In this post, we will will explained how to and the procedure and eligibility for Applying for A Nigerian Business Visa or Investor Visa. It also have business visa requirements and Work permits (Temporary Work Permit, Long-term work permits/ Subject to Regulation Permits).
Business visa is meant for business relations and meetings. It is solely for conducting business in Nigeria and not an employer-employee type of visa or for labour or gainful employment purpose. A business visa also applies to airline and ships’ crew members, the staff of NGOs, INGOs and researchers.
A business visa is one of the categories of visas issued to foreigners by the Nigerian Immigration Service. It is a major immigration requirement of an expatriate intending to conduct business in Nigeria. Applications must be made at a Nigerian Diplomatic Mission, and a foreigner wishing to come to Nigeria for business must have a valid visiting permit not exceeding 90 days.
Read: Foreigners Guide to Start Business in Nigeria
As Nigeria is the largest economy and most populated country in Africa. The booming business activities in Nigeria among other factors have made it mandatory for the Nigerian Immigration Service to be issuing a special type of visa known as a business visa.
It is a strict compliance that all foreigners coming to Nigeria for business purposes need to have a visa for Nigeria prior to the arrival except in special cases were visa is issued on arrival.
Only citizens of member-states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and few countries with visa abolition agreements with Nigeria are exempted from the visa’s requirement. Business Visa is available to citizens of all countries except ECOWAS Nationals and about 3 other non-ECOWAS countries, which have entered visa abolition agreements with Nigeria.
Read: Nigeria Business Visa Extension
Business Visas are issued by Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to travellers.
Business Visa Duration
The Nigerian business visa is a Single Entry travel document. However, business visas are valid for a period of 90 days and the business visa on arrival is valid for 14 days after issued. Business visa can be extended.
Key Benefits/Eligibility of Business VISA in Nigeria
- You can either buy an existing business or set one up from scratch
- You can choose a business that matches your entrepreneurial background
- Your business can be located anywhere in Nigeria
- Minimum investment can be waived
- To visit Nigeria for the purpose of meetings, conferences, seminars, bid for contract or contract negotiations.
- Marketing, sales, purchase distribution of goods, trade fairs,
- Musical concerts, job interviews, emergency/relief work or to train Nigerians in areas such as humanitarian services
Business Visa Requirements
- Passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Duly completed visa application form.
- Two recent passport photographs.
- A Letter of invitation from a company/host in Nigeria accepting immigration responsibility.
- Evidence of online payment for visa fee.
- Self-sponsored business men may not require letter of invitation but will be required to show evidence of sufficient funds.
- High net worth investors.
- CEO of recognized multinationals, invitees of Government.
- Introduction Letter (from applicant).
- CAC certificate of Host company or Permission for an NGO.
- Flight Itinerary.
- Only applicants with the above requirements would be allowed entrance into Nigeria following further interview
- Copy of airline return ticket
The above business Visa requirements will be made available to Nigeria Immigration Service before your business visa will be issued.
Read: How to Start Oil & Gas Business in Nigeria
- Proof of hotel reservations or host address within Nigeria
- International yellow fever certificate showing proof of vaccination
- An Invitation letter from a hosting company or individual stating the relationship of the host to the applicant, reason for travel, accommodation plans, intended length of stay, and the contact information of the host
Procedure For Applying for Nigerian Business Visa
Step 1:
- Visit the Homepage of the Nigerian Immigration Portal at immigration.gov.ng.
- Locate & click on the appropriate application form to start the process.
- Complete the online visa application and print completed form (Visa Form IMM22).
Step 2:
- Pay online through the e-Portal system and print payment receipt.
Step 3:
Affix 2 passport sized photographs to completed Visa Form IMM22, along with the other requirements and submit through any of the following:
- Via Post to the Embassy/High Commission/Consulate of Nigeria where an applicant is Resident.
- In person at designated Visa Application Centre (where applicable) or,
- In person at the Embassy/High Commission/Consulate of Nigeria where an applicant is Resident.
Applicant may be invited for interview within 2 – 3 working days from receipt of application where necessary.
- Validity of a Nigerian business visa is 90 days (not extendable).
Once an expatriate has obtained a business visa from the Nigerian Embassy/High Commission in their jurisdiction, the next step is to obtain a business permit, which will enable them to conduct business in Nigeria.
Work Permits in Nigeria
A work permit is for people who wish to earn an income or compensation overseas. They are for expatriates who wish to earn a living in another jurisdiction or be remunerated, and will be under the work permit category and therefore require the above-mentioned visa.
Read: Oil & Gas Consultant Service in Nigerian
The Temporary Work Permit (TWP) is the most common type of work permit in Nigeria. It is specifically for immigrants who enter Nigeria to undertake a specific job for a temporary period, usually three months.
A Temporary Work Permit needs to be approved by the Minister of Interior before the expatriate travels and is only for specific jobs that meet the Nigerian local content act. This visa is available to skilled workers and contractors whose skills are being paid for by corporations or non-profits.
Requirements for a Temporary Work Permit:
- current passport;
- completed visa application form;
- confirmation of online payment;
- two passport-sized photos;
- copy of the Comptroller-General’s approval cable visa that lists the applicant’s name;
- letter of introduction from host organisation in Nigeria; and
- covering letter from employer bringing employee into the country.[6]
Limitations
There are no limitations for TWPs and foreign nationals who meet the visa application conditions and they may apply as many times as required.
Long-term Work Permits
Long-term work permits are called Subject to Regulation Permits (STRs). They are a variant to Temporary Work Permits. This visa is normally issued to expatriates working for non-profit organisations, corporate bodies, private firms, private investors and even private individuals. To ensure that the applicant is in the country solely for the purpose of work, the Nigerian Immigration Service will issue the visa based on the dates specified in the applicant’s employment contract.
Requirements for Long-term work permits visas include:
- formal application for an STR visa from the employer/institution accepting immigration responsibility;
- valid passport with a minimum six-month validity;
- two passport-sized photographs taken within the last six months;
- expatriate quota approval;
- evidence of financial support;
- letters of offer of appointment and acceptance of offer;
- educational qualifications and CV; and
- four copies of company memorandum and articles of association.
Expatriates should note that any Long-term work permits visa application should be made at their country of residence. Once an expatriate is issued an STR visa, they will be informed that the visa is for a duration of 90 days and is for a single entry.
Conclusion
It is important to know that when meet business visa requirements and work permit in Nigeria, the process is easy and simple. Aziza Nigeria still remain your reliable partner in oil and gas business guide consultant in Nigeria.