Here is the step-by-step guide on how to migrate to Nigeria for residential and business purposes
Step one: Do these in your home country
- Sign an employment contract
- Fill out the online application on the Nigerian Immigration Service homepage
- Contact your home embassy with the necessary paperwork
Step two: On arrival in Nigeria
- Apply for Regularization
- Apply for CERPAC
- Apply for the Aliens Registration Card
Introduction
Nigeria is located in West Africa on the Guinea coast along the Atlantic line. It is listed among the most populous countries in Africa with about 200,000,000 people making her the 6th most populous country in the world.
With land measuring about 923,769 km²(square kilometers). It is home to about 250 ethnic groups, speaking above 400 different languages. There are 3 major ethnic groups in Nigeria: the Hausas, Igbos, and the Yorubas. The Christian religion, Islam, and traditional religions are the major religions in Nigeria.
Nigeria is a developing economy with many business establishments scattered across the 36 states. Just like other countries of the world, Nigeria has ups and downs too.
The people of Nigeria appear impervious to the political and economic difficulty that is befalling them. They are always creative in ways of happiness and laughter.
Immigrating to Nigeria would be a great choice for business trips, tourism, and Residence.
A few lines from now, I’ll be telling you the step Step Guide on how to migrate to Nigeria and what you should know before moving. Take cognizance of the following contents:
- Major economic cities in Nigeria
- Types of visas offered by the Nigerian government
- Health Conditions in Nigeria
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Major Economic Cities in Nigeria
With a landmass of varying cultural, economic, and political activities, it’s good that you know the areas where business and industrial activities thrive most in the Country.
However, moving to Nigeria for business and cultural experiences, amidst the many cities on your wannabe list, you should reconsider the following cities.
#1. Lagos
Top of the list is the most populated state in Nigeria; the first choice for both locals and foreigners to look out for in business and employment. Lagos State is the busiest in Africa with over 21 million counts in population, located in the metropolitan area.
It has grown enormously in several economic developments like banks, industries, and also the music & film industry. With three key sea ports for major International freight except for oil transportation.
Lagos contributes about 53% of manufacturing and employment in the country. Give or take with 7% GDP in the country. It’s not a mistake to say that Lagos is the most preferred city in Nigeria. Most of the International airports are situated here.
Situated in Lagos are plush residential areas at Victoria Island, Banana Island, Ikoyi, Apapa, and Ikeja. Where you’ll live in luxury and serenity.
#2. Port Harcourt
The treasure base of the nation isn’t just a nickname. Port Harcourt serves as the first and major source of oil supply in the country. Making the Delta area a magnet for diverse kinds of business and economic activities. However, this leaves the area in some dire distress such as house shortage and scarcity, with diverse pollution.
Due to the kidnapping rate of foreigners in an attempt to pass a message through to the government for fair resource allocation, Port Harcourt may not be the best choice for immigrants. You can decide only when your contract involves 24/7 security and lifeguards.
#3. Abuja
Abuja remains the Capital city of the Federal Republic of Nigeria since 1991. She is located in the center of the country. As a work in progress, Abuja is not decked with many economic and business activities like Lagos and Port Harcourt. However, with the ongoing construction and with the Advent of industries, you stand a chance of landing jobs that suit your expatriates.
Types of Visas Offered by the Nigerian Government
Nigeria offers different types of Visas for different purposes, for the subject matter, we’ll be looking at only five visas offered by the Nigerian government that permits residence and business in the Country.
You are to go to the Nigerian embassy in your country to apply for a Nigerian visa. Also, you can visit the Nigerian embassy in the country where you have lived for at least six months for a Visa application and interview.
Types of Visa offered by the Nigerian government to immigrants are as follows:
#1. Tourist Visa
For tourism and social purposes only.
#2. Business visa
For business-immigrants. However, it doesn’t cover contract negotiations and business seminars.
#3. Temporary Work Permit Visa
This permit allows for short-term work like auditing, installation, repairs of equipment, etc. Your employer/company is in charge of all the expenses incurred during the application.
#4. Subject to Regularization (STR) visa
This permit is valid when taking a long-term paid contract job in Nigeria.
#5. Permanent Residence Visa(PRV)
The PRV is 2 years to infinity permit for immigrants who wish to settle down in Nigeria. You’re eligible if you’re Spouses of Nigerian citizens, special investors, prominent retirees, and other important expats.
As an expatriate, being employed by a company in Nigeria doesn’t automate residence in Nigeria. You’ll still have to do the needful for your Residence permit.
If yours is the STR Visa, the employer company will provide the necessary documents that you need; don’t forget that, you will have to do the paperwork at the Nigerian embassy in your country.
It’s a two-sided protocol
- apply at the Nigerian Immigration Services (NIS)
- Apply for the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card, (CERPAC) at the Nigerian embassy in your country of residence. The CERPAC is renewable every two years.
After you arrive in Nigeria, you should apply for an Aliens Registration Card within 21 days at the immigration office.
Health Conditions in Nigeria
Just like other nations of the world, Nigeria is not without things to be watchful about. One of which is the most popular disease in Nigeria; malaria. You are directly responsible for your well-being and health conditions in Nigeria.
Though you have antimalarial drugs available in the market; prevention, they say, is better than cure. You can prevent yourself and your loved ones from catching malaria by doing the following:
- Wear long sleeves clothes
- Use insect repellent or insecticides.
- Sleep inside a mosquito net
I’ll advise that you come along with your doctor’s prescribed drugs, to avoid the unavailability of them in the Nigerian market or worse; counterfeit drugs.
Beware of Diarrhea, Let’s face it, the majority of the Nigerian markets are open-air markets where foodstuffs most often than not are exposed to unhealthy contacts from customers. Also, fly patches, and dust particles can be harmful to your health.
If possible don’t buy your edibles from the roadside. Buy foodstuff from the supermarkets. So, said, wash foodstuff, fruits and vegetables thoroughly. And make sure that you always have your periodic medical supplies handy. Enjoy your trip and stay in the giant of Africa.
FAQs
What documents are required from the immigrants to Nigeria?
Document requirements may be similar or different based on the type of Visa you’re applying for.
#1. Tourist / Visitor Visa
- at least a six-month valid passport
- A Completed Visa application form
- Two new passport-size photographs
- An invitation from the company in Nigeria, with proof of Immigration sponsoring
- Show proof of sufficient bank funds to take care of yourself
- Presentation of the Visa payment receipt and Visa acknowledgment receipt.
#2. Business Visa
- at least a six-month valid passport
- A Completed Visa application form
- Two new passport-size photographs
- An invitation from the company in Nigeria, with proof of Immigration sponsoring
- Show proof of sufficient bank funds to take care of yourself
- Presentation of the Visa payment receipt and Visa acknowledgment receipt.
Note: self-sponsored businessmen may not be asked to provide an invitation letter but a show of sufficient funds is necessary.
Kindly visit The Nigerian Immigration Service Portal For accurate and complete information on the required documents for immigration to Nigeria
Conclusion
Remember
After the online application at the Nigerian Embassy’s official site, you are to go to the Nigerian embassy in the country where you live to apply for a Nigerian visa or visit the Nigerian embassy in any country where you have stayed for at least six months for the same purposes
Here is the step-by-step guide on how to migrate to Nigeria for residential/business purposes
#1. Step one at your country of residence
- Sign an employment contract
- Fill out the online application on the Nigerian Immigration Service homepage
- Contact your residence embassy with the necessary paperwork
#2. Steps two in Nigeria
- Apply for Regularization
- Apply for CERPAC
- Apply for the Aliens Registration Card
Nigeria is a great choice for Business, tourism, and cultural experiences. You get to know why they’re called the happiest country in Africa. Don’t be skeptical that you might have a hard time blending in and communicating. The official language spoken all through Nigeria is English and her people celebrate foreigners more than themselves.
