Eligibility Quiz
Were you a Nigerian citizen by birth?
Overview
The Nigerian by Birth who Renounced Nigerian Citizenship Visa (Class N2A) is a permanent residence pathway designed for individuals who were originally citizens of Nigeria by birth but formally gave up their citizenship. This visa allows former citizens to return to Nigeria to live and work indefinitely without the need for the standard work permits required of other foreign nationals.
It is important to distinguish this from the F9A (Returning Nigerian) visa. While the F9A is a short-term visitor visa for those who may hold dual citizenship or have not formally renounced, the N2A is a specific Permanent Residence category for those who have legally and formally severed their citizenship ties under Nigerian law but wish to reside in the country long-term.
Legal Framework
This visa class was formally codified under the Nigeria Visa Policy (NVP) 2020. It operates under the authority of Section 37 (12) of the Immigration Act 2015, which provides a legal mechanism for former citizens to maintain a permanent connection to Nigeria. Because this is a permanent residence category, it offers more stability than standard entry visas and recognizes the unique historical and ancestral ties the applicant has to the country.
Rights as an N2A Visa Holder
Holding an N2A Permanent Residence Visa grants you several significant privileges that are not available to standard foreign residents:
- Permanent Residence: You have the right to live in Nigeria indefinitely without the need to renew your stay every few months.
- Work and Business Rights: You are permitted to take up employment or start a business in Nigeria. Unlike other foreign nationals, you generally do not require a CERPAC (Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Allied Card) or a specific work permit.
- Travel Rights: You may enter and exit Nigeria freely using your foreign passport and your residence status.
- Family Reunification: You have the right to bring your spouse and minor children to Nigeria under the N2B and F9B visa categories.
- Access to Services: You can access local services, open bank accounts, and engage in financial transactions similarly to a citizen, though you remain a foreign national for voting and political purposes.