Nigeria guide 2026: visiting, moving, working and investing

Nigeria at a glance

World Bank data (2025) and official references. Compare all 54 countries in the Africa comparison tool.

In August 2026 inflation was 15.4%, and the central bank cut its policy rate to 23% in September 2026. The official exchange rate was about ₦1,333 per US dollar in early October 2026. The next presidential election is scheduled for 16 January 2027.

Visiting

• Visa: apply online at evisa.immigration.gov.ng. Visa on arrival was replaced by the e-visa in May 2025, with decisions usually within 48 hours. ECOWAS citizens don't need a visa.
• Health: a yellow fever certificate is required, and malaria risk is high everywhere, so ask a travel clinic about tablets.
• Best time: the dry season, October to April. The dusty Harmattan wind blows from December to February.
• Things to do: Lekki Conservation Centre's canopy walk, Nike Art Gallery, Freedom Park and Tarkwa Bay in Lagos; the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove (UNESCO); Calabar Carnival in December.

Safety

The US rates Nigeria Level 3, "Reconsider travel", and advises against all travel to many states, especially in the north-east, north-west and parts of the south. The UK also advises against travel to several states. Lagos has no regional travel ban, but crime is high. Check the latest advice for the exact states before you plan any travel outside major cities.

Moving and working

• Work permits: the employer gets an Expatriate Quota, then you get an STR visa and convert it to a CERPAC residence card. Short specialist jobs can use a Temporary Work Permit.
• Tax: under the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 (from 1 January 2026), the first ₦800,000 of income is tax-free and the top rate is 25% on income above ₦50 million.
• Rent: average yearly rent for a 2-bedroom in 2026 was about ₦17.25 million in Ikoyi, ₦15 million on Victoria Island and ₦10 million in Lekki Phase 1. Landlords often ask for one or two years upfront.
• Banking: you'll need a residence permit, a local address and a Bank Verification Number (BVN). OPay and PalmPay are widely used for payments.

Starting a business and investing

• Register the company with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), then with the investment agency NIPC for a Business Permit.
• Companies with foreign shareholders need at least ₦100 million in authorised share capital. Foreigners can own 100% outside a short list of restricted sectors.
• Bring investment capital in through a bank to get a Certificate of Capital Importation, which protects your right to send profits and capital home.
• Corporate tax is 30% for large companies and 0% for small companies (turnover up to ₦100 million), plus a 4% development levy for larger firms. VAT is 7.5%.

Buying land

Foreigners can't hold a right of occupancy (the usual land title) in their own name under the Land Use Act. The common route is to buy through a Nigerian-registered company whose documents allow it. Lagos requires the Governor's consent and limits foreign interests to 25 years. Always use a Nigerian property lawyer and do a search at the state land registry.

Frequently asked questions

Last reviewed 1 Oct 2026. METRIKA gives estimates and general information, not financial, tax, legal or immigration advice.