Nigeria

Highly Skilled Immigrant Visa

Nigeria's Highly Skilled Immigrant Visa (N4A) is a Permanent Residence Visa designed for foreign nationals who possess specialised knowledge, abilities, and technical expertise in sectors critical to the Nigerian economy. Established under the Nigeria Visa Policy (NVP) 2020 and the Immigration Act 2015, this individual merit-based visa allows holders to work and reside in Nigeria for up to five years with multiple entry. Unlike employer-sponsored visas that require a company's expatriate quota approval, the N4A is self-directed and based on the applicant's personal qualifications.

• Specialised knowledge or technical expertise in a sector relevant to Nigeria's economic needs (technology, healthcare, engineering, academia, and other critical fields)
• Proof of exceptional training, certifications, or professional achievements
• Recommendation through the national scarce skills audit
• Vetted credentials and curriculum vitae
• Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity
• Police clearance certificate from country of residence
• Medical insurance and/or medical clearance certificate
• Demonstrated financial stability

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Recent passport-size photographs
• Police clearance certificate from country of residence
• Medical insurance and/or medical clearance certificate
• National scarce skills audit recommendation letter
• Vetted academic credentials and professional certifications
• Curriculum vitae detailing qualifications and experience

The N4A visa is valid for 5 years with multiple entry privileges. It is renewable upon meeting continuing requirements. Within 90 days of arrival in Nigeria, holders must obtain the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC), which serves as proof of legal residence and identity. The CERPAC costs USD 2,000 and involves biometric data capture at a designated NIS office.

Dependants may apply for permanent residence under the N6 series: N6A for spouses, N6B for minor children, N6C for adult children, and N6D for aged parents (65 and older). Dependant visas are issued for 2-year renewable periods. Applications are submitted at Nigerian consular missions, requiring valid passports, marriage certificates (for spouses), and birth certificates (for children).

Nigeria taxes residents on worldwide income, while non-residents pay tax only on Nigerian-sourced income. Progressive personal income tax rates apply: 7% on the first NGN 300,000 up to 24% on income above NGN 3,200,000. Under the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 (effective January 2026), persons earning NGN 800,000 or below annually are exempt from personal income tax. Employees earning at or below the national minimum wage (NGN 70,000/month) are exempt from PAYE deductions.

Applicants must first obtain a recommendation through the national scarce skills audit, which assesses whether their skills are in areas deemed scarce or critical to the Nigerian economy. With this recommendation and vetted credentials, applicants apply through a Nigerian consular mission (embassy or high commission) in their country of residence. Applications can also be initiated through the NIS online portal (portal.immigration.gov.ng). Upon approval, the visa is issued with 90-day validity for initial entry. The N4A is obtainable only through consular missions abroad, not through the e-visa system.

After entering Nigeria, holders must apply for the CERPAC through the NIS portal, undergo medical tests, and provide biometric data at a designated NIS office.

• The national scarce skills audit is a prerequisite, but detailed public guidance on the audit process and specific skills listed as scarce is limited; applicants may need to contact the NIS or a Nigerian consular mission for current scarce skills categories
• The N4A is not tied to a specific employer, distinguishing it from the R2A Expatriate Employment Visa (2-year, employer-sponsored)
• Foreign nationals who overstay their visa are subject to fines, detention, and deportation
• CERPAC holders must maintain valid residence documentation at all times
• The N4A does not directly lead to Nigerian citizenship, but holders reside on a permanent residence basis with 5-year renewable terms

Links

• https://immigration.gov.ng/info-center/highly-skilled-immigrant-visa-n4a/
• https://immigration.gov.ng/nigerian-visa/
• https://immigration.gov.ng/combined-expatriate-residence-permit-and-aliens-card-cerpac/

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