Moving to Nigeria: visas, banking and SIM cards

By Chidi Okafor, Nigeria host 16 October 2026 6 min read

Dramatic city skyline silhouette with backlit sun during golden hour creating a stunning silhouette. — Photo by Lucas Pezeta on Pexels

It is late October in Abuja, and the air holds that specific, heavy warmth of a city caught between the rains and the dry season. The sky is a bruised purple-grey, threatening a drizzle that has just begun to mist the windshield as you pull into Maitama. You are here to stay. Maybe for a project, maybe for a new job, or perhaps just to experience the pulse of West Africa’s capital. But before you can enjoy the cool breeze at Millennium Park or grab a plate of jollof rice at a local bukka, you need to navigate the bureaucratic maze. It is not impossible, but it requires patience, a bit of street smarts, and knowing exactly where to stand in line.

The Entry Gate: Visas and Immigration

Your journey begins with paperwork long before you land. Nigeria updated its visa framework recently, rolling out the Expatriate Administration System in May 2025. If you are coming for work, do not make the mistake of entering on a standard tourist visa. Instead, secure a Subject to Regularization (STR) visa. This allows you to enter legally with the explicit intent of converting your status to a residence permit once you arrive.

If you are from an ECOWAS country, you are in luck—you can enter visa-free. For everyone else, the online Nigeria e-Visa portal is your best friend. However, the most critical document you must carry physically is your yellow fever vaccination certificate. Immigration officers check this routinely; without it, you could be turned away or fined on the spot.

Once you clear customs and step into the arrivals hall, remember that you have seven days to register your residential address with the local Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) office. This is non-negotiable. If your stay exceeds 90 days, you must also register on the NIS Migration e-Registration Platform. Since August 2025, all residence permits are processed digitally as an e-CERPAC card. While the fees vary—around $2,000 for employed expatriates and $400–$600 for students or missionaries—the process is now entirely online via cerpac.immigration.gov.ng. Do not wait until the last minute; renewals should be started 30 days before expiry.

The Digital Identity: NIN and SIM Cards

In Nigeria, identity is digital, and it is centralized. Before you can open a bank account or buy a SIM card, you need a National Identification Number (NIN). Visit a National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) centre as soon as you settle in. The queue can be long, but the reward is universal access. Today, the NIN is the key that unlocks nearly every service in the country.

With your NIN in hand, you can approach the mobile networks. The market is dominated by four players: MTN, Airtel, Glo (Globacom), and 9mobile. MTN generally offers the widest coverage, which is vital if you plan to travel outside the central districts. When you walk into an agent shop, they will ask for your NIN to register the SIM. Without it, the SIM will be deactivated. Network quality is excellent in central areas like Maitama, Asokoro, and Wuse, but it can become patchy in satellite towns like Kubwa or Gwarinpa. Keep this in mind if you live on the outskirts.

Banking on the Ground

Opening a bank account in Nigeria feels like unlocking a vault, but once you have the combination, it is smooth sailing. The gatekeeper here is the Bank Verification Number (BVN). You cannot operate a proper Nigerian account without one. Most banks will link your BVN directly to your National Identification Number (NIN).

For a longer stay, you will want a local account to pay rent, buy food, and handle daily expenses. Tier-1 banks like GTBank (GTCO), Access Bank, Zenith, UBA, First Bank, and Stanbic IBTC are reliable choices. Their apps, such as GTWorld and AccessMore, are widely used and generally user-friendly. To open an account, you will typically need your BVN, a valid ID (your passport or NIN slip), proof of residence (like a tenancy agreement or a utility bill), passport-sized photos, and two referees. As a foreigner, you may also be asked to show your residence permit.

If you receive income in dollars or euros, ask about a “domiciliary” account. These allow you to hold foreign currency and receive international transfers without immediately converting them to naira. This can be a smart hedge against the volatility we see in the local economy, where inflation hovers around 23% and the exchange rate fluctuates daily. Just be aware that cashing out large sums can sometimes involve queues and strict documentation.

Setting Up Home and Navigating the City

Abuja is a city of wide avenues and distinct zones. If you are looking for a modest one-bedroom flat in a suburban area like Bwari or Kubwa, expect to pay roughly ₦700,000 to ₦850,000 per year. Yes, rent is quoted annually here. In prime central districts like Maitama or Asokoro, prices jump significantly, running between ₦1.5 million and ₦3 million annually. Prices have climbed fast in recent years, so negotiate firmly.

Getting around is straightforward if you use the right tools. Abuja does not rely on a single stored-value metro card for daily commuting. While the Abuja Rail Mass Transit light-rail system (connecting Idu, the Airport, and Kubwa) reopened in 2024, service can be intermittent. For most expatriates, Uber and Bolt are the default choices—they are safe, air-conditioned, and predictable. Minibuses and ‘keke’ tricycle taxis are cheaper but require more navigation skills.

Safety is generally good in central districts like Maitama, Asokoro, and Wuse, where police checkpoints are visible and frequent. However, avoid non-essential highway travel after dark. Kidnapping for ransom remains a real risk on corridors like Abuja-Kaduna and Abuja-Lokoja. Always keep your ID on you, as checkpoints are routine, and use a vetted driver if you must travel at night.

Living here means adapting to the rhythm of the city. You might find yourself browsing Wuse Market for fresh yams and spices, or enjoying a quiet evening near Jabi Lake. The cultural scene is vibrant, with events like the African Food Festival and Readbug LitFest popping up regularly. Embrace the energy, respect the bureaucracy, and you will find Abuja to be a welcoming, if complex, home.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa to enter Nigeria for work?

If you are from an ECOWAS country, you enter visa-free. For other nationalities, you should apply for a Subject to Regularization (STR) visa to work legally, rather than a standard tourist visa.

How do I open a bank account as a foreigner?

You need a Bank Verification Number (BVN) linked to your National Identification Number (NIN). Bring your passport, proof of residence, two referees, and your residence permit to tier-1 banks like GTBank or Zenith.

Is a yellow fever certificate required?

Yes, it is routinely checked by immigration officers upon arrival. Ensure you carry the physical card to avoid fines or entry denial.

Which mobile network is best in Abuja?

MTN generally offers the best coverage across the city, though Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile are viable options. You must register any SIM with your National Identification Number (NIN).

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