Residence in Nigeria: permits and requirements
Living legally in Nigeria is possible through 4 permit types: work, study. Each program has its own requirements; below are the duration, renewal, costs and documentation according to the country's official sources.
CERPAC (Comprehensive Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card)
Residence type #1 of 4
Comprehensive residence permit for expatriates residing and working in Nigeria. It serves both as a residence permit and an identity document.
Requirements
- Having an employer sponsoring the application
- Being subject to an approved expatriate quota
- Having entered on a Subject-to-Regularization visa
- A valid passport
Documentation
- Valid passport
- The employer's application letter
- Employment contract
- Expatriate-quota approval
- Business registration certificate
- Tax certificate
- Audit certificate
- Medical examination
- Identity photos
Frequently asked questions about residence in Nigeria
How many types of residence permits are there in Nigeria?
Nigeria offers 4 residence permit types, grouped into the categories work, study. Each permit has its own requirements, duration and documentation, detailed in this fact sheet according to the country's official sources.
How long do residence permits in Nigeria last?
Durations vary by permit type: 1 year renewable; 2-year permits available under quota (NIS); Renewable, tied to the marriage (not automatically permanent); Per the duration of the study program. The exact details of each type appear in the corresponding fact sheet.
Can residence permits in Nigeria be renewed?
Yes. All residence permit types of Nigeria (4 in total) are renewable before their expiration, according to the rules of each program.
What documentation is usually required to reside in Nigeria?
Although each permit requires its own file, the most recurrent documents are: Valid passport; Identity photos; Contrato de trabajo; Medical examination. The complete list by residence type appears in each fact sheet, together with the corresponding official link.
Does residence in Nigeria lead to nationality?
Yes, through the Naturalization by residence pathway, which requires 15 years of continuous residence in Nigeria before applying (or 12 continuous months + ≥15 aggregate years in the preceding 20 years) — s 27(2)(g). The complete requirements are in the nationality fact sheet of Nigeria.
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Anything to correct or add about Nigeria?
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