🇳🇬Nigeria · Work Permits

Work Permits in Nigeria

End-to-end work permit management for expatriates in Nigeria. CERPAC — Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card, STR Visa (Subject to Regularisation), and Dependent Pass applications handled by our immigration specialists.

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Nigeria Work Permit Quick Reference

Primary Work Permit

CERPAC — Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card

Permit Duration

2 years, renewable

Temporary Pass

STR Visa (Subject to Regularisation) (90 days on entry; converts to CERPAC in-country)

Processing Time

4–8 weeks (CERPAC after biometric); 8–16 weeks end-to-end

Immigration Authority

Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and Federal Ministry of Interior (NIS)

Permit Types

Nigeria immigration options for foreign nationals

CERPAC — Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card

2 years, renewable

For: All foreign nationals employed in Nigeria; must be linked to an approved Expatriate Quota position held by the employer

Issued by NIS as a smart card. Must be linked to an Expatriate Quota position approved by the Federal Ministry of Interior. Renewal applications 3 months before expiry.

STR Visa (Subject to Regularisation)

90 days on entry; converts to CERPAC in-country

For: Foreign nationals entering Nigeria to take up employment — the entry mechanism before CERPAC is issued

Obtained at a Nigerian embassy or high commission before travel. Requires a Letter of Eligibility from the Ministry of Interior and employer acceptance letter.

Expatriate Quota

2 years, aligned with Business Permit; renewable

For: The employer company's authorisation from the Federal Ministry of Interior to employ a specified number of foreign nationals in defined roles

No Expatriate Quota = no legal basis for CERPAC. Specifies job title, nationality, and number of positions. Two Max Group assists with Quota application and renewal.

Business Visa / Temporary Work Visa

Up to 30–90 days depending on visa category

For: Short-term business visitors or project-based workers not taking up regular employment

Not valid for regular employment. Used for short consulting visits, training, or site visits. Appropriate visa type must be selected at application.

Requirements

Documents required for a CERPAC — Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card

Valid passport (minimum 12 months remaining validity)

Letter of Eligibility from Federal Ministry of Interior (requires Expatriate Quota)

Employer acceptance/appointment letter

Educational and professional qualification certificates

Police clearance certificate from home country

Medical certificate / HIV test results (from approved clinic)

Recent passport photographs

Completed NIS CERPAC application form

Employer CAC Certificate and Business Permit copies

CERPAC fee payment (denominated in USD, payable in NGN equivalent)

Application Process

How we handle your Nigeria work permit

01 · Expatriate Quota Application

The employing company must hold an approved Expatriate Quota from the Federal Ministry of Interior. Two Max Group reviews your existing Quota or assists with a new Quota application, specifying the job title, skill level, and nationality requirements.

02 · Letter of Eligibility from Ministry of Interior

Once the Quota is confirmed, the Ministry issues a Letter of Eligibility for the specific expatriate. This letter is required to obtain the STR visa from the Nigerian embassy or high commission in the home country.

03 · STR Visa at Nigerian Embassy

The expatriate applies for the STR visa at the Nigerian embassy or high commission in their home country, using the Letter of Eligibility and employer acceptance letter. Two Max Group prepares the employer documentation package.

04 · Arrival and NIS Registration

On arrival in Nigeria, the expatriate registers with the NIS. The passport is endorsed and the CERPAC process is commenced. Two Max Group coordinates at the NIS office via an authorised representative.

05 · CERPAC Biometric and Card Issuance

The expatriate attends NIS in person for biometric enrolment. The CERPAC smart card is issued within 4 to 8 weeks of biometric capture, displaying name, employer, Quota position, and expiry date.

06 · Renewal and Quota Management

CERPAC is renewed every 2 years. Two Max Group initiates both Quota and CERPAC renewal 3 months before expiry. Any role changes must be reflected in an amended Quota before the CERPAC is updated.

Common Questions

Nigeria Work Permit FAQs

Need a work permit in Nigeria?

We handle the full application — documents, submission, and follow-up with NIS.

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