Nigeria eCERPAC Application For Expatriates and Foreigners: The Federal Government of Nigeria (Ministry of Interior) has introduced the e‑CERPAC, a new digital Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card, which serves as a fully electronic work and residence permit for expatriate Employees in Nigeria, students, dependents, and investors in Nigeria. The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has launched it to completely replace paper forms and enhance the overall application process. From August 1, 2025, the e‑CERPAC portal (cerpac.immigration.gov.ng) will be the sole and official channel for submissions. After July 31, paper applications will no longer be accepted.
List of Countries Eligible for e-Cerpac Application
The e‑CERPAC is accessible to all foreign nationals the such as (American, Europe, Asian and Australia) and aslo Including (non-ECOWAS Countries in Africalike Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger) who meet the criteria for a designated visa or residence category—particularly those arriving for employment, education, investment, retirement, family support, religious service, or administrative functions in Nigeria. There is no set list of countries; qualification depends on your visa type and intended purpose, rather than your nationality.
Class of Visa Eligible for e-Cerpac Application
- Employment visas (e.g., R2A–R6A), including International NGOs. To be Endorsed STR Visa (Subject to Regularize)
- Student visas (e.g., R7A).
- Investor visas (N3A–N3E).
- Highly skilled visas (N4A).
- Spouse/dependent visas (N1A, N6A–N6D).
- Retirement visas (N5A, N5B).
- Clerical/missionary visas (R6A).
Categories of e-Cerpac
1. Expatriate employees of Companies and their dependants
Nigeria is one of Africa’s largest economies and a top investment and business destination due to its vast natural resources, large population, and growing tech and consumer markets. Countries that majorly invest and set up a High business. in Nigeria, include:
| Country | Key Sectors of Investment |
|---|---|
| United States and India | Oil & Gas, Technology, Finance, Agriculture |
| United Kingdom | Banking, Energy, Legal Services, Education |
| China | Infrastructure, Rail, Power, Mining, Manufacturing |
| Netherlands | Oil & Gas (Shell), Agribusiness, Manufacturing |
| India and Lebanese | Pharmaceuticals, ICT, Plastics, Textiles |
| France | Oil, Telecom, Retail |
| Germany | Engineering, Automotive, Industrial Equipment |
| South Africa and Indian | Telecom (MTN), Retail (Shoprite), Banking |
| Italy | Oil & Gas (ENI), Construction |
| United Arab Emirates | Real Estate, Trade, Logistics, Aviation |
All these Expatriate employees of Companies OR the Company founder itself must Obtain an STR / Employment visas (e.g., R2A–R6A visa issued to Foreign national who want to come and work for anther company in Nigeria OR Want to come and set up his/her business or Company in Nigeria. The eCerpac Application for Expatriate employees of Companies and their dependants such as wife, Parent and children can be Applied Online Via the e-Cerpac Portal provided all requirements are met.
Requirements For Expatriate employees of Companies and their dependants:
- A Copy of STR / Employment visas (e.g., R2A–R6A), Which Must have been applied for at any nearest Nigerian embassy or consulate. CLICK HERE TO SEE DIRECTORY OF NIGERIA EMBASSY ACROSS THE CONTINENT)
- International Passport Not Less that 6 Months Validity and atlease 5 Blank booklets
- Personal Information and Data Including Information details in Nigeria
- Letter of offer of employment
- Letter of acceptance of employment
- Vetted Academic Credentials and Educational Qualifications
- Curriculum Vitae
- Copy of valid Quota Approval
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Marriage Certificate
- Board of Directors Resolution
- Proof of registration with relevant professional bodies (certificate or confirmation)
- Business Permit of the company Issued By the Ministry of Interior
2. Foreign Students and Missionaries e-Cerpac
This Class is meant for Students who are coming to Nigeria to Study, Missionaries, Clerics and their dependants etc. NOTE: The Cost of e-Cerpac is $400 per annum (Naira equivalent) for students and Missionaries.
3. Expatriates employed By Free Trade Zone (FTZ) Companies
This Class of e-Cerpac is for Expatriates employed by companies operating in Free Trade Zones (FTZ) and their dependants. Examples of Free Zones include; Lagos Free Zone Company, Eko Antlantic Free Zone Company, and Lekki Free Zone.
Frequently Asked Questions about e-Cerpac
- Who is Charge of e-Cerpac ?
- E-Cerpac is an electronic portal for the Issuance of the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card Coordinated and operated by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Visa and residency unit
- How Many Years is my e-Cerpac Validity?
- 1 Year, The Automated system notifies your Due Stay (365 Days) and Renewal Procedures
- How Long does it Takes to Get My eCerpac after application?
- All application and Properly Vetted. It typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, but timelines may vary based on approvals and documentation.
- Can I Track my e-Cerpac Application Status If Approved?
- You can track your application status using the application ID provided during registration on the e-CERPAC portal.
- Is there an age limit for e-CERPAC applications?
- No. There is no age limit; however, dependents such as children may be required to apply as part of a family application.
- Do students require e-CERPAC?
- Yes. Foreign students in Nigeria must obtain e-CERPAC for legal residency during their studies.
- Can I use e-CERPAC as a work permit?
- Yes, You can use it as a legal residence document and permit to work in Nigeria
- If My e-Cerpac expires, How do I Renew:
- Renewal applications can be submitted online or at authorized centers. Updated documents, including employment verification, are required. Also It is advisable to renew your e-CERPAC at least 30 days before expiration to avoid penalties.
- How Much is e-Cerpac and Which Currency or Payment Channel will be used for payment
- The current cost of e-CERPAC is $2,000 per annum (Naira equivalent) for all categories of expatriates and $400 per annum (Naira equivalent) for students and Missionaries NOTE: Payments made for e-CERPAC applications or renewals are non-refundable.
- SEE the CURRENT PRICE OF CERPAC in NAIRA today:
- Can I transfer e-CERPAC to a new employer?
- YES, this is just the Same process as CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT (COE), but a transfer application must be submitted with relevant documents, including the new employer’s expatriate quota approval and letter of no objection from the previous employer.
- Does e-CERPAC allow multiple entries into Nigeria?
- Yes. Holders of valid e-CERPAC can enter and exit Nigeria multiple times during the permit’s validity period.
- Yes. Holders of valid e-CERPAC can enter and exit Nigeria multiple times during the permit’s validity period.