The Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Cards (CERPAC) is a residence permit issued to foreigners residing or employed in Nigeria. The CERPAC serves as proof of legal residence and identity for foreigners in Nigeria.

1. Immigration Act: Section 37, 38 and 39 of Immigration Act 2015 governs immigration matters in Nigeria, regarding Residency, employment and revocation of residence permit in Nigeria.
2. Immigration Regulations: section 11, 12,13, and 14 of the Immigration Regulation 2017 empowers the Nigeria Immigration service to issue resident cards to foreign seeking employment or residency in Nigeria.

Purpose
The essence of CERPAC is to allow foreigner live and work legally in Nigeria for an extended period, usually One (1) years and above, subject to renewal.
Eligibility
Foreigners who wish to reside in Nigeria for a period not less than one (1) may be eligible for a CERPAC. This includes foreigners coming with Temporary or Permanent Resident Visas (TRV/PRV) as stated below:

1. Business Owners: Foreigners who own businesses in Nigeria.
2. Employees: Foreigners employed by Nigerian companies.
3. Students: Foreign students studying in Nigeria.
4. Dependents: Dependents of foreigners residing in Nigeria.
5. Retirees: Foreigners (65 and above) willing to reside in Nigeria after their years of service.

Application Process
1. Online Application: Submit an online application through the NIS portal.
2. Required Documents: Upload required documents, including:
– Valid passport with Nigerian visa
– Proof of employment, business registration, or student status
– Other supporting documents as required
3. Payment: Pay the applicable fees online (USD 2,000 for employed foreigners, USD 600 for Students and Gratis for foreigners married to Nigeria citizens)
4. Biometric Data: Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) at a designated NIS office.
5. Processing: The NIS will process the application and verify the documents.

TYPES OF CERPAC
1. Temporary Residence Permit: Issued for a specific period, usually tied to the validity of employment contract.
2. Permanent Residence Permit: Issued to foreigners who wish to reside in Nigeria for an extended period and meet specific requirements.
Renewal and Replacement
1. Renewal: CERPACs can be renewed before expiration by submitting an application for renewal along with required documents specific to the application.
2. Replacement: Lost or damaged CERPACs can be replaced by submitting an application for replacement, Police report, Court Affidavit and other required documents specific to the request.

Benefits
1. Legal Residence: CERPAC confirms legal residence in Nigeria.
2. Identification: It serves as a form of identification for foreigners.
3. Compliance: Having a CERPAC helps foreigners comply with Nigerian immigration regulations.