Formal requirements:
Nigeria does not currently offer a golden visa or citizenship by investment programme.
Other investment opportunities [Brief overview]:
INVESTOR VISA (N3A-N3E)
Investor Visa (N3A–N3E)
There are five types of Investor Visas in Nigeria under the permanent residence category:
a) N3A – Small‑Scale Enterprise Investor Visa
For investors who make a minimum qualifying investment of about US$250,000 in a small‑scale business.
b) N3B – Medium‑Scale Enterprise Investor Visa
For investors with a larger capital commitment of about US$500,000 in a medium‑scale enterprise.
c) N3C – Large‑Scale Enterprise Investor Visa
For investors injecting US$1 million into a large‑scale corporation.
d) N3D – Ultra Large‑Scale Enterprise Investor Visa
For investors with very high‑value projects of US$10 million or more in ultra large‑scale enterprises.
e) N3E – Oil, Gas and Power Sector Investor Visa
For investors investing US$100 million in the oil, gas, and power sectors.
To obtain an Investor Visa (N3A–N3E), you must:
Have made a qualifying investment in Nigeria matching the minimum threshold for your category (US$250,000 for N3A, rising to US$100 million for N3E) and demonstrate that the investment is retained throughout the permit’s validity.
Intend to establish, manage, or significantly participate in a business or investment‑related activity commensurate with the category applied for.
Hold a valid passport covering at least the initial duration of the permit (typically 3–8 years, depending on category), renewable if the investment remains intact.
Provide evidence of good character, including police clearance certificates from countries of residence over the preceding five years.
Have a business plan tailored to the enterprise and the Certificate of Incorporation / Business Registration Documents of the Nigerian entity.
Apply at a Nigerian consular mission, submit completed visa‑application forms, proof of payment, photographs, and supporting investment documentation as specified.
During the validity of the N3 visa, your immediate family may join you under dependent‑visa categories, each applied for individually. The N3 investor‑visa residence permit is granted for an initial period of 3 to 8 years, renewable indefinitely if the qualifying investment is maintained. After about 15 years of continuous residence, an investor may apply for Nigerian citizenship by naturalization, subject to meeting the constitutional requirements under Section 27(1)(g), Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).
HIGHLY SKILLED IMMIGRANT VISA – N4A
The Highly Skilled Immigrant Visa (N4A) is for foreign nationals whose specialized knowledge, abilities, and technical expertise are highly relevant to Nigeria’s current and future economic needs. It targets professionals in priority sectors such as technology, engineering, healthcare, and finance.
Requirements
Applicants must provide:
a) A valid passport and recent passport photograph.
b) A letter of recommendation from the Nigerian Skills Gap Assessment (under ITF) confirming a verifiable labour‑market gap.
c) Vetted credentials and CV / skill profile showing academic qualifications, professional certifications, and relevant experience.
d) A police clearance report from place(s) of residence, demonstrating good character.
Steps to obtain
Prepare documentation – Gather passport, photos, CV, ITF recommendation, and police clearance.
Apply online – Complete the visa application on the Nigerian Immigration Service portal.
Submit documents and pay fees – Upload all required documents and pay the applicable visa fee.
Collect the N4A visa – Obtain the visa once approved.
Validity, Extension and Stay
The N4A visa is valid for 90 days and is extendable if rules are met and the applicant’s skills remain relevant. After arrival and regularization, it grants a residence permit of up to 5 years with multiple‑entry privileges, and permits work within the approved scope. Immediate family members may join under dependent‑visa categories (N6A–N6D), applied for individually. After about 15 years of continuous residence, the holder may apply for Nigerian citizenship by naturalization, subject to constitutional requirements.
Document link for further information.
Link to the Nigeria Immigration Service
https://immigration.gov.ng/nigerian-visa/
https://immigration.gov.ng/info-center/investor-visa-small-scale-enterprise-n3a/
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The material provided on this page is for information purposes only, as immigration policies are frequently subject to review and change, with each case being unique. We therefore strongly recommend contacting the law firm listed on this page for the latest, most accurate guidance and advice in respect of this jurisdiction.