CERPAC Online Application Process, How to Apply, Eligibility, Requirements

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has officially unveiled a new online platform for the application and payment of the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC), marking a significant step in the digitization of immigration services in Nigeria.

This change comes as part of broader reforms aimed at improving transparency, efficiency, and ease of access for expatriates residing in the country.

Transition to e-CERPAC: Key Dates and Deadlines

Effective August 1st, 2025, all applications and payments for CERPAC must be completed exclusively online via the new digital portal: https://cerpac.immigration.gov.ng

The NIS has emphasized that the traditional physical application and payment system will be discontinued after July 31st, 2025. Applicants with pending forms are advised to complete and submit them before this deadline to avoid invalidation and loss of any associated payments.

Who is Eligible?

The CERPAC is designed for foreign nationals who intend to reside in Nigeria for at least one year. Eligible individuals include:

• Business owners operating legally registered companies in Nigeria
• Employees working for Nigerian firms
• Students enrolled in Nigerian institutions
• Dependents of foreign residents
• Retirees aged 65 and above seeking long-term stay in Nigeria

Applicants must hold a valid Temporary or Permanent Resident Visa (TRV/PRV) to qualify.

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How to Apply Online

The newly launched portal simplifies the CERPAC application process into five main steps:

1. Online Application: Create an account and fill out the application form on the NIS portal.
2. Document Upload: Provide scanned copies of necessary documents, including:
   • A valid international passport with a Nigerian visa
   • Proof of employment, business registration, student status, or other relevant documentation
3. Online Payment: Pay the applicable fees directly through the platform:
   • USD 2,000 – Employed foreigners
   • USD 600 – Foreign students
   • Gratis – Foreigners married to Nigerian citizens
4. Biometric Capture: Schedule and visit a designated NIS office for fingerprinting and photograph
5. Processing & Approval: The NIS will review and verify the submitted information before issuing the CERPAC

Benefits of the CERPAC

The CERPAC serves multiple critical functions for expatriates:

• Legal Residency: It confirms the holder’s right to live in Nigeria
• Identification: Functions as a recognized form of ID for foreigners
• Compliance: Ensures adherence to Nigeria’s immigration regulations

VerseNews reports that in a press release dated July 16, 2025, ACI Akinbobola, the Service Public Relations Officer, stated that this shift to an e-CERPAC system aligns with the federal government’s digital reform agenda. He urged both individuals and corporate organizations responsible for expatriates to take immediate action and ensure applications are processed within the designated timeline.