Insights
Citizenship by investment is becoming an increasingly appealing option for Nigerian high-net-worth individuals seeking to diversify their assets and broaden their international travel and relocation opportunities. However, while it's highly sought after, the reality is that only a handful of countries offer genuine CBI programs, which narrows the choices for those interested in obtaining a second passport.
Today, we'll examine the options available with a focus on Nigeria from the perspective of Nigerian nationals applying to CBI programs.
What countries are accepting applications for Citizenship by Investment as Nigerian Nationals? Are there any potential complexities that could affect your ability to apply for citizenship by investment? And what does the application process for citizenship by investment entail?
Let's delve into the process of applying for citizenship by investment as a Nigerian national.
To apply for citizenship by investment, there are certain standard documents that you will need to prepare. These include:
It's important to carefully review the specific requirements for your chosen CBI program, as each country may have additional or slightly different document requirements. Let's examine what is required from each of these documents.
At the time of writing, Nigeria's ID card, the E-ID is not compulsory, and will typically not be asked for when applying for a CBI program. However, all existing CBI programs require you to provide a copy of your valid Nigerian passport. If you do not have a valid passport, you will need to apply for one before proceeding with the CBI application.
You must provide a copy of your birth certificate as part of the application process. It is important to ensure that this document is accurate, as any discrepancies may cause delays or even rejection of the application. If you are not in possession of a birth certificate, you will need to apply for a replacement.
To comply with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations, all CBI programs require applicants to provide a police clearance certificate or criminal background check. This ensures that the applicant has no past criminal convictions or ties to illegal activities.
For those residing in Nigeria, you need to present yourself in person with your valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, and the necessary fees. The following is the address you should visit:
Central Criminal Registry
Force C.I.D. Annex
Alagbon Close Ikoyi
Lagos, Nigeria
For those not residing in Nigeria, you can apply via courier to the Commissioner of Police (at the aforementioned address). You will need to provide a prepaid return courier envelope, a photocopy of your passport, a set of fingerprints taken and certified by a recognised police authority or the Nigerian embassy or consulate, and an international money order payable to the Nigerian Police Force, CID. If needed, you can have the police certificate authenticated at the closest Nigerian embassy or consulate for a fee.
You can also obtain more advice on how to complete the Police Clearance Certificate here.
All CBI programs require applicants to undergo a health clearance or medical examination. This is to ensure that the applicant does not have any transmissible diseases or conditions that could pose a threat to public health in the country they are applying for citizenship in. The specific requirements for this document may vary between programs, so be sure to check with the program's requirements.
Each CBI program will have its own set of application documents that you need to fill out and submit. These may include forms, questionnaires, declarations, and other documents relevant to the specific program. It is important to carefully review and complete all necessary documents accurately and truthfully to avoid any issues with the application.
If you are married, you must provide a copy of your marriage certificate as proof of your marital status. This is important for determining if your spouse and any children can also be included in the CBI application process. Nigeria introduced a new Federal Marriage Certificate for all types of marriage in 2019, which is recognised by all foreign embassies. It should be noted that many places of worship in Nigeria that perform marriages are not licenced to do so, so it is essential to visit Nigeria's Ministery of Interior website to check and apply for re-certification if necessary.
When utilising legal documents or those that have been translated, it may sometimes be required to validate the authenticity of the legal expert or translator involved. Some countries that operate CBI schemes may ask for evidence of these credentials, which can generally be supplied without difficulty by the professionals in question. However, it's worth noting that as English is the primary language in Nigeria, the use of a translator will only be necessary for a select few CBI schemes.
Most CBI programs require applicants to provide proof of their current residential address. This can be a utility bill, bank statement, or any other official document showing your name and address.
If you plan on including your spouse, children, or any other dependents in the CBI application process, you will need to provide supporting documents for each of them. These may include birth certificates, marriage certificates, proof of relationship to the main applicant, and their current enrolment into college or university, where applicable.
To comply with anti-money laundering regulations, all CBI programs require applicants to provide proof of their source of funds. This can include bank statements, investment documents, and other financial records.
While the specific document requirements may vary between CBI programs, these are the most common documents that Nigerian nationals will need to prepare when applying for citizenship by investment.
It is important to carefully review and gather all necessary documents for a smooth and successful application process. Investment Citizenship as Nigerian National doesn't need to be a complex undertaking. While the process may seem complex, the reality is that most investors already hold most, if not all, of the required documentation, and the application is straightforward, assuming the required minimum investment funds are available.
Start preparing early and seek guidance from reputable sources, such as Vancis Capital, to ensure you have all the required documents before submitting your CBI application, and help ease you through the process. We're here to help you take charge of your future with a second citizenship.
While the specific document requirements may vary between CBI programs, these are the most common documents that Nigerian nationals will need to prepare when applying for citizenship by investment.
It is important to carefully review and gather all necessary documents for a smooth and successful application process. Investment Citizenship as Nigerian National doesn't need to be a complex undertaking. While the process may seem complex, the reality is that most investors already hold most, if not all, of the required documentation, and the application is straightforward, assuming the required minimum investment funds are available.
Start preparing early and seek guidance from reputable sources, such as Vancis Capital, to ensure you have all the required documents before submitting your CBI application, and help ease you through the process. We're here to help you take charge of your future with a second citizenship.
While the specific document requirements may vary between CBI programs, these are the most common documents that Nigerian nationals will need to prepare when applying for citizenship by investment.
It is important to carefully review and gather all necessary documents for a smooth and successful application process. Investment Citizenship as Nigerian National doesn't need to be a complex undertaking. While the process may seem complex, the reality is that most investors already hold most, if not all, of the required documentation, and the application is straightforward, assuming the required minimum investment funds are available.
Start preparing early and seek guidance from reputable sources, such as Vancis Capital, to ensure you have all the required documents before submitting your CBI application, and help ease you through the process. We're here to help you take charge of your future with a second citizenship.
Get in touch to discuss how we can help you with your citizenship or residency by investment goals. One of our investment migration experts will contact you to discuss your case. With over 16 years of combined experience our team has helped hundreds of families achieve freedom.
