Procedures to acquire a research permit from the
Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, Cameroon


Paperwork needed

  • A written application with one fiscal stamp addressed to the Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation (MINRESI), Cameroon. Fiscal stamps can be obtained from the Cameroon Department of Treasury in the Ministry of Finance.
  • Curriculum vitae of the person requesting a permit and for each partner involved in the project
  • A photocopy of the applicant’s passport or a national identity card
  • Six photos (4cm x 4cm) of each applicant and partner
  • 10 fiscal stamps of 1,000 FCFA each
  • An outline of the research proposal should include:
      1. Title and objectives

      2. Composition of research team
      3. Geographical location of the research
      4. Duration of research with precise dates
  • Three copies of a letter of engagement signed by your Cameroonian partner for the project describing the role of each researcher on the team
  • One copy of the National Identity Card of your Cameroonian counterpart(s)
  • One copy of any research authorization that has been previously issued to you and a short report on previous projects and research results carried out in Cameroon under the permit


    • Estimated cost to obtain a research permit from MINRESI
  • 1,000 FCFA for one fiscal stamp to be attached to the application addressed to the Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation
  • 10,000 FCFA for 10 fiscal stamps to be attached to the permit request
  • 2,000 FCFA for six  4cm x 4cm photos
  • Cost of photocopies – to be determined

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    When to apply for research permits

     

    Researchers should begin the process of applying for research permits approximately six weeks before they plan to travel to Cameroon. This can be done directly through MINRESI (by a contact in Cameroon) or through a partner in Cameroon at a university or research institution. Doing this in advance will make it possible to begin your research project when you arrive in the country. 

     

     

    Requirements regarding institutional affiliations with local partners

     

    Researchers must establish affiliations with partners in local academic or research institutions in Cameroon to obtain research permits. Permit applications require the names and academic titles of individuals and/or institutions that will serve as local partners. Since there are so many foreign research projects conducted in Cameroon, the Ministry of Scientific Research and Technological Innovation requires that researchers work with a Cameroonian researcher or scholar. The permit application must be submitted to the office of the Minister of Scientific Research and Innovation by your in-country research partner.

     

    The IRTC can assist researchers in recruiting local partners and obtaining permits. If you need assistance, email Kevin Njabo at kynjabo@ucla.edu. Researchers will need to provide their timeline, research topic and planned research site, as well as the paperwork described above.