What is CERPAC and when is it necessary in Nigeria?

What is CERPAC and when is it necessary in Nigeria?

February 22, 2024

What is CERPAC?

CERPAC is an acronym that stands for Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card. It is a document that serves as a form of identification and authorisation for foreign nationals who intend to reside or work in Nigeria.

Who qualifies for CERPAC?

Expatriates seeking to reside or work in Nigeria are qualified to apply for and be issued CERPAC by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).

Under the regulation laid down to govern the issue of CERPAC, certain categories of persons are entitled to be issued a CERPAC gratis. These exempted persons include:

  • Diplomats
  • Government Officials
  • Niger-wives
  • Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)

How to Obtain a CERPAC in Nigeria

The procedure for obtaining CERPAC follows the usual process of application, verification and grant of the Card. However, an application for CERPAC must be accompanied by certain documents to show eligibility.

  • Expatriate quota approval
  • International passport with Subject to Regulation (STR) visa endorsement
  • A duly completed CERPAC statutory form
  • An STR package containing STR documentation received from the Nigerian embassy/consulate
  • Application letter from the employer requesting regularization of stay and accepting Immigration Responsibility (IR) on behalf of the expatriate.
  • Letter of Appointment/Employment
  • Acceptance of the offer of Appointment/Employment.
  • Payment of prescribed fees
  • Bio-metric data

What are the processing fees applicable?

The fees are subject to constant change depending on the NIS; hence, prospective applicants must confirm with the NIS for more recent prices.

What is the validity period of a CERPAC? 

Once issued, a CERPAC may be valid for up to 2 years, subject to renewal.

  • It is also worthy of note that the possession of a CERPAC Green Card does not exempt a person from the requirement to possess a valid re-entry visa. In any case, where such a person plans to leave Nigeria, they must apply for a re-entry permit prior to their departure.

An application for CERPAC usually follows an application for and approval of expatriate quota for a company, seeking to employ foreigners in Nigeria.

Essentially, it is important for prospective applicants to consult with qualified professionals in order to ensure that their applications are within the parameters of the requirements laid down by the NIS.

Team 618 Bees

 

 

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only, no information contained in this post should be construed as legal advice, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information included in, or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or professional advice from the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer. This post is protected by intellectual property law and regulations. It may however be shared using appropriate sharing tools provided that our authorship is always acknowledged and this Disclaimer Notice attached

 

 

More Articles

Search

Connect With Us

Got any questions?

If you are having any questions, please feel free to ask.

Send us an email

Frequently Asked

  • When are Annual Returns due for filing?

    A company’s first Annual Returns are due for filing after 18 months of its inception, subsequently it should be filed annually as the name implies. The filing dates could differ for each company depending on their financial year end but must be filed not later than 42 days after its Annual General Meeting.

    The Annual Returns for Business Names is due not later than the 30th of June each year except in the year the business was registered.
  • Do I need a Company Secretary?

    A limited liability company (LLC) must not have a company secretary.
  • What is a testimonium clause in an agreement?

    This is the part of the agreement where the witness attests to have witnessed the execution of the agreement.
  • Do I have to physically drop off my product sample at NAFDAC office?

    No, you can choose to have it sent to NAFDAC office
  • Is it legal to transfer the personal data you obtained legally to another person?

    No, its not legal. This is because the law prohibits anyone from transferring the data of a third party to another person without consent from the third party to do same even if the data was rightfully obtained in the first instance.
  • Must I register my work with the Nigerian Copyright Commission?

    No, you must not register your work under the Nigerian law but you have the option to do so. This is because as soon as the original work becomes fixed and tangible it automatically becomes copyrightable.
  • Can I process/register multiple products at NAFDAC at the same time?

    Yes, you can process/register multiple products at the same time
  • How many shareholders do I need to start a company?

    A minimum of one (1) adult shareholder is required to form a company.
  • Why do I need a trademark?

    You need to register your trademark because if you don’t register it, someone else can! It helps identify you as the source and indicates a consistent level of quality of your products and services. Securing a registered trademark protects your brand, and provides you with tools to prevent someone else from using similar signs and riding off the back of your business.
All FAQs
Call Us Now on +234 901 719 0079 Chat on WhatsApp