Nigeria (NG)
Nigeria is Africa's most populous nation and its largest economy — a vibrant, dynamic, and entrepreneurial country of over 220 million people spanning 36 states and 250+ ethnic groups.
Visa & Immigration
Entry and residence options for Nigeria.
✈️ Visa-Free Access
Citizens of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member countries and a small number of other nationalities have visa-free or simplified entry access to Nigeria. Most other nationalities must apply for an eVisa through the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) portal (immigration.gov.ng) before travel. Manual visa-on-arrival (VOA) was discontinued by the NIS from August 2025 — the eVisa is now the standard route.
Nigeria moved to a fully automated eVisa and landing-card process in 2025 (NIS eVisa portal launch: 1 May 2025; manual VOA removed: August 2025). Use official NIS portals (immigration.gov.ng) for all applications. Keep copies of every eVisa approval, receipt, e-CERPAC card, and entry stamp. e-CERPAC biometric enrolment is required after arrival for employment visa holders. Overstaying is a criminal offence in Nigeria.
Short-Stay eVisa
Tourism, business meetings, family visits, and other short-stay purposes in eligible categories. Available online to most nationalities.
24–48 hours for most applications; up to 5 business days during peak periods. Apply via the NIS eVisa portal well before travel.
- ✓Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- ✓Recent passport-size photograph meeting NIS specifications
- ✓Completed online eVisa application (immigration.gov.ng)
- ✓Invitation letter or hotel booking and travel itinerary
- ✓Payment via debit or credit card on the NIS eVisa portal
- ✓Completed automated landing card (submitted online before travel)
Employment Visa (R2A Expatriate)
Foreign employees sponsored by a Nigerian employer that holds an approved Expatriate Quota from the Ministry of Interior
Several weeks to months including Expatriate Quota approval; start the process well before the intended start date
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓Signed employment contract and acceptance letter
- ✓Employer invitation and IR letter
- ✓Approved Expatriate Quota letter from the Ministry of Interior
- ✓Relevant professional certificates and CV
- ✓Board resolution if joining at senior management level
Temporary Work Permit (TWP)
Short-term technical assignments, specialist work, and project-based roles where a full Expatriate Quota is not appropriate
Several weeks
- ✓Sponsor/employer request letter
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓Statement of work or contract scope
- ✓Relevant approvals from the Ministry of Interior
Business and Investor Residence
Foreign investors and business operators meeting NIS, Ministry of Interior, Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and tax authority conditions
Several months; sequence CAC registration, tax, quota/permit, and banking before relocating staff
- ✓CAC-registered company documents
- ✓Evidence of qualifying investment
- ✓Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) tax compliance records
- ✓NIS and Ministry approvals
- ✓Valid passport and photographs
Student Visa
Students accepted by an accredited Nigerian educational institution
Several weeks
- ✓Official admission letter from the accredited institution
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓Proof of funds to cover tuition and living costs
- ✓Confirmed accommodation
- ✓Medical and health documents as required
No dedicated digital nomad visa
Digital NomadNigeria does not offer a dedicated digital nomad visa as of 2026. Remote workers must hold a lawful eVisa or residence permit category and obtain legal and tax advice before performing work from Nigeria.
N/A
- ✓Written immigration legal advice before relying on tourist or business eVisa status for remote work
- ✓Tax-residence advice (extended stays can trigger Nigerian income tax obligations)
Visa & Immigration
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