Moving to Nigeria

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the visa and residence process for Nigeria depends significantly on your nationality and the purpose of your stay. Citizens from certain regions, like the European Union, might have different application procedures or requirements compared to non-EU citizens. Common routes for obtaining a long-term stay include work permits, family reunion visas, study visas, or general residence permits. Each category has its own set of documentation requirements, which typically involve a valid passport, application forms, invitation letters (if applicable), proof of financial sustenance, and sometimes medical examinations. It is crucial to verify the most current requirements and application procedures directly with the Nigerian High Commission, Embassy, or Consulate in your country of origin, or the Nigerian Immigration Service website. Regulations can change, so always consult official sources.

Housing & Rental

Finding suitable housing in Nigeria often involves a mix of online portals, local real estate agents, and word-of-mouth recommendations. Popular cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt offer a range of options from apartments and townhouses to detached homes. The typical rental process usually starts with viewing properties, followed by expressing interest and negotiating terms. Leases are commonly for one or two years, with rent often paid upfront for the entire term, or sometimes semi-annually. Deposits, usually equivalent to one or two months' rent, are standard and are held against potential damages. For initial arrival, many expatriates opt for temporary accommodation such as serviced apartments or hotels while they search for a long-term residence. When working with agents, ensure they are reputable and clearly understand their fees, which are typically a percentage of the annual rent.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of your relocation to Nigeria is influenced by several key factors. The volume of your belongings is a major determinant; the more items you move, the higher the shipping cost. Distance also plays a significant role, with longer transit routes generally incurring higher expenses. The time of year you move can impact costs, as peak seasons for international shipping might see increased rates. Accessibility at both your origin and destination, such as narrow streets or lack of elevators, can add to labor costs. Finally, any additional services you opt for, such as professional packing, unpacking, storage, or specialized handling for delicate items, will contribute to the overall price. For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, it is always best to request a free, no-obligation quote.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized relocation typically spans 4-8 weeks, allowing ample time for preparation. Here's a checklist-style guide:

• 8 Weeks Out:
  • Declutter your home: Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. This significantly reduces shipping volume.
  • Begin researching visa and residence requirements.
  • Gather important documents: passports, birth certificates, marriage licenses, academic records, medical records, etc. Ensure they are valid and easily accessible.
  • Start researching potential housing options.
• 6 Weeks Out:
  • Obtain quotes for your international move.
  • Confirm visa application submission.
  • Notify schools, employers, and other relevant institutions of your move.
  • Start using up perishable items and non-essential pantry supplies.
• 4 Weeks Out:
  • Arrange for professional packing services if using them, or begin self-packing non-essential items.
  • Notify utility companies (electricity, water, internet) of your move-out date.
  • Arrange for mail forwarding.
  • Confirm travel arrangements.
• 2 Weeks Out:
  • Pack an essentials bag for your first few days in Nigeria, including important documents, medications, toiletries, and a change of clothes.
  • Confirm final details with your moving company.
  • Withdraw cash for immediate needs upon arrival.
• Packing Tips:
  • Label boxes clearly with contents and the room they belong to.
  • Use sturdy boxes and appropriate packing materials.
  • Photograph valuable items before packing for insurance purposes.
  • Keep a separate folder for all important relocation documents.

Request a free quote today on relocation123.com to start planning your move with confidence.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

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Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Nigeria: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to Nigeria involves navigating specific customs regulations for your personal belongings. This guide provides a clear overview to help ensure a smooth transition for your household goods and other items.

If you're relocating as a new or returning resident

For Nigerian nationals returning home, or non-Nigerians establishing residency, there are specific rules for importing personal effects duty-free. Your shipment is considered "Personal Unaccompanied Baggage Declaration" (PUBD) or personal effects.

What you'll need

• Original international passport (both if dual national).
• Original resident permit or green card (for non-Nigerians).
• A letter of Introduction.
• Packing list (signed by you and the origin agent).
• Tax Identification Number (TIN).
• Consignment Instruction.
• Air Waybill (for air shipments) or Bill of Lading (for sea shipments).

Good to know

• Nigerian nationals must have had an uninterrupted stay of at least 9 months outside Nigeria, with visa and immigration stamps as proof.
• Your shipment must arrive in Nigeria within 2-3 months of your own arrival in the country.
• All items in your shipment must have been in use for at least 6 months. Items newer than this may be classified as luxury items and subject to duties.
• Customs clearance for sea shipments typically takes 20 working days to 4 weeks from the receipt of all required documents.
• Customs clearance for air shipments usually takes about 5-7 days from the receipt of all required documents.

Diplomatic moves

Shipments for Embassies, High Commissions, or individuals with diplomatic status in Nigeria are generally duty-free and not subject to physical examination by Customs.

What you'll need

• Original Bills of Lading, endorsed by the consignee, stamped by the applicable Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Form CC1 (for personal effects), CC2 (for alcohol), and/or CC3 (for vehicles), duly stamped by Customs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Embassy.
• Packing list (in English) stamped by the Embassy.
• Vehicle papers (if applicable).
• Consignee’s passport page (for individual diplomats).
• Letters of authority from the Embassy, addressed to various Nigerian government agencies (Nigeria Customs Service, shipping line, Standard Organization of Nigeria, Anti-bomb squad, Nigeria Police Force, State Security Service, National Agency for Food & Drug Administration and Control, Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Plant Quarantine, Directorate of Naval Intelligence); duly endorsed and stamped by the Embassy.

Good to know

• The diplomatic mission must ensure that the diplomatic exemption document is transmitted through official government channels to the port command where the shipment will be cleared. Failure to do so can lead to delays, demurrage, and increased storage costs.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

You can import motor vehicles, but they are subject to duty payments. There are strict age restrictions.

What you'll need

• Original international passport of consignee.
• Original resident permit or green card (for non-Nigerians).
• Original registration card.
• Car invoice (must show purchase price and date of purchase).
• Certificate of ownership or Bill of Lading showing chassis number, engine number, cylindrical power, age, brand, and model of vehicle. This information must also be on at least one other official car document (car title, car invoice, etc.).

Good to know

• Duty will be payable on cars and new items, as determined by Customs.
• Used motor vehicles older than ten (10) years from the year of manufacture are prohibited from import.
• The logbook and other relevant vehicle papers are required for Customs clearance.
• Customs clearance typically takes 10 working days from the receipt of all requirements.
• All imported goods, including cars, are prohibited from being exported back out of Nigeria.

Pets

Bringing your furry friends to Nigeria requires specific veterinary documentation.

What you'll need

• International Veterinary Certificate for cats and dogs.
• Import Permit.
• Vaccination Certificate.
• Pet passport.

Good to know

• Customs clearing for pets usually takes one day from the receipt of all required documents.
• Parrots and other exotic animals are prohibited from import.

Restricted & prohibited items

Nigeria has a comprehensive list of items that are either prohibited entirely or subject to significant restrictions and duties. It's crucial to be aware of these to avoid issues.

• Prohibited Items: Firearms, ammunition, drugs, recreational weapons (e.g., air rifles and guns), brand new furniture, live or dead birds (including frozen poultry), pork, beef, bird eggs (excluding hatching eggs), refined vegetable oils and fats (excluding linseed, castor, and olive oils), certain types of sugar and sucrose, cocoa butter, powder and cakes, spaghetti/noodles, fruit juice in retail packs, certain mineral and aerated waters, other non-alcoholic beverages (excluding energy or health drinks), bagged cement, specific medicaments (e.g., paracetamol tablets/syrups, chloroquine tablets/syrups, certain multivitamins), waste pharmaceuticals, soaps and detergents in retail packs, mosquito repellent coils, sanitary wares of plastics, domestic articles and wares of plastics (excluding baby feeding bottles, flushing cisterns, waterless toilets), rethreaded and used pneumatic tyres (excluding used truck tyres for rethreading of sized 11.00 x 20 and above), corrugated paper and paper boards, cartons, boxes and cases made from corrugated paper and paper boards, toilet paper, cleaning or facial tissue (excluding baby diapers and incontinent pads), exercise books, telephone re-charge cards and vouchers, carpets and other textile floor coverings, all types of footwear, bags and suitcases (excluding safety shoes, sports shoes, canvas shoes, CKD blanks and parts), hollow glass bottles exceeding 150ml used for packaging beverages, used compressors, used air conditioners, used fridges/freezers, used motor vehicles above ten (10) years from the year of manufacture, ball point pens and parts (excluding tip), tomato paste or concentrate put up for retail sale.
• Restricted/Dutiable Items: Old and used furniture shipped in quantities larger than a set per room will attract fines and duties. Brand new furniture, if found, will be liable to duties.

Frequently asked questions

How long does customs clearance take for sea shipments?
Customs clearance for sea shipments typically takes 20 working days to 4 weeks from the date all required documents are received.

What is the timeframe for air shipment clearance?
Air shipment customs clearance generally takes about 5-7 days once all necessary documents are provided.

Are there age restrictions for items I bring?
Yes, all items in your shipment must have been in use for at least 6 months. Newer items may be subject to duties.

What is the rule for my shipment's arrival relative to my own?
Your shipment must arrive in Nigeria within 2-3 months of your own arrival in the country.

Can I bring brand new furniture?
Brand new furniture is prohibited from being shipped in household goods shipments. If found, it will be liable for duties.

Are there any items I absolutely cannot bring into Nigeria?
Yes, prohibited items include firearms, ammunition, drugs, recreational weapons, certain food items, specific medications, and used vehicles over 10 years old, among many others. Refer to the "Restricted & prohibited items" section for a detailed list.

For personalized assistance with your move to Nigeria, please contact relocation123.com.

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