Welcome to Nigeria – Africa’s Business Frontier
Are you a foreign investor looking to expand your business into Nigeria? You are in the right place. At Edelweiss Partners, we help international entrepreneurs and corporations register their companies and remain fully compliant with Nigerian law.
This guide walks you through every step — from company registration to opening a bank account — to enable you own and operate a business in Nigeria with complete confidence.
Why Nigeria?
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✅ Africa’s largest economy
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✅ 100% foreign ownership allowed
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✅ No need for residency in Nigeria
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✅ A fast-growing population and a vibrant consumer market
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✅ Investment opportunities in tech, agriculture, energy, real estate, and services
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✅ Can a Foreigner Fully Own a Company in Nigeria?
Yes. Foreigners can own 100% of a Nigerian company without needing to live in the country. The only local requirement is a Nigerian address for correspondence. (We can provide this for you.)
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Step-by-Step Company Registration Process
1. Choose a Business Structure
Most foreign investors choose a Private Limited Company (Ltd). It requires:
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At least 2 shareholders (can be foreigners)
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At least 2 directors (also can be foreigners)
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A Nigerian registered address
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A single shareholder where the company is registered as a company other than a small company
2. Reserve a Company Name
We handle name search and reservation with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
3. Prepare and Submit Incorporation Documents
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CAC Form 1.1
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Memorandum & Articles of Association
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Valid passport of shareholders/directors
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Proof of Nigerian address
4. Register with CAC
Upon approval, you’ll receive:
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Certificate of Incorporation
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Tax Identification Number (TIN)
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Company status report
What Comes Next? (Post-Incorporation Compliance)
1. Business Permit
Issued by the Federal Ministry of Interior, this permit authorizes your foreign-owned company to operate legally.
2. Expatriate Quota (if hiring foreign staff)
Allows your business to employ non-Nigerians in specific roles.
3. SCUML Registration
If your business falls under certain sectors (legal, real estate, finance), you must register with:
Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML)4. Tax Compliance
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Register with FIRS for VAT, Company Income Tax, and Withholding Tax
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Register with State Inland Revenue for PAYE and other local taxes
5. Register with the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC)
Mandatory for all companies with foreign participation. NIPC facilitates investment and protects foreign investors.
6. Apply for CERPAC
(Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card)
For directors or staff working physically in Nigeria — issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service.
Opening a Nigerian Corporate Bank Account
To open a business account, you’ll need:
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Certificate of Incorporation
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TIN
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Board resolution authorizing account opening
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International passport of directors
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Nigerian business address
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Bank Verification Number (BVN) for each signatory
Foreign nationals can get a BVN via Nigerian embassies or through select banks with international branches. We guide you through the easiest route.
Why Work with Edelweiss Partners?
We provide end-to-end support for:
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✅ CAC Registration
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✅ Business Permit & Expatriate Quota
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✅ SCUML & Tax Compliance
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✅ Provision of Nigerian Business Address
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✅ Bank Account Assistance
Our clients include investors from the US, UK, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Whether you are starting a small firm or launching a multinational, Edelweiss Partners is your trusted legal partner.
Start Your Nigerian Business Today
Nigeria is full of opportunity. Let us help you take the first step.
Email: info@edelweisspartners.com
Phone/WhatsApp: +234 9030993772
Website: www.edelweisspartners.comFollow us online:
Instagram: @edel_weisspartners
Facebook: Edelweiss Partners
X (Twitter): @edelweissp46177
TikTok: @edel_weisspartnersLet’s get your business started — the right way.
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