Residence & citizenship
Nigerian CERPAC Residence Permit
Nigeria's combined expatriate residence permit and identity card, for foreign nationals living or working in the country long-term.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Nigeria government website before you apply.
- Official name
- Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC)
- Route type
- Residence permit and identity card
- Validity
- One year or longer, renewable
- Legal basis
- Immigration Act 2015 (ss.37–39); Immigration Regulation 2017 (ss.11–14)
Who it is for
- Business owners operating in Nigeria
- Employees of Nigerian companies
- Foreign students enrolled in Nigerian institutions
- Dependants of foreigners already residing in Nigeria
- Retirees aged 65 and above
Requirements
- Valid passport with a Nigerian visa
- Employment, business or student documentation as applicable
- Biometric data captured at a designated NIS office
What you can do
- Reside legally in Nigeria for the duration of the permit
- Use the card as proof of legal residence and identity
- Renew the permit for continued residence
How to apply
- Submit the application through the NIS online portal
- Upload supporting documents (passport with Nigerian visa and category documentation)
- Pay the applicable fees online
- Provide biometric data at a designated NIS office
- NIS processes and verifies the submitted materials
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.