FOREIGN CITIZENS WISHING TO TAKE UP EMPLOYMENT IN

Foreign citizens wishing 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 this, they will also need to obtain a combined residence permit for expatriates and a card for foreigners, or CERPAC, which is a combined residence and work permit in Nigeria.

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 sponsor 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 employee acceptance letter.
A copy of the employee's CV and related academic qualifications.
Approval of dues for expatriates.
To obtain a CERPAC card, applicants must provide the following documents:

An application letter from the Nigerian employer accepting immigration responsibility and requesting the regularization of the employee's stay.
A letter of employment and acceptance of the job offer.
A duly completed application form.
Proof of approval of the expatriate quota.
Three passport-size photos.
The passport of the applicant, who should have STR visa approval.
A work permit.
Proof of payment for any applicable fees.

It may be helpful to divide the application process into two parts: the steps to be taken in the employee's country of residence and the steps to be taken upon the employee's arrival in Nigeria.

Before leaving your home country, employees must:

Sign an employment contract with a company in Nigeria.
Complete an online application for a STR visa through the Nigerian Immigration Service.
Contact the Nigerian Embassy in their country with relevant documents, including proof of payment of the registration fee.
Applications are generally processed within seven days. After obtaining an STR visa, the employee can travel to Nigeria and complete the remaining steps:

Request regularization
Apply for a CERPAC card from the National Immigration Service.
Get a registration card for foreigners.
Upon receiving a CERPAC card, the employee is legally able to live and work in Nigeria. The CERPAC is issued for an initial period of two years, after which it is eligible for renewal.