How Nigerians in Diaspora Can Register a Business with CAC from Abroad

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So you are a Nigerian who lives in London, Toronto, New York or other parts of the world. Did you know that you can own a legally registered company in Nigeria without ever boarding a plane?

For many Nigerians in the diaspora, this is a smart way to stay connected to home, invest in opportunities, and build generational wealth.

This blog explains in detail how you can complete the entire process remotely and start operating your business almost immediately.

Who Can Register a Business from Abroad?

Nigerians living abroad, whether for work, study, or permanent residence, are eligible to register a business with CAC. As long as you are a Nigerian citizen with valid identification (International Passport, National ID, or Driver’s License), you can start and complete the registration process online.

For example, a Nigerian living in Germany who wants to set up an IT consultancy in Abuja can register the business remotely through the CAC portal. Similarly, a nurse based in the United States can register a health-focused NGO in Kaduna to support medical outreach programs.

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Residency Status Considerations

Your residency status abroad does not prevent you from registering a business in Nigeria. However, there are a few considerations:

• Dual Citizenship: If you have a dual nationality, you can still register, provided you use your Nigerian details for identification.
  
  
• Permanent Residents/Work Permit Holders: If you have permanent residency abroad, you can register as long as you maintain Nigerian citizenship.
  
  
• Foreign Partners: Nigerians in diaspora can include foreign partners in their company, but additional documentation may be required (e.g., combined shareholder agreements).
  
  

Importance of Having a Nigerian Address and Contact Person

While CAC allows online registration, every business must have a registered Nigerian address for correspondence and legal purposes. This could be your family home or an office space.

Additionally, having a reliable contact person in Nigeria makes the process smoother, especially when:

• Physical documents need to be signed or delivered.
  
  
• CAC raises queries that require swift responses.
  
  
• Regulatory bodies (e.g., FIRS) send official communications.
  
  

For instance, a Nigerian in Canada registering a food export company may use her cousin’s Lagos address as the official company address. This would allow her to receive CAC queries or tax documents without delays.

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Requirements for CAC Business Registration from Abroad

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is the government body responsible for regulating and managing the formation of companies and businesses in Nigeria. It ensures that businesses are properly registered, legally recognized, and compliant with national laws. For Nigerians in diaspora, CAC is the gateway to owning a legitimate business back home without physically being in the country.

Businesses you can register with CAC include Sole Proprietorship, Limited Liability Company (Ltd or Plc) or Incorporated Trustees (NGOs).

Registering a business from outside Nigeria as a diaspora Nigerian is possible, but you must meet certain requirements to ensure smooth approval by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Below are the key documents and details you’ll need:

Valid International Passport or National ID

• A scanned copy of your Nigerian international passport, National Identity Card (NIN), or Driver’s License is required for identity verification.
  
  
• If you have dual citizenship, use your Nigerian documents to avoid complications.
  
  

Passport Photographs

• Clear, recent, and high-quality digital passport photos are required.
  
  
• These are uploaded during the registration process on the CAC portal.
  
  

Proposed Business Names (Two Alternatives)

• You must submit at least two name options for CAC approval.
  
  
• The first option may be rejected if it conflicts with an existing name or violates naming rules.

Business Objectives

• A short description of the type of business you intend to run (e.g., consulting, logistics, agriculture, e-commerce).
  
  
• This helps CAC determine the correct business classification.
  
  

Nigerian Address (Office or Residential)

• A registered Nigerian address is mandatory, even if you are abroad.
  
  
• This can be a family house or a rented office space.
  
  
• It serves as the official correspondence address for CAC and tax authorities.
  
  

Email and Phone Number

• A valid email address and Nigerian phone number are required for communication and verification.
  
  
• If you don’t have an active Nigerian number, you can use a trusted relative’s or get a virtual Nigerian line.
  
  

Power of Attorney (Where Necessary)

• If you are unable to complete the process yourself, you can issue a Power of Attorney (PoA) to a CAC-accredited agent, lawyer, or a trusted representative in Nigeria.
  
  
• The PoA grants them legal authority to act on your behalf in signing and submitting documents.

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Step-by-Step Process of CAC Business Registration Abroad

Step 1: Name Reservation

• Visit the CAC Public Search Portal to confirm if your preferred name is available.
  
  
• Submit two alternative names for approval.
  
  
• Once approved, the name will be reserved for 60 days, giving you time to complete registration.

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Step 2: Document Preparation

• For Sole Proprietorships: Basic information like name, address, business objectives, and ID are sufficient.
  
  
• For Ltd/Plc: You’ll need to draft the Memorandum and Articles of Association (MEMART), outlining ownership structure, shareholding, and business rules.
  
  
• Prepare valid means of identification (Passport, NIN, Driver’s License).
  
  
• Clearly state your business objectives and provide your Nigerian business address.
  
  

Step 3: Filling Forms Online

• Log into the CAC Company Registration Portal (CRP).
  
  
• Fill out the required forms, including personal details, business objectives, shareholder information, and addresses.
  
  
• Common mistakes to avoid:
  
  
  
  • Mismatched addresses (ensure the Nigerian address matches on all documents).
    
    
  • Misspelled names (names on ID must match the registration forms).
    
    
  • Uploading blurred or incomplete documents.
    
    

Step 4: Payment of Filing Fees

• Pay online through CAC’s integrated Remita platform using debit/credit card or bank transfer.
  
  
• Costs vary depending on the business type:
  
  
  
  • Sole Proprietorship: From ₦10,000 – ₦15,000
    
    
  • LLC: ₦20,000 – ₦30,000 (excluding professional/legal fees)
    
    
  • Incorporated Trustees (NGOs): ₦25,000 – ₦50,000
    
    

Tip: Diaspora Nigerians may need to use Nigerian relatives, friends, or agents to process payments if international cards don’t go through.

Step 5: Uploading Documents

• Signed forms and scanned documents must be uploaded back into the portal.
  
  
• Accepted formats: PDF and JPEG.
  
  
• Ensure all scans are clear, legible, and under the maximum file size allowed by CAC.

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Step 6: Review and Approval by CAC

• CAC officers review all documents for compliance.
  
  
• Typical timeline: 3–10 working days, depending on workload and correctness of documents.
  
  
• If issues arise, CAC will send queries via email or portal notifications.
  
  
  
  • Example issues: wrong ID, missing signatures, or conflicting business objectives.
    
    
• Applicants must correct and re-upload documents to proceed.
  
  

Step 7: Certificate Issuance

• Once approved, you’ll receive a Certificate of Incorporation and Status Report (for LLCs).
  
  
• These can be downloaded directly from the CAC portal.
  
  
• Soft copy certificates carry the same legal validity as hard copies.
  
  

Tip: Many Nigerian banks now accept soft copies for opening corporate accounts, making it convenient for diaspora applicants.

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Extra Expenses for Notarization and Legal Documentation Abroad

• Some diaspora Nigerians may need to notarize documents (e.g., Power of Attorney or MEMART) in their country of residence.
  
  
• Notary fees abroad can range from $30 to $100 per document, depending on the country.
  
  
• Courier services for sending signed documents to Nigeria may also add $50–$100.
  
  
• If using a CAC-accredited agent or lawyer, professional service fees can range from ₦20,000 – ₦50,000 depending on complexity.
  
  

Currency Conversion Considerations

• Payments on the CAC portal are made in Nigerian Naira, so diaspora applicants need to plan for exchange rate fluctuations.
  
  
• International card payments (if accepted) may attract extra charges from foreign banks.
  
  
• Many diaspora Nigerians may prefer to send money to relatives or agents in Nigeria to process the payment locally at the official CAC rates.

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Manage Your Nigerian Business from Abroad with Ease Using Flex Finance

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Registering your business with CAC is just the first step. Managing that business from abroad is the real challenge. This is where Flex Finance becomes your perfect partner.

With Flex, you don’t need to worry about sending money home through relatives or dealing with exchange rate headaches. Flex provides a secure, digital-first expense management platform designed for businesses, making it easy for you to stay in control no matter where you live.

Here’s why Flex Finance is the smartest choice for diaspora entrepreneurs:

• Seamless Payments: Fund your Nigerian business from anywhere and disburse money instantly to staff, vendors, or suppliers.
  
  
• Virtual and Physical Expense Cards: Issue Flex cards to your team in Nigeria for efficiency.
  
  
• Real-Time Spend Visibility: Track every transaction from your phone, eliminating the uncertainty of “money sent but not accounted for.”
  
  
• Approval Workflows: Not a single naira leaves your company’s account unless you authorize it, and this is done remotely, so you stay in charge of company spending without being physically present.
  
  
• Multi-Currency Advantage: Unrestricted spending in international markets is easy and seamless, from China to Canada and the US to UK.
  
  

If you’re a Nigerian in diaspora looking to not only register your business but also run it smoothly from abroad, Flex Finance ensures your money works exactly where you want it to. Get started now.

Conclusion

Registering a business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) from abroad is no longer a complicated or unreachable task. With CAC’s digital platform, diaspora Nigerians can now complete the entire process without ever stepping foot in Nigeria.

Ready to manage your business expenses in a stress-free way? Sign Up Now to experience Africa’s best spend management solution.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I register a CAC business without traveling to Nigeria?

Yes. With the CAC online registration portal, Nigerians in diaspora can register their businesses entirely online. However, you must provide a Nigerian address and in some cases appoint a CAC-accredited agent or a trusted representative to handle correspondence on your behalf.

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Do I need a Nigerian BVN to register?

No, a Bank Verification Number (BVN) is not required for CAC registration. However, if you intend to open a corporate bank account in Nigeria after registration, most banks will request a BVN from at least one of the company directors or proprietors.

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Can foreigners who are not Nigerians in diaspora register?

Yes, but the process is slightly different. Foreign nationals can register a company in Nigeria, often as part of a joint venture with a Nigerian partner. They will need to provide their international passport data page, residence permit (if applicable), and may require approval from the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) depending on the industry.

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