Immigration in Nigeria is governed by the Immigration Act 2015 and its regulations, administered by the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Federal Ministry of Interior, and by the Constitution in relation to citizenship. Rules differ depending on whether a person is visiting, working, investing, joining family or seeking to settle permanently.
Visas and residence
- Business and tourist visas, including through online application systems
- Subject to Regularisation (STR) visas for employment
- Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC)
- Residence for spouses and dependants
- Temporary work permits for short assignments
- Permanent residence options for long-term residents and investors
For companies employing foreign nationals, see our expatriate quota and business permits service.
Citizenship
The Constitution provides for Nigerian citizenship by birth, by registration and by naturalisation:
- By registration: available to certain persons, including foreign women married to Nigerian men, and persons with a Nigerian grandparent, subject to conditions
- By naturalisation: available to foreign nationals who have resided in Nigeria for a qualifying period and meet other conditions
Citizens by birth may hold dual citizenship. We advise on eligibility, prepare applications and support clients through the process.
Diaspora and returning Nigerians
We assist Nigerians born or living abroad, and their foreign spouses and children, with documentation of Nigerian citizenship, passports and residence arrangements when relocating to Nigeria.
Compliance and problems
Overstaying, working on the wrong visa or failing to renew permits can lead to fines, detention and deportation. We help clients regularise their status and, where necessary, challenge unlawful detention through fundamental rights enforcement.
