Nigeria Immigration Regulations: A Comprehensive Guide for Foreign Investors and Professionals Navigating Nigeria's immigration regulations is essential for foreign investors, offshore companies, and expatriates looking to live, work, or do business in the country. Nigeria’s regulatory framework offers various visa options to accommodate different purposes of entry. This guide highlights the key aspects of these regulations, helping you make informed decisions about compliance and application processes. Visa Categories in Nigeria Nigeria offers four main types of visas tailored to businesspeople and professionals: Visa on Arrival (VoA) Business Visa Subject to Regularization (STR) Visa Temporary Work Permit (TWP) 1. Visa on Arrival (VoA) The Visa on Arrival program caters to business professionals with urgent travel needs or those residing in countries without Nigerian embassies. Eligible applicants include executives of multinational companies, government delegation members, and holders of official travel documents from recognized international organizations. Application Process There are two ways to apply for a Visa on Arrival Approval Letter: Via Email: Send an application to the Comptroller General of Immigration, including your personal details, purpose of visit, and travel itinerary, along with scanned copies of your passport data page and return flight ticket. Through a Representative in Nigeria: Your representative can submit the application on your behalf, attaching similar details and supporting documents. Upon receiving the approval letter, the applicant can proceed to Nigeria and obtain their visa at the designated VoA desk at the port of entry. Requirements at Point of Entry Evidence of online visa fee payment Valid passport (minimum six months validity) Return ticket Two recent passport photographs 2. Business Visa The Business Visa is designed for travelers visiting Nigeria for meetings, conferences, trade fairs, contract negotiations, and other professional activities. Eligibility and Requirements Applicants must provide: A passport valid for at least six months Two recent passport-sized photographs Evidence of sufficient funds Hotel reservation or host address Return flight ticket Application Process Applications are submitted online via the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) portal. Completed forms and payment receipts must be presented at Nigerian embassies or designated visa application centers. Processing typically takes 2–3 working days. Validity The business visa is valid for a maximum stay of 90 days and is non-extendable. It cannot be used to gain employment in Nigeria. 3. Subject to Regularization (STR) Visa The STR Visa applies to expatriates seeking long-term employment or residency in Nigeria. This category is ideal for company employees, missionaries, researchers, and their dependents. Requirements for Employers and Applicants Employers must provide expatriate quota approvals, offer letters, and board resolutions (i gcás inarb infheidhme). Applicants need valid passports, educational qualifications, and completed visa forms. After arriving in Nigeria with an STR visa, expatriates must apply for a residence permit, allowing them to live and work legally in the country. 4. Temporary Work TWPmit (TWP) The Temporary Work Permit is issued to foreign experts providing specialized services such as equipment installation, maintenance, training, or auditing. Eligibility and Application Corporate entities in Nigeria must apply for the TWP on behalf of the expert. Required documents include a visa approval letter, company incorporation certificates, and proof of an existing contract. Processing typically takes two working days. Validity The TWP allows a stay of up to 90 days and is suitable for short-term assignments. Foreign Investors: Business Permit and Expatriate Quota Nigeria mandates foreign investors to obtain a Business Permit and Expatriate Quota before operating within the country. Cead Gnó: Grants authorization to operate as a foreign-owned business in Nigeria. ExpatriateQuota: Allows companies to hire foreign personnel for specific roles and durations. Both permits are essential for compliance with Nigerian immigration laws and are prerequisites for obtaining STR visas or residence permits. ECOWAS Nationals and Immigration Rules Citizens of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) countries enjoy entry privileges into Nigeria. They are permitted a 90-day stay without a visa but must register with the Nigeria Immigration Service to obtain a Residence Card for employment or business activities. Key Takeaways for Compliance Understanding and adhering to Nigeria's immigration regulations is crucial for avoiding delays and ensuring legal residency. Whether you're an investor, expatriate worker, or business traveller, staying informed about the appropriate visa category and application process can save you time and effort. Professional Advisory on Nigeria Immigration Regulations While this guide provides an overview of Nigeria’s immigration regulations, seeking professional legal assistance ensures compliance with local laws and smooth handling of your immigration needs. Legal experts can assist with securing business permits, expatriate quotas, and residence permits tailored to your situation. For more information or personalized assistance, ríomhphost ag lexartifexllp@lexartifexllp.com; glaoch nó WhatsApp +2348039795959.

Ádh mór oraibh! Inimirce sa Nigéir

Ár dlíodóirí a bheith bródúil comhairle speisialta a chur ar fáil i ngach réimse dlí inimirce. Our consultative approach ensures the interests of you, do theaghlach, agus tá do ghnó ar thús cadhnaíochta ár n-intinn.
Lex Artifex LLP’s immigration lawyers in Nigeria process Business Permit and Expatriate Quota for offshore companies and foreign investors; Cárta Cónaitheacht do shaoránaigh ECOWAS; agus Cead Cónaithe Chomhcheangailte Expatriate agus Cárta Allied (CERPAC) do shaoránaigh neamh-ECOWAS’ gur mian chun cónaí agus a sheoladh ar ghnó sa Nigéir.
Bímid ag obair le gnólachtaí agus gnólachtaí nuathionscanta lorg sealadach (nonimmigrant) agus buan (inimirceach) visas for specialty employees, aistrithe laistigh de chuideachta, agus ar chúiseanna a bhaineann le hobair eile, including changes of employer, síntí fanachta, Athruithe stádais, buanchónaithe, próiseáil consalachta agus víosa inimirceach.
We provide full-service professional legal advice and representation for your immigration and visa needs. We handle a broad spectrum of complex immigration issues for individual and corporate clients, san áireamh:
  • Soláthar Ceadanna Gnó agus Cuótaí Expatriate
  • Immigrants Visas
  • Ceadanna Oibre Sealadach (TWP)
  • Ceadanna cónaithe – Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Allied Card (CERPAC)
  • Coigeartú ar Stádas
  • Fostaíocht Údarú
  • Athnuachan do Permanent Cártaí Cónaithe
  • víosaí Chéilí

TEAGMHÁIL

Mar comhairleacha, téigh i dteagmháil le ball d'ár bhfoireann go díreach nó ríomhphost lexartifexllp@lexartifexllp.com. Is iad na dlíodóirí oilte sa teanga Bhéarla agus ag obair le nach bhfuil Béarla cliaint labhairt trí aistritheoirí.