How an Italian can Register/Incorporate a Company in Nigeria from Italy (Cost & Requirement)

Introduction

Nigeria, with over 200 million inhabitants and a GDP surpassing $470 billion, remains one of Africa’s most robust and opportunity-rich economies. Over recent years, economic and trade relations between Italy and Nigeria have deepened significantly, especially in areas such as energy infrastructure, construction, manufacturing, fashion exports, and agricultural processing.

As Italian firms and entrepreneurs explore Africa’s largest consumer market, one recurring question stands out:
“Can I incorporate or register a Nigerian company from Italy without physically traveling to Nigeria?”

This comprehensive 2025 guide explains exactly how to register a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Nigeria from Italy, fully online, along with the cost, compliance requirements, and post-incorporation procedures.

1. Overview of the New CAC Digital Incorporation System

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has transitioned to an AI-driven registration portal, allowing investors to incorporate Nigerian companies remotely, from anywhere in the world.

This system eliminates traditional paperwork, courier delays, and manual document verification.

Now, Italian investors can:
✅ Reserve company names online.
✅ Complete all documentation digitally.
✅ Obtain certificates of incorporation instantly once approved.

No physical submission or in-person presence is required, a major shift enabling foreign entrepreneurs to expand into Nigeria without logistical barriers.

This makes it entirely feasible for Italians to register a company in Nigeria from Rome, Milan, or Turin, directly through CAC’s digital system.

2. Why Nigeria Appeals to Italian Investors

Italy’s economy thrives on innovation, engineering excellence, and manufacturing efficiency, and Nigeria provides the perfect market for such capabilities.

Italian companies already play visible roles in Nigerian industries, from energy and power infrastructure (ENI and Saipem) to architecture, fashion design, agriculture machinery, and renewable projects.

Key incentives for Italians include:

• Full repatriation of profits and dividends for foreign investors.

• Tax incentives for pioneer industries and renewable technology.

• Strategic access to the ECOWAS market (over 400 million consumers).

• Digitally simplified incorporation, reducing setup time and bureaucracy.

By establishing a Nigerian subsidiary or standalone entity, Italian investors can qualify for local tenders, oil and gas service contracts, and participate in public-private infrastructure projects that require domestic presence.

3. Requirements for Incorporation in Nigeria

The Private Limited Liability Company (LLC) is the most flexible and internationally recognised structure for Italian investors in Nigeria.

Below are the core requirements:

A. Company Name Search

Provide two preferred company names for CAC approval.
Example: ItalBuild Nigeria Limited or Roma Energy Africa Limited.

B. Director, Shareholder & Secretary Details

Submit the following for all officers:

• Full names

• Residential addresses

• Gender and date of birth

• Nationality

• Email and phone contact

C. Shareholding Distribution

Determine ownership ratios. Example:

• Italian shareholder – 80%

• Nigerian shareholder – 20%

D. Business Objectives

Specify your company’s intended business — e.g., engineering, oilfield services, fashion exports, consultancy, or agro-processing.

E. Identification Documents

Scanned copies of international passports for all shareholders and directors are required.

F. Nigerian Registered Office

Every Nigerian company must have a registered local address.
If you don’t yet have one, a professional registered office address service can be used.

G. Digital Signatures

All directors and shareholders should provide scanned signatures on white paper for upload.

4. Can an Italian Be the Sole Director and Shareholder?

Yes, under Nigerian law, a foreign national can own 100% of a Limited Liability Company and even serve as its sole director.

However, operational challenges arise when a foreign director lacks:

• CERPAC (Nigerian residency permit)

• BVN (Bank Verification Number)

• NIN (National Identification Number)

These credentials are necessary to open a corporate bank account and perform regulatory functions.

Practical Solution:
Until residency is secured via a Subject to Regularization (STR) Visa supported by an Expatriate Quota (issued by the Ministry of Interior), appointing a Nigerian resident director is advisable.

This ensures compliance with banking and operational requirements, while the Italian investor retains majority shareholding and full control.

5. Step-by-Step Incorporation Process

Step 1: Name Reservation

Access the CAC’s online portal and submit two proposed names.
Once approved, the name is reserved for 60 days.

Step 2: Fill Incorporation Details Online

Input company type (LLC), director and shareholder data, and business objectives.

Step 3: Upload Supporting Documents

Include:

• Passport copies

• Proof of Nigerian address

• Passport photos

• Signature pages

Step 4: CAC Review

AI validation followed by human compliance check (3–5 working days).

Step 5: Certificate of Incorporation Issuance

Once approved, CAC issues the Certificate of Incorporation and status report digitally.
All documents can be downloaded anywhere in the world.

6. Post-Incorporation Compliance in Nigeria

After incorporation, the following are mandatory:

7. Opening a Nigerian Corporate Bank Account

Corporate bank accounts in Nigeria can be opened once CAC and TIN registration are complete.

However, Nigerian banks will request that at least two directors possesses:

• BVN and

• NIN (linked to Nigerian SIM)

Until the Italian investor arrives or obtains residency, they may:

• Use a local director service, or

• Appoint a temporary Nigerian director to meet compliance.

Once residency is regularised, the Italian can manage the bank account and tax filings independently.

8. Estimated Cost and Timeline

Total Estimated Cost: $2,650
Completion Period: Approximately 30–35 working days

9. Legal and Immigration Notes for Italian Investors

For smooth business operation in Nigeria, Italian investors must complete:

1. Expatriate Quota Approval – Grants foreigner employment rights.

2. STR Visa – Business/work entry visa.

3. CERPAC – Nigerian residency permit (needed for BVN, NIN, and tax).

Once obtained, the Italian director can perform all corporate and banking activities independently.

10. Italy–Nigeria Trade Relations: An Expanding Partnership

Italy has long been a key trade partner to Nigeria, with collaboration in oil and gas, manufacturing, construction, fashion, and energy transition projects.

In recent years:

• Italy’s ENI remains one of Nigeria’s biggest foreign investors in oil and gas.

• Italian machinery and engineering exports to Nigeria continue to rise.

• Nigeria serves as a major African market for Italian textiles, leather, and luxury goods.

Establishing a registered Nigerian entity enables Italian entrepreneurs to:
✅ Compete for government and private contracts.
✅ Partner locally in construction or industrial supply chains.
✅ Repatriate profits under approved banking channels.

11. Key Advantages of Registering a Nigerian Company from Italy

✅ Fully Remote Process – 100% online registration through CAC’s AI system.
✅ Full Ownership Rights – Foreign investors can own up to 100% of shares.
✅ Tax Incentives – Access to double taxation relief and pioneer status benefits.
✅ Strategic Market Entry – Gateway to ECOWAS region (400M+ population).
✅ Ease of Banking – Operate both naira and domiciliary (foreign currency) accounts.

12. Common Misconceptions

13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use my Italian address as the registered office?
❌ No. Nigerian law mandates a local registered address (professional services available).

Q2: How long does the registration take?
✅ Roughly 30–35 working days, including TIN, SCUML, and tax setup.

Q3: Must I travel to Nigeria?
✅ Not for incorporation. Only necessary if you plan to operate physically or open a bank account personally.

Q4: Can I transfer profits back to Italy?
✅ Yes, via approved banking channels under the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act.

Q5: What is the minimum share capital for foreigners?
✅ ₦100 million (recommended threshold for foreign participation and permits).

14. Conclusion

The process for Italians to register or incorporate a company in Nigeria has never been more accessible.
With the CAC’s AI-powered portal, every stage, from name reservation to certificate download, can be completed online from Italy.

By complying with post-incorporation requirements and immigration regulations, Italian investors can transition seamlessly from registration to full operations.

Nigeria’s vast population, growing infrastructure, and youthful workforce offer tremendous prospects for Italian expertise in construction, renewable energy, fashion, and manufacturing.

Whether you are an established Italian corporation or a small enterprise exploring Africa, this guide provides a verified roadmap for successfully incorporating and running a company in Nigeria, confidently, remotely, and in compliance with Nigerian law.