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Expatriate Quota Consultant in Nigeria
Lifehampers helps companies in Nigeria obtain and renew Expatriate Quota approval from the Federal Ministry of Interior, the authorisation you need before employing foreign nationals in approved positions.
How the Expatriate Quota Works
An Expatriate Quota authorises a company registered in Nigeria to employ a set number of foreign nationals in specific approved positions. Only companies can apply. Since the May 2025 reforms, new and renewal applications go through the Ministry of Interior's Expatriate Administration System (EAS). Three requirements shape every application:
Company Documents
Certificate of incorporation and CAC records, tax clearance, an organisational chart and, for foreign-owned companies, a business permit, all uploaded to the EAS portal.
Justified Positions
Each position must be justified, typically senior management or technical roles where the skills are hard to find locally, with job descriptions and required qualifications.
Nigerian Understudies
Each expatriate role must have at least two qualified Nigerian understudies, trained to take over the role over time under a localisation plan.
After Approval
Each expatriate then enters on the appropriate work visa and, after arrival, applies for CERPAC, the residence permit tied to the approved quota position.
How We Help
We prepare your EAS application, organise company documents, draft position justifications and understudy plans, and track renewals so your quota does not lapse.
Questions people often ask
Straight answers to the questions we hear most often.
Can an individual apply for an Expatriate Quota?
No. Only a company registered in Nigeria can apply. Individuals, whether Nigerian or foreign, cannot apply directly.
Do I need to incorporate my company first?
Yes. Your company must be incorporated with the CAC, and foreign-owned companies also need a business permit. See our CAC registration service.
What are understudies?
Nigerians assigned to each expatriate position to learn the role, at least two per position under current rules, as part of a plan to transfer skills locally.
What happens after the quota is approved?
Each expatriate obtains the right work visa and, after arrival, applies for CERPAC. See our CERPAC service.
How long does approval take?
It varies. Complete documents and well-justified positions with clear understudy plans are the biggest factors in avoiding delays.
Planning to Hire Foreign Talent?
Lifehampers Global Consults prepares Expatriate Quota applications alongside CERPAC, CAC registration and other compliance needs.