Investment Procedures

Investment Certificate Registration

All foreign investors looking to establish a business in Kano State must first obtain an Investment Certificate from the Kano State Investment Agency and Diaspora (KanInvest). The minimum capital requirement is an investment sum of at least US$ 50,000

To apply for the certificate, the following documents must be submitted to KanInvest for review:

    • Investment Certificate Application Form 
    • Comprehensive Business Plan
    • Certificate of Incorporation  
    • Memorandum and Articles of Association
    • Passport Bio-Data Pages for Shareholders
    • Summary of Positions Requiring Foreign Personnel
    • Project Description for Environmental Impact Assessment

A non-refundable application fee of US$ 200 and issuance fee of US$ 800 apply. Payment is in US$ Cash or it’s equivalent in Naira.

KanInvest’s Internal Approval Committee evaluates applications and aims to issue Investment Certificates within 7-10 working days upon submission of complete documentation.

After obtaining the certificate, KanInvest also assists investors with additional licensing, permits and approvals required before full business operations commence based on the specific industry and projects.

Business Residence Permit (BRP)

After acquiring their investment certificate, investors are required to get a Business Residence Permit (BRP) that would allow him/her to stay in the country to carry out his/her business operations.

Below are key documents needed to apply for a BRP: 

    • Fully completed BRP Application Forms
    • Police Clearance Report  
    • Detailed Business Plan 
    • Proof of US$ 50,000 Capital Importation into Nigeria
    • Bank Statements Reflecting Required Minimum Capital
    • Copy of Investment Certificate
    • International Passport Bio-Data Page
    • Cover Letter from Applicant

A non-refundable processing fee of 25,000 Naira and issuance fee of 150,000 Naira apply. With all materials submitted and recommended, BRP endorsements into passports generally require 7-10 working days.  

Temporary Work Permits

Where foreign expertise is essential for smooth operations, companies can apply for Temporary Work Permits (TWPs) valid between 1-3 years. Renewals may be granted up to 6 years for qualifying skilled personnel. 

The TWP application to KanInvest demands submission of the forms, letters, documentation as listed above for BRPs, with additional requirements including proof of local understudy training and succession planning for knowledge transfers. Companies pay a non-refundable TWP processing fee of 25,000 Naira and issuance fee of 150,000 Naira.