

Nigeria is a large, diverse country in West Africa, known as the “Giant of Africa”. It’s the most populous country in Africa and the sixth most populous globally, with a population exceeding 230 million. Nigeria is famous for its vibrant culture, diverse traditions, and rich artistic heritage. Nigeria offers significant opportunities for work and settlement due to its large and diverse economy, but there are also challenges to consider. The country’s economic growth and development are improving, particularly in its Human Development Index (HDI). However, unemployment remains a significant issue, especially for new graduates, and securing employment often requires experience or connections.
Nigeria, a residence permit, known as a CERPAC (Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card), is a document authorizing a foreign national to reside in the country for a specified period, subject to renewal. It is issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service.
1. Obtain Expatriate Quota Approval:
2. Apply for STR Visa:
3. Apply for CERPAC within 90 days:
4. Processing and Temporary CERPAC:
5. Alien Registration Card (ARC):
Nigerian immigration policies are “good” is subjective and depends on various factors. Recent reforms aim to improve security and streamline processes. However, the system faces challenges, including securing borders and managing increasing migration flows.
Foreigners married to Nigerian women enjoy a ‘Special Immigrant Status’ in Nigeria under which they can claim a free-of-charge CERPAC, untied to the necessity of holding a job in the country.
In this case, you will only need to provide:
1. Temporary Work Permit (TWP):
2. Subject to Regularization (STR) Visa:
Nigeria, an Expatriate Quota is an approval from the Federal Ministry of Interior (FMI) that allows companies to employ expatriates with specialized skills and expertise not readily available in Nigeria. This quota ensures that companies can access necessary foreign expertise while also supporting Nigerian workforce development through skill transfer and training of Nigerian understudies.
1. Purpose: To facilitate the hiring of foreign workers with specific skills and expertise that are scarce in Nigeria.
2. Issuance: The FMI grants Expatriate Quotas to companies.
3. Duration: The Quota is typically issued for a period of three years, with renewals possible upon expiration.
Nigeria, the CERPAC Green Card, officially known as the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card, is a document that allows foreign nationals to reside and work in the country. It’s essentially a work and residence permit combined into one card. This card is crucial for expatriates seeking to legally live and work in Nigeria.
The “Brown Card” in Nigeria is a new legal document, also known as a Permanent Residence Permit, granted to qualified foreign nationals, enabling them to live and work in the country indefinitely without the need for renewal. It’s part of the Nigerian Immigration Service’s (NIS) Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) system, with the Brown Card being a specific type for permanent residency.
Working in Nigeria can be a good opportunity, especially with the growing economy and increasing job market, but it also presents challenges. While certain sectors, like oil and gas, can offer high salaries and benefits, many sectors have low wages and may not adequately cover the cost of living. Additionally, Nigeria’s Human Development Index has been steadily increasing, indicating progress in various areas, but poverty and inequality remain significant issues.
1. Technical and Digital Skills
2. Construction
3. Healthcare
4. Teaching
5. Digital Marketing
6. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
7. Software Development
8. Cloud Computing
9. Cybersecurity
10. Data Science and Analytics
Nigeria’s major sources of employment compliance laws include the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 and the Labor Act of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. All federal laws enacted by the National Assembly and state laws enacted by the House of Assembly also govern employment relationships.
There are two broad categories of employees in Nigeria — those who perform manual or clerical work and those who do administrative, executive, technical, or professional work. The Labor Act applies only to the first group of employees who handle manual or clerical work. Non-workers are typically governed by their employment contracts.
1. better focus on core business
2. Expand your talent pool
3. Reduced cost
4. Flexibility
5. Improved scalability
6. Access to expertise
7. Better talent allocation
8. Cost efficiency
9. Manage business risks
10. Recruitment and staffing
1. Standard Workweek: 40 hours.
2. Daily Work: Typically 8 hours a day.
3. Overtime: Work beyond the standard 40 hours is subject to overtime pay.
4. Overtime Rates: Determined by individual employment contracts or collective bargaining agreements.
5. Leave: All employees are entitled to at least six paid annual leave days.
Common benefits include:
Some companies pay a 13th month bonus, but it is not statutorily required. Annual bonuses and performance-based bonuses are common in Nigeria.
If your company is planning to expand operations to Nigeria, you probably want to get started as soon as possible. However, you’ll need to make sure all of your employees have the visas and permits they need to live and work in Nigeria legally.
There are four primary types of visas offered in Nigeria:
There are a few other visas, including those for transit and diplomatic visits. All of these visas are issued to allow entry into Nigeria, and they’re all valid for three months.
Foreign citizens who plan to take up employment in Nigeria will need to obtain an STR visa. However, this visa alone does not give the holder the legal right to work in Nigeria. To do so, they will also need to obtain a Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card, or CERPAC, which is a combined permit for residency and work in Nigeria.
To live and work in Nigeria, employees will need to start by obtaining an STR visa. The following documents are required:
To obtain a CERPAC card, applicants will need to provide the following documents:
Services include:
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