Nigeria
Federal Republic of Nigeria · Capital: Abuja
Africa's most populous nation and biggest consumer market, with a celebrated 'Nollywood' culture, a fast-rising fintech and startup scene and huge entrepreneurial energy.
Migration statistics
Who is arriving
Top source countries and the make-up of recent arrivals into Nigeria.
Policy overview
2 visa routes into Nigeria
Eligibility, fees, processing times and whether each route leads to permanent residence.
Employer-sponsored work-and-residence route ('CERPAC') for foreign staff.
Eligibility
- Job offer
- Company expatriate quota
Document checklist (9 items)
Core
Professional
Background
Business / Investor Entry
EntrepreneurNG-BIZ
Entry and residence for founders and investors establishing a Nigerian company.
Eligibility
- Registered business
- Capital importation
Document checklist (9 items)
Core
Professional
Financial
Background
Economic context
The numbers behind the move
Pay reflects the local market in Nigeria, what you'd typically earn there, not your current salary.
Skill shortages
Sectors actively recruiting from abroad
Where Nigeria needs foreign talent most, and what those roles pay.
Fintech & tech
Africa's most funded startup scene, led by fintech unicorns.
Oil, gas & energy
A major hydrocarbon producer employing foreign specialists.
Recent changes
What's changed lately
Recent policy changes that affect migrants, newest first.
No policy changes recorded in the last 90 days. The intelligence agent is monitoring.
Quality of life
What living there feels like
Lagos
Commercial megacityThe commercial heart of Africa's biggest economy and its startup capital.
- Cost index
- 46
- 1-bed rent
- $600
- Quality
- 54
Abuja
Planned capitalThe calmer, planned federal capital where government and diplomacy sit.
- Cost index
- 44
- 1-bed rent
- $550
- Quality
- 60
Port Harcourt
Oil-industry centreThe Niger-Delta oil-and-gas hub with energy-sector employers.
- Cost index
- 42
- 1-bed rent
- $480
- Quality
- 52
Safety & climate
The reception you can expect
How welcoming the public and political mood is, how safe it is, and how geopolitically stable the country is right now.
Anti-migrant sentiment
trendOpen and entrepreneurial; security and infrastructure are the main expat challenges.
Higher = more hostile public/political climate.
Geopolitical stability
A composite of governance, security and regional-risk signals. Higher means a more predictable environment for settling long term.
Higher = more stable.
Safety
Security varies sharply by region; expats rely on managed compounds and local advice.
Higher = safer (crime index 66/100).
Where to live
Which Nigeria city fits you?
Cities matched to who you are, career, family, retirement, study or remote work. We flag the ones to consider and the ones to approach with care.
Lagos
Relentless hustle
The commercial heart of Africa's biggest economy and its startup capital.
Abuja
Orderly & green
The calmer, planned federal capital where government and diplomacy sit.
Port Harcourt
Energy boomtown
The Niger-Delta oil-and-gas hub with energy-sector employers.
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