Can you set up a Nigerian company without living in Nigeria?
Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) provides an online registration process covering name searches, incorporation forms, documentation, filing fees and electronic certificates. Much of the preparation and coordination can be handled remotely. However, incorporation eligibility and any in-person, identity, registered-address or foreign-investment requirements depend on the proposed business and its owners. A remote service does not eliminate those statutory requirements.
What to prepare before starting
- Your legal structure. Decide whether a Nigerian private limited company or a different structure matches your plans. A business name is not equivalent to incorporating a limited company.
- Proposed company names and activities. Prepare options for CAC name searches, a description of the business and any industry-regulatory permissions it may need.
- Director and shareholder details. Obtain accurate legal names, contact details, nationality, identification and beneficial-ownership information requested for the filing.
- A qualifying Nigerian registered office. Confirm the physical-address evidence and local contact information applicable to your case.
- Payment and compliance planning. Understand government filing and stamp-duty charges, post-incorporation tax or reporting requirements, and any additional professional or foreign-investment review needed.
How remote filing support works
Begin with the Nigerian company registration service if it is published, or ask our team to review your situation. We help explain the service scope, organize the requested information, coordinate submissions and communicate updates through available portal workflows. The CAC alone decides whether an incorporation is approved. Official guidance: CAC company registration and CAC online registration portal.
For Nigerians and international founders in different countries
Customers based in the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Germany, Australia and other jurisdictions may start enquiries online. Your current country can affect how identity documents are certified, how payments are made, and whether you need local legal or tax advice. We confirm relevant requirements rather than offering identical answers or guaranteed outcomes for every location.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to travel to Nigeria?
Some tasks are suitable for remote preparation and online processing. Travel or additional verification may still be necessary in particular cases; confirm requirements before paying for a service.
Can a non-Nigerian own a Nigerian company?
Foreign ownership may be possible, subject to sector restrictions, minimum-capital, immigration, investment and other requirements. Business type and ownership structure should be reviewed with a qualified adviser before you commit.
Does CAC incorporation include banking, tax registration and licences?
Not automatically. Bank onboarding, tax registrations and sector licences are separate processes with their own eligibility checks and provider decisions.
How long does incorporation take?
It depends on complete documentation, name approval, regulator review and any required corrections. iWORKS does not promise an exact CAC approval date.