Spouse of Nigerian Citizen Visa (N1A)

The Spouse of Nigerian Citizen Visa (N1A) is a permanent residence pathway designed for foreign nationals legally married to Nigerian citizens. Introduced under the Nigeria Visa Policy (NVP) 2020, this visa allows you to live in Nigeria based on your marital relationship.

This pathway consolidates several older immigration statuses, such as "Special Immigrant Status" (previously for foreign husbands) and "Niger-Wives" (previously for foreign wives), into a single, gender-neutral category. It is important to distinguish this from a Dependent Visa (R7B); the N1A is specifically for those married to Nigerian citizens, whereas the R7B is for those married to foreign nationals working or residing in Nigeria on temporary permits.

The N1A visa is governed by Section 37 (10) of the Immigration Act 2015. In recent years, the Nigerian government has moved toward a more digital system to streamline residency.

• NVP 2020: The Nigeria Visa Policy 2020 modernized the visa classes, moving from a handful of broad categories to over 75 specific visa codes, of which N1A is the primary code for spouses.
• Digital CERPAC: In late 2025 and early 2026, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) launched a new online platform for the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC). This allows you to handle much of the residency registration digitally rather than through repeated physical visits to immigration offices.

Holding an N1A visa and the subsequent residency permit grants you specific privileges, though it carries a significant restriction regarding employment.

• Residency Duration: You are granted an initial 4-year stay, which is renewable. In practice, this is often treated as indefinite residency as long as your marriage remains valid and your permits are kept up to date.
• Travel Rights: You have multiple entry and exit rights, allowing you to travel in and out of Nigeria without needing to apply for a new visa each time.
• Cost Benefits (Gratis Status): While most foreign residents in Nigeria must pay a significant annual fee (often $2,000) for their residency card (CERPAC), spouses of Nigerians are generally granted Gratis status. You are exempt from the main fee, though you may still need to pay minor administrative or card issuance charges.
• Work Restrictions: Employment is prohibited. Under the current N1A classification, the visa is strictly for residency. If you intend to work in Nigeria, you may need to apply for a separate work authorization or consider an employment-based visa category (such as the R2A), which may require waiving your "Gratis" fee status.
• Path to Citizenship: Foreign wives may apply for Nigerian citizenship by registration. Foreign husbands currently must reside in Nigeria for 15 years to apply for citizenship via naturalization.