HR, PEO & Employer of Record (EOR) Services in Cameroon

Introduction

Cameroon stands as one of Central Africa’s most dynamic gateways, strategically positioned with access to six neighboring countries and a direct Atlantic coastline. With a diversified economy spanning agriculture, energy, manufacturing, and a rapidly growing digital sector, it offers strong potential for investors seeking long-term growth. Supported by an expanding middle class and government-led reforms to improve the business climate, Cameroon is increasingly viewed as a hub for trade and regional expansion in Francophone Africa.

EOR & PEO Solutions in Cameroon

If you’re looking to hire employees in Cameroon without setting up a legal entity, using an Employer of Record (EOR) like Empleyo is the simplest and most compliant path forward. An EOR in Cameroon acts as the official legal employer on your behalf, managing everything from payroll and HR administration to employment contracts and statutory employee benefits.

This model allows you to expand into Cameroon quickly, while remaining fully compliant with local labor laws without the complexity or cost of registering a local entity.

What Is an Employer of Record in Cameroon?

An Employer of Record Cameroon (also known as an EOR provider) enables businesses to hire and onboard Cameroon employees without having to incorporate in-country. The EOR manages:

You continue to oversee your team’s day-to-day tasks, while the EOR service handles legal obligations as the official employer on paper.

What’s the Difference Between EOR and PEO?

A Professional Employer Organization (PEO) typically supports businesses that already have a registered entity in Cameroon, offering co-employment solutions for HR, payroll, and benefits. An EOR, however, is ideal when you don’t have a legal presence in Vietnam but still want to hire full-time staff.

Whether you choose an EOR or PEO depends on your Cameroon hiring strategy, budget, and long-term plans for the market.

Benefits of Using an EOR Service in Cameroon

By using an EOR solution, companies can confidently build their team in Cameroon, access top talent in Cameroon, and stay focused on business growth without getting tangled in bureaucracy.

Hiring in Cameroon

Cameroon is a thriving market with a growing pool of skilled professionals, making it an ideal destination for businesses looking to expand globally. But to hire in Cameroon successfully, it’s important to understand your options — especially when you don’t have a legal entity in Cameroon.

That’s where using an Employer of Record in Cameroon makes all the difference.

Your Hiring Options in Cameroon

Businesses have two main paths to hire employees in Cameroon:

The second option is faster, lower-risk, and ideal for companies that want to test the market, launch quickly, or hire remote employees without permanent infrastructure.

Why Use an EOR to Hire in Cameroon?

This approach is especially useful for startups, global teams, and growing businesses that need to hire quickly and remain fully compliant.

Employment in Cameroon

Understanding how employment in Cameroon works is key to managing your team successfully and staying compliant. Whether you’re hiring directly or using an Employer of Record (EOR), companies must follow labor laws closely especially when it comes to employment contracts, payroll, and employee benefits.

That’s why many growing businesses choose to use an EOR in Cameroon to handle these responsibilities with confidence.

Employment Contracts in Cameroon

All employees in Cameroon must be hired under a written employment contract, clearly outlining the job role, salary, benefits, working hours, and duration of employment. Contracts must comply with the Labor Code of Cameroon, and are usually signed before or on the first day of work.

By working with a Cameroon employer of record, you can ensure that all employment contracts in Cameroon are properly structured, compliant, and aligned with local requirements without having to hire a full in-house HR team.

Payroll & Employer Contributions

Payroll in Cameroon involves more than just paying a monthly salary. Employers are required to withhold income tax and make contributions to:

These deductions and employer contributions are calculated based on the employee’s gross monthly salary, and must be submitted on time to remain compliant. An EOR in Cameroon handles this for you, managing all payroll, tax filings, and reporting on your behalf.

Employee Benefits and Leave

labor law mandates several employee benefits, including:

Using an employer of record service ensures your team in Cameroon receives all required benefits and that your business remains fully compliant with employment law.

Termination & Notice Periods

Ending an employment contract in Cameroon requires adherence to strict labor regulations that balance employer obligations with employee protections. Notice periods vary by length of service and role typically starting at one month for shorter tenures and increasing with seniority while terminations must follow due process, including valid justification and, where applicable, severance pay.

Partnering with an Employer of Record ensures compliance with these requirements, mitigating risk and supporting smooth workforce transitions.

Visas & Permits in Cameroon

If you’re planning to hire employees in Cameroon or bring in foreign talent, understanding Cameroon’s visa and permit requirements is critical. Navigating these processes can be complex, but working with a trusted Employer of Record (EOR) in Cameroon makes it much easier.

An experienced EOR provider will ensure all permits are handled legally, so you can focus on building your team in Cameroon with confidence.

Work Permits for Foreign Employees in Cameroon

Foreign nationals who plan to work in Cameroon must obtain a valid work permit, typically sponsored by the employing entity. The process involves securing an employment contract approved by the Ministry of Labor, followed by residence authorization for the duration of employment.

Engaging an Employer of Record streamlines this compliance-heavy process, ensuring timely work authorization while reducing administrative complexity for businesses hiring international talent.

Types of Visas for Foreign Talent

There are several types of visas used to work or do business in Cameroon, including:

Each visa type has specific use cases, duration limits, and documentation requirements. If you’re looking to hire in Cameroon or send international staff temporarily, an EOR Cameroon solution helps you identify the right visa and manage the application process end-to-end.

Business Permits for Foreign Companies

To operate directly in Cameroon, foreign companies typically need to register a legal entity in Cameroon and apply for a business license. This can be a time-consuming process that includes office registration, investment approvals, and compliance with labor laws.

Alternatively, you can use an EOR in Cameroon to bypass the need for a local entity. The Cameroon employer of record is already registered and authorized to employ staff and manage payroll, contracts, and local compliance making it easier and faster to hire employees in Cameroon.

Why Visas & Permits Matter for Global Hiring

If you’re hiring foreign employees in Cameroon, or placing international staff in-country, it’s essential to stay compliant with immigration laws. The right employer of record service helps you:

Common Questions on EOR in Cameroon

How are employment contracts managed by an EOR in Cameroon?

The EOR drafts locally compliant contracts that reflect Cameroon’s labor code requirements, including probation, notice, termination rules, and leave entitlements. These contracts can be tailored to align with the client company’s business needs while remaining enforceable under local law.

What types of employment can be supported by an EOR in Cameroon?

EORs can support full-time, fixed-term, or project-based contracts depending on the company’s needs. All arrangements must comply with Cameroon’s labor laws, which set limits on contract renewals and specify protections for permanent employees.

How quickly can employees be onboarded through an EOR in Cameroon?

Onboarding timelines depend on whether the employee is local or foreign. Local employees can often be onboarded within days, while foreign hires may take longer due to work visa and permit approvals. The EOR manages the entire compliance process.

What industries or roles are best suited for EOR hiring in Cameroon?

EOR is particularly valuable for companies in technology, energy, infrastructure, and professional services that want to test the market or scale operations quickly. It also benefits organizations managing remote teams or projects without needing a permanent local office.

What risks does an EOR help mitigate in Cameroon?

An EOR reduces risks linked to non-compliance with local employment, payroll, and immigration laws. By acting as the legal employer, it shields the client company from fines, disputes, and reputational issues, while ensuring employees receive all their legal entitlements.