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Living in the UK, US, Canada, Dubai or anywhere else does not stop you from registering a company or business name in Nigeria, and you do not have to fly home to do it. The registration itself is mostly online. The parts that need planning are the Nigerian address, the bank account and who acts for you on the ground.
This guide is for Nigerian citizens abroad. If you are a foreign national, read can a foreigner register a company in Nigeria instead.
Business name or limited company?
Choose this first, because everything else follows from it.
- Business name: a sole proprietorship. Cheaper and simpler, but you and the business are legally the same person.
- Limited company: a separate legal entity. Better if you will hold stock, hire staff, raise money, sign contracts with larger clients or bring in partners.
If you are unsure, our comparison of a business name and a limited company shows what each protects you from. Current official fees are in our CAC fees guide.
What you need to prepare
- A valid means of identification, usually your Nigerian international passport, and your NIN
- Two or three proposed business names, in order of preference
- A clear description of what the business will do
- A registered Nigerian address where CAC and tax correspondence can reach someone
- A working email address and a phone number that can receive verification messages
- Passport photograph and signature, if the filing asks for them
- Details of any directors, shareholders or partners and the shares each will hold
Use your name exactly as it appears on your documents. Mismatched names and addresses are the most common reason a filing is queried.
The process from abroad
- Check name availability on the CAC public search and keep alternatives ready.
- File the application online through an accredited agent or the CAC portal, with your documents uploaded.
- Respond to any query from CAC quickly. A slow reply here is where timelines slip.
- Receive your certificate and status report electronically.
- Get your TIN so that tax and banking can follow.
- Open the bank account. Banks set their own rules, so ask the bank what they accept from a director who lives abroad before you rely on a particular bank.
Where a non-resident BVN fits
If you have no Nigerian BVN, a Non-Resident BVN lets Nigerians abroad enrol remotely. Read our guide on the Non-Resident BVN for who qualifies and what to expect.
Choosing who acts for you in Nigeria
Someone in Nigeria will need to receive documents, answer queries and, for some banks, handle in-person steps. That can be a trusted relative or an accredited agent. Whoever it is, you should be able to see every filing made in your name.
Watch for warning signs: someone asking you to send money to a personal account, refusing to share your CAC reference, or promising a certificate in an unrealistic time. Check that any company you name appears correctly on the CAC search before you pay for anything else.
After the certificate
Registering is the start. You will need to file CAC annual returns, keep records and meet tax obligations, even if the business earns little at first. See our list of what to do after registering your company in Nigeria.
Not sure which route is yours?
A Nigerian abroad, a foreigner, and a founder with an existing company overseas each follow a different path. Our Find Your Route questions take about a minute, then you can see how Qrafteq runs the process from abroad.
Frequently asked questions
Can I register a business in Nigeria while living abroad?
Yes. The filing is online. You will need a Nigerian address and a plan for the bank.
Do I need to be in Nigeria to open the bank account?
That depends on the bank. Ask what they accept from directors who live abroad before choosing one.
Do I need a BVN?
Banks usually ask for one from the directors. Nigerians abroad can apply for a Non-Resident BVN remotely.
Can a relative handle it for me?
Often yes, with proper authority. Keep your documents and filing access in your own name.
How long does it take?
It depends on name approval, queries and the bank. We would rather give you a realistic range after reviewing your case than quote a number here.
