Itana is Africa’s first Free Zone with a mission to unlock and scale the digital economy of the continent.
We’re a tech-powered company built on three major pillars: Community, Policy, and Infrastructure.
Community: a global community of ambitious founders and startup operators building the future of Africa
Policy: a legal and regulatory framework that allows businesses to seamlessly incorporate and provide services to Africa’s largest markets, and enjoy several benefits of the free zone.
Infrastructure: an eco-friendly live-work-build environment that enables you to do your best work.
Derived from the Yoruba work Itanna which means to kindle a fire, we’re building an enabling environment to nurture entrepreneurs, creatives, and every kind of builder.
This is a designated economic zone specifically designed to encourage business growth.
We’re building Africa’s first Digital Free Zone to unlock the potential of the digital economy by providing favourable policies, regulations, infrastructure, and community.
Modelled after successful digital free zones such as Shenzhen, Dubai, Estonia, and Delaware, Itana allows businesses operating digitally to set up a business entity and operate fully online from anywhere in the world.
Not exactly, Itana is on a journey to create an ecosystem of innovation that drives the growth of the digital economy in Africa.
We aim to foster a community that highlights Africa's unique strengths, rich cultural diversity, and promising growth opportunities.
The Itana Business License is your gateway to operate in Africa’s first Digital Free Zone. It’s a digital certificate that enables you to operate in the zone, and leverage its benefits to scale your business.
The Itana Business License (aka Itana Free Zone Enterprise) is designed for tech and service-based businesses looking to
- build a global business from Nigeria, and export services to the global economy
- expand their services into Africa from other international markets.
General criteria for companies that Itana is suited for include:
- Must be a technology/services company
- Offer a product or service that sells to a global or pan-African audience and user base
- Global company with global investors
- Have or plan to have operations in Nigeria or employ a Nigerian talent workforce
- Have raised funding or revenue-generatingIn the future, Itana will be able to provide its services to businesses providing a wider range of services.
If you have specific questions, please contact support@itana.africa.
Itana is currently running a private beta with only 100 companies.
We’re working closely with a small group of ambitious companies to design the policies that’ll shape the future of Digital Free Zones on the continent.
As pioneer companies, they’ll also get premium business advisory sessions, access to Itana’s network of investors, and marketing perks at the official launch of Itana in Q2 of 2024 including exhibition booths, access to VIP delegates, and so on.
If you’d like to participate in the private beta, kindly send an email to coco@itana.africa
The Itana Business License is an operating license that grants the holder permission to provide services in the Itana Free Zone. The Itana Digital Residency, on the other hand, is a community of ambitious founders, committed to building services for Africa, and the world. Members of the community get access to exclusive events, resources, and support services.
Learn more about the Itana Digital Residency →
Alaro City is an integrated, mixed-use city planned on over 2,000 hectares in the Lekki Free Zone. They’re the City Manager where Itana’s live-build-work physical district will be located.
Itana-incorporated companies i.e. Free Zone Entities can render services to businesses within the Nigerian Customs’ Territory, however, they’ll be subject to the relevant taxation laws.
Please fill out this interest form if you haven’t already, or reach out to our team directly at support@itana.africa.
The process to set up an Itana Free Zone Enterprise is summarized below:
- Application form with director and shareholding information along with KYC
- Legal registration documents and business plan (of which we will supply with templates)
- Payment of $1,000 ($500 set up, $500 annual recurring fee*). *Please note that the $500 annual recurring fee is subject to change for the second year onward
- The application package will be submitted to NEPZA to obtain the official operating certificate
It typically takes between two to four weeks upon submission of the application package. We are in the process of digitizing the application, reviewing, and registration process to reduce the time required to process the application.
The application package includes the application form, registration documents, feasibility study, and registration fees, which will be submitted as a completed package to NEPZA by the Itana team.
In order to access the required documentation, please fill out this interest form or reach out to our team directly at support@itana.africa.
To process your business license to operate in Itana, we’d need details of your enterprise including:
- Details of the owners and shareholders
- Details of the directors
- Details of your principal officers, an appointed CEO, and a secretary.
These details are important for the Nigerian Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA), the agency directed to manage free zones in Nigeria to confidently issue a certificate of registration recognizing your business as a Free Zone Enterprise.
No, it is possible to have 100% foreign ownership in the Itana Digital Free Zone.
However, there are select industries, such as oil and gas which require majority Nigerian equity ownership. There are also industries generally prohibited e.g. production of arms and ammunition; production of and dealing in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances; production of military and para-military wears and accoutrement etc.
Yes, NEPZA is the body in charge of regulating Free Zone operations in Nigeria, and Itana is registered as a Free Zone Developer with NEPZA
Yes, when you set up your business in the Itana Digital Free Zone, we’ll assign an address to your business which can be used for all correspondence.
When you successfully incorporate your business in the Itana Digital Free Zone, you get a certificate of registration and an operating license.
The certificate of registration, presented by NEPZA, is a one-time certificate that doesn’t expire. You’ll be required to renew your operating license annually, in order to ensure that your business is compliant with the regulations for operating in the free zone.
Typically, companies incorporated with CAC are subject to Expatriate Quota requirements and must obtain an Expatriate Quota before employing foreign nationals, whereas FZEs have no Expatriate Quota requirements.
Yes, we have our legal support that we work with through the process.
Yes, being registered as an FZE allows you to operate in Nigeria (both within and outside the Free Zone). However, operations outside the Free Zone may be subject to specific customs territory ('mainland Nigeria') tax liabilities and obligations.
Free Zone Enterprises (FZEs) operating within a Free Zone are “exempted from all Federal and State Government taxes, rates and levies”. This means that FZEs operating within the Free Zone are not liable to pay any taxes such as Corporate Income Tax (CIT) or VAT on revenues and profits generated by foreign transactions (non-Nigerian sources) within the Free Zone.
Despite the exemption of FZEs from paying taxes, these entities are required to file their tax returns within the stipulated timelines and in compliance with the law.
Kindly note that FZEs may have certain tax obligations relating to transactions within the Nigerian customs territory, which may be subject to withholding taxes, CIT, VAT etc, except for transactions covered by subsisting Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement between Nigeria and the home country. (See FIRS Tax Treaties for a list of Countries with such Treaties with Nigeria). FZEs are also required to comply with requirements to pay personal income tax on their employees’ earnings.
Please note that there may be applicable tax liabilities and obligations in other jurisdictions.
Itana does not provide tax advice, however, we can connect you to our network of verified tax and accounting professionals that’ll be happy to provide advice for your business.
Companies in the customs territory are required to pay a tax on their profit from all sources called the Corporate Income Tax (CIT). If you operate in the FZE, and generate your profit from foreign sources, you aren’t required to pay any Corporate Income Tax, which is typically 30% of all profit.
The FZE with a parent company outside Nigeria must comply with the transfer pricing regulatory framework in Nigeria (Income Tax (Transfer Pricing) Regulations, 2018) and the parent company’s country, taking into consideration any bilateral tax treaties.
The FZE will be required to maintain transfer pricing reports documenting its compliance with all transactions made between the FZE and its parent company. The FZE would also be required to file its annual transfer pricing returns, along with its tax returns. For all financial transactions between the two entities, all transactions must be conducted under the arm’s length principle i.e. the transaction was conducted in the same manner in which it would have been conducted between unrelated or unaffiliated entities.
Your Free Zone Enterprise will have different books from that of your other entities. These books will clearly show your Income / Revenue that is taxable and that which is not.
The Free Zone Act specifies that not every tax law is applicable in the zone. This means that for all purposes and intent, when you are registered as a Free Zone Enterprise you are exempted from Company Tax.
Kindly note that you might be subjected to taxation when you repatriate your profit or revenue into your country of origin.
No, transactions of approved FZEs within the Free Zone are exempted from all Federal, State and Local Government taxes, so therefore VAT-free.
Transactions exporting FZE products outside Nigeria are considered export services and, therefore tax-free. However, such transactions may be subject to certain import (digital imports) tax obligations of the specific country. These may include customs duties, withholding taxes, etc.
It is also important to comply with the Transfer Pricing Regulations of both Nigeria and the foreign country when transactions are between an FZE and an affiliated entity in a foreign country.
The fee to set up a business in the Itana Free Zone as a Free Zone Enterprise (FZE) is $1,000. Here’s a breakdown of the cost:
- $500 = set up cost to obtain the certificate of registration
- $500 = operating license fee.
Kindly note that the annual operating fee may be subject to change from the second year.
No, however, there may be some fees associated with additional business services - usually from our third-party partners - including the processing of visas, opening a bank account, etc.
The Itana community is a carefully curated community of ambitious founders, and startup operators on the African continent. There’s an annual subscription of $100 to maintain your membership in the community.
Itana Digital Residency is a community of founders and companies that are interested in doing business in Africa or are operating in Africa. They are ambitious builders and innovators of Africa’s future.
Community members have an interest in starting a company in Nigeria and be able to operate remotely and through the community will learn more about the business landscape of Africa and become better prepared to start a business.
Itana Digital Residency provides a platform and opportunities for networking with founders and investors as well as partnership building with local technology companies.
It is for those who are interested in doing business and learning more about doing business in Nigeria/Africa and would like to connect with other African founders and tech companies.
It is also for those who are not yet ready to establish an entity in Nigeria but may have plans for it in the future.
Once you’re a digital resident, you’re officially a part of our community. You’ll have access to our Slack channel and to communicate with our team directly.
You’ll likely be invited to our exclusive events (digital or in-person in Lagos or New York). Some past events include boat tour to the Itana District site, private dinner with some of the most influential entrepreneurs in Nigeria, etc.
Additionally, you’ll have access to discounts to a variety of partner perks as a member of the community including Eden Life, Dropbox, Carta, and more.
The first Itana District is designed on a 72,000 sqm mixed-use city within Alaro City in Lagos, Nigeria. It will be a model of the future for African cities and will feature co-working spaces, residential blocks, sustainable parks, and more, all powered by a fully integrated digital app that unites every aspect of life.
We’re currently in the conceptual stages, designing the city, and obtaining all the necessary permission and funding to break ground in a few months.
We’re on course to welcome our first residents in 2026, and you’ll be able to invest in your ideal space as soon as 2024.
Not yet, you can join the Digital Residency program to stay updated on the progress, and get priority access when more information about the Itana District becomes available.
The Itana District is being designed to fit the experience of the average digital native who shouldn’t have to worry about power, water, internet, and so on. The Itana District will be a utopia that lets your creativity flourish, where you can do your best work.
No, employees do not have to live in Itana when you get your Operating License.
Alaro City is extensively planned with a full-fledged Environmental Social Impact Assessment (ESI) that ensures zero proximity between offices and industrial facilities to an extent that affects air quality.
Also, only light and medium-scale manufacturing are qualified to operate within Alaro City.
Yes, after obtaining the FZE certificate and operating license, we will coordinate with our bank partner to help you open a bank account. In the process, we may ask for your permission to share some of your information with the bank.
It typically takes one week to create a new bank account.
Ecobank is our primary banking partner however, due to customer preferences, we’re working to onboard new banking partners to provide you with more options.
Free Zone Entities are allowed to operate, and provide services in any currency. You can have various currency options for your customers to choose from. There will also be offshore banks that will allow you to trade in foreign currencies.
There is no turnover limit applicable to free zone entities.
There are several types of visas depending on the purpose of your visit to Nigeria.
- Transit and Direct Transit (airside) Visas: This is for passengers transiting to other countries through Nigeria, with valid travel documents.
- Tourist Visas: For foreign nationals who wish to visit Nigeria for leisure or tourist purposes. It can also be used for individuals who are visiting family members in Nigeria.
- Business Visas
Business Visa: For foreign investors and business persons coming for business meetings or prospecting opportunities. Valid for 90 days and not valid for employment purposes.
Temporary Work Permit (TWP): For foreign nationals engaged by a business entity (Ltd or FZE) to provide specialized skilled services for a period of time. Valid for 90 days and renewable for another 60 days.
Subject-to-regularisation (STR): For foreign nationals employed in Nigeria. Valid for 1 year (sometimes 2 years) and renewed annually.
- Diplomatic Visas: This is for foreign Heads of State, government officials, and their families. It also applies to members of accredited international organisations, and non-government organisations.
Note that the Visa types are currently the same for CAC and FZE entities. The difference is the Expatriate Quota requirements and the mode of processing (through NEPZA for FZE to qualify for the quota exemption).
Companies incorporated with CAC are subject to Expatriate Quota requirements and must obtain an Expatriate Quota before employing foreign nationals, whereas FZEs have no Expatriate Quota requirements.
In the future, we aim to work with the Government to introduce a new type of Visa (e.g. remote worker visa or nomad visa) for Digital Free Zone entities (DFZE).
Yes, if you’d like to get a Business Visa for your employees or invitees of an FZE registered with Itana, you can send us a message at support@itana.africa.
You can apply for and obtain a Subject-to-regularisation (STR) business visa at the Nigerian Embassy or High Commission in your country of residence or birth. This application will include a letter of introduction from the Free Zone Authority, an application letter by the Employer requesting the approval of the STR and accepting the responsibility of the foreign national, along with the application fee (which varies depending on the country).
The STR Visa is valid for 3 months from the date of arrival in Nigeria and must be regularised by obtaining a Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC), within that period. A CERPAC application will be to the Nigerian Immigration Service through the Zone Administrator/NEPZA, including the STR package from the Embassy, the STR Visa and the International passport. CERPAC is valid for a year (2 years in some cases) and is renewed annually. The process typically takes 3-4 weeks.
Alternatively, you can apply for a Temporary Work Permit visa (to provide specialised skilled services) or a Business Visa (for businesspersons or investors coming for business meetings or prospecting for opportunities), valid for 90 days. There is also a Visa-on-Arrival option for business travellers.
The quickest way to obtain a business visa is via Visa on Arrival. It is a mode of processing the visa which allows you to get the Visa at the airport upon arrival. The process for application for Visa on Arrival is:
- Complete the application process online here
The application must include evidence of a return ticket, accommodation reservation and/or address, and a clearly stated purpose of the visit.
- The response time for the application varies between 24 to 72 hours. If the application is successfully approved, an official document will be generated. This document must be presented to immigration officials at the airport for the Applicant's passport to be stamped.
Itana is Africa’s first Free Zone with a mission to unlock and scale the digital economy of the continent.
We’re a tech-powered company built on three major pillars: Community, Policy, and Infrastructure.
Community: a global community of ambitious founders and startup operators building the future of Africa
Policy: a legal and regulatory framework that allows businesses to seamlessly incorporate and provide services to Africa’s largest markets, and enjoy several benefits of the free zone.
Infrastructure: an eco-friendly live-work-build environment that enables you to do your best work.
Derived from the Yoruba work Itanna which means to kindle a fire, we’re building an enabling environment to nurture entrepreneurs, creatives, and every kind of builder.
This is a designated economic zone specifically designed to encourage business growth.
We’re building Africa’s first Digital Free Zone to unlock the potential of the digital economy by providing favourable policies, regulations, infrastructure, and community.
Modelled after successful digital free zones such as Shenzhen, Dubai, Estonia, and Delaware, Itana allows businesses operating digitally to set up a business entity and operate fully online from anywhere in the world.
Not exactly, Itana is on a journey to create an ecosystem of innovation that drives the growth of the digital economy in Africa.
We aim to foster a community that highlights Africa's unique strengths, rich cultural diversity, and promising growth opportunities.
The Itana Business License is your gateway to operate in Africa’s first Digital Free Zone. It’s a digital certificate that enables you to operate in the zone, and leverage its benefits to scale your business.
The Itana Business License (aka Itana Free Zone Enterprise) is designed for tech and service-based businesses looking to
- build a global business from Nigeria, and export services to the global economy
- expand their services into Africa from other international markets.
General criteria for companies that Itana is suited for include:
- Must be a technology/services company
- Offer a product or service that sells to a global or pan-African audience and user base
- Global company with global investors
- Have or plan to have operations in Nigeria or employ a Nigerian talent workforce
- Have raised funding or revenue-generatingIn the future, Itana will be able to provide its services to businesses providing a wider range of services.
If you have specific questions, please contact support@itana.africa.
Itana is currently running a private beta with only 100 companies.
We’re working closely with a small group of ambitious companies to design the policies that’ll shape the future of Digital Free Zones on the continent.
As pioneer companies, they’ll also get premium business advisory sessions, access to Itana’s network of investors, and marketing perks at the official launch of Itana in Q2 of 2024 including exhibition booths, access to VIP delegates, and so on.
If you’d like to participate in the private beta, kindly send an email to coco@itana.africa
The Itana Business License is an operating license that grants the holder permission to provide services in the Itana Free Zone. The Itana Digital Residency, on the other hand, is a community of ambitious founders, committed to building services for Africa, and the world. Members of the community get access to exclusive events, resources, and support services.
Learn more about the Itana Digital Residency →
Alaro City is an integrated, mixed-use city planned on over 2,000 hectares in the Lekki Free Zone. They’re the City Manager where Itana’s live-build-work physical district will be located.
Itana-incorporated companies i.e. Free Zone Entities can render services to businesses within the Nigerian Customs’ Territory, however, they’ll be subject to the relevant taxation laws.
Please fill out this interest form if you haven’t already, or reach out to our team directly at support@itana.africa.
The process to set up an Itana Free Zone Enterprise is summarized below:
- Application form with director and shareholding information along with KYC
- Legal registration documents and business plan (of which we will supply with templates)
- Payment of $1,000 ($500 set up, $500 annual recurring fee*). *Please note that the $500 annual recurring fee is subject to change for the second year onward
- The application package will be submitted to NEPZA to obtain the official operating certificate
It typically takes between two to four weeks upon submission of the application package. We are in the process of digitizing the application, reviewing, and registration process to reduce the time required to process the application.
The application package includes the application form, registration documents, feasibility study, and registration fees, which will be submitted as a completed package to NEPZA by the Itana team.
In order to access the required documentation, please fill out this interest form or reach out to our team directly at support@itana.africa.
To process your business license to operate in Itana, we’d need details of your enterprise including:
- Details of the owners and shareholders
- Details of the directors
- Details of your principal officers, an appointed CEO, and a secretary.
These details are important for the Nigerian Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA), the agency directed to manage free zones in Nigeria to confidently issue a certificate of registration recognizing your business as a Free Zone Enterprise.
No, it is possible to have 100% foreign ownership in the Itana Digital Free Zone.
However, there are select industries, such as oil and gas which require majority Nigerian equity ownership. There are also industries generally prohibited e.g. production of arms and ammunition; production of and dealing in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances; production of military and para-military wears and accoutrement etc.
Yes, NEPZA is the body in charge of regulating Free Zone operations in Nigeria, and Itana is registered as a Free Zone Developer with NEPZA
Yes, when you set up your business in the Itana Digital Free Zone, we’ll assign an address to your business which can be used for all correspondence.
When you successfully incorporate your business in the Itana Digital Free Zone, you get a certificate of registration and an operating license.
The certificate of registration, presented by NEPZA, is a one-time certificate that doesn’t expire. You’ll be required to renew your operating license annually, in order to ensure that your business is compliant with the regulations for operating in the free zone.
Typically, companies incorporated with CAC are subject to Expatriate Quota requirements and must obtain an Expatriate Quota before employing foreign nationals, whereas FZEs have no Expatriate Quota requirements.
Yes, we have our legal support that we work with through the process.
Yes, being registered as an FZE allows you to operate in Nigeria (both within and outside the Free Zone). However, operations outside the Free Zone may be subject to specific customs territory ('mainland Nigeria') tax liabilities and obligations.
Free Zone Enterprises (FZEs) operating within a Free Zone are “exempted from all Federal and State Government taxes, rates and levies”. This means that FZEs operating within the Free Zone are not liable to pay any taxes such as Corporate Income Tax (CIT) or VAT on revenues and profits generated by foreign transactions (non-Nigerian sources) within the Free Zone.
Despite the exemption of FZEs from paying taxes, these entities are required to file their tax returns within the stipulated timelines and in compliance with the law.
Kindly note that FZEs may have certain tax obligations relating to transactions within the Nigerian customs territory, which may be subject to withholding taxes, CIT, VAT etc, except for transactions covered by subsisting Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement between Nigeria and the home country. (See FIRS Tax Treaties for a list of Countries with such Treaties with Nigeria). FZEs are also required to comply with requirements to pay personal income tax on their employees’ earnings.
Please note that there may be applicable tax liabilities and obligations in other jurisdictions.
Itana does not provide tax advice, however, we can connect you to our network of verified tax and accounting professionals that’ll be happy to provide advice for your business.
Companies in the customs territory are required to pay a tax on their profit from all sources called the Corporate Income Tax (CIT). If you operate in the FZE, and generate your profit from foreign sources, you aren’t required to pay any Corporate Income Tax, which is typically 30% of all profit.
The FZE with a parent company outside Nigeria must comply with the transfer pricing regulatory framework in Nigeria (Income Tax (Transfer Pricing) Regulations, 2018) and the parent company’s country, taking into consideration any bilateral tax treaties.
The FZE will be required to maintain transfer pricing reports documenting its compliance with all transactions made between the FZE and its parent company. The FZE would also be required to file its annual transfer pricing returns, along with its tax returns. For all financial transactions between the two entities, all transactions must be conducted under the arm’s length principle i.e. the transaction was conducted in the same manner in which it would have been conducted between unrelated or unaffiliated entities.
Your Free Zone Enterprise will have different books from that of your other entities. These books will clearly show your Income / Revenue that is taxable and that which is not.
The Free Zone Act specifies that not every tax law is applicable in the zone. This means that for all purposes and intent, when you are registered as a Free Zone Enterprise you are exempted from Company Tax.
Kindly note that you might be subjected to taxation when you repatriate your profit or revenue into your country of origin.
No, transactions of approved FZEs within the Free Zone are exempted from all Federal, State and Local Government taxes, so therefore VAT-free.
Transactions exporting FZE products outside Nigeria are considered export services and, therefore tax-free. However, such transactions may be subject to certain import (digital imports) tax obligations of the specific country. These may include customs duties, withholding taxes, etc.
It is also important to comply with the Transfer Pricing Regulations of both Nigeria and the foreign country when transactions are between an FZE and an affiliated entity in a foreign country.
The fee to set up a business in the Itana Free Zone as a Free Zone Enterprise (FZE) is $1,000. Here’s a breakdown of the cost:
- $500 = set up cost to obtain the certificate of registration
- $500 = operating license fee.
Kindly note that the annual operating fee may be subject to change from the second year.
No, however, there may be some fees associated with additional business services - usually from our third-party partners - including the processing of visas, opening a bank account, etc.
The Itana community is a carefully curated community of ambitious founders, and startup operators on the African continent. There’s an annual subscription of $100 to maintain your membership in the community.
Itana Digital Residency is a community of founders and companies that are interested in doing business in Africa or are operating in Africa. They are ambitious builders and innovators of Africa’s future.
Community members have an interest in starting a company in Nigeria and be able to operate remotely and through the community will learn more about the business landscape of Africa and become better prepared to start a business.
Itana Digital Residency provides a platform and opportunities for networking with founders and investors as well as partnership building with local technology companies.
It is for those who are interested in doing business and learning more about doing business in Nigeria/Africa and would like to connect with other African founders and tech companies.
It is also for those who are not yet ready to establish an entity in Nigeria but may have plans for it in the future.
Once you’re a digital resident, you’re officially a part of our community. You’ll have access to our Slack channel and to communicate with our team directly.
You’ll likely be invited to our exclusive events (digital or in-person in Lagos or New York). Some past events include boat tour to the Itana District site, private dinner with some of the most influential entrepreneurs in Nigeria, etc.
Additionally, you’ll have access to discounts to a variety of partner perks as a member of the community including Eden Life, Dropbox, Carta, and more.
The first Itana District is designed on a 72,000 sqm mixed-use city within Alaro City in Lagos, Nigeria. It will be a model of the future for African cities and will feature co-working spaces, residential blocks, sustainable parks, and more, all powered by a fully integrated digital app that unites every aspect of life.
We’re currently in the conceptual stages, designing the city, and obtaining all the necessary permission and funding to break ground in a few months.
We’re on course to welcome our first residents in 2026, and you’ll be able to invest in your ideal space as soon as 2024.
Not yet, you can join the Digital Residency program to stay updated on the progress, and get priority access when more information about the Itana District becomes available.
The Itana District is being designed to fit the experience of the average digital native who shouldn’t have to worry about power, water, internet, and so on. The Itana District will be a utopia that lets your creativity flourish, where you can do your best work.
No, employees do not have to live in Itana when you get your Operating License.
Alaro City is extensively planned with a full-fledged Environmental Social Impact Assessment (ESI) that ensures zero proximity between offices and industrial facilities to an extent that affects air quality.
Also, only light and medium-scale manufacturing are qualified to operate within Alaro City.
Yes, after obtaining the FZE certificate and operating license, we will coordinate with our bank partner to help you open a bank account. In the process, we may ask for your permission to share some of your information with the bank.
It typically takes one week to create a new bank account.
Ecobank is our primary banking partner however, due to customer preferences, we’re working to onboard new banking partners to provide you with more options.
Free Zone Entities are allowed to operate, and provide services in any currency. You can have various currency options for your customers to choose from. There will also be offshore banks that will allow you to trade in foreign currencies.
There is no turnover limit applicable to free zone entities.
There are several types of visas depending on the purpose of your visit to Nigeria.
- Transit and Direct Transit (airside) Visas: This is for passengers transiting to other countries through Nigeria, with valid travel documents.
- Tourist Visas: For foreign nationals who wish to visit Nigeria for leisure or tourist purposes. It can also be used for individuals who are visiting family members in Nigeria.
- Business Visas
Business Visa: For foreign investors and business persons coming for business meetings or prospecting opportunities. Valid for 90 days and not valid for employment purposes.
Temporary Work Permit (TWP): For foreign nationals engaged by a business entity (Ltd or FZE) to provide specialized skilled services for a period of time. Valid for 90 days and renewable for another 60 days.
Subject-to-regularisation (STR): For foreign nationals employed in Nigeria. Valid for 1 year (sometimes 2 years) and renewed annually.
- Diplomatic Visas: This is for foreign Heads of State, government officials, and their families. It also applies to members of accredited international organisations, and non-government organisations.
Note that the Visa types are currently the same for CAC and FZE entities. The difference is the Expatriate Quota requirements and the mode of processing (through NEPZA for FZE to qualify for the quota exemption).
Companies incorporated with CAC are subject to Expatriate Quota requirements and must obtain an Expatriate Quota before employing foreign nationals, whereas FZEs have no Expatriate Quota requirements.
In the future, we aim to work with the Government to introduce a new type of Visa (e.g. remote worker visa or nomad visa) for Digital Free Zone entities (DFZE).
Yes, if you’d like to get a Business Visa for your employees or invitees of an FZE registered with Itana, you can send us a message at support@itana.africa.
You can apply for and obtain a Subject-to-regularisation (STR) business visa at the Nigerian Embassy or High Commission in your country of residence or birth. This application will include a letter of introduction from the Free Zone Authority, an application letter by the Employer requesting the approval of the STR and accepting the responsibility of the foreign national, along with the application fee (which varies depending on the country).
The STR Visa is valid for 3 months from the date of arrival in Nigeria and must be regularised by obtaining a Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC), within that period. A CERPAC application will be to the Nigerian Immigration Service through the Zone Administrator/NEPZA, including the STR package from the Embassy, the STR Visa and the International passport. CERPAC is valid for a year (2 years in some cases) and is renewed annually. The process typically takes 3-4 weeks.
Alternatively, you can apply for a Temporary Work Permit visa (to provide specialised skilled services) or a Business Visa (for businesspersons or investors coming for business meetings or prospecting for opportunities), valid for 90 days. There is also a Visa-on-Arrival option for business travellers.
The quickest way to obtain a business visa is via Visa on Arrival. It is a mode of processing the visa which allows you to get the Visa at the airport upon arrival. The process for application for Visa on Arrival is:
- Complete the application process online here
The application must include evidence of a return ticket, accommodation reservation and/or address, and a clearly stated purpose of the visit.
- The response time for the application varies between 24 to 72 hours. If the application is successfully approved, an official document will be generated. This document must be presented to immigration officials at the airport for the Applicant's passport to be stamped.
