Do you want to travel free, without the need for visas? You can have a legal and affordable second passport or residence permit to grant you the freedom of travel. The Nigerian passport allows you to visit only 46 countries without an entry-visa, and the Naija people have to wait in the collection centres to get an entry visa, and it's not an easy or cheap task. Most of the developed countries only let the Nigerians visit if you receive a registered invitation letter. Do you want to forget the hustle and the red tape? Just travel, when you want and where you want with your valuable second passport in your hand? More than 70 countries offer residency by investment programmes, and there is at least a dozen tested citizenship by investment programmes! As a Nigerian citizen, you can participate in all of the schemes; there are no restrictions at all related to Naijas. The most important advice is to find a trustworthy immigration agent. Please, check here to read our post on how can you spot scammers!

Which passports and residence permits are the best for Nigerians to travel?

Let's take a look at the most effective and affordable solutions! Residence permits are generally not made to help to cross borders but to let the individuals live and work in one country. However, in the European Schengen zone, you can travel with the ID card of any member state. It means that if you wish to visit only the countries of the European Union, obtaining a resident status is equally helpful as to get an EU passport. It is good to remember that residence permits are mostly cheaper than citizenships.

What is the EU Schengen area and how can you enter in it?

The Schengen Area is a zone where 26 European countries abolished their internal borders, for the free and unrestricted movement of people. The Schengen Area covers most of the EU Member States, except the UK, Ireland. And do not forget about the countries that are soon to be part of as Croatia, Cyprus, Romania, and Bulgaria. However, not members of the EU, (Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Lichtenstein) are also members of the Schengen zone. The 26 Schengen countries are Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. If you obtain the residence permit of any Schengen area member states, you can travel freely inside the zone, without using your passport. However, the residence permit does not provide you with the right to move to the other EU Member States. Nevertheless, you can do that if you invest in exchange for an EU citizenship. There are three citizenship by investment programmes in the EU: Malta, Cyprus and Bulgaria offer their passports for investors from third countries. Interestingly, the other citizenship by investment programmes also grant the right for the investors to enter in the Schengen zone. Naturally, only to visit the Member States and not settle and work in an EU country. If you obtain the citizenships of Montenegro or Moldova, these European countries are joining the European Union soon, and their passport let you enter in the Schengen zone. Meanwhile, the Caribbean "CIPs" (citizenship by investment programmes) allow you also to visit the Schengen countries. Most of the Nigerian applicants would like to settle in or visit English speaking countries. Almost all of these countries have residency by investment programmes, like the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. Some English speaking countries have citizenship schemes as Malta, St Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Dominica, Vanuatu ad Saint Lucia.

Which is the best reachable passport to travel for Nigerians?

(countries and the number of other states, where you can enter visa-free with their passports) Malta 162 Cyprus 158 Bulgaria 158 Montenegro 117 Moldova 112 St Kitts and Nevis 133 Antigua and Barbuda 132 Saint Lucia 128 Grenada 127 Dominica 124 Vanuatu 123

Is it possible for Nigerians to invest in a competitive residency and later become a citizen?

Yes, Nigerian citizens can become residents of any country. Furthermore most of these residency schemes lead to permanent resident status and later citizenship. In some states, you will have to reside physically to obtain the passport. However, there are programs with simplified rules, and you can become a citizen even without living there. But generally, it is a must to visit your country of residence regularly. As a main rule, if you want to become a citizen, you should spend more time there (in some cases 183+ days/year) than the minimum qualifying period for the residency. Although, if you want to maintain only your resident status, then it is enough to stay the minimum required time. It can be a couple of days or weeks. For example, in Malta, it is sufficient to stay there a single day per year. Or one week in Spain annually, under the Spanish Golden Visa scheme.

How can Nigerians use the e-visa systems of the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, and the EU under a second citizenship structure?

Recently, the developed nations of the first world are introducing online entry applications so that the travellers must obtain the entry-permit (not visas!) through online portals. For example, European citizens in common cases can receive the entry-permit of the US and Canada online. Meanwhile, the European Union also develops its e-visa system, the ETIAS. As you will see, the e-visas (which in these cases are not visas, but merely entry permits or authorisations) are serving those travellers from the developed countries, who do not need a visa, because they are visa exempted travellers or their state participates in the US visa waiver program. What is ETIAS? ETIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System. It is an entirely electronic system which allows and keeps track of visitors from countries who do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Zone. The legal procedures to pass the ETIAS started in 2016, and the system is expected to be in place by 2021. What is the US ESTA? U.S Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which serves a similar purpose as the ETIAS. All eligible foreigner travellers who wish to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program must apply for authorisation. What is the Canadian eTA? A Canadian Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. A Canadian eTA is electronically linked to a traveller’s passport. It is valid for up to five years or until the travel document expires. If you obtain a new travel document, you must apply for a new eTA. With a valid eTA, you can travel to Canada as often as you want for short stays (generally for up to six months at a time). What is an Australia ETA? An Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) provides authorisation to enter Australia and is electronically linked to your passport. The Australian ETA is for short term stays for tourism or business visitors.

Can Nigerians get an e-visa or travel authorisation?

Unfortunately, Nigerians need entry visa almost in all countries. If you want to travel to developed countries or where they use these e-visa systems, you will need new and eligible citizenship with a passport. If you choose the right nationality, you can fill in the online forms from your home with the data from your second passport, and you can travel.

How long does it take for Nigerian applicants to obtain a second passport?

The qualifying period for citizenship depends on the naturalisation processes of the countries. Perhaps the slowest method belongs to Malta, where the applicants for the IIP Program must reside one year before granting them citizenship in exchange for the investment and contribution. Meanwhile, in Vanuatu or the Caribbean countries with CIPs, the whole process can last only a couple of weeks or months.

How long does it take for Nigerians to get a second residence permit?

It also depends on the target country's laws and the chosen scheme. However, to obtain a residence permit is generally faster than the naturalisation process for the passport. In the case of the Spanish Golden Visa, Naija people can become residents in one month time. Meanwhile, in Malta, the applicant must plan the personal interview, and to find the best date can last for a couple of months. Do you want to travel free? Please, contact us here and set up a consultation to be able to give you the most personalised advice!

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