Living in Nigeria
Information for British citizens moving to or living in Nigeria, including guidance on residency, healthcare and passports.
This guide sets out essential information for British citizens moving to or living in Nigeria. Read about how our High Commission in Abuja and Deputy High Commission in Lagos can help.
This information is provided as a guide only. You should get definitive information from the Nigerian authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is not liable for any inaccuracies in this information.
Support for British Nationals Abroad: A Guide sets out how British nationals can stay safe abroad and how the FCDO can help if you do get into difficulty.
Read general guidance on moving or retiring abroad.
To stay up to date: follow the British High Commission in Nigeria on Facebook and Twitter
Before you go
See our Travel advice for Nigeria for up to date information on entry requirements, local laws and customs, safety and emergencies.
See also: Overseas Business Risk Country Guide
Coronavirus
Follow the advice of the Nigerian government and your local authority. You should also read the Nigeria travel advice
Nigeria has removed COVID-19 travel restrictions, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority website has the latest guidelines. Countries may change entry requirements and close their borders at very short notice. Ensure you check current Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice in addition to the FCDO specific country page which provides additional information on travel restrictions and entry requirements in addition to safety and security advice.
Visas and residency
Check the entry requirements for Nigeria in our travel advice.
See how to apply for a visa to enter Nigeria
information about sponsoring visas for family members/dependants
Passports and travel
You can apply for or renew your British passport from Nigeria.
Check the Nigeria travel advice for passport validity requirements.
Travelling with children.
Children (under 18 years old) who travel out of Nigeria unaccompanied or without a person who has parental responsibility, may need written authorisation by that person with parental responsibility to do so. This is required in addition to a valid travel document.
You can find information on travelling with minors here Guide to faster travel through the UK border - GOV.UK
Healthcare in Nigeria
Nigeria does not have a reciprocal health agreement with the United Kingdom.
If you are resident in Nigeria ensure you have taken out an appropriate health insurance policy.
If you are a visitor, arrange comprehensive travel insurance before you travel. Make sure your policy covers the following:
- air ambulance, in case you need to be flown home by this means
- full medical cover (medical bills can be expensive)
- repatriation of your remains in the event of death
- repatriation of your family in the event it is necessary for you to return home due to illness or injury.
Visit the Health section of our Travel Advice page for detailed advice on medical services, vaccinations and health risks in Nigeria.
You can find a list of Teaching Hospitals on the Federal Ministry of Health website
For contact details for English speaking doctors visit our list of healthcare providers.
NOTE: UK Travel insurance providers will not generally cover your healthcare costs if you live overseas.
Medicine
If you are on a prescription for any medication you should ensure you have a supply of it, or are able to obtain it when in Nigeria. Certain medicines may not be available in Nigeria (including major brands readily available in the UK), and you may be prohibited from taking them into the country. You should consult your GP before travelling to Nigeria to find out about any alternative medication.
Read the guidance if you need to travel with medicines
Working in Nigeria
If you are planning to move to Nigeria and work, you may need a visa. Read the Nigerian government’s guidance on working in Nigeria as a foreign national Nigerian Immigration Services Visa and how to get a visa.
To apply for a job you may need to provide:
- valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity
- letter of employment and acceptance of offer
- return ticket
- evidence of sufficient funds
- evidence of hotel reservation/host address in Nigeria
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume
- Chief Executive Officers (C.E.O) of corporate organisations will be required to provide the extract of the minutes of the Board’s resolution
- visas can only be obtained from Nigerian Mission in the country where you are domiciled for at least six (6) months
Studying in Nigeria
If you plan to study in Nigeria, you must meet all visa requirements before you travel.
Contact the relevant higher education provider in Nigeria to check what fees you have to pay.
For people travelling to Nigeria with their children, there are a number of private international schools which follow the Cambridge and IB curriculums. The following links may be of assistance you if you are considering educating your child(ren) in Nigeria.
Useful websites:
Tax
The UK has a Double taxation agreement with Nigeria Nigeria: tax treaties - GOV.UK so that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries. Ask the relevant tax authority your questions about double taxation relief.
You should get professional advice on paying tax in Nigeria. Find an English-speaking lawyer in Nigeria
Read guidance on:
tax if you leave the UK to live abroad
tax on your UK income if you live abroad
tax if you get a pension and live abroad
paying National Insurance while abroad to protect your State Pension and entitlement to other benefits and allowances.
Benefits
Check which UK benefits you can claim while abroad and how to claim them.
Many income-related benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit cannot be paid if you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks.
Pensions
Read State Pension guidance if you have lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand and you are claiming or waiting to claim your UK State Pension.
If you retire in Nigeria, you can claim your UK State Pension or new UK State Pension. Contact the International Pension Centre for further information.
Life certificates for UK State Pensions
If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you must respond as soon as possible. Your payments may be suspended if you do not.
Money and banking
You can find a list of commercial banks and other financial institutions on the Central Bank of Nigeria website.
For information on opening an account, do contact the banking institution of your choice.
International credit cards can be used in the large hotels and some restaurants.
Visit the section on Money on the Travel Advice for more information.
Accommodation and buying property
Insert information about any local restrictions on foreign nationals buying or renting property
There are restrictions imposed on foreign nationals seeking to acquire or own real property in Nigeria. Foreigners may still acquire short term interests in land in the form of leases provided that such leases are not granted for more than 3 (three) years (including any option for renewal).
You should get professional advice on buying or renting property in Nigeria. Find an English-speaking lawyer in Nigeria
Driving in Nigeria
Read the guidance on what actions you must do to drive legally in Nigeria
Driving abroad https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad
If you’re asked for a letter authenticating, certifying or validating your UK driver’s licence, you should contact your UK issuing office (eg the DVLA)
Guidance for travelling by road in Nigeria see (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/Nigeria/safety-and-security#road-travel)
If you wish to take your vehicle with you, see https://www.gov.uk/taking-vehicles-out-of-uk
Driving licence rules in Nigeria if you live there
You are allowed to drive in Nigeria using your foreign licence for three months and international licence for a period of one year. During this time you are expected to apply for a Nigerian driver’s license.
You can find information about obtaining a local driving license or international driving permit, with the Federal Road Safety Corps
Disabled drivers
If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in Nigeria, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.
Voting
You can find more information on voting in Nigeria on the Independent National Electoral Commission website
You may be able to vote in some UK elections. You can:
Births, deaths, marriage and civil partnership
Births
If your child is born in Nigeria you should register the birth with the local authorities. This can be used for all official purposes in the UK, including applying for a British passport for your child, providing they are otherwise eligible for British citizenship.
You can find information on registering a birth in Nigeria on the National Population Commission website.
You do not need to register the birth with the UK authorities. But if you wish, you can apply for a consular birth registration.
Deaths
If someone dies in Nigeria read our guidance on:
What to do if someone dies abroad
Bereavement guidance for Nigeria Nigeria bereavement pack: death abroad
English-speaking funeral directors in Nigeria Find a professional service abroad - Find a funeral director abroad
Marriage and civil partnership
Find out how you can get married or get a civil partnership abroad.
A special marriage licence is required for a marriage either between a non-Nigerian and a Nigerian citizen or between two Non-Nigerians resident in Nigeria.
You can apply for a special marriage licence at the Marriage Registry office or through the Registry’s online portal.
See the Ministry of Interior Affairs website for information and requirements for getting married in Nigeria.
The High Commission is unable to provide a Certificate of No Impediment (CNI) for weddings taking place in commonwealth countries.
Pets
See travelling with pets.
An import permit is required to import a pet into Nigeria
It is your responsibility to arrange export formalities at the country of departure including flight bookings and agency services
You can find more information on the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development website
Emergencies
Dial the 112 for the police, ambulance or fire brigade.
This number can be called in most part of Nigeria when there is any emergency situation.
You can find a list of emergency contacts, specific to Lagos State on the Lagos State government website
Dial 112 for the police to report a missing child
07030000203 for National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Abuja 07080601801 for NAPTIP, Lagos
If you have been the victim of a rape or sexual assault in Nigeria, read the Nigeria: information for victims of rape and sexual assault
See also https://www.gov.uk/guidance/victim-of-rape-and-sexual-assault-abroad
Find a professional service abroad - Find a lawyer in Nigeria.
If you’re the victim of a crime, have been arrested, or are affected by a crisis, contact the British High Commission Abuja or the British Deputy High Commission Lagos
Read the guidance on international parental child abduction if your child may be at risk of this.
Returning to the UK
Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently which includes information on bringing family members, tax and access to services.
Last updated 23 April 2024 + show all updates
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Update to the guidance in line with a new template.
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First published.
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Coronavirus section added with a link to guidance on vaccines.