How can a foreigner obtain Business Permit Licence in Nigeria?

The Immigration Act CAP 11 Laws of the Federation, 2004 in section 36 states that “No person other than a citizen of Nigeria shall accept the employment (not being with the Federal Government or state Government) with the consent in writing of the Director of immigration; or on his own account or in partnership with any other person, practice a profession or establish or take over any trade or business whatsoever or register to take over any company with a limited liability for any such purpose, without the consent in writing of the Minister given on such conditions as to the locality of operation and persons to be employed by or on behalf of such person, as the Minister may prescribe’’.

Invariably, a Business Permit is the licence issued by the Government of a state to a non-citizen/foreigner to conduct business within their jurisdiction.

In Nigeria, a foreigner looking to conduct business in Nigeria can obtain consent in form of a Business Permit from the Ministry of Interior. This is the ministry designated with this purpose.

A Business Permit is only needed where the company is solely made up of foreigners or where an international corporation enters into a joint venture with a Nigerian company.

To get a Business Permit in Nigeria, you must have the following;

1. Register with the Nigeria Investment promotion Commission (NIPC), Submit completed NIPC Form 1 (3 copies), together with the original copy of the treasury receipt.
2. Certificate of Incorporation
3. Tax clearance of the company
4. Certified True copies of Memorandum and Article of Association (3 copies)
5. Certified True copies of CAC Form 2 & 7
6. Approval from the appropriate professional bodies where applicable.
7. Business Plan
8. The shareholding structure of the joint venture (3 copies) when it is a joint venture
9. Joint venture Agreement where applicable (3 copies).
10. Evidence of capital importation for wholly foreign companies.
11. A copy of Deed of Sub-Lease/Agreement evidencing firm commitment to acquire requisite business premises for the company’s operation;
12. Profile of Foreign Investor.

618 Bees can help you quickly and easily obtain a Business Permit License. Log on to our website www.618bees.comor email hello@618bees.com, or give us a call on +2349017190079. 618 Bees will complete your application with the NIPC.

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