Nigeria
General visa requirements for travelling to Nigeria. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.
Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.
Work / Immigration visa (Employment Visa Expatriate (R2A))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
e-Visa
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- 7-14 business days
- Fee
- $180 USD
- Validity
- 90 days from issuance
- Entry
- Single entry
Employment visa for expatriates hired by Nigerian employers for roles requiring skills not readily available locally. Typically valid for 90 days. Upon arrival, holders must obtain CERPAC and residence permit for legal work status.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
All foreign nationals employed by Nigerian companies are eligible.
-
Purpose of visit
For expatriates employed in Nigeria in positions requiring specialized skills not available in local workforce.
-
Employment
Must be hired by Nigerian employer for skilled position not fillable by Nigerian citizens.
Required status: Employed by Nigerian company in specialized role
-
Health
Valid yellow fever vaccination certificate required.
Required vaccinations: Yellow fever (mandatory)
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 4; Validity months: 6
-
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Passport-size photos with white background
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Sponsorship letter
Accepted sponsors: Formal application from Nigerian employer accepting immigration responsibility
-
Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.
Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Nigeria Employment Visa Application (R2A); Form url: https://evisa.immigration.gov.ng/
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Vaccination certificate
Required vaccines: Yellow fever vaccination certificate mandatory; Validity months: 120
-
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Credit/debit card online; Amount: $180 USD
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Curriculum vitae
Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.
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Academic transcript
Provide academic records for the course, qualification or training route.
Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: Yes
-
Company registration
Provide company registration evidence for the inviting, sponsoring or employing organisation.
Accepted documents: CAC certificate of Nigerian employer
-
Professional license
Accepted licenses: Educational qualifications and certifications relevant to employment position; Must be translated: Yes
-
Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: No
How to apply
-
Online application
Apply online via Nigeria Immigration e-Visa portal. Select Employment Visa Expatriate (R2A).
-
Document gathering
Prepare employment documentation: passport, photos, formal application from Nigerian employer accepting immigration responsibility, notarized employment contract, job offer letter with salary and position, employer's CAC certificate, CV, educational qualifications, professional certifications, and yellow fever certificate.
-
Fee payment
Pay employment visa fee online.
-
Processing wait
Application reviewed and verified. Processing time typically 7-14 business days.
-
Visa collection
Receive employment e-visa electronically.
-
Document submission
Upon arrival in Nigeria, apply for CERPAC (Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card) for legal work authorization.
Work / Immigration visa (Work Visa - Subject to Regularization (STR))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
e-Visa
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- 7-14 business days
- Fee
- $160 USD
- Validity
- 90 days (must regularize for work permit within this period)
- Entry
- Single entry
Initial work visa for foreign nationals with job offers from Nigerian employers. Valid for 90 days during which the applicant must apply to the Comptroller-General of Immigration for a Residence Work Permit and CERPAC (Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card).
Eligibility
-
Nationality
All foreign nationals with job offers from Nigerian employers are eligible.
-
Purpose of visit
For foreign nationals employed by Nigerian companies in positions requiring skills not readily available in local workforce.
-
Employment
Must have secured employment with Nigerian employer and position must require specialized skills not available locally.
Required status: Job offer from Nigerian employer for role requiring expatriate expertise
-
Health
Valid yellow fever vaccination certificate required.
Required vaccinations: Yellow fever (mandatory)
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 4; Validity months: 6
-
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Passport-size photos with white background
-
Sponsorship letter
Accepted sponsors: Formal application from Nigerian employer accepting immigration responsibility
-
Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.
Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes
-
Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Accepted types: Employer-provided accommodation or rental agreement; Must cover full stay: No
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Nigeria STR Work Visa Application; Form url: https://evisa.immigration.gov.ng/
-
Vaccination certificate
Required vaccines: Yellow fever vaccination certificate mandatory; Validity months: 120
-
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Credit/debit card online; Amount: $160 USD
-
Curriculum vitae
Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.
-
Academic transcript
Provide academic records for the course, qualification or training route.
Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: Yes
-
Company registration
Provide company registration evidence for the inviting, sponsoring or employing organisation.
Accepted documents: CAC certificate of Nigerian employer company
-
Professional license
Accepted licenses: Relevant educational qualifications and professional certifications for the position; Must be translated: Yes
-
Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: No
How to apply
-
Online application
Apply online via Nigeria Immigration e-Visa portal. Select STR Work Visa and provide employment details.
-
Document gathering
Gather comprehensive employment documents: passport, photos, job offer letter with salary and position details, notarized employment contract, formal application from Nigerian employer accepting immigration responsibility, employer's CAC certificate, CV, educational qualifications, professional licenses/certifications, accommodation proof, and yellow fever certificate.
-
Fee payment
Pay STR visa fee online.
-
Processing wait
Application undergoes review including verification of employer and job requirements. Processing takes 7-14 business days.
-
Visa collection
Receive STR work e-visa electronically. Valid for 90 days for entry to Nigeria.
-
Document submission
Upon arrival in Nigeria, within the 90-day STR visa validity, apply to the Comptroller-General of Immigration to regularize stay and obtain Residence Work Permit and CERPAC (Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card).