Best Golden Visa Lawyers in Lafia

About Golden Visa Law in Lafia, Nigeria

The term Golden Visa usually describes a residency-by-investment route that some countries offer to foreign nationals who invest a minimum amount in the host country. Nigeria does not operate a classic Golden Visa program. There is no direct pathway to Nigerian residence or citizenship solely by purchasing real estate or making a passive financial investment. Instead, Nigeria provides investor-friendly business and employment immigration options that can support living and working in cities like Lafia in Nasarawa State.

For investors, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals intending to base operations in Lafia, the most relevant immigration pathways are business and work routes administered at the federal level by the Nigeria Immigration Service. Common routes include Business Visa for short visits, Temporary Work Permit for short technical assignments, Subject to Regularisation visa leading to a Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card known as CERPAC, and dependants permits for family members. Citizens of ECOWAS member states have additional regional rights of entry, residence, and establishment. None of these routes are automatic or investment-only. They require company formation or sponsorship, regulatory approvals, and ongoing compliance.

Because Nigeria is a federal system, immigration is national while land, local taxes, and many operational matters are state-level. If you intend to live or invest in Lafia, you will handle immigration with federal authorities and manage land, permits, and most day-to-day business issues with Nasarawa State institutions. Investors often incorporate a Nigerian company, obtain a Business Permit and Expatriate Quota from the Federal Ministry of Interior, register capital importation with an authorized bank to obtain a Certificate of Capital Importation, and then sponsor STR visas and CERPAC cards for themselves and their staff. This is the practical alternative many people refer to when they ask about a Golden Visa in Lafia.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Aligning a business or personal plan with Nigerian immigration and investment rules is possible, but legal support can save time and reduce risk. A lawyer can translate your goals into a workable immigration and corporate structure, for example by advising whether to use a wholly foreign-owned company or a joint venture in Nasarawa State, whether you qualify for a Business Permit and Expatriate Quota, and how many quota positions to request. An immigration lawyer can prepare STR and TWP applications, anticipate documentation shortfalls, and coordinate regularisation to CERPAC after arrival. Many delays come from small procedural errors that counsel can prevent.

If you plan to acquire land or facilities in Lafia, a property lawyer can verify title through Nasarawa Geographic Information Service, confirm that the land is free from encumbrances, and obtain Governor’s Consent where required under the Land Use Act. For regulated sectors like mining, agriculture, and food processing, counsel can map the permits you will need from federal and state ministries and ensure compliance before equipment or foreign staff arrive. A tax and regulatory lawyer can plan for federal company income tax and VAT, Nasarawa State personal income tax remittance for employees, withholding obligations, and any eligible incentives, so that immigration and tax positions are aligned. If disputes arise with vendors, regulators, or employees, a lawyer offers early intervention or representation before matters escalate.

Local Laws Overview

Immigration in Nigeria is governed principally by the Immigration Act 2015, the Immigration Regulations 2017, and the Nigeria Visa Policy 2020. These rules set out the visa classes, sponsor obligations, CERPAC residence requirements, and penalties for non-compliance. Investors normally engage with the Federal Ministry of Interior for Business Permit and Expatriate Quota and with the Nigeria Immigration Service for visa issuance and residence cards. There is no federal law that grants residence purely in exchange for an investment, and there is no citizenship-by-investment route in Nigeria.

Company formation and governance are regulated by the Companies and Allied Matters Act. Foreign investors typically incorporate a Nigerian limited liability company through the Corporate Affairs Commission. Many investors then register with the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission to access investment guarantees and incentives. Capital inflows for equity or loans should be processed through an authorized dealer bank to obtain a Certificate of Capital Importation, which is necessary to ensure the right to repatriate dividends and capital. The Business Facilitation Act has simplified several approvals and encourages one-stop processing through relevant agencies.

Taxation relevant to Lafia-based operations includes federal company income tax, value added tax, and withholding taxes administered by the Federal Inland Revenue Service, and personal income tax pay-as-you-earn remittances administered by the Nasarawa State Internal Revenue Service. Eligible companies may seek Pioneer Status incentives from the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission for qualifying industries, which can grant a time-limited corporate income tax holiday.

Land matters are governed by the Land Use Act, under which all land is vested in the Governor of each state. In Nasarawa, land title administration and geographic information services are managed by state bodies such as the Nasarawa Geographic Information Service. Foreign-controlled companies can typically obtain a statutory right of occupancy, subject to due process, and must obtain Governor’s Consent before assigning or mortgaging such rights. Due diligence is essential before any purchase or long lease of land in or around Lafia.

Sector-specific regulations may apply in Lafia depending on your activity. Mining and solid minerals require federal licensing. Food and pharmaceuticals require approvals from standards and safety agencies. Manufacturing or agro-processing projects may require environmental permits and impact assessments. These sector rules interact with immigration because work authorization should reflect the actual roles and the number of expatriates approved under your quota.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Nigeria have a Golden Visa that grants residence by investment in Lafia

No. Nigeria does not have a Golden Visa program. Residence is typically based on employment, business operations, family ties, or regional ECOWAS rights. Investors usually secure residence by establishing or joining a Nigerian company that sponsors their work and residence permits.

What is the most common route for an investor to live and work in Lafia

Many investors incorporate a company, apply for a Business Permit and Expatriate Quota from the Federal Ministry of Interior, obtain a Subject to Regularisation visa at a Nigerian mission, enter Nigeria, and then regularise to a CERPAC residence card. This permits living and working in Nigeria, including in Lafia, for the period approved and renewable.

Is there a minimum investment amount to qualify for residence

There is no fixed investment threshold that automatically grants residence. Authorities will consider the company’s capital structure, business plan, job creation, and sector. Minimum share capital or capitalization requirements for certain permits and expatriate quota categories can change, so you should verify current thresholds with counsel before applying.

Can I obtain residence by buying property in Lafia

No. Purchasing real estate in Lafia or anywhere in Nigeria does not by itself confer immigration status. Property acquisition is a separate land law process that requires due diligence and state approvals such as Governor’s Consent.

How long does it take to get a CERPAC after arriving on an STR visa

Processing times vary by workload and documentation completeness. A common range is four to eight weeks from submission of a complete regularisation file, but this can be shorter or longer. Early preparation of documents, timely medicals and biometrics, and prompt responses to queries can help.

Can my spouse and children join me in Lafia

Yes. Approved expatriates can sponsor dependants for residence, subject to documentation such as marriage and birth certificates and evidence of adequate accommodation and means. Dependants typically receive residence status that is tied to the principal’s permit and duration.

Do ECOWAS citizens need a work permit to run a business in Lafia

ECOWAS citizens benefit from regional protocols on free movement and the right of establishment, which facilitate residence and business activities. However, sectoral licenses, tax registrations, and any required professional permits still apply. It is prudent to confirm the exact documentary process with immigration and the relevant state agencies.

What taxes should an investor in Lafia expect

At the federal level you should consider company income tax, value added tax, and withholding taxes. At the state level you will remit personal income tax pay-as-you-earn for employees to the Nasarawa State Internal Revenue Service and handle approved local government levies. Incentives may be available depending on your sector and size.

What should I check before buying or leasing land in Lafia

Verify the title through the Nasarawa land registry and geographic information service, confirm the land use designation, ensure there are no competing claims or encumbrances, and obtain Governor’s Consent for assignments or mortgages. Review zoning, environmental requirements, and any community or chieftaincy interests in the area.

How can I avoid immigration or investment scams

Work with licensed lawyers and recognized firms. Make payments to official government accounts where required and insist on official receipts. Verify approval letters directly with the issuing agency. Be wary of guarantees of residence or citizenship based solely on payment or property purchase, as these are not offered in Nigeria.

Additional Resources

Nigeria Immigration Service for visas, STR processing, and CERPAC residence cards. Federal Ministry of Interior for Business Permit and Expatriate Quota. Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission for investment registration, incentives, and policy guidance. Corporate Affairs Commission for company incorporation and filings. An authorized dealer bank for capital importation processing and issuance of a Certificate of Capital Importation. Federal Inland Revenue Service for federal tax registration and compliance. Nasarawa Investment and Development Agency for state-level investment facilitation and aftercare in Lafia and across Nasarawa. Nasarawa Geographic Information Service for land title searches, certificates of occupancy, and consent. Nasarawa State Internal Revenue Service for personal income tax administration. Sector regulators as applicable, such as solid minerals, standards, food and drug, and environmental authorities.

Next Steps

Define your objective and timeline. Clarify whether you aim to visit to explore options, run a short technical assignment, or relocate to live and work in Lafia for the medium term. Your goal determines whether a Business Visa, TWP, or STR leading to CERPAC is appropriate. Gather core documents. Typical items include passports, academic and professional credentials for expatriate roles, company incorporation documents, board resolutions, evidence of capital inflows, and family civil status documents for dependants.

Engage a qualified lawyer early. Ask for a written roadmap that covers corporate structure, immigration steps, tax registrations, and land or sector licenses. Incorporate a Nigerian company if needed and complete corporate registrations. Apply for Business Permit and Expatriate Quota aligned with your staffing plan. File STR or TWP applications at the appropriate mission or through approved channels and plan travel accordingly.

After arrival, complete regularisation promptly. Undergo biometrics, medicals if required, and submit complete files to obtain CERPAC cards for you and your dependants. Open bank accounts and process capital importation through an authorized dealer bank to secure a Certificate of Capital Importation. Register for taxes and set up payroll compliance for employees in Lafia, including federal and Nasarawa State obligations.

If acquiring land or facilities, conduct legal due diligence, obtain necessary consents, and align your property rights with your project plan. Map sector-specific permits and environmental requirements. Establish a compliance calendar for expatriate quota returns, CERPAC renewals, tax filings, and regulatory reports. If circumstances change, consult counsel before altering your immigration status or corporate structure.

This guide is informational only. For a plan tailored to your situation, consult a lawyer who handles immigration, corporate, and land matters in Nasarawa State and who can coordinate with federal agencies handling visas and residence. A coordinated approach will help you live and work legally in Lafia while protecting your investment.