Best Golden Visa Lawyers in Jikoyi

About Golden Visa Law in Jikoyi, Nigeria

There is no formal Golden Visa program in Nigeria. In practice, when people in Jikoyi and the wider Abuja area talk about a Golden Visa, they usually mean lawful pathways that allow foreign investors, executives, skilled workers, and their families to live and work in Nigeria. These pathways are governed at the federal level and administered nationwide, including in Jikoyi. Common routes include the Subject to Regularization visa that leads to a residence permit, the Temporary Work Permit for short assignments, and business or investor structures that support long-term residence through the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card.

Jikoyi is a community within the Federal Capital Territory. While day-to-day matters like housing, business location, and local taxes are influenced by FCT institutions, all immigration and residence matters are controlled by federal law and processed by federal agencies. Property ownership or business activity in Jikoyi can support a residency plan, but property purchase by itself does not grant immigration status.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Immigration rules are technical and change often. A lawyer helps you choose the correct category, gather compliant documents, and avoid delays or refusals. Investors often need counsel to incorporate a company, secure expatriate quota positions for foreign directors or specialists, and regularize their stay into a residence permit. Where families are involved, a lawyer can coordinate dependent permits and schooling or health insurance requirements.

Legal support is valuable for property and business due diligence in the FCT, because land titles and corporate records must be verified before you invest. Counsel can also manage renewals and track compliance deadlines so your CERPAC card, visas, and quotas do not lapse. If you face an overstay, a refusal, or removal proceedings, a lawyer can negotiate with authorities, lodge appeals where available, or pursue waivers. Professional guidance also reduces the risk of fraud, which is a concern in any investment migration context.

Local Laws Overview

Immigration in Nigeria is governed by federal legislation and regulations, primarily the Immigration Act 2015 and the Immigration Regulations 2017, administered by the Nigeria Immigration Service under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Interior. Key categories relevant to investors and skilled professionals include:

Subject to Regularization visa - commonly called STR - issued abroad to employees or directors of Nigerian entities. After entry, the holder applies in country for a residence permit, typically evidenced by a CERPAC card, for a fixed period that can be renewed if the underlying employment and expatriate quota remain valid.

Temporary Work Permit - TWP - for short term technical work or assignments. It is mission specific and time limited, and does not by itself lead to long term residence.

Business Visa for meetings, negotiations, market visits, and similar activities that do not constitute employment in Nigeria. It does not authorize work and does not convert to residence without following regularization processes.

Expatriate Quota. Before employing non citizens in Nigeria, a company must obtain expatriate quota approvals from the Federal Ministry of Interior for specific positions. The quota approval supports STR visas and subsequent residence permits. Companies are expected to maintain minimum paid up capital and demonstrate the necessity of expatriate skills, with a plan for technology transfer and training of Nigerians.

CERPAC. The Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card is the residence permit issued to eligible non citizens after regularization. It must be renewed before expiry and updated when you change employer, job role, or address.

Investment and company law. Foreign investors can usually own 100 percent of a Nigerian company, subject to restricted sectors. Incorporation is done with the Corporate Affairs Commission, and many investors also register with the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission to access investment protections and incentives. Sector specific licenses may be required depending on your business.

Property and land in Jikoyi. Land matters in the FCT are managed under the Land Use Act and administered by the Federal Capital Territory Administration. Title verification and issuance of Certificates of Occupancy are coordinated through FCT agencies such as the land administration and geographic information systems units. Proper due diligence is essential because property ownership does not itself grant immigration status, but it can be part of a broader investment plan.

Tax and compliance. Individuals become Nigerian tax resident based on days of presence and other rules. Companies with operations in Nigeria are subject to Nigerian tax and regulatory filings. Investors should register with the appropriate tax authorities and maintain compliance to protect their immigration status.

No citizenship by investment. Nigeria does not offer citizenship or permanent residence by investment. Long term residence and, in limited circumstances, naturalization are possible through established legal routes such as extended lawful residence, marriage to a Nigerian citizen, or specific permanent residence categories administered by the Ministry of Interior.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Nigeria have a Golden Visa program?

No. Nigeria does not operate a formal Golden Visa or citizenship by investment program. Investors typically use a combination of company incorporation, expatriate quota positions, STR visas, and residence permits to live and work lawfully.

Can buying property in Jikoyi give me residence rights?

No. Property ownership does not grant any visa or residence status in Nigeria. You still need the correct immigration category such as STR leading to a residence permit if you intend to live and work in the country.

What is the usual immigration route for an investor director?

Commonly, you incorporate a Nigerian company, obtain expatriate quota for your role, apply for an STR visa at a Nigerian mission abroad, enter Nigeria, and then regularize your stay into a residence permit evidenced by a CERPAC card. Dependents can apply for appropriate permits linked to your status.

Is there a minimum investment amount to qualify for residence?

There is no fixed Golden Visa threshold. However, expatriate quota policies require companies to show adequate paid up capital, genuine business activity, and the need for foreign expertise. Sector regulators may also impose capitalization or licensing requirements.

Can my spouse and children join me in Nigeria?

Yes. Eligible dependents of a valid residence permit holder can obtain dependent permits. Dependents cannot work in Nigeria without their own work authorization. Marriage and birth certificates must be authenticated according to Nigerian requirements.

How long do STR and residence permit processes take?

Timelines vary by mission and workload. Company setup and expatriate quota can take several weeks. STR visa issuance depends on the mission and document quality. After arrival, residence permit processing typically takes a few weeks once biometrics and fees are completed. A lawyer can help reduce avoidable delays.

Can I convert a Business Visa to a residence permit inside Nigeria?

Generally, no. A Business Visa does not authorize employment and does not convert directly to residence. The standard path is to secure expatriate quota and an STR visa outside Nigeria, then regularize your stay after entry.

What happens if I overstay my visa or residence permit?

Overstays can attract fines, detention, removal, and future entry bans. You should regularize your status before expiry or depart and re enter with the correct visa. Legal assistance is strongly recommended if you are already out of status.

Are ECOWAS citizens treated differently?

ECOWAS nationals have facilitated entry for short stays, but they still need proper authorization to work or reside long term. For employment or long term residence, regularization and relevant permits are required.

How can I avoid scams related to Golden Visa offers?

Be wary of anyone promising a Nigerian Golden Visa or guaranteed approvals. Verify that fees are official, receipts are issued, and applications are lodged with the proper authorities. Work only with licensed professionals, and confirm company and land records through the appropriate registries before investing.

Additional Resources

Nigeria Immigration Service - immigration policy, visas, residence permits, and compliance.

Federal Ministry of Interior - expatriate quota approvals, residence and related permits.

Corporate Affairs Commission - incorporation of Nigerian companies and maintenance of corporate records.

Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission - investment registration, incentives, and investor support.

Federal Capital Territory Administration - land administration and property matters in the FCT, including title verification relevant to Jikoyi properties.

Federal Inland Revenue Service and FCT Internal Revenue Service - tax registration and compliance for companies and individuals.

Nigerian Bar Association and reputable local law firms - referrals to qualified immigration and corporate counsel.

Foreign embassies and consulates - information on document authentication and visa applications lodged abroad.

Next Steps

Clarify your goals. Decide whether you want short term presence for meetings, a technical assignment, or long term residence tied to a Nigerian business or employment.

Assess the right category. A lawyer can help you choose between Business Visa, TWP, or STR leading to a residence permit, and advise on expatriate quota requirements for your role.

Structure your investment. If you plan to reside as an investor or executive, incorporate a company, prepare compliant corporate documents, and plan for sufficient capitalization and staffing.

Prepare documentation. Gather passports, qualifications, police clearances, marriage and birth certificates for dependents, and ensure the required authentications and notarizations are complete.

File with the correct bodies. Sequence matters. Expatriate quota approvals generally precede STR visa issuance, which precedes in country regularization into a residence permit.

Stay compliant. Track expiries of your visa, residence permit, and quota positions. Keep tax filings and company filings current, and update authorities when roles, employers, or addresses change.

Engage local counsel. Work with a qualified lawyer who understands immigration, corporate, property, and tax issues in the FCT. This reduces risk, shortens timelines, and helps protect your investment and status.