Nigeria Temporary Work Permit

The Nigeria Temporary Work Permit is Nigeria’s official short-term work authorisation for foreign nationals who need to enter Nigeria to perform specialised technical or professional work for a limited period. It is designed for assignments that are temporary in nature and do not involve long-term employment or residence in Nigeria.

This permit is typically used for specialised activities such as installation or repair of technical equipment, technical inspections, audits, feasibility studies, and other short-term specialist assignments that require hands-on work. It is distinct from a Business Visa, which does not allow productive or technical work.

Before the foreign national can apply for the visa, the Nigerian host company must obtain pre-approval from the Nigerian Immigration Service. This approval is issued directly to the Nigerian Embassy or Consulate where the foreign national will submit the visa application. The Temporary Work Permit is issued for short-term assignments and may be extended in limited circumstances, subject to approval by the Nigerian Immigration Service.

Last Updated: 27/02/2026

To apply for a Nigeria Temporary Work Permit, both the Nigerian host company and the foreign national must prepare and submit specific documentation. The application begins with the Nigerian host company obtaining pre-approval from the Nigerian Immigration Service, after which the foreign national submits the visa application at the Nigerian Embassy or Consulate.

All documents must be valid, accurate, and complete. Nigerian immigration authorities may request additional documentation depending on the nature of the assignment and the applicant’s nationality.

Required documents from the Nigerian host company:

• Formal application letter requesting Temporary Work Permit approval, addressed to the Nigerian Immigration Service
• Detailed description of the purpose, duration, and scope of the specialised work
• Corporate registration documents of the Nigerian company
• Evidence of business operations in Nigeria
• Confirmation of responsibility for the foreign national during their stay

Required documents from the foreign national:

• Valid international passport with at least six months validity
• Copy of the passport bio-data page
• Recent passport-sized photographs
• Curriculum Vitae outlining relevant technical skills and experience
• Academic and professional qualification certificates relevant to the assignment
• Visa application form completed through the Nigerian Immigration Service portal
• Evidence of travel itinerary, including flight reservation

Once pre-approval is issued by the Nigerian Immigration Service, the foreign national must submit the visa application at the designated Nigerian Embassy or Consulate. The visa allows entry into Nigeria to carry out the approved short-term specialised work.

The processing of a Nigeria Temporary Work Permit involves two main stages: obtaining pre-approval from the Nigerian Immigration Service and obtaining the visa from the Nigerian Embassy or Consulate.

Pre-approval stage:

• The Nigerian host company must submit a request to the Nigerian Immigration Service
• Pre-approval is typically issued within 5 to 10 working days, although this may vary depending on case complexity and internal review procedures

Visa issuance stage:

• Once pre-approval is issued, the foreign national applies for the visa at the Nigerian Embassy or Consulate
• The visa is normally issued within 10 to 15 working days

Validity and extension:

• The Temporary Work Permit is generally issued for assignments of up to 60 days
• Extensions may be requested from the Nigerian Immigration Service while the foreign national is in Nigeria
• Extensions are discretionary and typically granted for limited additional periods where justified

Processing times may vary depending on the embassy, nationality of the applicant, completeness of documentation, and the workload of the Nigerian Immigration Service.

The government fees for a Nigeria Temporary Work Permit are set by the Nigerian Immigration Service and the Nigerian Embassy or Consulate responsible for issuing the visa. Fees may vary depending on nationality and embassy location.

Temporary Work Permit visa fee:

USD 626 — This is the standard government fee for the Temporary Work Permit visa application.

Additional administrative costs:

Visa processing service fees — Additional service or handling fees may be charged by the Nigerian Embassy, visa processing centres, or authorised visa platforms.

Document preparation and legalisation costs — Expenses may apply for preparing supporting documents, translations, notarisation, or legalisation where required.

Travel-related costs — These may include visa submission travel, courier fees, or administrative follow-up where required.

Government fees and administrative charges are subject to change and may vary based on nationality, embassy procedures, and reciprocity arrangements.

The Nigeria Temporary Work Permit is issued through a coordinated process involving the Nigerian host company, the Nigerian Immigration Service, and the Nigerian Embassy or Consulate. The permit allows foreign nationals to enter Nigeria to perform specialised short-term work.

Step 1: Confirm eligibility and assignment details

• The foreign national must be travelling to Nigeria to perform specialised short-term work, such as equipment installation, maintenance, audits, or technical services
• The Nigerian host company must agree to sponsor the application
• The assignment must be temporary in nature and limited in duration

Step 2: Nigerian host company applies for pre-approval

• The Nigerian host company submits a formal request to the Nigerian Immigration Service
• This request includes details of the foreign national, assignment purpose, and supporting company documentation
• Once approved, the Nigerian Immigration Service issues an official pre-approval authorisation to the relevant Nigerian Embassy or Consulate

Step 3: Apply for the Temporary Work Permit visa

• The foreign national submits the visa application at the Nigerian Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence
• The application must include the pre-approval authorisation and all required supporting documents
• The embassy reviews the application and issues the Temporary Work Permit visa if approved

Step 4: Travel to Nigeria and activate the permit

• The foreign national travels to Nigeria using the issued Temporary Work Permit visa
• The permit becomes effective upon entry into Nigeria and endorsement by immigration authorities at the port of entry

Step 5: Apply for extension if required

• If additional time is required, the Nigerian host company may request an extension from the Nigerian Immigration Service
• Extensions are discretionary and must be justified based on project requirements

The Temporary Work Permit must be obtained before performing any work in Nigeria. Foreign nationals must comply fully with the authorised scope and duration of their permit.

Disclaimer

At IBN Immigration Solutions, an Envoy Global company, we follow Google’s standards for transparency. The information provided on this page is based on the latest publicly available immigration laws, regulations, and official guidance relating to Nigeria, including the Immigration Act 2015, Immigration Regulations 2017, and policies issued by the Nigerian Immigration Service. This content is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice, legal opinion, or official instruction.

IBN Immigration Solutions is a private immigration services firm and is not affiliated with the Government of Nigeria, the Nigerian Immigration Service, the Ministry of Interior, or any Nigerian embassy, consulate, or government authority. Immigration rules, requirements, and procedures may change without notice, and applicants are responsible for confirming current requirements with the relevant authorities.

Clients who engage our services do so for professional assistance in preparing and managing applications for Nigerian visas, Temporary Work Permits, STR Visas, CERPAC residence permits, and related immigration and compliance processes.