Knowledge centre
Doing Business in Nigeria
Practical legal guides for local and foreign investors setting up and running a business in Nigeria: company registration, foreign investment approvals, immigration permits, tax registration and ongoing compliance.
Part of ourCorporate & Commercial practiceTopics
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Company Registration
Registering companies, business names and incorporated trustees with the Corporate Affairs Commission: costs, timelines and requirements.
1 guide
Foreign Investment & Market Entry
How foreign companies and investors enter Nigeria: incorporation, NIPC registration, capital importation, business permits and expatriate quota.
2 guides
Latest
Doing Business in Nigeria guides and analysis.
Legal Guide
Cost of Company Registration in Nigeria (2026): What You Will Pay and Why
The cost of registering a company in Nigeria depends mainly on the share capital, the type of company and whether there are foreign shareholders. This guide breaks down each cost so you can budget accurately.
Legal Guide
Business Permit and Expatriate Quota in Nigeria: Requirements and Process
Foreign-owned companies need a business permit to operate in Nigeria and an expatriate quota to employ foreign nationals. This guide explains the requirements, documents and steps, and how they connect to STR visas and residence permits.
Legal Guide
How to Register a Foreign-Owned Company in Nigeria
Foreign companies that want to do business in Nigeria generally need to incorporate a Nigerian company and complete several regulatory registrations. This guide sets out each step, from CAC incorporation to NIPC registration, capital importation and business permits.
How we can help
Corporate & Commercial services.
Business Registration
Registration of companies, business names, LLPs and incorporated trustees (NGOs, foundations, churches and associations) with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
Setting Up a Business in Nigeria (Foreign Investors)
End-to-end market entry for foreign investors, from incorporating a Nigerian entity to NIPC registration, capital importation and business permits.
Mergers & Acquisitions
Advising buyers, sellers and investors on acquisitions, disposals and mergers, from structuring and due diligence to regulatory approvals and completion.
Joint Ventures
Structuring and documenting incorporated and contractual joint ventures, including governance, funding, exits and dispute resolution.
Commercial Contracts
Drafting, reviewing and negotiating the contracts businesses rely on every day, from supply and service agreements to employment contracts.
Corporate Governance & Company Secretarial Services
Company secretarial support and governance advice for boards, including meetings, resolutions, statutory registers and CAC filings.
Shareholders' & Corporate Agreements
Shareholders', founders', investment, share subscription, share purchase and joint venture agreements for companies, startups and investors.
Franchising, Agency & Distribution
Franchise, agency and distribution arrangements for international brands entering Nigeria and Nigerian businesses expanding their reach.
Corporate Due Diligence
Corporate and legal due diligence on Nigerian companies before acquisitions, investments, loans and partnerships, with clear red-flag reports.
