How to Register/Incorporate a Company in Nigeria from Hong Kong (Cost & Requirement)

As Hong Kong entrepreneurs continue to explore opportunities across Africa, Nigeria has emerged as a natural hub for expansion. With its over 200 million population, $470+ billion GDP, and status as Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria offers unmatched access to both West African markets and the ECOWAS trade bloc.

The good news? Hong Kong investors can now register a Nigerian company 100% online, without visiting the country , through the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)’s AI-powered digital registration portal. This guide explains everything you need to know, from the requirements and documentation to the cost, process timeline, and how to open a Nigerian bank account from Hong Kong.

Why Nigerian Incorporation Appeals to Hong Kong Businesses

Nigeria’s economy complements Hong Kong’s commercial strengths. As a financial hub, Hong Kong is globally renowned for innovation, logistics, and digital trade , sectors where Nigeria is rapidly expanding. By incorporating in Nigeria, Hong Kong companies can:

• Access over 15 ECOWAS markets duty-free.

• Participate in AfCFTA, the world’s largest free trade area.

• Expand into oil, gas, tech, real estate, agriculture, and infrastructure sectors.

• Build local partnerships and access Nigeria’s growing consumer and B2B markets.

New CAC Digital Incorporation System (2025 Update)

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has fully automated its registration process. Entrepreneurs from Hong Kong no longer need to fill or submit physical forms. All steps, from name reservation to certificate issuance, are completed online through the CAC Company Registration Portal (CRP), powered by AI and integrated with other Nigerian regulatory agencies.

Certificates are now issued digitally and can be verified online instantly.

Requirements for Hong Kong Investors Incorporating in Nigeria

To register a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Nigeria from Hong Kong, you will need the following:

1. Proposed Company Names

   • Provide your preferred company names for availability search.

2. Director and Shareholder Details

   • Full names

   • Residential address

   • Gender

   • Date of birth

   • Nationality

   • Phone numbers

   • Email addresses

3. Shareholding Structure

   • A breakdown of ownership among shareholders.

4. Business Objectives

   • Clear description of your intended business activities.

5. Means of Identification

   • Scanned copies of valid international passports for directors and shareholders.

6. Registered Office Address

   • A Nigerian business address (you may use a verified office address service).

7. Scanned Signatures

   • Electronic signatures of all directors and shareholders.

Foreign Director Policy and Residency Rules

A foreign investor can serve as both sole director and shareholder of a Nigerian company. However, without a CERPAC (Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card), issued by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), a foreign director cannot perform certain regulatory or banking duties that require BVN (Bank Verification Number) or NIN (National Identification Number).

Therefore, most Hong Kong investors appoint local Nigerian directors to handle operations until they secure their CERPAC upon arrival through an STR Visa supported by an Expatriate Quota approved by the Minister of Interior.

Step-by-Step Incorporation Process (From Hong Kong)

Estimated Costs for Incorporation and Compliance (USD)

Note: The entire incorporation process, from company registration to bank account setup, can be completed remotely in about 35 working days, depending on document readiness and regulatory verification speed.

Bank Account Opening for Hong Kong-Owned Companies

Opening a Nigerian bank account remotely requires compliance with Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Know Your Customer (KYC) policies.

Conditions:

• Companies must have at least two Nigerian directors to facilitate account setup before the foreign director obtains residency documents.

• Once the foreign shareholder enters Nigeria with an STR visa and obtains a CERPAC card, they can process their BVN/NIN and take over full operational control.

Required Documents:

• CAC Certificate of Incorporation, Status Report and Memart

• Company’s Tax Identification Number (TIN)

• SCUML Certificate (for businesses handling funds)

• Board resolution authorising account opening

• Valid IDs, BVN and NIN of directors and signatories

Timeline for Completion

Benefits of Registering in Nigeria from Hong Kong

• Access to Africa’s largest consumer market.

• Legal protection under the Nigerian Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA 2020).

• 100% foreign ownership permitted.

• Seamless online company formation.

• Strategic access to West African and ECOWAS markets.

Common Questions (FAQ)

1. Can a Hong Kong company own 100% of a Nigerian business?
Yes. Nigerian law permits 100% foreign ownership of a company.

2. Can a Hong Kong resident serve as the sole director?
Yes, but they will need a CERPAC to function effectively for compliance and banking operations.

3. Can the incorporation be done without visiting Nigeria?
Yes. The CAC portal allows end-to-end digital registration.

4. What is SCUML, and is it mandatory?
The Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML) certificate is mandatory for entities engaged in financial or commercial activities involving funds.

5. How long does the entire process take?
Approximately 35 working days from start to bank account activation.

Final Thoughts

For Hong Kong investors aiming to penetrate Africa’s most dynamic market, Nigeria offers both scale and strategic potential. With its digitised incorporation system, foreign-friendly ownership laws, and rising economic opportunities, establishing a Nigerian company from Hong Kong has never been more seamless.

Whether you are a startup expanding into Africa or a seasoned corporation seeking market diversification, Nigeria remains a promising frontier for long-term growth.