Nigeria Immigration and Visas

Nigeria is one of Africa’s largest economies and a major destination for foreign nationals working in sectors such as oil and gas, infrastructure, telecommunications, finance, and international development. With a population exceeding 200 million people and a strategic position in West Africa, Nigeria attracts foreign professionals, investors, business visitors, and students each year.

The Nigerian immigration system is governed primarily by the Immigration Act 2015, the Immigration Regulations 2017, and the Nigeria Visa Policy 2020. These laws and policies regulate the entry, residence, employment, and long-term stay of foreign nationals. Immigration processes are administered by the Nigerian Immigration Service and Nigerian Embassies or Consulates abroad.

Foreign nationals travelling to Nigeria must obtain the appropriate immigration status based on their purpose of travel. This may include short-term entry visas, temporary work authorisation, or long-term work and residence authorisation. Long-term employment in Nigeria requires both entry clearance and in-country residence authorisation to ensure full legal compliance.

Last Updated: 27/02/2026

Nigeria offers several immigration pathways depending on the purpose and duration of stay. Each immigration category grants specific rights and is regulated by the Nigerian Immigration Service.

• Tourist Visa — Issued for travel to Nigeria for tourism, leisure, or visiting friends and family. This visa is typically valid for up to 90 days and does not permit business or employment activities.
• Business Visa — Issued for short-term business visits such as meetings, conferences, negotiations, and market exploration. This visa does not permit long-term employment or local remuneration.
• Temporary Work Permit — Issued for foreign nationals performing specialised short-term work in Nigeria, such as equipment installation, audits, or technical services. This authorisation is intended for temporary assignments and limited-duration projects.
• Long-Term Work and Residence Authorisation — Issued to foreign nationals employed by Nigerian companies under an approved expatriate quota. This involves obtaining a Subject to Regularization Visa followed by a Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card, which allows lawful residence and employment in Nigeria.

The appropriate immigration category must be selected based on the purpose of travel and intended duration of stay. Foreign nationals performing work in Nigeria must obtain the correct work and residence authorisation before commencing employment.

While documentation varies depending on the visa or permit category, most Nigerian immigration applications require a combination of personal, employer, and supporting compliance documents.

• Valid international passport with at least six months validity and available blank pages
• Completed visa or permit application forms submitted through the appropriate Nigerian Immigration Service or Embassy platform
• Passport-sized photographs meeting immigration specifications
• Invitation letter or employment letter, depending on visa type
• Company incorporation documents for business or work-related applications
• Expatriate quota approval for long-term employment cases
• Proof of sufficient funds or financial support
• Police clearance certificate, where applicable
• Proof of accommodation and return or onward flight ticket for short-term visas

All documents must be accurate, complete, and consistent across submissions. Incomplete or inconsistent documentation may result in delays, requests for additional information, or refusal.

The costs associated with Nigerian visas, work permits, and residence authorisation vary depending on the type of visa, nationality of the applicant, and the nature of employment or travel.

Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card fee:

USD 2,000 — This fee applies to foreign nationals obtaining long-term work and residence authorisation in Nigeria.

Mandatory insurance fee:

USD 1,000 — This insurance payment is required as part of the long-term residence authorisation process.

Administrative and processing charges:

USD 129.86 — Administrative fees associated with immigration processing and compliance.

Residence permit card issuance fee:

USD 20 — Fee for issuing the physical residence permit card.

Temporary Work Permit visa fee:

USD 626 — Government fee for specialised short-term work authorisation.

Short-term visa fees:

Varies by nationality — Tourist and business visa fees are determined based on reciprocity agreements between Nigeria and the applicant’s country of citizenship.

Government fees may change periodically and applicants should confirm current fee schedules with the Nigerian Immigration Service or the relevant Nigerian Embassy or Consulate.

Processing times for Nigerian immigration applications vary depending on the type of visa or permit, the completeness of documentation, and the workload of the Nigerian Immigration Service and Nigerian Embassies or Consulates.

Tourist and Business Visa processing time:

Typically 5 to 15 working days, depending on the Nigerian Embassy or Consulate and the applicant’s nationality.

Temporary Work Permit processing time:

Typically 10 to 15 working days after pre-approval is issued by the Nigerian Immigration Service and the visa application is submitted at the embassy.

Subject to Regularization Visa processing time:

Typically 5 to 15 working days, depending on embassy processing timelines and documentation completeness.

Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card processing time:

Typically 2 to 3 weeks after submission of the application to the Nigerian Immigration Service within Nigeria.

Processing times may be longer if additional verification, compliance checks, or supporting documentation is required. Accurate and complete applications help reduce delays.

Foreign nationals travelling to Nigeria must ensure they obtain the correct visa or permit based on their intended activities and duration of stay. Engaging in employment or business activities without the appropriate authorisation may result in immigration violations, fines, deportation, or restrictions on future entry.

• Select the correct visa category based on the purpose of travel, such as tourism, business visits, temporary work, or long-term employment
• Ensure expatriate quota approval is obtained before applying for long-term work and residence authorisation, as this is a mandatory legal requirement
• Submit complete and accurate documentation to avoid processing delays, refusals, or additional review
• Apply for residence authorisation promptly after entering Nigeria if travelling on a Subject to Regularization Visa, as failure to regularise status may result in immigration non-compliance
• Comply with all Nigerian immigration regulations throughout the period of stay, including renewal of residence permits and notification of employment changes where required

Immigration regulations in Nigeria are strictly enforced, and foreign nationals and employers must ensure ongoing compliance throughout the duration of authorised stay and employment.