Non- Nigerians that desire to enter, work and reside in Nigeria have to comply with the Immigration requirements of the country. ECOWAS Nationals are required to register with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) in their place of residence after they must have become resident in Nigeria. This registration is satisfied by obtaining the ECOWAS Residence Card (ERC) from the Nigerian Immigration.
ECOWAS residence permit is the approval given by countries under the Economic Community of West African States to citizens of other countries to come into any ECOWAS country for a given period of time and purpose. The ECOWAS treaty provides for free movement of citizens of the ECOWAS States within other member states.
The citizens of the member states of the ECOWAS Treaty that can obtain this permit in Nigeria are Burkina faso, Cote de voire, Benin, Gambia, Ghana, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bassau, Guinea, Senegal, Siera-leone, Togo, Mali, Equatorial Guinea and Liberia. The nationals of these states can also be allowed to enter the territory of Nigeria and stay for a maximum of 90 days.
The permits to come into these countries are made accessible upon application for the particular category and payment of approved fees.
Documents and procedure for the application of ECOWAS Residence Card.
For Individual applicants: The applicant must provide the following documents to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS):
- Application letter for ECOWAS Residence Card by the individual, Employer or embassy.
- High Commission/ Diaspora Union accepting Immigration Responsibilities.
- A valid ECOWAS Travel Certificate or International Passport valid for not less than 6 months.
- Photocopy of Bio-data and Information page of ECOWAS travel certification or International Passport
- Two (2) copies of applicant’s recent passport photograph
- Evidence of e-Payment i.e Printed Payment Confirmation Page
- Duly completed and signed Application Form
Application for Employees
- Letter of Employment for employees.
- Letter of Acceptance of letter of employment
- Applicant’s Credentials/ CV where applicable.
- Evidence of registration with any professional body where applicable.
- Copy of ECOWAS Registration Certificate from LGA of Applicant’s domicile.
Application by Corporations (Employers): Applicant must provide the following:
- A valid ECOWAS Travel Certificate or International Passport of the applicant.
- Photocopy of Bio-data and Information page of Passport.
- Two (2) copies of applicant’s recent passport photograph.
- Evidence of e-Payment i.e printed payment confirmation page
- Duly completed and signed Application Form
- Letter from Employer accepting immigration responsibilities
- Applicant’s Credentials/ CV where applicable.
- Evidence of Lease/ Ownership of business premises.
- Certificate of Incorporation of business name with Corporate Affairs Commission.
- Copy of COT form.
- A copy of the Tax Clearance Certificate.
- Evidence of Capital Importation where applicable.
Renewal of ECOWAS Residence Card
After the expiration of 90 days the Applicant can apply for a renewal of the ECOWAS Residence Card from the immigration office.
Requirements for the renewal of ECOWAS Residence Card
- Application for renewal from the Employer, Embassy or company accepting immigration responsibilities of the applicant.
- The expired residence card
- Duly completed ECOWAS Residence Card application form
- Photocopy of passport data page and expired residence card
- Evidence of payment of the renewal fees which is the printed payment confirmation page.
In conclusion, the residence permit that can be obtained by foreign employers and their expatriate employees who are desirous of working or living in Nigeria and do not fall among the ECOWAS member states is CERPAC.
BY: RESOLUTION LAW FIRM
