more complex as the investment scale increases, potentially triggering additional requirements under the Investment Code. Foreign investors planning multiple property acquisitions should expect extended review periods and enhanced due diligence requirements.
Government authorities evaluate each purchase based on its potential economic impact, security implications, and alignment with national development goals. Cumulative ownership patterns may influence future approval decisions, even without formal limits.
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Do foreigners need to establish a business or have a specific visa to buy property in Cameroon?
Foreigners do not need to establish a local business or hold a specific visa to purchase buildings or enter into leasehold agreements.
However, direct land ownership may require special approval and could involve different residency or business registration requirements depending on the investment scale. Large-scale investments often trigger Investment Code provisions that may require business establishment.
A visa or residence permit is only required if the buyer plans to reside in Cameroon for extended periods beyond standard tourist stays. Tourist visas are sufficient for property viewing and purchase transactions.
Foreign investors should consult with immigration authorities if they plan to manage properties personally or establish rental businesses, as these activities may require specific permits or visa categories.
It's something we develop in our Cameroon property pack.
Are there specific regions in Cameroon where foreigners are not allowed to purchase property?
Foreigners are prohibited from purchasing property in designated border regions and strategic areas for national security reasons.
The restrictions apply to areas within specified distances of international borders, military installations, government facilities, and critical infrastructure. These zones are clearly defined in government regulations and vary by region.
Agricultural and customary land areas face additional restrictions, often requiring local council approval alongside government endorsement. Rural areas under traditional authority governance have complex approval processes involving both customary and statutory law compliance.
Major cities like Douala and Yaoundé generally allow foreign property ownership, while remote areas and regions with ongoing security concerns may have temporary or permanent restrictions. Border areas with Nigeria, Chad, and Central African Republic are particularly sensitive.
Potential buyers should verify specific location restrictions with legal counsel before pursuing any property transaction, as regulations can change based on security assessments.
What is the process for foreigners to register property ownership in Cameroon?
The property registration process follows a structured sequence that takes 2-6 months to complete.
The process begins with due diligence including title searches and encumbrance verification. Next comes drafting and negotiating the purchase agreement, followed by document verification and authentication.
For land purchases, ministerial or local authority endorsement is required before proceeding to notarization. The final steps include payment completion and filing with the regional land registry.
Foreigners may need additional approvals for leasehold arrangements or land purchases under special conditions, adding administrative steps to the standard timeline. All documents must be properly authenticated and may require translation into French.
The buyer or a duly authorized attorney must be present for final registration at the regional land registry. Delays are common if documentation is incomplete or title clarity issues arise.
What documents are required for a foreigner to purchase property in Cameroon?
Foreign property buyers must provide a comprehensive set of documents for successful registration.
1. Valid passport or national identification document 2. Certificate of non-encumbrance proving no existing claims or liens 3. Documented proof of payment for the property 4. Original land title deed or certificate of ownership 5. Notarized sales agreement or purchase contract 6. Official survey plan of the property 7. Certificate of habitation for residential properties 8. Ministerial authorization where required for land purchasesAll foreign documents must be properly authenticated through apostille or embassy certification processes. Documents in languages other than French or English require certified translations.
Additional documentation may be required based on property type, location, and buyer circumstances. Legal counsel typically assists with document preparation and verification to ensure compliance with all requirements.
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Are there any restrictions on financing property purchases for foreigners in Cameroon?
Foreign property buyers face significant restrictions and challenges when seeking local financing in Cameroon.
Local banks theoretically offer mortgages to foreigners but impose stricter requirements including proof of steady income, valid residence permits, and significantly higher interest rates. Typical mortgage rates range from 15-19% annually, rarely dropping below 12%.
Most foreign buyers opt for cash purchases or international financing due to the costly and complex nature of local mortgage processes. Banks typically require extensive documentation and may limit loan-to-value ratios for foreign borrowers.
The banking sector's limited mortgage products and high interest rates make local financing uncommon for property purchases. Foreign buyers should plan for cash transactions or arrange financing through international banks before proceeding with purchases.
Alternative financing through developer payment plans or seller financing may be available for certain properties, but these arrangements require careful legal review.
What taxes do foreigners need to pay when buying property in Cameroon?
Foreigners pay the same property taxes as local buyers, with total costs typically ranging from 8-20% of the property value.
| Tax/Fee Type | Rate/Amount | Payment Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Tax | 2-5% of property value | At registration |
| Stamp Duty | 1-3% of property value | During document processing |
| Notary Fees | 1-2% of property value | At notarization |
| Legal Fees | 1-3% of property value | Throughout process |
| Survey Costs | Fixed amount varies by region | Before purchase |
| Annual Property Tax | 0.1-1% of assessed value | Annually thereafter |
| Agent Commission | 3-5% of property value | At completion |
Are there any additional fees or costs for foreigners to consider when buying property in Cameroon?
Foreign buyers face several additional costs beyond standard taxes and registration fees.
Due diligence costs include title searches, property inspections, and legal verification services. These services typically cost 1-2% of the property value but are essential for avoiding fraud and legal complications.
Translation and authentication fees apply to foreign documents, while ministerial endorsement fees are required for land purchases. Currency exchange costs can be significant for international wire transfers.
Professional fees for qualified legal counsel, which are strongly recommended for foreign buyers, typically range from 1-3% of the property value. Local real estate agents charge commissions of 3-5% of the sale price.
It's something we develop in our Cameroon property pack.
What is the process and timeline for foreigners to transfer ownership of property in Cameroon?
Property ownership transfer follows a structured process that typically takes 2-6 months from offer to final registration.
The timeline begins with due diligence and title verification, which takes 2-4 weeks. Purchase agreement negotiation and drafting require 1-2 weeks, followed by document authentication and government approvals taking 4-8 weeks.
Notarization and final payment processing typically require 1-2 weeks, while final registration with the land registry takes another 2-4 weeks. Each step must be completed sequentially, and delays are common if documentation issues arise.
Factors that can extend the timeline include incomplete documentation, title clarity issues, custom or local authority involvement, and government approval delays. Working with experienced local counsel helps minimize delays and ensures proper process completion.
Foreign buyers should plan for potential timeline extensions and maintain flexibility in their purchase schedules to accommodate administrative delays.
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.
Foreign property ownership in Cameroon operates under a framework that permits building purchases while restricting direct land ownership.
Success requires thorough due diligence, proper legal counsel, and realistic expectations about timelines and costs, which can reach 20% of property value.
Sources
- TheAfricanVestor - Cameroon Real Estate for Foreigners
- Kinsmen Advocates - How to Buy Property in Cameroon
- Halle Law - Foreign Property Investment Guide
- TheAfricanVestor - Moving to Cameroon Property Guide
- CFB Holding - Foreigner Property Guide
- Golden Visas - Cameroon Investment Guide
- Simtrade - Cameroonian Real Estate Market
- US State Department - Investment Climate Statement