FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Permanent Residence Visa (PRV)
While each category has unique requirements, some general items often include:
Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity).
Recent passport-size photographs.
Evidence of legal or familial relationship (for spouse or dependant categories).
Proof of financial capacity (for investor and retirement categories).
Police clearance certificate from the applicant’s country of residence.
Medical insurance and/or medical clearance certificate** (for certain categories).
N1A: Spouse of a Nigerian Citizen
N2A / N2B: Nigerians by Birth who Renounced Citizenship, and Their Spouses
N3A–N3E: Investor Visas (Small, Medium, Large, Ultra Large, and Oil/Gas/Power sector)
N4A: Highly Skilled Immigrant Visa
N5A / N5B: Retirement Visas (Retired in Nigeria and Retiree from Abroad)
N6A–N6D: Spouses and Dependants of Permanent Resident Visa Holders
The Expired Visa Regularization Initiative (Amnesty) provides a one-time opportunity for foreign nationals who have overstayed or violated the terms of their entry to bring their status into full compliance with immigration regulations.
The initiative primarily targets individuals holding:
1.Expired Visa on Arrival (VOA)
2.Expired Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC)
3.All types of expired Single and Multiple Entry Visas
The Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) is an essential immigration document issued by the Nigeria
Immigration Service (NIS) to eligible foreign nationals residing in Nigeria for an extended period. It serves both as a residence permit
and an identification card for expatriates, enabling them to live, work, study, or invest legally in the country.
For investors, retirees, or highly skilled immigrants, eligible dependants (spouse, children under or over 18, or aged parents) may apply under N6A–N6D categories. Their residency is typically tied to the principal visa holder’s valid permit. They will require standard documentation (passport, proof of relationship, medical/police clearances, etc.).
Some investor categories are eligibility to apply for citizenship after meeting certain criteria (e.g., continuous lawful residency for 15 years or certain investment levels, etc.).
The path to citizenship involves meeting minimum residency periods, good character, and other constitutional requirements.
Applicants must still file a separate citizenship application with the relevant authority.
Dependant visas (N6B, N6C, N6D) do not permit employment.
If an adult dependant wants to work, they need to apply for a separate appropriate category (e.g., Highly Skilled N4A or Work Permit as stipulated under the Nigeria immigration rules).
Certain categories (e.g., Investor Visas N3A–N3E, N4A, N5B) come with multi-year validity but are renewable upon meeting continuing requirements.
Other categories grant indefinite residence from the outset, (e.g., N1A, N2A, N5A) and do not require renewal, provided you maintain a valid passport.
N1A, N2A, N5A, N5B, and N6A–N6D (spouse/retiree/dependant categories) do not permit employment unless otherwise specified (e.g., N2B does allow employment).
Investor Visas (N3A–N3E) and Highly Skilled Immigrant (N4A) are granted primarily for business/investment or skilled employment, respectively.
Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria for one of the Permanent Visa classes. For instance, a holder of certain business or temporary work visas (e.g., F4B or F4C) may later qualify for an Investor Visa (N3A–N3E) after meeting capital investment requirements.
Short Visit Visa (e-Visa)
Eligibility depends on:
Nationality: Many nationalities can apply for an e-Visa, but some may still require in-person applications based on bilateral agreements or visa reciprocity.
Purpose of Visit: Business, tourism, short-term transit, family visits, or certain temporary work (TWP) are commonly supported.
Supporting Documents: Applicants must meet the documentary requirements specific to each visa type, such as invitation letters (for business visits) or proof of hotel bookings/funds (for tourists).
- Transit Visa
- Business – Single Entry Visa
- Business – Frequently Travelled Business Executives
- Tourism Visa
- Sports Visa
- Creative Arts Visa
- Study Tour Visa
- Academic Exchange Programme (Student, scholar, Lecturer) Visa
- International Cultural Exchange Visa
- Emergency/Relief Work Visa
- Returning holders of Foreign Passports who are Nigerians by Birth
- Visiting Visa – Single Entry
- Business- Multiple Entry Visa
The Nigeria e-Visa is an online visa platform that allows eligible foreign nationals to apply for and receive a Nigerian visa electronically. Instead of applying in person at a Nigerian embassy or consulate, applicants can complete the process via an official website/portal and, if approved, receive electronic confirmation to travel.
No. If you plan on working or staying long-term, you should apply for the correct employment or residence visa (e.g., STR Visa) before arrival. Short-visit e-Visas cannot be converted into residence or work permits inside Nigeria.
Yes. Some categories (e.g., tourism, visiting) allow group or family applications. You can submit applications under a group profile (up to 10 people). Requirements and fees apply to each applicant.
All e-Visas classes are not extendable beyond their stated duration.
Temporary Residence Visa (TRV)
A Temporary Residence Visa (TRV) allows foreign nationals to reside in Nigeria for a set period of time—usually tied to employment, diplomatic assignment, or family sponsorship. TRVs differ from short-visit visas in that they grant longer stays and often involve work permits or residence permits.
Eligibility depends on the specific TRV subclass. Generally, you must have:
A valid passport (at least six months’ validity).
A formal invitation or contract from a recognized employer/organization (for employment-based TRVs).
Diplomatic accreditation (for diplomat visas).
Proof of relationship (for dependants or spouses).
Approval from the Nigerian Ministry of the Interior or Comptroller General of Immigration (where applicable).
For Accredited Diplomats (R1): Initial stays often range up to 90 days to finalize accreditation, followed by a 2-year renewable residence permit.
For Employment Visas (R2, R3, R4, R5, R6): Typically, the initial visa allows entry within 90 days, after which you regularize into a 2-year renewable residence permit.
For Temporary Work Permits (R11): The permit is valid for 6 months and non-renewable.
Yes. Most TRV categories include sub-classes for spouses and dependants:
Spouse of Expatriate (R2B, R3B, R4B, R5B, etc.)
Dependant Child (R2C, R3C, R4C, R5C, etc.)
Dependant Adult Child (R2D, R3D, R4D, R5D, etc.)
Dependant Aged Parents (R2E, R3E, R4E, R5E, etc.)
If you are under an Employment or Diplomatic status, you (or your dependants) may study as long as it doesn’t violate your permit conditions. However, to be recognized as a full-time international student, a separate Student Visa or relevant visa class may be required. Check with Nigerian Immigration for specifics.
Diplomatic Visas (R1): Diplomats carry out official duties. Spouses/Dependants typically cannot work unless there is a special bilateral agreement or Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Employment Visas (R2, R3, R4, R5, R6): Yes, you may work only for the sponsoring employer or organization that secured your quota/approval.
Temporary Work Permit (R11): You may perform short-term specialized work (up to six months) but cannot engage in regular employment beyond that scope.
