The Nigerian Resident Permit, officially known as the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC), is an authorization document issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) that allows a non-Nigerian (expatriate) to live and work legally in Nigeria.

Every foreigner who intends to stay in Nigeria beyond 56 days or engage in any form of employment, business, or missionary activity must possess a valid CERPAC.
It serves both as a residence permit and an identification card for foreigners residing in Nigeria.

Why CERPAC Is Important

• Grants legal stay and work rights in Nigeria.
  
• Protects expatriates and their employers from immigration violations.
  
• Enables holders to open bank accounts, lease property, and register businesses legally.
  
• Required for renewing work permits and exit/re-entry visas.
  
• Mandatory for foreign-owned or managed companies operating in Nigeria.
  
  

Who Needs a CERPAC

• Foreign nationals employed by Nigerian companies.
  
• Expatriates holding valid Subject to Regularization (STR) visas.
  
• Missionaries, NGO workers, and technical experts.
  
• Spouses or dependents of expatriates residing in Nigeria.
  
• Foreign investors and directors of companies operating in Nigeria.
  
  

Types of CERPAC

There are two main categories:

1. CERPAC Green Card

• For expatriates employed in Nigeria.
  
• Serves as both residence and work permit.
  
• Holders are authorized to live and work for the employer specified on the permit.
  
  

2. CERPAC Brown Card

• Issued to other categories of foreigners such as students, missionaries, NGO workers, or dependents.
  
• Allows legal residence in Nigeria but not employment.
  
  

Requirements for CERPAC Application

For Employee/Expatriate

• Valid International Passport (minimum 6 months validity).
  
• STR (Subject to Regularization) Visa.
  
• Letter of Employment from sponsoring company.
  
• Expatriate Quota Approval from the Ministry of Interior.
  
• Company’s CAC documents (Certificate of Incorporation, CAC 2 & 7, Memorandum & Articles of Association).
  
• Tax Identification Number (TIN) and current Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC).
  
  

Requirement For Fresh Nigeria Resident Permit

• Visa must be STR or TWP
• Quota Position 
• Business Permit 
• C A C
• International passport of the application.
• Passport Photography is ICAO Standard

TIMEFRAME: 2 MONTHS AND 2 WEEKS