Please note
Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). This is general information — apply and check requirements only through official NIS channels (immigration.gov.ng). Visa rules, fees and processes change and depend on your nationality and category — confirm current requirements on the official portal. For Nigerian passports, see our dedicated passport guide.
What CERPAC is
CERPAC (Combined/Comprehensive Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card) is the document the NIS issues to foreign nationals, serving as both a residence permit and an ID card — the legal right to live, work, study or invest in Nigeria.
Who needs it
Foreigners intending to reside in Nigeria for not less than one year — business owners, employees of Nigerian companies, foreign students, dependants, and retirees (65+) — generally need CERPAC.
The permit classes
- R2A — expatriate employees (based on the company’s quota) and their dependants.
- R3A — expatriates in Free Trade Zones.
- R5A — employees of international NGOs.
- Students, dependants, and N1A — spouses of Nigerian citizens (a permanent-residence class).
How to apply
- Enter Nigeria on the correct visa (e.g. STR) or apply for e-CERPAC before arrival.
- Apply online via the NIS/CERPAC portal (cerpac.immigration.gov.ng), uploading your passport with visa, proof of employment/business/student status, and supporting documents.
- Complete biometrics/medicals as required and pay.
Fees & validity
Indicative fees: around USD 2,000 for employed foreigners, USD 600 for students, and gratis for foreigners married to Nigerian citizens. CERPAC is typically valid up to 2 years and is renewable. Confirm current fees on the portal.
The new e-CERPAC
The e-CERPAC can be processed and issued before the expatriate enters Nigeria, removing the need for post-arrival regularization and speeding up compliance.
Tips
- Match your class to your situation.
- Apply within any required timeline after entry.
- Consider e-CERPAC to arrive fully authorised.
What CERPAC is
CERPAC (Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card) is Nigeria's residence-and-work permit for foreigners — a single card that serves as both proof of legal residence and an alien identity document. It's required of non-Nigerians staying beyond a short visit (broadly, more than about 56 days) for work, business or long-term residence, and it authorises the holder to live and work legally in Nigeria — typically for up to one year, renewable. It's governed by the Immigration Act 2015 and its regulations, and is the document that completes the expatriate employment chain.
e-CERPAC: approved before arrival
The e-CERPAC is a significant improvement. Unlike the traditional flow — where you entered on an STR visa and then regularized — the e-CERPAC is processed and issued before the expatriate enters the country, removing post-arrival regularization delays. Applications now run through the Expatriate Administration System (EAS) online, alongside the expatriate quota and business permit. This means an expatriate can arrive with their legal authorization already in place.
Fees and validity
CERPAC is renewable, typically valid for up to one year at a time, and it's employer-tied — the holder works for the sponsoring company. On cost, official figures are set by the Ministry of Interior and change, so confirm current fees on the official channels — but budget for the whole chain, not one line: the CERPAC/e-CERPAC fee (reported around US$2,000), expatriate insurance charged separately, and the naira-denominated company-side quota fees. Planning for the full set of costs and the renewal cycle avoids nasty surprises.
Frequently asked questions
What is CERPAC?
The Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card — both a residence permit and ID card giving foreigners the legal right to live, work, study or invest in Nigeria.
Who needs a CERPAC?
Foreigners intending to reside in Nigeria for at least a year — business owners, employees, foreign students, dependants and retirees (65+).
How much does CERPAC cost?
Indicatively around USD 2,000 for employed foreigners, USD 600 for students, and gratis for foreigners married to Nigerian citizens — confirm current fees on the portal.
How long is CERPAC valid?
Typically up to 2 years, and it is renewable.
What is e-CERPAC?
A version processed and issued before the expatriate enters Nigeria, removing the need for post-arrival regularization.
What is CERPAC?
The Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card — Nigeria's residence-and-work permit for foreigners, serving as proof of legal residence and an alien identity card. It's required of non-Nigerians staying beyond a short visit (roughly 56+ days) for work, business or long-term residence, usually valid up to a year and renewable.
Who needs CERPAC?
Non-Nigerians staying in Nigeria beyond a short visit — broadly more than about 56 days — for work, business or long-term residence. It's the permit that lets an expatriate live and work legally, tied to their sponsoring employer.
What is e-CERPAC?
An improved version of CERPAC that is processed and issued before the expatriate enters Nigeria, removing the need for post-arrival regularization. It's applied for online through the Expatriate Administration System alongside the quota and business permit.
How much does CERPAC cost?
Official fees are set by the Ministry of Interior and change, so confirm current figures on official channels. Budget for the whole chain: the CERPAC/e-CERPAC fee (reported around US$2,000), separately charged expatriate insurance, and naira-denominated company-side quota fees.
How long is CERPAC valid?
Typically up to one year at a time, and it's renewable. It remains tied to the sponsoring employer, so a change of employer requires a fresh quota and process.