Skip to content
en
Menu
Back
NigeriaCitizenshipLast checked October 30, 2026

Citizenship by naturalisation (section 27, Constitution of Nigeria 1999) and by registration

section 26 · Official name: Grant of Nigerian Citizenship by Naturalisation / Registration

Foreign nationals can apply to Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Interior for citizenship by naturalisation after a minimum of 15 years of continuous residence, showing good character and integration (such as language and customs). Citizenship by registration (section 26 of the Constitution) is a separate route used mainly by foreign wives of Nigerian men and by people with a Nigerian grandparent. Both cost N15,000,000 and are applied for on the Citizenship and Business portal.

See requirements ↓
1 entry rule for Nigeria based on recent travel

These apply to people who were recently in certain countries. Sign in and add your trips to see whether any apply to you.

Life in Nigeria

Finance

3

Currency

Nigerian Naira

NGN

Nigerian Naira

Cost of living

21

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

15–25%

Income tax (national)

VAT 7.5%

Nigeria Tax Act 2025 (from 1 Jan 2026): 0% on first NGN 800,000, rising to 25% above NGN 50m.

Official rates, 2026 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

4.8

#104 of 145 countries

World Happiness Report 2025

Your edge here Premium

What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties

Get started

Dual citizenship for you Premium

Whether this country allows dual citizenship, and what it means for your own passports

Get started

Who it’s for

Long-term foreign residents of Nigeria; foreign spouses and descendants of Nigerians (registration).

Eligibility

  • Naturalisation: 15 years' residenceApplicant

    You need at least 15 years of continuous residency, applying in person under section 27 of the 1999 Constitution.

    15 years

    Residency required · minimum, stated by the Ministry

    • Application is made personally under section 27
    • Source of the rule: 1999 Constitution of Nigeria
    Official wording

    The Ministry states a minimum of 15 years of continuous residency, by personal application under section 27 of the 1999 Constitution.

    Sign in to check this route against your profile

  • Good character and integrationApplicant

    Good character and proof of integration, such as language and customs.

    Sign in to check this route against your profile

  • Registration (section 26)Applicant

    Citizenship by registration is one of the three types under the Constitution; the Ministry's FAQ does not set out its criteria.

    Sign in to check this route against your profile
SourceCitizenship and Business - FAQcandb.interior.gov.ngChecked Oct 30, 2026

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirement
  • Document checklist
  • Fees

The full requirements are for members

Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.

  • 1 more requirement
  • 1 document
  • 2 fees
  • 3 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
Get started See plansSign in

Want a licensed advisor to check your case?

Connect with a licensed legal advisor for Nigeria. They set their own price and you pay them directly.

Before you pay anyone, check their licence
Connect with a legal advisor

Places to visit in Nigeria

Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.

Premium feature

Finding places for you…

Official sources

Was this page helpful? Helpful Report a concern

Other routes to Nigeria

All routes to Nigeria

Citizenship in other countries