Nigeria – How to Get a Residence Permit?
If you’re planning on moving to Nigeria or staying for an extended period, you’ll need to obtain a residence permit. A residence permit is an official document that identifies you as a legal resident of Nigeria and allows you to stay in the country for a specific duration. In this article, we will guide you through the process of obtaining a residence permit in Nigeria.
Table of Contents
– Introduction
– What is a Residence Permit?
– Types of Residence Permits in Nigeria
– Temporary Work Permit (TWP)
– Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC)
– Permanent Residence Permit (PRP)
– Eligibility Criteria
– Temporary Work Permit
– Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card
– Permanent Residence Permit
– Required Documents
– Temporary Work Permit
– Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card
– Permanent Residence Permit
– Application Process
– Temporary Work Permit
– Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card
– Permanent Residence Permit
– Conclusion
Introduction
What is a Residence Permit?
A residence permit is an official document that grants temporary or permanent residency to foreign nationals in a country where they are not citizens. This document confirms that the holder is legally allowed to live and work in the country for a specific duration.
In Nigeria, a residence permit is called a combined expatriate residence permit and aliens card (CERPAC), temporary work permit (TWP), or permanent residence permit (PRP).
Types of Residence Permits in Nigeria
Temporary Work Permit (TWP)
The temporary work permit is for foreigners who wish to work in Nigeria for a short period, usually six months or less. The TWP can be issued to individuals, groups of workers, or companies. This permit is ideal for foreign workers who are in Nigeria to provide specialized services, such as consultancy or training.
Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC)
The combined expatriate residence permit and aliens card (CERPAC) is designed for foreigners who intend to stay in Nigeria for a more extended period than six months. This type of permit allows holders to work, live, and travel within Nigeria without restrictions. The CERPAC is renewable every two years.
Permanent Residence Permit (PRP)
The permanent residence permit (PRP) is for foreigners who have been legally resident in Nigeria for a minimum of six years. Holders of this permit have the right to live and work in Nigeria indefinitely. They are also exempt from obtaining a re-entry visa.
Eligibility Criteria
Temporary Work Permit
Foreigners seeking a temporary work permit must meet the following criteria:
– Have a valid passport with at least six months validity remaining.
– Be sponsored by a Nigerian company or individual.
– Submit a letter of invitation from the sponsoring individual or organization.
– Provide evidence of educational qualifications and professional certifications.
– Show proof of financial ability to support themselves during their stay in Nigeria.
– Obtain a police clearance certificate from their home country.
Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card
Foreigners seeking a CERPAC must meet the following criteria:
– Have a valid passport with at least six months validity remaining.
– Show proof of employment by a Nigerian company or government agency.
– Provide a copy of their employment offer letter and contract.
– Obtain a medical certificate from a recognized hospital in Nigeria.
– Obtain a police clearance certificate from their home country.
Permanent Residence Permit
Foreigners seeking a permanent residence permit must meet the following criteria:
– Have lived in Nigeria for a minimum of six years.
– Have a valid passport with at least six months validity remaining.
– Show proof of employment or business ownership in Nigeria.
– Obtain a medical certificate from a recognized hospital in Nigeria.
– Obtain a police clearance certificate from their home country.
Required Documents
Temporary Work Permit
The required documents for a temporary work permit application are:
– A letter of invitation from the sponsoring individual or organization.
– A copy of the applicant’s passport biodata page.
– A copy of the applicant’s educational qualifications and professional certifications.
– Evidence of financial ability to support themselves during their stay in Nigeria.
– A police clearance certificate from their home country.
Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card
The required documents for a CERPAC application are:
– A copy of the applicant’s employment offer letter and contract.
– A copy of the applicant’s passport biodata page.
– A medical certificate obtained from a recognized hospital in Nigeria.
– A police clearance certificate from their home country.
Permanent Residence Permit
The required documents for a permanent residence permit application are:
– A copy of the applicant’s passport biodata page.
– Evidence of employment or business ownership in Nigeria.
– A medical certificate obtained from a recognized hospital Application Process
Temporary Work Permit
The application process for a temporary work permit is as follows:
1. The sponsoring individual or organization must apply to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) on behalf of the foreign worker.
2. The NIS will issue an approval letter if the application is successful.
3. The foreign worker must then submit their passport and necessary documents to the Nigerian embassy or consulate in their home country.
4. After processing, the embassy will issue a visa to the foreign worker.
5. Upon arrival in Nigeria, the foreign worker must visit the NIS office to complete their biometric data capture.
Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card
The application process for a CERPAC is as follows:
1. The employer or sponsoring agency must apply to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) on behalf of the foreigner.
2. The NIS will issue a letter of approval.
3. The foreigner must then submit their passport, necessary documents, and payment receipt to the Nigerian embassy or consulate in their home country.
4. The embassy will issue a visa to the foreigner.
5. Upon arrival in Nigeria, the foreigner must visit the NIS office to complete their biometric data capture and receive their CERPAC.
Permanent Residence Permit
The application process for a permanent residence permit is as follows:
1. The foreigner must apply to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) for a permanent residence permit.
2. The NIS will confirm the applicant’s eligibility and issue an approval letter.
3. The applicant must then submit their passport, necessary documents, and payment receipt to the nearest NIS office in Nigeria.
4. The NIS will conduct a background check and review the application.
5. If approved, the NIS will issue the permanent residence permit.
Conclusion
Obtaining a residence permit in Nigeria can be a complex process. However, foreign nationals who intend to stay in Nigeria for an extended period must have a residence permit. The types of permits available include temporary work permits (TWP), combined expatriate residence permits and aliens cards (CERPAC), and permanent residence permits (PRP). Each permit has varying eligibility requirements and application processes.
To obtain a residence permit, you must first determine your eligibility based on your intended duration of stay in Nigeria. Then, gather the necessary documents and submit them through the appropriate channels. Remember to adhere to all guidelines and regulations set by the Nigerian Immigration Service to avoid delays or rejections.
In summary, obtaining a residence permit is a crucial step for foreign nationals intending to live and work in Nigeria. With proper preparation and adherence to guidelines, the process can be completed smoothly, allowing you to enjoy your stay in Nigeria without any legal complications.We hope this article has provided valuable insight into the process of obtaining a residence permit in Nigeria. Remember to consult with relevant authorities or legal professionals for any specific questions or concerns you may have. With the right information and preparation, you can successfully obtain a residence permit and enjoy what Nigeria has to offer.