Doing Business in Cameroon (2025): Official Portals, Policies, and Practical Steps

This guide compiles the up-to-date government and departmental resources foreign companies need when starting or operating in Cameroon in 2025. It covers company registration, tax obligations, labor compliance, visa and work-permit procedures, and practical steps with key precautions. Where an official site URL is uncertain, consult the national government portal or the nearest Cameroonian embassy for confirmation.

Core Government & Departmental Contacts (Quick Reference)

How to Register a Company in Cameroon — Step-by-Step (Practical Workflow)

1. Choose the legal form: Common forms include SARL (limited liability), SA (public limited), branch or representative office. Match the form to liability, capital and management needs.
2. Name reservation: Check name availability with the RCCM or local Commercial Court. Reserve the name as required.
3. Prepare founding documents: Draft articles of association, shareholders' agreements and minutes. Translate and notarize foreign documents if necessary.
4. Open a bank account and deposit capital: For entities requiring minimum capital, deposit and obtain a bank certificate (if applicable).
5. File with the RCCM / Commercial Court: Submit incorporation dossier: statutes, proof of address, identity documents, bank certificate and payment receipts. Expect e‑filing timelines to shorten in many jurisdictions in 2025.
6. Obtain tax ID and register with DGI: Apply for a tax identification number (TIN), VAT registration (if applicable) and bookkeeping requirements.
7. Register for social security (CNPS) and labor obligations: Enroll employees and set up payroll contributions.
8. Apply for necessary sector licenses: Energy, telecom, import/export, and others may need separate permits from sectoral ministries.
9. Register with the Chamber of Commerce: Obtain trade certificates and certificates of origin where required.

Timeline & Typical Documents

Typical timeframe: 2–8 weeks for standard incorporations, depending on sector and completeness of documents. Core documents: articles of association, shareholders' IDs, proof of registered office, bank certificate, tax registration forms, proof of payment of fees.

Tax Compliance & Filing — Key Requirements

Foreign companies operating in Cameroon must register for corporate tax, VAT, payroll withholding and other applicable levies. Notable 2025 developments include wider e‑filing, stricter transfer pricing scrutiny and reinforcement of digital invoicing for certain taxpayers.

Action Steps for Tax Compliance

1. Register with the DGI to obtain the taxpayer identification number (TIN).
2. Set up accounting in accordance with national standards; maintain electronic records if required.
3. File periodic VAT returns and corporate income tax returns on prescribed schedules.
4. Prepare transfer pricing documentation for cross‑border related party transactions — expect higher scrutiny in 2025.
5. Stay current on tax incentives from the investment promotion agency and apply formal approvals to secure exemptions.

Labor Law & Social Security — What to Watch

Cameroon's labor code governs contracts, working hours, dismissal rules, severance and occupational safety. Employers must register employees with CNPS and comply with payroll contribution rates. In 2025 authorities are emphasizing enforcement of registration and workplace safety standards.

Practical Steps for HR Compliance

• Draft employment contracts consistent with local law (include probation terms, notice periods and remuneration details).
• Register every employee with CNPS and with tax authorities for payroll withholding.
• Implement workplace health and safety procedures and document training.
• Ensure statutory benefits and leave entitlements are honored to avoid sanctions.

Visas, Work Permits & Mobility of Expatriates

Foreign workers generally require a work permit and a residence visa. The consular network and the competent immigration office process visas and authorizations. In 2025 several diplomatic missions began piloting e‑visa and online appointment systems for streamlined processing.

Step-by-Step for Hiring an Expat

1. Secure a short‑term entry visa or mission visa to initiate local processes (consult the embassy).
2. Apply for a work authorization through the Ministry of Labour / immigration office—submit employment contract, company registration evidence, role justification and CV of the applicant.
3. Once approved, apply for the residence permit at the immigration office and arrange biometric enrollment.
4. Register the expatriate with tax and social security authorities and include them on payroll.

Common Pitfalls and Precautions

• Verify official sources: Government portals sometimes change domain names. Confirm links via the national government site or embassies.
• Document authentication: Foreign documents often require legalisation or apostille and translation into French or English as requested.
• Local agent and representation: Use a qualified local lawyer or corporate service provider to avoid delays and ensure compliance.
• Regulatory timelines: Deadlines for tax and social filings are strict; late filings incur penalties.
• Contract clarity: Draft clear employment contracts and service agreements tailored to Cameroonian law.
• Currency & repatriation rules: Monitor exchange control and repatriation rules for profit remittances; consult Ministry of Finance updates.

Practical Examples & Case Notes

Case 1: Tech Start‑up from Europe

A European software firm opened an SARL in Douala in early 2024. By using a local corporate services provider and e‑filing where available, they finalized registration in six weeks, obtained a VAT number and onboarded two expatriate engineers following work‑permit approval. Key success factors: local counsel, clear documentation and early CNPS registration.

Case 2: Regional Trading Company

A West African trading business expanded to Cameroon in 2025. They benefited from an investment incentive for logistics, registered with DGDA for customs facilitation and set up local payroll. They faced an initial delay due to missing legalized documents; solution: centralizing apostilled papers and re‑submitting the complete dossier.

Where to Get Help

For hands‑on support with registration, permits and HR compliance, many foreign investors work with local law firms, accounting firms and licensed corporate services. For international human mobility and staffing solutions, consider agencies like SailGlobal to help place and manage offshore personnel and expatriate support services.

Final Checklist Before You Launch

1. Confirm company name and register with RCCM.
2. Obtain TIN and register for VAT/other taxes.
3. Register employees with CNPS and set up payroll systems.
4. Secure any sectoral licenses and permits.
5. Complete work‑permit and visa formalities for expatriate staff.
6. Maintain a local legal and tax adviser on retainer for ongoing compliance updates.

Note: This guide summarizes common procedures and 2025 trends. Always verify policy changes and portal URLs with official government sources or through the nearest Cameroonian diplomatic mission before taking binding steps.