REQUIREMENTS TO OBTAIN CAMEROONIAN NATIONALITY VIA NATURALISATION
Cameroon Nationality may be acquired by foreign citizens who have resided permanently in Cameroon for 05 consecutive years. Section 24 of the Nationality Code states that a foreigner seeking Cameroonian Nationality may only acquire it by express request. The application for naturalisation shall be addressed to the Minister of Justice, Keeper of the Seals.
The seeker must state crystal-clear the reason why he or she wants to become a citizen of Cameroon. The applicant’s file must include the following documents:
-
- Curriculum Vitae,
- birth registratio
- marriage certificate,
- birth certificates of his children who are minors and unmarried, and any other document which ascertains the full knowledge of the facts which may support his application.
On receipt of the application, the Minister of Justice shall cause a police inquiry to be conducted into the morals, conduct and loyalty of the applicant. He shall ascertain the degree of his assimilation to the Cameroonian community and the interest of this naturalisation.
Applicants are also expected to meet character and health standards. This acquisition is provided by a Government Decree and as such is ultimately subject to Government approval.
Cameroon Naturalization Process Insights
The naturalisation process may be simplified for foreign nationals who have either married a Cameroonian woman, were born in Cameroon, have rendered exceptional services to Cameroon or whose naturalisation would be highly advantageous to the State. Similarly, children born in Cameroon by foreign parents or adopted by Cameroonian parents may adopt Cameroon Nationality at majority.
Naturalisation in Cameroon is finalized by the passing of a Decree of naturalization of the applicant, expected to be published in the Official Gazette.
The Decree becomes effective from the date of the signing. The Decree may be revoked within a year from the date of discovery of a mistake or fraud on the part of the applicant, or where the person did not satisfy the conditions required.
Article by CHUO ANGABUA JUNIOR
‘’The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. We insist specialist advice be sought depending on your specific circumstance’’
TO TALK WITH A SPECIALIST
