Nigeria Immigration and Visas

A Nigerian business visa is for business people and investors who want to invest in the country. You must apply for a business visa at the Nigerian Mission abroad.

The business visa in Nigeria is valid for 90 days and is renewable.

To qualify for a business visa, you need all of the documentation required for the tourist visa, as well as the following:

• An invitation letter from your host company in Nigeria
• Reason for visit and duration of stay
• Introduction letter from the applicant’s company or organisation
• Acceptance of Immigration Responsibilities (IR)
• Applicants must accept total immigration and financial responsibility

Forms and documentation required for business visa applications include the following:

• Passport valid for at least six months from the date of application
• Completed visa application form
• Two recent passport photographs
• An invitation letter from your company or host in Nigeria accepting immigration responsibility
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Nigeria Immigration Service Visa Payment Receipt
• Visa Acknowledgement Receipt

Note: Self-sponsored business professionals may not require an invitation letter but will be required to show proof of sufficient funds.

Cost for Applying for the Nigeria Business Visa

Visa fees depend on the country of origin. The price list is on the website of the Nigeria Immigration Service

Steps to Applying for the Nigerian Business Visa

1. Apply online by filling out the application form on the official Nigeria embassy website
2. Pay the fees for the application form online
3. Print the application form along with the payment receipt
4. Attach two photographs to the Visa Form IMM2
5. Visit the Embassy of Nigeria by yourself for the submission or hand them over to the designated visa application centre or to an authorized visa agency
6. Go to your nearest Online Integrated Solution (OIS) centre for biometrics while the embassy verifies your application form and documents
7. The embassy officials will process your documents, and you’ll get a visa stamp on your passport.

Short-term work authorisation refers to the Temporary Work Permit (TWP). The TWP is a single-entry visa.

It’s for experts in their field who have been invited by corporate bodies to provide their specialised services in Nigeria.

The short-term visa has to be approved by the Comptroller General of Immigration before it can be issued by the Nigerian Embassy.

The approval letter (the permit) is valid for two months.

Qualification Requirements for the Nigeria Short-Term Work Permit/Authorisation

The applicant requires the below to enter Nigeria on one of the following purposes:
To qualify for short-term work authorisation, you must provide specialised skills services, including machine and equipment installation, maintenance, and repairs.

You must send an application letter to the Comptroller General of Immigration (CGI) that contains the following:

• Name of contractor/employee
• Nationality
• Passport number
• Purpose and duration of visit
• Consular Mission where Visa is to be issued
• Acceptance of Immigration Responsibility.

The following documents are required for the employee’s application:

• Passport with at least 6 months validity
• Printed copy of completed application form for visitors pass
• Two recent passport size photographs
• Copy of the Letter of Approval from Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service

Short-term work authorisation costs

The Visa fee depends on the country of origin. The price list can be found on the website of the Nigeria Immigration Service.

How to Apply for a Nigeria Visa

1. Your employer must apply for CGI approval in Nigeria.
2. Get a copy of the visa approval letter issued to your employer and prepare all other requirements.
3. Complete the NIS Online Visa Application and print out the completed form.
4. Pay online and print out the payment receipt.
5. Affix two passport photographs (35/40mm) with white background
6. Apply with the completed form and attached requirements to the Nigerian Mission or VAC (Visa Application Centre).
7. There might be a scheduled interview depending on the visa type and if it’s your first time applying for a Nigerian visa.

Application for long-term work and residence authorisation in Nigeria is a two-step process.
First, you must obtain a specific entry visa to enter Nigeria.
Once in the country, you can apply for your long-term work and residence authorisation from within Nigeria.

Contact IBN Immigration Solutions, and we’ll assign an expert in Nigeria visas and permits to oversee your case.
Your specialist will explain the required visa details and guide you through the application process.

Long-Term Work & Residence Permit/Authorisation is a two-prong process in that a specific type of Entry Visa is required to enter Nigeria, whereafter, an application for Long-Term work and Residence is submitted within Nigeria.

Nigeria Long-Term Work and Residence Authorisation Visa Requirements, Forms & Documentation

To qualify for long-term work and residence authorisation, applicants must first have an STR visa to enter Nigeria. Once in Nigeria, they can apply for their authorisation.

Note: The Nigerian entity (employer) must have a valid expatriate quota specifically for the position to be occupied. This must be included in the visa and long-term work and residence applications.

Forms and documentation required for long-term work and residence authorisation applications include:

• Completed application form
• Copy of qualifications
• Curriculum Vitae
• Flight itinerary
• Letter of acceptance
• Offer of employment
• Application letter
• Letter of invitation from the host company
• Expatriate quota approval
• Certificate of incorporation

Cost for Applying for the Nigerian Long-Term Work and Residence Permit/Authorisation:

Visa fees depend on the country of origin. The price list is on the Nigerian Immigration Service website.

Your specialist in Nigerian visas will go through the various costs and fees with you so that you can budget accordingly for your stay in Nigeria.

Steps to Applying for the Nigeria Long-Term Work and Residence Permit/Authorisation:

Applying for long-term work authorisation is a two-step process.

Step 1: Apply for a Subject to Regularisation (STR) visa. An STR visa is required for the principal applicant and their dependents.

Submit your STR visa application to the Nigerian Embassy in your home country or country of permanent residence.

STR visas are valid for up to 90 days when you must apply for long-term work and residence in Nigeria.

Step 2: Once you’ve entered Nigeria, you must apply for a Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC). Applications must be submitted to the NIS (Nigerian Immigration Service).

CERPACs are issued for one year and are renewable for one-year periods, provided the company’s expatriate quota remains valid.