Cameroon Golden Visa through property: does it exist?

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

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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.

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At The AfricanVestor, 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 Limbe. 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.

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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.

Does Cameroon have a Golden Visa program for property investment?

Cameroon does not have a Golden Visa program that grants residency or citizenship through property investment.

As of September 2025, the Cameroonian government has not established any formal Golden Visa scheme similar to those found in European countries like Portugal or Greece. Unlike these nations, purchasing real estate in Cameroon does not provide any pathway to residency rights or citizenship.

The absence of a Golden Visa program means that foreign property buyers cannot use real estate investments as a means to secure legal residency status in Cameroon. Property ownership and immigration status are handled as completely separate legal processes by different government agencies.

Foreign investors interested in both property purchase and residency must navigate these as independent procedures, with no guarantee that owning property will support visa or residency applications.

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

What are the requirements for getting residency through real estate in Cameroon?

There are no specific requirements for obtaining residency through real estate in Cameroon because such a program does not exist.

The Cameroonian immigration system operates independently of property ownership, meaning that buying real estate cannot directly lead to residency rights. Foreigners seeking residency must apply through standard visa categories such as work permits, family reunification, or investment visas unrelated to property.

While property ownership might demonstrate financial stability and ties to Cameroon, it does not automatically qualify an individual for any residency category. Immigration authorities evaluate residency applications based on employment, family connections, or business investments in sectors other than real estate.

Foreigners who wish to live in Cameroon long-term must meet immigration requirements that are separate from any property investments they may make in the country.

How much do I need to invest in Cameroon property for a Golden Visa?

There is no minimum investment amount for a Golden Visa in Cameroon because the program does not exist.

Since Cameroon has not established a Golden Visa or residency-by-investment program linked to real estate, there are no official investment thresholds to meet. Unlike countries with Golden Visa programs that require investments ranging from €250,000 to €500,000, Cameroon has no such framework.

Foreign property buyers in Cameroon can purchase real estate at any price point without any connection to residency benefits. Property investments are purely commercial transactions that do not confer immigration advantages.

The absence of minimum investment requirements reflects the fact that Cameroon treats property ownership and immigration as entirely separate legal matters.

Are there minimum property value requirements for residency in Cameroon?

No minimum property value thresholds exist for residency purposes in Cameroon since there is no Golden Visa program.

The Cameroonian government has not established any property value benchmarks that would qualify foreign buyers for residency or citizenship benefits. This differs significantly from countries like Greece (€250,000 minimum) or Portugal (€500,000 minimum) that have specific investment thresholds.

Property transactions in Cameroon are regulated solely for commercial and legal compliance purposes, not for immigration benefits. Foreign buyers can purchase properties worth any amount without any connection to residency rights.

The lack of minimum value requirements emphasizes that property investment and immigration are handled as completely separate processes in Cameroon.

What types of properties qualify for Golden Visa investment in Cameroon?

No property types qualify for Golden Visa investment in Cameroon because the program does not exist.

Since Cameroon lacks a Golden Visa framework, the classification of properties (residential, commercial, or mixed-use) has no bearing on residency or citizenship eligibility. All property types are treated equally under Cameroonian law with respect to foreign ownership, but none provide immigration benefits.

Foreign buyers can invest in apartments, houses, commercial buildings, or land (subject to ownership restrictions) without any of these investments contributing to residency qualification. The property type purchased is irrelevant for immigration purposes.

This contrasts with Golden Visa countries where specific property types (such as residential real estate) are often required for program eligibility.

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

Do I need to buy property in specific Cameroon locations for residency benefits?

There are no location requirements for property purchases related to residency in Cameroon since no Golden Visa program exists.

Foreign buyers can purchase property in any Cameroonian city or region where foreign ownership is permitted (subject to existing restrictions) without any location providing immigration advantages. Cities like Douala, Yaoundé, or Limbe offer equal treatment regarding property ownership rights.

However, foreign property ownership does face location-based restrictions unrelated to immigration benefits. Border areas, agricultural lands, and regions with customary land tenure often restrict or prohibit foreign ownership for security and cultural reasons.

These location restrictions exist for property law purposes, not for any non-existent Golden Visa program requirements.

How long must I keep the property to maintain residency status?

There are no property holding period requirements related to residency in Cameroon because no Golden Visa program exists.

Since property ownership does not grant residency rights in Cameroon, there are no minimum holding periods that foreign owners must observe to maintain any form of residency status. Property can be sold at any time without affecting any non-existent residency benefits.

This differs from Golden Visa countries where property must typically be held for 3-7 years to maintain residency rights. In Cameroon, property ownership duration has no connection to immigration status.

Foreign property owners can dispose of their investments based solely on commercial considerations without any impact on their legal status in the country.

What are the extra costs for buying property in Cameroon for residency?

Property purchase costs in Cameroon range from 8-15% of the property value, but these are not related to any residency program.

Cost Category	Percentage of Property Value	Purpose
Registration fees	3-5%	Property title registration
Notary fees	2-3%	Legal documentation and verification
Government approvals	1-2%	Ministerial permissions for foreign buyers
Legal fees	1-3%	Legal representation and due diligence
Survey and valuation	1-2%	Property assessment and boundary verification

These costs apply to all foreign property purchases regardless of the buyer's immigration intentions, as they are standard transaction fees rather than Golden Visa-related expenses. Foreign buyers must budget for these additional costs when calculating their total investment in Cameroonian real estate.

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 documents do I need for a Golden Visa application in Cameroon?

No documentation is required for a Golden Visa application in Cameroon because the program does not exist.

However, foreign property buyers must provide extensive documentation for property purchases, including proof of funds, investment declarations, government clearances, and ministerial approvals. These documents are required for property transactions, not for any immigration benefits.

Property purchase documentation includes bank statements, income verification, criminal background checks, and investment source declarations. Additionally, buyers need government approvals for foreign property acquisition and ministerial permissions for land transactions.

While this documentation might be useful for separate visa applications, it does not contribute to any property-based residency program since none exists in Cameroon.

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

What restrictions exist on foreign property ownership in Cameroon?

Foreign property ownership in Cameroon is restricted to leasehold arrangements, typically lasting 25-99 years.

1. **Freehold land ownership** - Generally prohibited for non-citizens 2. **Agricultural land** - Restricted or prohibited for foreign buyers 3. **Border areas** - Security restrictions limit foreign ownership 4. **Customary land** - Traditional tenure systems exclude foreign buyers 5. **Strategic locations** - Government may restrict foreign ownership in sensitive areas

These restrictions exist for security, cultural, and economic reasons unrelated to any Golden Visa program. Foreign buyers can acquire buildings and long-term leasehold interests but cannot obtain full freehold ownership of land.

The leasehold system allows foreigners to control property for substantial periods while preserving ultimate land ownership for Cameroonian citizens. This arrangement provides investment opportunities while maintaining national sovereignty over land resources.

How long does Golden Visa processing take in Cameroon?

There is no Golden Visa processing time in Cameroon because the program does not exist.

However, property purchase and registration procedures for foreigners typically take 2-6 months, depending on the complexity of government approvals and due diligence requirements. This timeframe covers property transactions only, not any immigration benefits.

The processing time for property purchases includes obtaining ministerial approvals, conducting legal due diligence, completing property surveys, and finalizing registration with relevant authorities. Complex transactions or properties in restricted areas may require additional time.

Foreigners planning property investments should budget for these timeframes while understanding that property ownership does not provide any fast-track to residency or citizenship in Cameroon.

Can family members be included in a Cameroon Golden Visa application?

Family members cannot be included in a Golden Visa application in Cameroon because no such program exists.

Since property ownership does not grant residency rights in Cameroon, there is no automatic provision for including family members in any property-based immigration scheme. Each family member would need to qualify independently for visas or residency through standard immigration channels.

Foreign property owners who wish to bring family members to Cameroon must pursue separate visa applications for each family member based on family reunification, dependent visas, or other immigration categories unrelated to property ownership.

This differs significantly from countries with Golden Visa programs where spouse and dependent children are typically included in the main applicant's residency grant.

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. Golden Visas - Cameroon
2. Harvey Law Corporation - Real Estate Investment Citizenship
3. Halle Law - Foreign Property Investment in Cameroon Legal Guide
4. The African Vestor - Moving to Cameroon Buy Property
5. Generis Online - Foreign Ownership of Property in Cameroon
6. CFB Holding - Buying Property in Cameroon Foreigner Guide
7. Bamboo Routes - Cameroon Worth It
8. Kinsmen Advocates - Buying a House in Cameroon