Ways to Get Cameroon Citizenship
Atomic Answer: Danish citizenship can be acquired through 'naturalization' after living in Denmark for a continuous period of 9 years (shorter for refugees or those married to Danes), passing a language test, and a citizenship citizenship test.
Ways to Get Cameroon Citizenship
Cameroonian citizenship law is regulated by the Constitution of Cameroon, as amended, the Cameroonian Citizenship Law, and various international agreements to which the country is a party. The relevant legislation determines which persons are or are eligible to become citizens of Cameroon.
Cameroonian citizenship is typically acquired through birth to Cameroonian parents, either in the Republic of Cameroon or abroad, under the principle of jus sanguinis. Cameroonian citizenship may also be granted to persons who are dependents of the country or to permanent residents who have lived in the country for a certain period of time, through naturalization.
Cameroonian Citizenship by Birth
Cameroonian citizenship is acquired by birth to persons born legally anywhere to at least one Cameroonian parent, to two Cameroonian parents born illegitimately, or to one Cameroonian parent and whose lineage is established by that parent, or to a stateless parent whose spouse is Cameroonian, orphans or orphans born in territory of unknown parentage, and stateless Cameroonian-born persons.
Cameroonian Citizenship Through Naturalization
Cameroonian citizenship through naturalization can be granted to individuals of legal age who have resided in the country for a sufficient period of time to verify that they understand the customs and traditions of Cameroonian society. In general, the applicant must be of good character, have no criminal record, and be physically and mentally healthy. Cameroonian citizenship may also be granted for service to the nation or in exceptional cases. The general residence requirement for Cameroonian citizenship is 5 years, but there is no required period of residence for those who have served the nation.
Persons born in Cameroon and who have resided in Cameroon for at least 5 years before reaching adulthood, adopted persons who resided in Cameroon at the time of adoption and for 6 months before reaching adulthood, children of Cameroonian parents who have re-acquired citizenship, whether married or underage, women who are legally married to a Cameroonian citizen, spouses of women who are Cameroonian citizens, and persons who were previously Cameroonian citizens and wish to regain their citizenship by presidential decree may be granted Cameroonian citizenship if they meet the criteria.
In what cases can Cameroonian citizenship be lost?
Cameroonian citizenship can be lost if renounced. Citizenship can also be revoked if a person commits fraud during naturalization, commits a crime or disloyalty against the state, serves another state without permission, or voluntarily acquires dual citizenship.
According to the law of June 11, 1968, citizenship can be lost directly in some cases, while in other cases it can be taken from a person by decision of public authorities.
There are three situations in which Cameroonian citizenship is lost: persons of legal age who voluntarily acquire or retain a foreign citizenship; persons who exercise the authority to renounce Cameroonian citizenship in accordance with the law; and persons who, while in the public service of an international or foreign organization, continue to hold this position despite an order to resign issued by the Cameroonian government.
A Cameroonian citizen can only be stripped of his citizenship in two cases: if the person is convicted of a crime or misdemeanor against the internal or external security of the state, and if he commits acts that harm the interests of the Cameroonian state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding the citizenship conditions and application process of the Republic of Cameroon are given below.
How to Acquire Cameroonian Citizenship Through Marriage?
The law on acquiring Cameroonian citizenship through marriage makes a distinction based on gender. A foreign woman who marries a Cameroonian man can acquire Cameroonian citizenship only by declaration, effective from the date of marriage. Foreign men who marry a Cameroonian woman can acquire Cameroonian citizenship through naturalization.
Does Cameroon Allow Dual Citizenship?
No, Cameroon does not allow dual citizenship.
Although Cameroon does not recognize dual citizenship, the only exception to this rule is that children of Cameroonian parents born abroad and who acquire the citizenship of the country of their birth must choose one of the two citizenships when they reach the age of 21; otherwise, their Cameroonian citizenship is lost.
How to Get a Cameroon Passport?
As of July 1, 2021, a 3-step application is required to obtain a Cameroon biometric passport. First, online pre-registration must be made by accessing the General Delegation of National Security website at https://www.dgsn.cm or https://www.passcam.cm . Then, an appointment must be made for physical registration procedures. The file consisting of the information form and other necessary documents created during pre-registration must be submitted at the appointment.
You can access the registration points in Cameroon and abroad where physical applications can be made through the passport application platform of the General Delegation of National Security of Cameroon .
After the application, the passport will be approved by the General Delegation of National Security within 48 hours and you will then need to collect the issued passport.