Cameroon EOR & PEO
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DID YOU KNOW
- Cameroon is often called “Africa in miniature” due to its rich cultural, geographical, and linguistic diversity.
- Mount Cameroon is the highest peak in West and Central Africa and is an active volcano.
- The country is home to more than 250 ethnic groups and features a mix of rainforests, deserts, mountains, and coastlines.
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Cameroon EOR Services
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Working in Cameroon
Financial Year Dates
Cameroon’s fiscal year runs from 1st January to 31st December.
Minimum Wage
As of 2025, the national minimum wage is XAF 41,875 per month for employees in the private sector. Industry-specific agreements may apply higher minimums in sectors like oil, finance, or construction.
Standard working hours
The legal standard workweek in Cameroon is 40 hours, typically spread across five 8-hour days from Monday to Friday. In the agricultural sector and some industries, a six-day week may apply.
Overtime
Overtime pay is mandatory and calculated as follows:
- 125% of the base hourly wage for overtime during regular weekdays
- 150% for night hours
- 200% for Sundays and public holidays
Overtime must not exceed 20 hours per week unless exceptional circumstances apply.
Holiday Allowance
Employees are entitled to 1.5 working days of paid leave per month, resulting in 18 working days of annual leave after one year of continuous employment. Leave entitlements increase with seniority or under collective agreements.
Public holidays are additional to annual leave and must be observed as paid days off.
Sick Leave
Employees are entitled to paid sick leave, provided they present a medical certificate issued by an authorized physician. The duration of leave and payment terms depend on tenure and collective agreements:
- During the first 6 months: limited employer obligation
- After 6 months: 50–100% salary compensation depending on duration and company policy
Social security may reimburse employers for extended illnesses, especially if registered under the National Social Insurance Fund (CNPS).
Maternity & Paternity Leave
- Maternity Leave: 14 weeks of paid leave (up to 4 weeks pre-natal, 10 weeks post-natal), extended to 18 weeks in the case of complications or multiple births. Leave is paid at 100% of salary, funded by the CNPS.
- Paternity Leave: 3 days of paid leave are granted to fathers at the time of childbirth.
Public Holiday
Cameroon observes national public holidays, with additional observances for religious groups. These typically include:
- New Year’s Day
- Labour Day
- National Day
- Assumption Day
- All Saints’ Day
- Christmas Day
- Good Friday
- Easter Monday
- Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)*
- Eid al-Adha (Tabaski)*
- Ascension Day
- Pentecost Monday
- Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday*
*Islamic holidays are based on the lunar calendar and may vary year to year.
Social Contributions
Employers and employees are required to contribute to the National Social Insurance Fund (CNPS), which covers pensions, family benefits, workplace injury, and healthcare.
Employer Contributions: ~11.2%–15.5%
- 2%: Family benefits
- 4%–8.4%: Work accident insurance (risk-dependent)
- 3%: Pension
Employee Contributions: 2.8% (pension and benefits)
Contributions are based on gross monthly salaries and must be declared and paid monthly.
Income Tax
Cameroon operates a progressive personal income tax system ranging from 10% to 35%, applied as follows:
Monthly Income (XAF) | Tax Rate |
0 – 62,000 | 0% |
62,001 – 150,000 | 10% |
150,001 – 250,000 | 15% |
250,001 – 450,000 | 25% |
450,001+ | 35% |
In addition, a 10% surcharge is applied to the total tax liability (known as the Additional Council Tax).
Non-residents are taxed only on Cameroon-sourced income.
Health Care
Cameroon’s healthcare system is a mix of public and private services. The Ministry of Public Health manages the public system, which provides basic care, especially in urban areas. However, services may be limited in rural regions.
Employers must register employees with CNPS, which funds maternity, occupational injury, and limited health benefits. Many companies offer private health insurance to ensure broader and more reliable coverage, particularly for senior staff or expatriates.
Private clinics in cities like Yaoundé and Douala offer higher-quality care, often with French- and English-speaking staff.
Visas
Foreign nationals working in Cameroon must obtain both a work permit and a residence permit.
- Work Permit: Must be sponsored by the employer and approved by the Ministry of Labour. Issued for 1 year, renewable.
- Residence Permit: Required for stays over 3 months. Valid for up to 2 years.
- Business Visa: Available for short stays (up to 90 days), does not permit formal employment.
Processing times for work permits may vary and early preparation is advised.
13th salary
There is no statutory requirement for a 13th-month salary in Cameroon. However, it is common practice in many industries to provide an end-of-year bonus, particularly in the formal private sector.
Cultural Information
- Cameroonian cuisine varies by region but is known for its bold flavors and variety. Staple dishes include: Ndolé – a bitterleaf stew with groundnuts and fish or beef. Poulet DG – a spiced chicken and plantain dish. Eru – a vegetable stew from the Southwest Region
- Business is often conducted in French or English, depending on the region. The country’s Anglophone regions may have distinct legal and communication practices. Respect for linguistic and regional differences is crucial in employer-employee relations.
- Business culture in Cameroon tends to be hierarchical. Titles and formal greetings are important, especially in Francophone regions. Decision-making can be top-down, and building trust and rapport is essential for long-term business partnerships.