How to move to Cameroon and buy a property?

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

Who is the author of this content?

THE AFRICANVESTOR

A team specialized in real estate investing in African countries

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in Cameroon. If you'd like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At The African Investor, we explore the Cameroonian real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Douala, Yaoundé, and Kribi. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

Fact-checked and reviewed by our local expert

✓✓✓

Cedella Besong 🇨🇲

Co-Founder & CEO, CFB Holding

Cedella Besong is the Co-Founder & CEO of CFB Holding, leading the company's mission to drive social and economic development across Cameroon. With a strong background in global business and marketing, she is deeply committed to projects that create lasting impact—whether in real estate, education, or sustainable agriculture. Cedella believes that investment should go beyond profit, focusing on innovation and community empowerment to build a brighter future for Cameroon.

Is it actually easy compared to western countries to move to Cameroon and buy a property?

Buying property in Cameroon as a foreigner is significantly more challenging than in Western countries.

The Cameroonian real estate market operates with less transparent procedures, weaker enforcement of property rights, and frequent documentation issues. As of September 2025, foreign buyers face bureaucratic hurdles that can extend the purchase process to 6 months or more, compared to 4-8 weeks typically seen in countries like France or Germany.

Western countries generally offer clearer legal frameworks, better access to reliable real estate professionals, and stronger consumer protections. In Cameroon, property fraud is more common, with cases of multiple sales of the same property or forged documentation occurring regularly in major cities like Douala and Yaoundé.

The legal system in Cameroon, while providing protection in principle, often struggles with enforcement. Court proceedings for property disputes can take years to resolve, making prevention through thorough due diligence absolutely critical.

However, Cameroon does offer certain advantages including lower property prices compared to Western markets and fewer restrictions on foreign ownership than some neighboring African countries.

What is the full step-by-step process from deciding to move until finally owning the property?

The complete property acquisition process in Cameroon follows nine distinct phases that must be completed sequentially.

**Phase 1: Research and Decision (2-4 weeks)** - Research target locations, understand local property laws, and familiarize yourself with market prices in your preferred areas. Consider engaging a local attorney or notary during this early stage for guidance on legal requirements.

**Phase 2: Professional Engagement (1-2 weeks)** - Select and engage a registered real estate agent and identify a public notary who will handle the final transaction. Only notaries can legally finalize real estate sales in Cameroon, making this step mandatory.

**Phase 3: Property Search and Selection (2-8 weeks)** - View properties either in person or virtually, then conduct comprehensive due diligence including title verification, ownership confirmation, tax status review, and checking for any encumbrances or liens.

**Phase 4: Negotiation and Preliminary Agreement (1-2 weeks)** - Negotiate price and terms, then establish verbal or written preliminary agreement with the seller outlining all conditions of the sale.

**Phase 5: Document Preparation (2-3 weeks)** - Gather and prepare all required documentation including identification, proof of funds, and home-country documents, with necessary translations and notarizations completed.

**Phase 6: Land Title Verification (3-6 weeks)** - Verify the seller's land title with the local land registry (Conservator of Land Titles), ensuring the property is free of disputes and properly registered.

**Phase 7: Contract Signing (1-2 weeks)** - Execute the sale contract (Acte de Vente) through a public notary, with your physical presence typically required for identity verification and signing.

**Phase 8: Fee and Tax Payment (1 week)** - Pay all mandatory transfer fees, registration taxes, notary fees, and stamp duty, while optionally securing additional services like land surveying or insurance.

**Phase 9: Final Registration (2-6 weeks)** - Complete the property transfer registration at the land registry and receive your official ownership certificate, establishing your legal title to the property.

Which parts of the process are mandatory by law, and which ones are optional but recommended?

Cameroonian law mandates specific steps while others remain optional but highly recommended for protection.

Process Element	Legal Status	Consequences of Skipping
Notary Involvement	Mandatory	Transaction legally invalid
Title Verification	Mandatory	Risk of purchasing disputed property
Land Registry Check	Mandatory	Cannot obtain legal ownership
Tax Payment	Mandatory	Registration blocked, legal penalties
Real Estate Agent Use	Optional	Increased difficulty finding properties
Legal Counsel	Recommended	Higher risk of legal complications
Property Insurance	Optional	No protection against damages
Professional Survey	Recommended	Risk of boundary disputes

What documents do you need to prepare, both from your home country and once you arrive in Cameroon?

Document preparation requires coordination between your home country and Cameroonian authorities, with specific requirements for translation and authentication.

**Home Country Documents:** Your valid passport serves as primary identification and must have at least 12 months validity remaining. Bank statements proving sufficient funds for the purchase and ongoing expenses must be recent (within 30 days) and officially stamped by your bank. Birth certificates are required for any residency applications that might accompany your property purchase.

**Additional Home Country Requirements:** Proof of residency or citizenship from your home country, properly certified by relevant authorities. All documents must be translated into French by certified translators if originally in other languages, as French is the primary legal language in Cameroon's francophone regions.

**Cameroon-Specific Documents:** The signed sale contract (Acte de Vente) must be prepared by the notary handling your transaction. A cadastral plan showing exact property boundaries and measurements is required for registration. The seller's original land title or certificate of ownership must be verified and transferred.

**Tax and Registration Documents:** You'll need to obtain a Cameroonian tax identification number for the transaction. Final registration documents from the land registry confirming your ownership will be issued upon completion of the process.

It's something we develop in our Cameroon property pack.

Can you complete the whole process without physically being in the country, or do you absolutely need to be there?

Physical presence is typically required for critical stages of the property purchase process in Cameroon, though some preliminary steps can be completed remotely.

**Remote Capabilities:** Property research, initial agent contact, and virtual property viewings can be conducted from abroad. Preliminary negotiations and even preliminary agreements can often be arranged through digital communication and video calls with sellers and agents.

**Mandatory Physical Presence:** Cameroonian notary laws generally require your physical presence for identity verification during the signing of the Acte de Vente. The land registry often requires in-person appearance for final registration and to receive your ownership certificate.

**Power of Attorney Options:** Powers of attorney can be used to authorize local representatives to act on your behalf, but this approach carries significant fraud risks. Any power of attorney must be prepared in your home country, properly notarized, apostilled, and translated into French. Cameroonian authorities may subject power of attorney transactions to additional scrutiny and verification procedures.

**Practical Considerations:** Even when power of attorney is accepted, the process often takes longer and costs more due to additional verification requirements. Many experienced buyers choose to be physically present to ensure proper oversight of the transaction and immediate resolution of any issues that arise.

What classic mistakes and pitfalls do foreigners make when buying property in Cameroon?

Foreign buyers commonly make critical errors that can result in financial loss or legal complications in the Cameroonian property market.

1. **Inadequate Title Verification** - Purchasing properties without conducting thorough title searches, leading to ownership disputes or discovering the seller doesn't legally own the property.2. **Premature Payment** - Making significant payments before completing proper legal due diligence and contract verification, risking total loss of funds to fraudulent sellers.3. **Unregistered Agent Use** - Working with unlicensed or unscrupulous real estate agents who may facilitate fraudulent transactions or provide misleading property information.4. **Ignoring Outstanding Debts** - Failing to verify whether the property has outstanding taxes, liens, or other debts that will transfer to the new owner upon purchase.5. **Insufficient Legal Representation** - Attempting to navigate the complex legal process without qualified local legal counsel, leading to contract errors or missed legal requirements.6. **Currency Exchange Timing** - Not properly timing currency exchanges for large property payments, potentially losing significant amounts due to exchange rate fluctuations.7. **Insurance Neglect** - Failing to secure property insurance immediately after purchase, leaving investments vulnerable to natural disasters or theft common in certain regions.

Are real estate agents in Cameroon generally reliable, and how should you choose one?

Real estate agent reliability in Cameroon varies significantly, requiring careful selection and verification processes to ensure professional service.

**Agent Verification Process:** Always confirm that agents are registered with relevant professional bodies and have valid licenses to operate in their specific regions. Request references from recent clients, particularly other foreign buyers, and verify these references independently.

**Red Flags to Avoid:** Be cautious of agents who demand upfront fees before showing properties, refuse to provide proper identification or credentials, or pressure you to make quick decisions without adequate due diligence time. Avoid agents who cannot provide clear property documentation or seem evasive about legal requirements.

**Professional Standards:** Reliable agents should demonstrate clear knowledge of local property laws, provide transparent fee structures, and maintain professional communication standards. They should readily connect you with qualified notaries and assist with document preparation.

**Due Diligence Recommendations:** Even with a trustworthy agent, always independently verify property information, conduct your own title searches, and use a separate notary for legal transactions. Reliable agents welcome this additional verification as it protects all parties involved.

Remember that regardless of agent quality, you must always use a government-registered notary for the final legal transaction, as agents cannot legally complete property sales in Cameroon.

Will the legal system really protect a foreign buyer if there is a dispute?

Cameroon's legal system provides theoretical protection for foreign property buyers, but practical enforcement can be slow and unpredictable.

**Legal Framework Strengths:** Cameroonian property law recognizes foreign ownership rights and provides legal recourse through civil courts. Written contracts executed by notaries carry significant legal weight, and property registration creates legally enforceable ownership rights.

**Enforcement Challenges:** Court proceedings for property disputes typically take 18-36 months to resolve, with complex cases potentially extending even longer. Judicial resources are often limited, particularly in rural areas, and case backlogs can cause significant delays.

**Practical Protection Strategies:** Maintain comprehensive documentation of all transactions, including receipts, contracts, and correspondence. Ensure immediate registration of property purchases with land registries to establish legal ownership. Consider dispute resolution clauses in contracts that specify arbitration procedures.

**Prevention Over Litigation:** Given enforcement challenges, prevention through thorough due diligence is far preferable to relying on legal remedies after problems arise. Work with qualified professionals, verify all documentation, and complete proper legal procedures to minimize dispute risks.

Foreign buyers who follow proper legal procedures and maintain complete documentation generally receive adequate legal protection, but the process of enforcement can be lengthy and costly.

What precautions should you take to secure your investment before and after purchase?

Investment security in Cameroon requires comprehensive precautions both during the acquisition process and for long-term protection of your property.

**Pre-Purchase Security Measures:** Conduct independent verification of the seller's identity through multiple sources, including government identification checks. Verify land title authenticity by personally visiting the land registry offices and examining original documents. Engage qualified legal counsel to review all contracts and documentation before signing anything.

**Transaction Security:** Use escrow services when available, or arrange payment schedules tied to completion of specific legal milestones. Maintain detailed records of all payments with official receipts. Ensure that property transfers are registered immediately upon completion to establish your legal ownership.

**Post-Purchase Protection:** Obtain comprehensive property insurance covering fire, theft, and natural disasters common in your property's region. Establish relationships with local property management services if you won't be residing in Cameroon permanently. Maintain current tax payments to prevent government liens or seizure actions.

**Document Management:** Store all original documents in secure locations, with certified copies available for routine use. Keep digital backups of all transaction records, contracts, and correspondence in multiple secure locations.

**Ongoing Monitoring:** Regularly verify that your property registration remains current and that no unauthorized liens or claims have been filed against your property. Maintain relationships with local legal contacts who can monitor any legal developments affecting your investment.

How long does the entire process usually take from start to finish?

The complete property purchase process in Cameroon typically requires 2-6 months, with significant variation based on location, property complexity, and bureaucratic efficiency.

**Standard Timeline Breakdown:** Initial research and professional selection generally require 3-6 weeks. Property search and due diligence can extend 4-10 weeks depending on market availability and complexity of title verification. Contract negotiation and preparation typically take 2-4 weeks, while final notary processes and registration require 4-8 weeks.

**Factors Causing Delays:** Title verification at land registries can be significantly delayed, particularly in rural areas or for properties with complex ownership histories. Government office efficiency varies substantially between regions, with Douala and Yaoundé generally processing documents faster than smaller cities.

**Seasonal Considerations:** The rainy season (May-October) can slow document processing and travel for property viewings. Government offices may experience reduced efficiency during holiday periods, particularly around Christmas and end-of-fiscal-year periods.

**Acceleration Strategies:** Working with experienced local professionals can reduce timeline by 30-50%. Having all personal documentation prepared and properly translated before beginning the process can eliminate common delays. Maintaining flexible travel schedules allows you to respond quickly to signing appointments and registration requirements.

It's something we develop in our Cameroon property pack.

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 are all the taxes, fees, and hidden costs you should expect, with a full breakdown?

Property purchase costs in Cameroon can reach 15-30% of the property value when including all mandatory fees, taxes, and recommended professional services.

Cost Category	Typical Range	Calculation Base
Registration Tax	8-15%	Property transaction value
Notary Fees	2-8%	Property transaction value
Real Estate Agent Commission	3-7%	Property transaction value
Stamp Duty	0.5-2%	Property transaction value
Legal Counsel	$1,000-5,000	Fixed fee or hourly rate
Title Search & Verification	$200-800	Fixed administrative fee
Land Survey	$300-1,500	Property size and complexity
Translation & Document Preparation	$200-600	Document volume

**Hidden Costs Often Overlooked:** Currency conversion fees can add 1-3% to international transfers for property payments. Travel costs for required in-person appearances can range from $2,000-8,000 depending on your location. Property insurance premiums typically cost 0.5-2% of property value annually but are essential for protection.

**Regional Variations:** Fees in major cities like Douala and Yaoundé tend toward the higher end of ranges due to increased professional service costs. Rural properties may have lower professional fees but can require additional survey and access costs.

Can you buy in cash, and if yes, how does that process work compared to taking a mortgage?

Cash purchases are the most common and straightforward method for foreign property buyers in Cameroon, while mortgage financing remains extremely limited for non-residents.

**Cash Purchase Process:** Funds can be transferred through international wire transfers directly to the seller's account or held in escrow until transaction completion. All transfers must be properly documented for both Cameroonian tax authorities and your home country's financial reporting requirements. The notary will verify proof of funds before finalizing the sale contract.

**Cash Purchase Advantages:** Faster transaction processing, stronger negotiating position with sellers, and elimination of complex bank approval processes. No ongoing interest payments or mortgage default risks, providing complete ownership security.

**Mortgage Availability for Foreigners:** As of September 2025, mortgage financing for foreign buyers is extremely rare and typically limited to expatriates with long-term Cameroonian employment contracts. Most local banks require substantial local assets, Cameroonian residency status, and proof of consistent local income.

**Mortgage Terms When Available:** Interest rates for foreign buyers typically range from 8-15% annually. Down payment requirements often exceed 40-50% of property value. Loan terms rarely extend beyond 15-20 years, and approval processes can take 3-6 months even for qualified applicants.

**Improving Mortgage Approval Chances:** Establish long-term banking relationships with major Cameroonian banks before property shopping. Maintain substantial deposits in local bank accounts for extended periods. Provide comprehensive documentation of global financial stability and income sources.

What types of property are foreigners allowed to buy, and what are they restricted from buying?

Cameroon allows foreign ownership of most property types but maintains restrictions on strategic lands and certain rural areas with traditional ownership structures.

**Permitted Property Types:** Foreigners can freely purchase residential properties including houses, apartments, and condominiums in urban and suburban areas. Commercial properties such as office buildings, retail spaces, and warehouses are generally available for foreign ownership. Most agricultural land can be purchased by foreigners, though some restrictions apply to large-scale agricultural concessions.

**Restricted Property Categories:** State lands designated for public use or strategic purposes are prohibited for foreign ownership. Some rural plots classified as "indigenous lands" under traditional ownership systems may require special permissions or be completely off-limits to foreigners. Properties in certain border areas or military zones may have ownership restrictions for national security reasons.

**Special Permission Properties:** Large agricultural concessions may require government approval and compliance with specific investment commitments. Properties near sensitive infrastructure or in designated economic zones may require additional clearances from relevant ministries.

**Ownership Structure Options:** Direct individual ownership is the most common structure for residential properties. Corporate ownership through Cameroonian companies can provide advantages for commercial properties but requires compliance with local business registration requirements.

It's something we develop in our Cameroon property pack.

Does buying property in Cameroon open a path to residency or citizenship?

Property ownership in Cameroon does not automatically grant residency or citizenship rights, but it can support applications for long-term residence permits under certain circumstances.

**No Automatic Rights:** Purchasing real estate does not provide automatic residency status or citizenship pathways in Cameroon. Property ownership and immigration status are handled through completely separate legal frameworks.

**Supporting Documentation:** Property ownership can serve as proof of ties to Cameroon when applying for long-term residence permits or visa extensions. Investment-based residence applications may consider significant property investments as evidence of commitment to the country.

**Residence Permit Applications:** Long-term residence permits require separate applications through immigration authorities, typically requiring proof of financial means, clean criminal background, and specific purpose for residence such as business, retirement, or family ties.

**Citizenship Requirements:** Cameroonian citizenship generally requires legal residence for minimum periods (typically 10-20 years), language proficiency, and demonstrated integration into Cameroonian society. Property ownership alone is insufficient to meet these requirements.

**Practical Benefits:** Property owners may find it easier to obtain multiple-entry visas and extended stay permits for property management purposes. Some visa categories for investors or retirees may consider property ownership as supporting evidence of financial stability.

Where do most foreigners usually buy property in Cameroon, and why those areas?

Foreign property buyers in Cameroon concentrate primarily in four key areas, each offering distinct advantages for different investor profiles and lifestyle preferences.

**Douala - Economic Capital:** As Cameroon's largest city and primary commercial hub, Douala attracts the highest volume of foreign property investment. The city offers the most developed infrastructure, international business presence, and expatriate community support systems. Property values in central Douala range from $80,000-300,000 for quality residential properties, with strong rental demand from expatriate workers.

**Yaoundé - Administrative Center:** The capital city draws foreign buyers seeking proximity to government services, embassies, and administrative functions. Yaoundé offers excellent educational facilities, healthcare services, and cultural amenities. Property prices typically range from $60,000-250,000 for residential properties in desirable neighborhoods.

**Kribi - Coastal Investment:** This coastal city attracts foreign buyers interested in beachfront properties and tourism-related investments. Kribi offers lower property prices ($30,000-150,000) but with higher potential returns through vacation rental markets and tourism development.

**Limbe - Beach Lifestyle:** Located in the English-speaking Southwest region, Limbe appeals to anglophone foreign buyers and those seeking beach lifestyle properties. The area offers natural beauty, moderate property prices, and growing expatriate communities focused on tourism and agriculture.

**Selection Factors:** Most foreigners choose these locations due to superior infrastructure including reliable electricity, water systems, and telecommunications. These areas offer established expatriate communities providing social support and business networks. Medical facilities, international schools, and banking services are more readily available in these major centers.

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.

Sources

1. Cameroon Investment Promotion Agency
2. Ministry of State Property, Surveys and Land Tenure
3. Cameroon Info Real Estate Market Reports
4. African Real Estate Guide - Cameroon
5. PwC Cameroon Market Analysis
6. Central African Economic and Monetary Union
7. World Bank Cameroon Country Overview
8. Trading Economics Cameroon Data