Which visa do I need to visit for business or move to Nigeria?
All Irish nationals require a visa to enter Nigeria. This can be obtained from the Nigerian Embassy in Dublin. Additional permissions may be needed for journalists wishing to visit Nigeria. Recently, the Nigerian government introduced the 'Visa on Arrival' (VOA) for foreign investors. Since this policy is still in its infancy stage, we strongly advise Irish investors to apply for Nigerian visas in Dublin before embarking on any business trip to the country. Bear in mind that your visa does not guarantee you entry to Nigeria (no more than a visa to Ireland guarantees entry). Make sure that you have all your paperwork (letters of invitation, vaccination certificates etc.) to hand when you arrive at the Airport Immigration Desk. Ensure that you explain to the Immigrations Officers exactly how long you will be in Nigeria so that you are given the correct stamp on your passport.
Expatriate quota
A non-Nigerian requires the consent of the Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs to do business in Nigeria. The approval is conveyed in a letter-styled business permit. On application to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, approval can be given to a company proposing to employ expatriates for senior management, technical or specialist posts. Approval will not normally be given to employ expatriates to do jobs for which there are suitably qualified Nigerians. It is therefore the responsibility of an applicant to prove that the employment of an expatriate is unavoidable. An expatriate quota is granted for specific jobs and, generally, is for a specific number of years, although there can be exception for a very small number of key personnel whose permit may be permanent until reviewed. For every expatriate employee, there must be 2 Nigerian employees. The expatriate quota approval for a new company with non-Nigerian participation is usually stated in the business permit. An increase in the number of expatriates approved for a wholly indigenous company is usually conveyed in a letter from the Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Residence Permits
When an expatriate quota is granted, application is made through the appropriate Nigerian Embassy or High Commission abroad for resident permits (entry permits). This is in addition to visa requirements. Generally, evidence of academic, professional or technical qualifications and/or experience will be required. A person (usually the prospective employer) resident in Nigeria must give a written undertaking to bear all immigration responsibilities in respect of person(s) covered by the application. Spouses and children of expatriates with entry permits are also granted entry permits freely on application, but they require specific permission to work in Nigeria except on a voluntary, non-remuneration basis for charity. Further information can be found on the websites of the Immigration Service and the Ministry of Interior.