Work & Settle in Nigeria

About Nigeria

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.

  • OFFICIAL NAME: Federal Republic of Nigeria
  • CAPITAL: Abuja
  • OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: English
  • MONEY: Naira
  • AREA: 356,667 square miles (923,768 square kilometers)
  • MAJOR MOUNTAIN RANGE: Cameroonian Highlands
  • MAJOR RIVERS: Niger, Benue

Residence permits for Nigeria

 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.

Procedure to obtain a Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card for Nigeria

1. Obtain Expatriate Quota Approval:

  • The Nigerian employer must apply for and obtain an Expatriate Quota from the Ministry of Interior, demonstrating the need to hire a foreign worker.
  • This application typically includes documents like company incorporation details, feasibility reports, and evidence of financial stability.

2. Apply for STR Visa:

  • Once the Expatriate Quota is secured, the expatriate can apply for the STR visa at the Nigerian Embassy or Consulate in their home country.
  • The STR visa allows for an initial entry into Nigeria for a specific purpose, such as employment, and is a precursor to obtaining the CERPAC.

3. Apply for CERPAC within 90 days:

  • Upon arrival in Nigeria with the STR visa, the expatriate must apply for the CERPAC within 90 days.
  • This application requires documents like the STR visa, the Expatriate Quota approval, and a completed CERPAC statutory form.
  • The CERPAC application must be submitted at the local immigration office in Nigeria.

4. Processing and Temporary CERPAC:

  • A temporary CERPAC (a receipt and temporary card) is typically issued within a few weeks of the application, allowing the expatriate to travel in and out of Nigeria while the permanent CERPAC is being processed.
  • The permanent CERPAC is generally issued within 6-10 weeks.

5. Alien Registration Card (ARC):

  • Once the permanent CERPAC is issued, the applicant, along with any family members who are also on CERPAC, can apply for Alien Registration Cards (ARCs).
  • ARCs are multiple entry and exit permits that allow free movement in Nigeria.

Special Immigrant Status in Nigeria

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:

  • A valid passport;
  • the form IMM22 in triplicate;
  • three passport size photographs;
  • a formal letter from your Nigerian wife, stating she accepts Immigration Responsibility;
  • a formal letter of request from you;
  • photocopies of the first five pages of your spouse’s passports; and
  • a photocopy of your marriage certificate.

CATEGORIES OF VISAS AVAILABLE TO EXPATRIATES DESIROUS OF TRAVELING TO NIGERIA FOR VARIOUS REASONS & PURPOSES

1. Temporary Work Permit (TWP):

  • This visa is designed for short-term assignments in Nigeria, typically lasting for up to 6 months.
  • Companies and organizations need to apply to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) for pre-approval before the expatriate can apply for the TWP visa at the Nigerian mission abroad.
  • Examples of assignments that may be eligible for TWP include erection/installation work, feasibility studies, repairs of machinery, and auditing of accounts

2. Subject to Regularization (STR) Visa:

  • This is the appropriate visa for expatriates seeking long-term employment and residency in Nigeria.
    • It requires a pre-obtainment of an expatriate quota approval from the Federal Ministry of Interior (FMI).
  • The STR visa is usually obtained from the applicable Nigerian mission abroad after submitting the required documentation, including the FMI’s expatriate quota approval.
  • Following the issuance of the STR visa, the expatriate can apply for a CERPAC (Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Alien Card), which allows long-term residency and work rights in Nigeria.

Expatriate Quota

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.

WHAT IS CERPAC GREEN CARD ?

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.

WHAT IS CERPAC BROWN CARD?

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.

Work in Nigeria

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.

Skills shortages

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 Employment Laws

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.

Benefits of Hiring Outsourcing in Nigeria

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

Working Hours in Nigeria

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.

Nigeria Supplementary Benefits

Common benefits include:

  • pension plans
  • dental benefits
  • life insurance
  • stock options
  • car allowance
  • mobile phone

Bonuses

Some companies pay a 13th month bonus, but it is not statutorily required. Annual bonuses and performance-based bonuses are common in Nigeria.

Nigerian visa

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.

Types of Work Visas in Nigeria

There are four primary types of visas offered in Nigeria:

  • Tourist visa
  • Business visa
  • Temporary work permit
  • Subject to Regularization (STR) visa

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.

Requirements to Obtain Nigeria Work Visas

To live and work in Nigeria, employees will need to start by obtaining an STR visa. The following documents are required:

  • A formal application from the sponsoring employer in Nigeria
  • A passport with a minimum of two blank pages and six months of validity
  • Proof of sufficient financial means
  • Two valid passport-size photos
  • A completed visa application form
  • A letter containing a job offer from a company in Nigeria and an acceptance letter from the employee
  • A copy of the employee’s CV and relevant educational qualifications
  • Expatriate quota approval

To obtain a CERPAC card, applicants will need to provide the following documents:

  • An application letter from the Nigerian employer accepting Immigration Responsibility and requesting that the employee’s stay be regularized
  • A letter of employment and acceptance of the job offer
  • A duly completed application form
  • Proof of expatriate quota approval
  • Three passport photos
  • The applicant’s passport, which should have STR visa endorsement
  • A business permit
  • Proof of payment for any applicable fees

Coraledu, a leading overseas immigration consultancy, offers tailored services to assist clients with their immigration needs.

Services include:

  • Expert guidance and counseling for Nigeria Immigration.
  • Free career counseling sessions available, schedule your appointment today.
  • Comprehensive support for Nigeria PR visa applications.
  • Job search assistance to help find relevant employment opportunities in Nigeria.

Interested work & settle in abroad?

Request Information