Visa Types
Nigeria Work Visa Process
Apply to work in Nigeria, extend a work permit or hire a foreign worker.
Key Points for Nigeria Work Visa >>>
Do you need a visa to travel to Nigeria?
Yes, Indians need visa to travel to Nigeria.
Nigeria visa application is made online or offline?
You can apply for a Nigeria visa online or submit your application in person at the nigeria visa application center or the Nigeria Embassy, High Commission, Consulate
Do I need to give biometrics?
Yes, biometrics are required for obtain a visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain a visa?
Yes, an interview is required for Indian nationals to obtain a Nigerian visa.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a work visa?
Varies based on the job offer and duration of employment.
What kind of visa will we acquire from Nigeria?
It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page in your passport.
Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)
SHORT VISIT VISA (SVV)
For Single Entry (F3B, F4A, F5A, F6A, F7A, F7B, F7C, F7D, F7E, F7F, F7G, F7H, F7I, F7J, F7K, F7L, F7M): US$253
For Multiple Entry (F4B, F4C, F6B): US$253
For Temporary Work Permit (TWP) (Single Entry) (F8A): US$253
TEMPORARY RESIDENCE VISA
Temporary Work Permit (TWP) 6- Months Multiple Entry (R11): US$1000
Temporary Residence (R2A, R2B, R2C,R2D, R2E, R3A, R3B, R3C, R3D, R3E, R4A, R4B, R4C, R4D, R4E, R5A, R5B, R5C, R5D, R5E, R6A, R6B, R6C, R6D, R6E, R7A, R7B, R8A, R8B, R9A): US$253
VFS Service fees (Inclusive of all taxes): INR 7850
- Pay your visa fees online when filling out the visa application form on the Nigerian Immigration portal.
- For attestations, use a Demand Draft made out to “HIGH COMMISSION OF FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA” payable in New Delhi, with an amount of INR 500. US citizens must pay a mandatory service fee of USD 363 during visa application submission at the visa application center.
Important Notes:
- All fees are per applicant.
- Pay VFS Services and Optional Services charges in cash or card.
- All charges are non-refundable.
- Ensure that demand drafts submitted with the visa application are valid for at least one month from the submission date; otherwise, they may be rejected.
- Amended and Handwritten demand drafts are not accepted.
- The content on the Demand Draft should be clearly visible and not overwritten.
The Nigeria electronic visa is issued for tourism and business purposes. If you plan to visit Nigeria for a short period of time, you can apply for an e-visa to Nigeria.
Step-by-step guide (In Person)
Let us walk you through the process
- First, figure out the type of visa you need and check if you qualify to apply. Find out what documents you need to submit, how long the process takes, and the fees involved.
- Make sure your application follows the guidelines for your visa category. If your documents aren't in English, consider getting translations done before applying.
When you're prepared to apply, kindly complete the visa application form and organize your documents according to the provided checklist.
- After completing your visa form, schedule an appointment at a Visa Application Centre for fingerprinting and photo capture, collectively known as 'biometric information.' Upon booking, you will receive an appointment confirmation email along with the appointment letter.
- If you are part of a family or group, ensure to book separate appointments for each member.
- After completing your online application and paying the visa fee, print the cover letter and payment fee receipt.
- These documents are essential when submitting your application at the Visa Application Centre. Additionally, be aware that, in addition to the visa fee, there is a service fee that you must pay when submitting your application at the Visa Application Centre.
- Submit your completed visa application form in person at the Visa Application Centre.
- Learn more about the processes and procedures that take place at the Visa Application Centre.
- You'll get an email about your visa decision at the Visa Application Centre. If email is not convenient, you can choose to get updates via SMS on your phone—check if it's available.
- You can also track your visa online using the Reference Number and your last name from the invoice.
- Once a decision on your visa application is made, you can retrieve your passport from the Visa Application Centre or have it delivered to you by courier for an extra fee.
- To collect it in person, bring the issued receipt and a form of government identification. If allowed, a representative can collect it on your behalf with a signed authorization letter, the receipt, and their government identification.
- Verify the Visa Application Centre's opening hours for document collection options.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
When applying for a work visa (Long stay visa) to Nigeria from India, you will generally need to provide a comprehensive set of documents to support your application. The following checklist covers the most common documents needed:
- Visa Application Form: Complete two online application forms at https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/visa/freshVisa. Ensure both forms are printed and signed by the applicant.
- Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of the visa application.
- Passport-Size Photographs: Provide recent passport-size photographs following the specified guidelines.
- Letter of Employment: An official letter from the employer in Nigeria, detailing the position, salary, and duration of employment.
- Letter of Acceptance: A letter of acceptance from the Nigerian company or institution.
- Employment Contract: A copy of the employment contract between the applicant and the Nigerian employer.
- Visa Fee Payment: Obtain four printed payment acknowledgment receipts for visa fees. Payments can be made at http://www.innovate1services.com/ or https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/visa/OnlineQueryStatus.
- Educational Qualifications: Copies of academic and professional certificates.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed resume or curriculum vitae.
- Financial Capacity Evidence:
- Provide proof of the applicant’s financial capacity through:
- Bank statements,
- Salary advices,
- Undertakings by the host(s) in the Federal Republic of Nigeria,
- Bursaries,
- Medical cover, or
- Cash and other financial instruments, including credit cards or traveler’s cheques, to cover living expenses during the stay in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
- Provide proof of the applicant’s financial capacity through:
- Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance coverage for the duration of the stay in Nigeria.
- Accommodation Proof: Confirmation of hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from a host in Nigeria.
- Local Police Clearance: A police clearance certificate from the applicant’s home country.
Note: This is a general guide, and specific requirements may vary. Applicants should check with the official authorities or the official website of Nigerian embassy for the most accurate and up-to-date information on document requirements for each visa type.
Temporary Work Permit (TWP):
- Completed Temporary Work Permit application form.
- Passport with at least six months validity.
- Passport-size photographs meeting Nigerian visa photo requirements.
- Letter of invitation from the Nigerian employer.
- Employment contract specifying the duration and nature of the assignment.
- Proof of professional qualifications and relevant certifications.
- Flight itinerary and proof of accommodation during the stay.
- Evidence of payment for the Temporary Work Permit.
Subject to Regularization (STR) Visa:
- Completed Subject to Regularization Visa application form.
- Passport with at least six months validity.
- Passport-size photographs meeting Nigerian visa photo requirements.
- Letter of employment or appointment from the Nigerian employer.
- Evidence of payment for the STR Visa.
- Proof of professional qualifications and relevant certifications.
- Flight itinerary and proof of accommodation during the stay.
Expatriate Quota Visa:
- Completed Expatriate Quota Visa application form.
- Passport with at least six months validity.
- Passport-size photographs meeting Nigerian visa photo requirements.
- Letter of employment or appointment from the Nigerian employer.
- Expatriate Quota approval from the Nigerian Ministry of Interior.
- Letter of approval from the Nigeria Immigration Service.
- Proof of professional qualifications and relevant certifications.
- Flight itinerary and proof of accommodation during the stay.
Intra-Company Transfer Visa:
- Completed Intra-Company Transfer Visa application form.
- Passport with at least six months validity.
- Passport-size photographs meeting Nigerian visa photo requirements.
- Letter of transfer from the sending company.
- Letter of acceptance from the receiving company in Nigeria.
- Proof of professional qualifications and relevant certifications.
- Flight itinerary and proof of accommodation during the stay.
Oil and Gas Free Zone (OGFZA) Visa:
- Completed OGFZA Visa application form.
- Passport with at least six months validity.
- Passport-size photographs meeting Nigerian visa photo requirements.
- Letter of employment or appointment from the Nigerian employer within the designated oil and gas free zone.
- OGFZA approval.
- Proof of professional qualifications and relevant certifications.
- Flight itinerary and proof of accommodation during the stay.
Business Permit/Visa:
- Completed Business Permit/Visa application form.
- Passport with at least six months validity.
- Passport-size photographs meeting Nigerian visa photo requirements.
- Letter of invitation from a Nigerian business entity.
- Evidence of business registration in Nigeria.
- Proof of professional qualifications and relevant certifications.
- Flight itinerary and proof of accommodation during the stay.
Health Sector Visa:
- Completed Health Sector Visa application form.
- Passport with at least six months validity.
- Passport-size photographs meeting Nigerian visa photo requirements.
- Letter of employment or appointment from the Nigerian health sector employer.
- Proof of professional qualifications and relevant certifications.
- Flight itinerary and proof of accommodation during the stay.
Academic/Research Visa:
- Completed Academic/Research Visa application form.
- Passport with at least six months validity.
- Passport-size photographs meeting Nigerian visa photo requirements.
- Letter of admission or invitation from the Nigerian academic or research institution.
- Proof of educational qualifications and relevant certifications.
- Flight itinerary and proof of accommodation during the stay.
Diplomatic and Official Visa:
- Completed Diplomatic and Official Visa application form.
- Passport with at least six months validity.
- Passport-size photographs meeting Nigerian visa photo requirements.
- Diplomatic or official note from the sending government or organization.
- Flight itinerary and proof of accommodation during the stay.
Dependent Visa:
- Completed Dependent Visa application form.
- Passport with at least six months validity.
- Passport-size photographs meeting Nigerian visa photo requirements.
- Letter of relationship to the primary visa holder.
- Proof of the primary visa holder's employment or residence in Nigeria.
- Flight itinerary and proof of accommodation during the stay.
Note: Please note that these are general guidelines, and specific requirements may vary. Applicants should verify the latest requirements with the Nigerian embassy or consulate and seek professional advice if needed.
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
Before submitting your visa application, please review the list of required documents carefully. The guidelines provided on this website will assist you in preparing your documents accurately, reducing the chances of your application being rejected due to incorrect or incomplete documents.
Nigeria Online Visa Application Form
This is the online visa application form. Please ensure you have a printed copy of the filled form, the payment receipt for visa fees, and a copy of the online appointment letter when submitting your application at the visa center.
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
The process for applying for a Nigeria Work Visa (Employment visa) from India typically involves the following steps:
- Secure Employment Offer in Nigeria: Before initiating the visa application process, it’s crucial to secure a valid employment offer from a Nigerian company. This offer should clearly outline the job title, responsibilities, salary, and duration of employment. The employer must also be registered with the Nigerian Ministry of Interior and provide the necessary documentation to support the visa application.
- Complete the Online Visa Application: Visit the official website of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to complete the online visa application form.
- Pay the Visa Fee: Pay the required visa application fee. Payment methods may include online payment or other options specified by the Nigerian embassy or consulate.
- Print and Submit Application: After completing the online form, print the completed application form and submit it to the Nigerian Embassy or Consulate in India.
- Attach Required Documents: Attach all necessary documents, which may include: Passport-sized photographs, Passport with at least six months validity, Visa application form, a valid employment offer, Proof of payment of visa fee, Academic transcripts, Proof of funds for the duration of your stay, Flight itinerary, Accommodation reservation and etc.
- Attend an Interview (if required): There may be a scheduled interview depending on the visa type and/or if it is the first time you apply. The interview is an opportunity for the visa officer to verify your identity, purpose of travel, and eligibility for the visa.
- Wait for Processing: The processing time for a student visa can vary. Be sure to apply well in advance of your intended travel date.
- Collect Your Visa: Once your visa application is approved, collect your visa from the Nigerian Embassy or Consulate.
- Travel to Nigeria: Plan your travel to Nigeria according to the dates specified on your visa.
Health Requirements:
Everyone traveling to Nigeria must have a yellow fever vaccination. Make sure your international health vaccination certificate is up to date before you leave. Depending on where you’re coming from and where you’ll be in Nigeria, you might need recent malaria prevention measures. Click here for more detail.
Important Note:
- Check the latest Covid-19 Travel Guide before booking or boarding your flight to Nigeria.
- Start the application process well in advance of your planned travel date.
- Make sure all your documents are complete and accurate.
- Be prepared to answer questions about your travel plans and intentions in Nigeria.
- After completing the earlier steps, you might have an interview for first-time visa applicants, depending on the visa type. The interview is the final stage of the visa process.
- If your payment card doesn’t work, it means the government’s fraud prevention is active. Don’t worry. Contact the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) or its Payment Gateway Contractor before the transaction. You can also consult a reliable Nigerian Visa Agent with registered cards to complete the payment.
- Before exploring these visa procedures, be familiar with the basic requirements for each regular visa type: Transit, Tourist, Business, TWP, STR, and Official/Diplomatic Visa. Remember
Temporary Work Permit (TWP):
The Temporary Work Permit is designed for foreign nationals seeking employment in Nigeria for a specific period. It allows individuals to engage in temporary work assignments, typically lasting for a duration of 90 days. The TWP is suitable for those whose skills are in demand for short-term projects or specific tasks within the country.
Subject to Regularization (STR) Visa:
The Subject to Regularization Visa is granted to foreign nationals who have already secured employment in Nigeria but require regularization of their immigration status. This visa allows individuals to work in the country while the necessary paperwork is processed to formalize their stay and employment.
Expatriate Quota Visa:
The Expatriate Quota Visa is intended for foreign professionals whose skills are deemed essential to a Nigerian company. This visa is tied to the concept of expatriate quota, which sets limits on the number of foreign workers a company can employ in various roles.
Intra-Company Transfer Visa:
The Intra-Company Transfer Visa facilitates the movement of employees within multinational companies. This allows foreign workers to be transferred from an overseas branch to a Nigerian branch of the same company, streamlining the relocation process for multinational corporations.
Oil and Gas Free Zone (OGFZA) Visa:
The Oil and Gas Free Zone Visa is specific to individuals working within designated oil and gas free zones in Nigeria. These zones are established to promote investment and development in the oil and gas sector, providing a specialized visa category for workers in these areas.
Business Permit/Visa:
The Business Permit/Visa is designed for foreign nationals engaged in business-related activities in Nigeria. This may include attending conferences, meetings, or exploring business opportunities. It is crucial for individuals who need to conduct short-term business activities without formal employment.
Health Sector Visa:
The Health Sector Visa is tailored for foreign professionals working in the healthcare industry in Nigeria. This category acknowledges the specialized skills required in the health sector and facilitates the entry and employment of qualified individuals in this field.
Academic/Research Visa:
The Academic/Research Visa is granted to foreign nationals engaged in educational or research activities in Nigeria. This includes professors, researchers, and scholars who contribute to the academic and research landscape of the country.
Diplomatic and Official Visa:
The Diplomatic and Official Visa is issued to individuals representing foreign governments or international organizations in an official capacity. This includes diplomats, consuls, and government officials working on diplomatic missions.
Dependent Visa:
The Dependent Visa is for family members of foreign nationals holding various types of work visas in Nigeria. It allows spouses, children, and other dependents to join the primary visa holder during their stay in the country. This visa ensures that families can stay together while the primary visa holder fulfills their work obligations in Nigeria.
Note: This is a general guide, and specific requirements may vary. Applicants should check with the official authorities or the official website of Nigerian embassy for the most accurate and up-to-date information on document requirements for each visa type.