Citizenship for born in country (Citizenship by birth)Citizenship for born in country (Citizenship by birth)
Eligibility quiz
Were you born in Nigeria?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Nigerian passport
An ordinary Nigerian passport is available for five or ten years, depending on the book selected.
An ECOWAS Travel Certificate is also available for travel within ECOWAS.
Nigerian passport holders do not need the foreigner landing or exit card when travelling.
Live in Nigeria for life
Nigerian citizens can live in Nigeria without a visa, residence permit or time limit.
They can also move freely within Nigeria.
Live and work in 12 countries
Study in Nigeria
Nigerian citizens can study in Nigeria as citizens.
Citizenship alone does not make every programme free or guarantee a scholarship.
Work in Nigeria
Nigerian citizens can work and do business in Nigeria without immigration permission as a foreign worker.
Some jobs and professions have their own requirements.
Get help abroad
Nigerian citizens abroad can get help from Nigerian missions, including emergency assistance, legal support and replacement of a lost passport.
They can also register with a mission.
Vote and run for office
Nigerian citizens aged 18 or over can vote in Nigeria if they live or work there, are registered and listed to vote, and have a voter card.
Standing for office has additional requirements.
Use health insurance
Nigerian citizens can get health insurance cover by enrolling and meeting any contribution, employment or other scheme conditions.
How to apply
Applying onlineApplying online
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for your citizenship confirmation application.
See required documentsFill in the application online
If you live in Nigeria, create a citizenship account, sign in and select Confirmation of your existing citizenship. Complete the form, upload the requested documents and pay any fee shown through the portal.
Start your applicationSubmit your application
Submit your completed citizenship confirmation application through the portal.
Submit your applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a Nigerian citizenship Confirmation application online?”
Wait for your confirmation
Track your application in the portal and respond to any requests from the department, including requests to bring original documents or attend in person. Once your citizenship is confirmed, you can apply for a Nigerian passport.
Track your applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I track my Nigerian citizenship Confirmation application?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth records
Bring your birth record and records connecting you to your Nigerian parent or grandparent, such as your parent's birth record if you are applying through your grandparent. If you were born before 1 October 1960, ask the office what evidence it accepts of your parent or grandparent's connection to an indigenous community in Nigeria and of their birth in Nigeria.
Parent or grandparent's citizenship *
Bring evidence that your parent or grandparent is or was a Nigerian citizen. Ask the office which citizenship records it accepts.
* Only if you were born on or after 1 October 1960.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Citizenship can be lost
Adults and married women of any age can give up citizenship by declaration; registration may be refused during a war involving Nigeria or for public policy.
Citizens not Nigerian by birth can lose it by acquiring another citizenship not held from birth, or after legal proceedings for disloyalty or helping a wartime enemy.
Naturalised citizens can lose it for a prison sentence of at least three years within seven years of naturalisation.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Expats living in nigeria
English Facebook group for people living in Nigeria interested in Nigerian local life
Request to joinForeigners living in Nigeria
English Facebook group for people living in Nigeria interested in Nigerian local life
Join on FacebookNigeria expats
English Facebook group for people living in Nigeria interested in Nigerian local life
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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