Ways to live in Nigeria
These are the residence routes in Bordr's guide that we have checked against official sources. Each one links to the government page.
Programme details are shown in English.
Work permit Work permits →
Expatriate Employment Visa and CERPAC (Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card)
For foreigners hired by a Nigerian company that holds an approved quota of expatriate positions. The worker enters on a temporary residence visa and then gets a residence and work card.
- What you need
- Job offer or employment letter, the employer's expatriate quota approval and proof of qualifications. Free zone, international non-governmental organisation and religious workers have their own subcategories.
- How long
- 90-day entry, then a residence permit usually for 2 years
- Renewable
- Yes
- How to apply
- Visa through the Nigeria Immigration Service portal or an embassy; the residence card is issued in Nigeria
- Family
- Family members can come with you
Student visa Student visas →
Student Visa
For full-time study at an approved Nigerian school or university.
- What you need
- Admission letter, proof of funds, accommodation and, where required, health insurance. Paid work is not allowed except approved internships or work-study.
- How long
- Usually 1 year at a time
- Renewable
- Yes
- How to apply
- Through the Nigeria Immigration Service portal or a Nigerian embassy
- Family
- Family members can come with you
Retirement visa Retirement visas →
Retirement visa
Long-term residence without a job for retirees, both those already living in Nigeria and those moving from abroad.
- What you need
- Stable retirement income or savings (pension, annuity, investments) and housing in Nigeria. Health insurance is strongly advised.
- Renewable
- Yes
- How to apply
- Through the Nigeria Immigration Service visa portal
Investment and golden visa Investment and golden visas →
Investor residence visas
Permanent residence visas for foreigners who set up or run a business in Nigeria, with separate tiers for small, medium, large and very large companies and for the oil, gas and power sector.
- What you need
- Registered company, business plan and minimum capital, assets or turnover that grow with the tier; audited accounts for large companies and industry licences for the energy sector.
- Renewable
- Yes
- How to apply
- Through the Nigeria Immigration Service visa portal
Cost of living
Monthly amounts in US dollars.
| Room in a shared flat | $100 |
|---|---|
| One-bedroom flat | $300 |
| Two-bedroom flat | $550 |
| Bills | $60 |
| Typical local salary | $150 |
Some of these figures are estimates; treat them as a rough guide.
Cities to consider
Climate by month, neighbourhoods and costs for each city are in the Bordr guide.
What life is like
Programme details are shown in English.
Why people move
Lagos is loud, energetic and full of opportunity, with an influential music and tech scene. Expats live in areas like Ikoyi, Victoria Island and Lekki, or in calmer, planned Abuja. Jollof, suya and big celebrations are central.
Day to day
Domestic flights are the practical way between cities. Private hospitals in Lagos and Abuja handle routine care, but serious cases often go abroad. Fintech apps and transfers are widespread. English is official.
Trade-offs
Security concerns limit travel in several regions. Power supply is unreliable, so generators are common. Lagos traffic is notorious, and foreign card use can be restricted.
Before you move: visa-free entry
Most people arrive as visitors first, then apply from inside the country or come back with the right visa. How long you can stay as a visitor depends on your passport:
United Statese-Visa · 30 d
United Kingdome-Visa · 30 d
Australiae-Visa · 30 d
Canadae-Visa · 30 d
New Zealande-Visa · 30 d
Switzerlande-Visa · 30 d
Norwaye-Visa · 90 d
Singaporee-Visa · 30 d
Japane-Visa · 30 d
South Koreae-Visa · 30 d
Israele-Visa · 30 d
United Arab Emiratese-Visa · 30 d
Hong Konge-Visa · 90 d
South Africae-Visa · 30 d
Mexicoe-Visa · 30 d
Brazile-Visa · 30 d
Questions
Does Nigeria have a digital nomad visa?
Not among the routes we have checked. Remote workers usually come as visitors within the visa-free limit or use one of the other routes on this page.
How can I move to Nigeria?
The routes we have checked are: Work permit, Student visa, Retirement visa, Investment and golden visa.
Can I retire in Nigeria?
Yes, through: Retirement visa.
Sources and last check
This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Requirements change; confirm with the official government page or a licensed adviser before you apply.
