BREAKING: CERPAC Online Registration Commences Today, Requirements, Eligibility, How to Apply, Benefit

The Federal Government has launched the online registration portal for the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC), effective 1st August 2025, marking the end of physical applications.

The Federal Government has officially commenced online registration for the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC), a move aimed at simplifying application processes for expatriates and boosting compliance with Nigeria’s immigration laws.

According to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), the new online registration portal is now live at:

➡️ https://cerpac.immigration.gov.ng or CLICK HERE.

Physical applications for CERPAC ended on 31st July 2025, and all future applications will be processed exclusively online. This transition is part of wider immigration reforms designed to improve efficiency, border security, and the expatriate quota system.

Application Process

Applicants are required to:

1. Submit an Online Application through the NIS portal.
2. Upload Required Documents, including:
   • Valid passport with Nigerian visa
   • Proof of employment, business registration, or student status
   • Other supporting documents as required
3. Make Payments Online:
   • USD 2,000 for employed foreigners
   • USD 600 for students
   • Gratis for foreigners married to Nigerian citizens
4. Provide Biometric Data (fingerprints and photograph) at a designated NIS office.
5. Processing & Verification will then be handled by the NIS.

Benefits of CERPAC

• Legal Residence: Confirms lawful stay for expatriates in Nigeria.
• Identification: Serves as an official ID for foreigners.
• Compliance: Helps expatriates and companies adhere to Nigerian immigration regulations.

DON’T MISS: CERPAC Online Application Process, How to Apply, Eligibility, Requirements

Government’s Reform Agenda

Speaking on the new guidelines, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to reforming Nigeria’s immigration framework, expatriate quota management, and border control systems.

“The reforms have to continue. It’s a work in progress. It’s our responsibility to make life easier for Nigerians and expatriates. A lot was done today with regards to CERPAC, expatriate quota, business permits, border control, and how these workflows affect the Nigerian Immigration Service and the private sector,” he said.

He emphasized that the new CERPAC process will eliminate unnecessary stress for expatriates:

“Expatriates will no longer have to stress or lobby for the document. They will simply fill the forms online and receive their documents via email.”

Dr. Tunji-Ojo also noted that the government is working closely with the private sector and agencies like NECA to fine-tune policies that protect Nigerians, encourage investments, and strengthen compliance.

“We will be very hard on any company that avoids or prevents the NIS from carrying out its legal responsibility as we will not tolerate that going forward,” he added.

Next Steps in Immigration Reform

• A special committee will collaborate with the private sector to finalize new border control and expatriate quota measures.
• The reforms will align immigration processes with national security interests while enhancing ease of doing business in Nigeria.
• Stricter enforcement will ensure companies and expatriates comply fully with immigration laws.

With the launch of CERPAC online registration, the Federal Government is signaling a new era of digital immigration services, better border management, and stronger regulatory compliance.