eCERPAC Application Steps and Procedures for Expatriates willing to come to Nigeria to Reside permanently, Work, Establish or Get married to a Nigeria. The eCERPAC (Electronic Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card) is the official document that authorizes expatriates to live and work legally in Nigeria. Below is a simplified, step-by-step outline of the full application and renewal process.
eCERPAC Application Eligibility
- Employees / Expatriate workers (employed by Nigerian companies)
- Business Owners / Investors (foreigners establishing business in Nigeria)
- Missionaries / Students studying in Nigeria
- Dependents / family members (e.g. spouse, children) of foreigners with CERPAC eligibility
- Retirees (foreigners aged 65+ wanting to reside in Nigeria)
- Spouses of Nigerian citizens, under certain visa categories (e.g. N1A Spouse visa)
eCERPAC Application Steps and Procedures
The Comprehensive e-Cerpac Portal Has an Intergrated Residence permit application options, Below are Categories of the E-Cerpac and thier respective Requirement and Fee.
R2A – Employment Expatriate eCerpac Application :
This Ecerpac Category is Issued to expatriates who wish to take up employment in Nigeria or Establish a Business, based on expatriate quota on the Ministry of Interior, Citizen and Business Portal (CLICK HERE TO CREATE CITIZEN and BUSINESS ACCOUT. i.e Before you can apply for R2A – Employment Expatriate eCerpac you will have to Login with your Business Permit details, Successfull Login and approval will initiate your eCerpac Application. Other requirement needed to complete your eCerpac application inludes:
- Data page of valid international passport (not less than 6 months validity)
- Employment Contract/Appointment letter
- Letter of acceptance of employment
- Formal application from the Employer/Institution Accepting Immigration Responsibility on letter head
- Expatriate quota verification from C&B – Ministry of Interior
- Educational Qualification/Skill acquired (evidence to include certificates, transcripts, diplomas, degrees etc.)
- Curriculum Vitae
- Board Resolution for Senior Management (CEO, GM, MD etc.)
- Proof of Registration with relevant professional bodies (Certificate or confirmation) – where applicable
- Security Clearance (where applicable)
- Police Clearance.
R2A – Employment Expatriate eCerpac Fees and Charges are stated Below:
- CERPAC Fee: $2000.00
- Applicant Comprehensive Insurance: $1000.00
- Online Payment Gateway fee: $125.00
- Card Delivery Fee: $20.00
- TOTAL: $3,145 (Estimated to ₦4,403,000)
Also R2A – Employment Expatriate eCerpac give you Options to Apply for Dependants (Friends and Family) using these Sub Class Visa: Dependent (Spouse) – R2B, Dependent (Spouse) – R2B, Dependent (Adult 18years – 64years) – R2D, Dependent (Aged 65years and above) – R2E.
R3A – Employment Expatriates (Free Trade Zone) eCerpac Application
Is issued to expatriates who wish to obtain employment within Free Trade Zones in Nigeria. Document Required Includes:
- Data page of valid international passport (not less than 6 months validity)
- Employment Contract/Appointment letter from the Free Zone employer.
- Letter of acceptance of employment
- Formal application from the Employer/Institution Accepting Immigration Responsibility on letter head
- Educational Qualification/Skill acquired (evidence to include certificates, transcripts, diplomas, degrees etc.)
- Curriculum Vitae
- Board Resolution for Senior Management (CEO, GM, MD etc.) – where applicable
- Police Clearance Certificate
- Proof of registration with relevant professional bodies (Certificate or confirmation) – where applicable
R3A – Employment Expatriates (Free Trade Zone) Fees and Charges are stated Below:
- CERPAC Fee: $2000.00
- Applicant Comprehensive Insurance: $1000.00
- Online Payment Gateway fee: $125.00
- Card Delivery Fee: $20.00
- TOTAL: $3,145 (Estimated to ₦4,403,000)
Just Like the R2A – The R3A (Free Trade Zone) also give you Options to Apply for Dependants (Friends and Family) using these Sub Class Visa: Dependent (Spouse) – R2B, Dependent (Spouse) – R2B, Dependent (Adult 18years – 64years) – R2D, Dependent (Aged 65years and above) – R2E.
R6A – Employment (Cleric/Missionary) eCerpac Application
This eCerpac Is issued to foriegners who wish to obtain employment as clerics/missionaries in Nigeria. Requirment Includes:
- Data page of valid international passport (not less than 6 months validity)
- Employment Contract/Appointment letter
- Letter of acceptance of employment
- Formal application from the Employer/Institution Accepting Immigration Responsibility on letter head
- Expatriate quota verification from C&B – Ministry of Interior
- Educational Qualification/Skill acquired (evidence to include certificates, transcripts, diplomas, degrees etc.)
- Curriculum Vitae
- Board Resolution for Senior Management (CEO, GM, MD etc.)
- Proof of Registration with relevant professional bodies (Certificate or confirmation) – where applicable
- Security Clearance (where applicable)
- Police Clearance
R6A – Employment (Cleric/Missionary) eCerpac Application Fees and Charges are stated Below:
- CERPAC Fee: $400.00
- Applicant Comprehensive Insurance: $1000.00
- Online Payment Gateway fee: $125.00
- Card Delivery Fee: $20.00
- TOTAL: $1,545 (Estimated to ₦2,163,000)
R5A – Employment Expatriate (International Non-Government Official – NGO) eCerpac Application
Is issued to foreigners who wish to obtain employment with International Non-Governmental Organizations in Nigeria. See Requirment Below:
- Data page of valid international passport (not less than 6 months validity)
- INGO Employment Contract / Appointment Letter
- Letter of acceptance of employment
- Introduction Letter from the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning
- Formal application from the Employer/Institution Accepting Immigration Responsibility on letter head
- Educational Qualification/Skill acquired (evidence to include certificates, transcripts, diplomas, degrees etc.) – Missing
- Curriculum Vitae.
- Appropriate security clearance (for special security cases)
- Entry Visa
- Entry Stamp
R4A – Employment Expatriate (Government Official) eCerpac Application
Is issued to foreigners who wish to obtain employment with Government as Government Official in Nigeria. Requirement Includes:
- Data page of valid international passport (not less than 6 months validity)
- Official Letter of Employment from the Government
- Letter of acceptance of employment
- Formal application from the Employer/Institution Accepting Immigration Responsibility on letter head
- Educational Qualification/Skill acquired (evidence to include certificates, transcripts, diplomas, degrees etc.) – Missing
- Curriculum Vitae.
- Appropriate security clearance (for special security cases)
- Entry Visa
- Entry Stamp
eCerpac Schedule & Complete Biometric Capture
- Once application is done and payment is made, you shall be booked on an appointment online for biometric enrollment
- For applicants already in Nigeria: biometric capture will be done at a local NIS CERPAC Coordination Offices in Lagos (Alagbon Close, Ikoyi Lagos and Abuja (NIS Headquarters, Airport road Abuja).
- For applicants outside Nigeria: choose a nearby Nigerian embassy / consulate for your biometric appointment. If there’s no mission in your country, you may need to use a mission in a neighboring country.
eCerpac Processing & Verification
- After submission and biometrics, the NIS will verify your documents and application.
- They will check things like: your visa type, the legitimacy of your employment or business, your relationship (if spouse), and other submitted proofs.
- There may be additional back-and-forth if more documentation or clarifications are needed.
eCerpac Issuance / Delivery of Physical CERPAC Card
- Once application is approved, a physical CERPAC card will be issued.
- The card (residence permit + ID) is delivered to the employer’s registered business address, not necessarily to your home.
- The card confirms your legal status in Nigeria (residence, work, business, etc.).
eCerpac Renewal / Maintenance
- CERPAC is normally valid for 1 year and renewable.
- You must maintain compliance with visa status, work, business, or marital conditions — violations may lead to revocation.
- Keep your biometric and contact information up-to-date; use the portal for renewals.
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