Cameroon
Key entity, tax, banking, visa, and compliance guidance for foreign founders incorporating in Cameroon.
Foreign Ownership Eligibility
Cameroon welcomes 100% foreign-owned companies
Fully remote formation — you never need to set foot in the country.
- 100% foreign ownership permitted in most sectors
- Legal system: Mixed (Civil Law and Common Law)
- Primary registration authority: Centre de Formalites des Entreprises (CFE)
- Registry website: https://www.cfce.cm
- Tax authority: Direction Generale des Impots (DGI Cameroon)
- Corporate income tax (CIT): 31.5% - Source: CIT: 31.5% (Cameroon DGI). VAT: 19.25%.
- VAT / sales tax: 19.25%
- Estimated formation timeline: 3-5 days - Via CFE Guichet Unique. Source: CFE Cameroon
- Annual compliance and renewal obligations apply
Ownership
100% Foreign OK
Formation
100% Remote
Tax at a glance
Cameroon Tax Overview
31.5%
Corporate Income Tax (CIT)
CIT: 31.5% (Cameroon DGI). VAT: 19.25%.
19.25%
VAT / Sales Tax
CIT: 31.5% (Cameroon DGI). VAT: 19.25%.
Direction Generale des Impots (DGI Cameroon)
Tax Authority
https://www.impots.cm
Pros & cons
Advantages & Considerations
Key Advantages
100% foreign ownership permitted in most sectors
Legal framework: Mixed (Civil Law and Common Law)
Primary registry: Centre de Formalites des Entreprises (CFE)
Tax rate: 31.5% CIT
Incorporated company has access to Cameroon market
Considerations
Local professional guidance recommended for regulatory compliance
Banking KYC requirements can be extensive - allow time for account opening
Professional services market may be limited compared to major financial centres
Verify sector-specific restrictions before investing
Currency risk: XAF fluctuations may affect USD-denominated investments
Incorporation Process
The process is strictly digital. Each stage builds on the previous one.
Name reservation
Prepare incorporation documents
Submit registration application
Tax registration
Open corporate bank account
What you'll pay
Cost Architecture
Government Fees
Annual Ongoing
Professional Services
Government fees change frequently. Always verify current fee schedule at https://www.cfce.cm before committing.
Still unsure about costs?
These are estimates — your actual cost depends on your structure
Every Cameroon setup is different. A 15-minute call with one of our specialists will give you a personalised cost breakdown — completely free.
Fintech & Banking
Can non-residents open accounts without visiting? NO.
Banking options for non-resident founders in Cameroon. Remote account opening availability varies by institution.
| Institution | Type | Ease for Non-Residents | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Societe Generale Cameroun | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | |
| Afriland First Bank | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | |
| SGBC | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | |
| UBA Cameroon | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) |
Regulatory requirements
Annual Compliance Matrix
| Requirement | Deadline | Details |
|---|---|---|
Annual company filing | Ongoing | File annual returns with Centre de Formalites des Entreprises (CFE) to maintain good standing. |
Corporate income tax return | Ongoing | Submit annual CIT return to Direction Generale des Impots (DGI Cameroon). Rate: 31.5%. |
VAT filing | Ongoing | VAT-registered businesses file periodically. Rate: 19.25%. Verify threshold with Direction Generale des Impots (DGI Cameroon). |
Accounting records | Ongoing | Maintain statutory books per Mixed (Civil Law and Common Law) requirements. |
Beneficial ownership disclosure | Ongoing | Verify current UBO requirements in Cameroon. |
Frequently Asked
Speak with a Cameroon specialist
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