Hire in Cameroon

EOR in Cameroon

If a lack of speed or local expertise are among your top concerns when expanding to or employing workers in Cameroon, an employer of record may be the best option for achieving your global growth objectives.

An employer of record, sometimes known as an international PEO, enables you to quickly hire and onboard workers in Cameroon ―often in as little as two weeks―without having to take on the cost and risk of establishing a local entity.

Learn about the hiring, employment, payroll and benefits requirements for workers in Cameroon and how our employer of record service, GEO, and local HR experts can help you manage your international employment needs.

Hiring in Cameroon

Employers must uphold the labor laws of Cameroon, which are regulated by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. These laws provide regulations regarding minimum wage rates, overtime, hours of work, holidays, leave, wage payment, termination pay and workers’ compensation.

Employment contracts in Cameroon

As you look to hire employees in Cameroon, here are some standard regulations you’ll need to know to create a compliant contract, as well as how an employer of record and PEO can provide support for your unique HR needs.

Working hours

Employees generally work Monday to Friday. Workers generally cannot work more than 40 hours a week.

Work performed between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. is considered night work.

Employees must receive at least 24 hours of consecutive rest per week, generally occurring on Sunday. This period cannot be replaced by a compensatory allowance.

Compensation

As you consider the appropriate salary to offer new employees, keep in mind:

• The monthly minimum wage is CFAF 36,270.
• Under the National Trade Collective Agreement, for example, employees who work beyond regular hours during the day or on holidays are entitled to a 50% increase in wages for the hours worked while employees who work beyond regular hours at night are entitled to a 100% increase in wages for the hours worked.
• Full-time salaried employees receive full pay on holidays.

As your employer of record in Cameroon, we can provide you with resources and insights about employee compensation, so you are better equipped to make a competitive employment offer.

Bonuses

Cameroon does not mandate employers to provide monetary bonus payments to employees.

Termination and severance

While the national labor code states that notice must be given for termination, the conditions and duration of such notice is not specified but generally is detailed in trade union and collective bargaining agreements.

All employees who worked for at least two years at the same company under a permanent contract are entitled to severance pay except in cases of gross negligence.

The required severance pay amounts are based on a percentage of a year’s worth of salary:

• 20% if terminated within the first five years of service.
• 25% if terminated between the 6th and 10th years of service.
• 30% if terminated between the 11th and 15th years of service.
• 35% if terminated between the 16th and 20th years of service.
• 40% if terminated beyond the 21st year of service.

Employee benefits and paid leave in Cameroon

When negotiating terms of an employment contract with a candidate in Cameroon, here are some of the statutory benefits and paid leave requirements to keep in mind, as well as how an employer of record can support your company’s benefits strategy.

Maternity leave

Pregnant women are entitled to fourteen weeks of maternity beginning four weeks before the delivery date. This leave can be extended by six weeks if the woman suffers from a certified illness.

Pregnant women on maternity leave are entitled to a daily allowance from the National Social Insurance Fund that is equal to the normal amount of wages.

Vacation

Following one year of service, employees are entitled to one and a half working days of leave for each month of service.

Holidays

Cameroon observes the following public holidays:

• New Year’s Day
• Youth Day
• International Women’s Day
• Good Friday
• Labor Day
• Ascension Day
• National Day
• Djoulde Soumae / Korite (End of Ramadan)
• Assumption Day
• Djoulde Laihadji / Tabaski (Feast of Sacrifice)
• Christmas

Health coverage

The old age, disability and death benefits program is covered under pension insurance and is paid by both employers and employees. Employers are required to pay 4.2% of employee wages and employees are required to pay 4.2% of their wages.

Additional benefits

In addition to healthcare benefits, employees in Cameroon are entitled to pension, which is funded by government tax revenues, as well as workers compensation, which is covered through mandated employer insurance.

Employer social costs will cover a large portion of employee benefits in Cameroon, but we can consult with you about supplemental coverage options, such as additional pension contributions or life insurance if needed.

Updated: July 23, 2024

Employee onboarding with an employer of record in Cameroon

We write and validate all local employment contracts, streamlining the onboarding process for you and your Cameroonian employees—all you have to do is provide relevant information and review and approve the employment agreement. As your employer of record in Cameroon, we will:

• Schedule a welcome call to discuss HR and employment information for Cameroon, as well as answer any questions
• Prepare a customized employment contract in English or other local language
• Share the employment contract and benefits information with the new employee for signature and review
• Gather tax and banking information from the employee to set up payroll
• Provide a local point of contact to the employee to answer any questions regarding their employment, local HR or payroll

The entire onboarding process for the employee is often completed in as little as two weeks.

Partner with Safeguard Global as your Cameroon employer of record and PEO

With over a decade of service, we are the longest-serving employer of record and PEO provider in the international market. Organizations around the world rely on EOR, our employer of record solution, to expand and hire in 170+ countries around the world, quickly and compliantly.

We’ve seen just about every global employment circumstance imaginable—and with our extensive knowledge of local law and culture, we know what it takes to get employment right in Cameroon. We provide written contracts in the local language, salaries in the local currency and HR support in your employees’ time zone.

Additionally, as a global payroll provider we support payroll administration—including payments, filings and other calculations— all around the world and can accommodate the payroll outsourcing needs of any size organization.

Whether you’re looking to hire as part of a strategic expansion or to meet specific talent needs, our global solutions advisors can walk you through your international hiring options so you can make the right choice for your organization. Contact us today.

Disclaimer

The information provided on or through this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Safeguard Global expressly disclaims any liability with respect to warranty or representation concerning the information contained herein, including the lost essence, interpretation, accuracy and/or completeness of the information in transit and language translation.