Government Services Guide
Step-by-step guides from official sources. Select a country, then a topic.
Get a Work Permit in Nigeria
Expatriate Quota and CERPAC
Fees
Expatriate Quota: varies / CERPAC: ~USD 1,000/year
Timeline
4-12 weeks
Last verified
2026-10
Step-by-Step Process (4 steps)
Employer obtains Expatriate Quota
Your Nigerian employer applies to the Federal Ministry of Interior for an Expatriate Quota position. This approval must come before the work visa.
Required:
- • Company registration (CAC)
- • Justification for foreign hire
- • Training plan for Nigerian understudies
Obtain STR visa
Apply for a Subject to Regularisation (STR) visa at a Nigerian embassy. This allows entry for the purpose of obtaining residence.
Required:
- • Valid passport
- • Expatriate Quota approval letter
- • Job offer letter
Enter Nigeria and apply for CERPAC
After arrival, apply for the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) at NIS.
Required:
- • STR visa
- • Expatriate Quota documents
- • Passport
- • Biometric enrollment
Receive CERPAC
CERPAC card issued (biometric ID for foreign residents). Valid for 1-2 years, renewable. Must carry at all times.
Temporary Work Permit (TWP) available for short stays up to 90 days
ECOWAS citizens have 90-day visa-free entry
All Requirements
- ✓ Valid passport
- ✓ Employer in Nigeria with Expatriate Quota
- ✓ STR visa
- ✓ CERPAC fee
- ✓ Medical clearance
Official Sources
Steps and fees reviewed 2026-10. Official links: 2 of 2 answered when ONIM checked them on 2026-11-12 — a link that did not answer may still work from your own country. Always check official sources.
Disclaimer: These guides summarize official government procedures from published sources. Fees, timelines, and requirements may change. Always verify with the official agency before starting a process. This is not legal advice.