ECOWAS RESIDENCE CARD IN NIGERIA

PROCEDURE FOR ECOWAS RESIDENCE PERMIT IN NIGERIA

ECOWAS residence permit is the approval given by countries under the Economic Community of West African States to citizens of other countries to come into any ECOWAS country for a given period of time. The ECOWAS treaty provides for free movement of citizens of the ECOWAS States within other member states.

The citizens of the member states of the ECOWAS Treaty that can obtain this permit in Nigeria are Burkina faso, Cote de voire, Benin, Gambia, Ghana, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bassau, Guinea, Senegal, Siera-leone, Togo, Mali, Equatorial Guinea and Liberia. The nationals of these states can also be allowed to enter the territory of Nigeria and stay for a maximum of 90 days.

The permits to come into these countries are made available upon application for the particular category and payment of approved fees. The ECOWAS nations are required to register with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) after they have become resident in Nigeria. This is evidence by obtaining the ECOWAS Residence Card (ERC) from the Nigeria Immigrations.

Documents and procedure for the application of ECOWAS Residence Card.

For Individual applicants: The applicant must provide the following documents to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS):

  • Application letter for ECOWAS Residence Card by the individual, Employer or embassy accepting immigration responsibilities of the applicant.
  • A valid ECOWAS Travel Certificate or International Passport valid for not less than 6 months.
  • Photocopy of Bio-data and Information page of ECOWAS travel certification or International Passport
  • 2 copies of applicant’s recent passport photograph
  • Evidence of e-Payment i.e Printed Payment Confirmation Page
  • Duly completed and signed Application Form
  • Letter of Employment for employees.
  • Letter of Acceptance of letter of employment
  • Applicant’s Credentials/ CV where applicable.
  • Evidence of registration with any professional body where applicable.
  • Copy of ECOWAS Registration Certificate from LGA of Applicant’s domicile.

Application by Corporations (Employers): Applicant must provide the following:

  • A valid ECOWAS Travel Certificate or International Passport of the applicant.
  • Photocopy of Bio-data and Information page of Passport.
  • 2 copies of applicant’s recent passport photograph.
  • Evidence of e-Payment i.e printed payment confirmation page
  • Duly completed and signed Application Form
  • Letter from Employer accepting immigration responsibilities
  • Applicant’s Credentials/ CV where applicable.
  • Evidence of Lease/ Ownership of business premises.
  • Certificate of Incorporation of business name with Corporate Affairs Commission.
  • Copy of COT form.
  • A copy of the Tax Clearance Certificate.
  • Evidence of Capital Importation where applicable.

Renewal of ECOWAS Residence Card

After the expiration of 90 days the Applicant can apply for a renewal of the ECOWAS Residence Card from the immigration office.

Requirements for the renewal of ECOWAS Residence Card

  • Application for renewal from the Employer, Embassy or company accepting immigration responsibilities of the applicant.
  • The expired residence card
  • Duly completed ECOWAS Residence Card application form
  • Photocopy of passport data page and expired residence card
  • Evidence of payment of the renewal fees which is the printed payment confirmation page.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the expatriate employees who are desirous of working or living in Nigeria who is not from any ECOWAS state can obtain the normal resident permit, otherwise, known as the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC)

Written by Resolution Law Firm, Lagos Nigeria

Email: info@resolutionlawng.com

Tel: +2348099223322