Imiatlas

🇳🇬 Nigeria

Nigeria Work Visa: requirements and how to apply

Unified legal authorization allowing expatriates to reside and work in Nigeria for 2 years.

Official Nigeria work visa page

Combined Expatriate Residence Permit (CERPAC Green Card)

Unified legal authorization allowing expatriates to reside and work in Nigeria for 2 years.

Typical duration
2 years renewable
Path to permanent residency
Permanent residence available after long-term lawful residence

Main requirements

  • Expatriate Quota position
  • NIS CERPAC biometrics
  • Renewable biennial card

Official page

Documents usually needed for Nigeria

  • Valid Expatriate Quota approval granted by Federal Ministry of Interior to the sponsoring Nigerian company
  • Employment offer letter and formal acceptance letter for the specific approved quota position
  • Credentials, CV, and clean police character certificate from country of residence
  • Passport valid for at least 6 months and a compliant photo (make yours here)

Application steps

  1. 1

    Subject to Regularization (STR) Visa Abroad

    Apply for STR Visa at Nigerian Embassy/Consulate with company Expatriate Quota letter.

    2 - 4 weeks

  2. 2

    Arrival in Nigeria & 90-Day Entry Stamp

    Enter Nigeria on STR visa and initiate CERPAC regularization within 90 days of arrival.

    Immediate on arrival

  3. 3

    CERPAC Green Card Biometrics

    Submit CERPAC form at NIS Headquarters in Abuja or state commands (e.g. Alagbon, Lagos) to receive CERPAC Green Card.

    1 - 2 weeks

More about moving to Nigeria

Find a licensed adviser

For advice on your own case, use a licensed immigration lawyer or adviser. Always check they are registered before you pay anyone. Imiatlas does not refer or review cases.

Look for a lawyer registered with the national bar association or law society in Nigeria. The official immigration website explains any rules on who may represent applicants.

Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) & Ministry of Interior

General information to help you research, not legal advice. Rules change often: always confirm with Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) & Ministry of Interior on the official website before applying.