Question 1

What is a Business Permit and does my company need one?

Accepted Answer

A Business Permit is a legal authorisation issued by the Federal Ministry of Interior that allows a foreign-owned or foreign-affiliated company to conduct business in Nigeria. If your company has foreign ownership or directorship, a Business Permit is a legal requirement.

Question 2

What is an Expatriate Quota?

Accepted Answer

An Expatriate Quota is a government-approved allocation that permits a company to employ a specified number of foreign nationals in designated roles within Nigeria. Each quota position is tied to a specific job title and must be renewed periodically.

Question 3

What is an e-CERPAC and who needs one?

Accepted Answer

The Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) is a mandatory biometric residence document for all foreign nationals living and working in Nigeria. Issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service, it serves as proof of lawful residence and must be obtained within the prescribed timeline of arrival, and presented on demand by an immigration officer. The Nigeria Immigration Service has introduced a QR-coded, machine-readable e-CERPAC designed to reduce airport processing time for non-Nigerian residents entering or leaving Nigeria.

Question 4

How long does it take to process a work permit or visa?

Accepted Answer

Processing times vary depending on the permit or visa type, the completeness of documentation, and NIS processing volumes. Consulat provides estimated timelines at the start of every engagement and keeps clients updated throughout the process.

Question 5

What are Monthly Returns and is my company required to file them?

Accepted Answer

Monthly Returns are mandatory filings submitted to the Nigeria Immigration Service by every company that holds an Expatriate Quota. They report the status and details of all expatriate employees. Failure to file can result in penalties and complications with future applications.

Question 6

Can Consulat manage our entire immigration portfolio?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many of our clients engage us on a retainer basis to manage their full immigration portfolio — including all permits, visas, e-CERPAC renewals, monthly filings, NIS portal management, and compliance monitoring.

Question 7

What happens if an e-CERPAC or visa expires?

Accepted Answer

Operating on an expired e-CERPAC or visa can result in penalties, fines, or restrictions on future applications. Consulat's monitoring systems track all expiry dates and initiate renewals well in advance to prevent any lapse in compliance.

Question 8

Does Consulat work with companies outside Nigeria?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. A significant portion of our clients are headquartered in Europe, Asia, the Americas, and other parts of Africa. We serve as their on-the-ground immigration partner in Nigeria, working closely with their HR and legal teams remotely.

Question 9

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Simply reach out via our contact page or book a consultation call. We will assess your requirements and provide a clear recommendation on the permits, visas, and services your organisation needs.

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