Nigerian passport holders seeking long-term access to foreign countries for business, tourism, or family visits can now benefit from more liberal visa policies offered by several nations.

Some countries grant Nigerians a five-year multiple entry visa, allowing holders to enter and exit the destination several times without applying for a new visa for each trip.

These long-duration visas significantly ease the burden of frequent travel, reduce costs, and enhance convenience, especially for business professionals and diaspora families.

Frequent travelers, business professionals, and individuals with consistent international travel history are generally more likely to qualify for long-term visas.

Here is a list of countries that offer Nigerians a five-year multiple entry visa.

1. United States of America (USA)

The U.S. offers a B1/B2 visa, which covers business and tourism, with a validity of five years for eligible Nigerians. It allows multiple entries, and applicants must apply through the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. An in-person interview is usually required, and approval depends on the travel history, financial status, and purpose of travel.

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2. United Kingdom

The UK offers a Standard Visitor Visa with long-term options of two, five, or ten years. Nigerians can apply for the five-year version, which allows multiple entries but limits each stay to six months. Applications are submitted online through the UK government portal, and approval requires evidence of a genuine travel purpose, financial means, and intent to return to Nigeria.

3. Schengen Countries (Europe)

Several Schengen countries, including France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, and Spain, grant Nigerians five-year multiple entry visas under the Schengen Visa Code. These are C-Type short-stay visas that allow stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period across the Schengen zone. While not automatically granted, applicants with previous Schengen visas, clean travel records, and valid reasons for frequent visits may be approved for the five-year validity.

4. South Africa

South Africa offers multiple entry visas valid for up to five years for Nigerians who frequently travel for business or official duties. Applicants must apply through the South African High Commission and provide documentation such as invitation letters, proof of business activities, or travel history to justify the long-term access.

5. India

India provides up to five-year visas for tourism or business purposes to eligible Nigerians. The visa permits multiple entries and is issued based on a solid travel record, financial capability, and a clearly stated reason for travel. Applications are submitted online through the Indian Visa Application Centre (IVAC).

6. Kenya

While Kenya’s standard eVisa is short-term, it issues long-term multiple-entry visas, including five-year options, upon request and proper justification. These are often given to frequent travelers, business people, or those with family or project commitments in the country. Applications can be made through the Kenyan eVisa portal or directly through immigration services.

7. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The UAE offers a five-year tourist visa to Nigerians who meet specific requirements. This visa allows multiple entries and stays of up to 90 days each, extendable to 180 days per year. Applicants must show proof of financial means, previous travel history, and a valid reason for seeking long-term access. Applications are typically handled online or through approved agents.

General Work Visa

Under the General Work Visa there are very strict requirements. The South African government, although trying to promote work and trade in South Africa, recognize the need to give South Africans the chance to obtain employment ahead of any foreigner.

You will have to prove that you are the only person who can fill that position and that no other South African can play that role. This is done by placing an advert in a national newspaper advertising the position.

A Department of Labour report would need to be obtained.

You will also need to have a job offer/contract from your future employer.

The most important part of the process is skills assessment by SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) in SA which evaluates your formal qualifications and compares them to a SA qualification. This process is mandatory and for this we would need your academic transcripts and award diplomas. Note under the regulations provision is made for the recognition of work experience in the absence of formal qualifications and this therefore makes provision recognition of prior work experience (RPL).

This is a paper based system which merely compares the foreign qualifications and arrives at an equivalent qualification in SA, and if qualified in SA then no SAQA needed.

Next your employer has to prove that you are the only person that can fill the position and no other South African can fill that role. This is done by placing an advert in a national newspaper advertising the position.

Please note the work Visa is issued in the name of the employer so the person is tied to the employer. If they change the job they will require a new work Visa.

There is some good news for people who are qualified through work experience only and they can qualify if they don’t require formal qualifications, ie SAQA.

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The short answer

Your frustration with Home Affairs is understandable. You may want to get legal assistance.

The whole question

How can I can assist my partner change his status from asylum seeker to temporary or permanent resident? We have tried everything. We even tried to make an appointment at Home Affairs to get married and two years later we are still waiting for a phone call. What can we do?

The long answer

Thank you for your email asking how you can help your partner to change his status from being an asylum seeker to temporary or permanent resident.

Your frustration with Home Affairs is understandable. So if you can afford an immigration lawyer, it may be a quicker route.

The Constitutional Court ruled in November 2018 that any foreigner, including refugees and asylum seekers, could apply for temporary or permanent residence, and that this could be granted if the person fulfilled the requirements of the Immigration Act.

Also, if you’re the spouse or life partner of a South African citizen, but don’t qualify for study, work or business visas, you have the right to apply for the Spousal Visa which allows you to stay with your South African partner or spouse. This permit can be further endorsed to allow you to work or study or start your own business.

In December 2018, the Immigration Act was amended concerning the rights of spouses in a “permanent homosexual or heterosexual relation”. These are the important points:

• Applications need to prove to the Director-General that the applicant is a spouse to a citizen or permanent residence permit holder.

• Applicants need to sign an agreement stating that the permanent homosexual or heterosexual relationship has existed for at least two years before the date of application for a relevant visa and that neither of the parties is a spouse in an existing marriage.

• Documents detailing the financial support the partners provide to each other need to be provided.

• Both partners to a permanent homosexual or heterosexual relationship may be interviewed separately, on the same date and time, to determine the authenticity of the existence of their relationship.

Asylum seekers and refugees do have the right to get married in South Africa as long as they meet the Home Affairs marriage requirements. These are essentially:

• that if you have been married previously, you must show proof of divorce or death of previous partner

• that you are not a minor (under age of 18)

• that you are not suffering from severe mental illness which prevents you from understanding what marriage is.

Your partner must also give Home Affairs a valid asylum seeker/refugee permit, as well as a declaration from the police confirming that he is not currently married.

The first step to getting married is to register your intention to marry with Home Affairs and apply for a Department of Home Affairs Marriage Certificate at least three months before your wedding date.

The following documents must be submitted with the Home Affairs marriage forms which are available on request:

• Identification documents, such as a South African ID card

• Both passports, if one partner is not South African

• A completed form, which declares that you are legally allowed to marry

• Official divorce decree, stamped by the court, if one partner has previously been married

• Death certificate, if one partner has been widowed

Before a marriage is declared legal in South Africa, couples are required to attend a Home Affairs marriage interview. This is to make sure that both parties are entering the marriage of their own free will. If you don’t attend an interview, the marriage certificate will not be registered and the marriage will be declared null and void.

And if all goes well and you apply for Temporary or Permanent Residency, you need to have the following documents:

• Proof of residence or spousal citizenship in South Africa

• Government issued Marriage Certificate (if you are married)

• A letter of support from the partner that holds citizenship/permanent residency

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seeks to clarify whether South African immigration laws impose any age restrictions for applicants seeking a retired person’s visa. Below is a comprehensive analysis of this query.

1. Understanding the Retired Person’s Visa

A retired person’s visa is a type of temporary residence permit issued under the South African Immigration Act, No. 13 of 2002. It is designed for individuals who wish to reside in South Africa during their retirement, provided they meet specific financial requirements. The visa may be granted for up to four years and is renewable.

2. Age Requirement

There is no specific age requirement stipulated in South African immigration law for the retired person’s visa. Unlike similar visas in other countries, South Africa does not require applicants to be of a certain minimum or maximum age to qualify for this visa category. The term "retired" is used broadly and does not necessarily imply formal retirement due to age.

3. Key Eligibility Criteria

Instead of age, eligibility for a retired visa is primarily based on financial independence. The critical requirements include:

A. Financial Criteria

• The applicant must prove a minimum monthly income of R37,000 from guaranteed sources such as pensions, annuities, investments, or other passive income streams.

• Alternatively, the applicant can demonstrate a lump sum equivalent to the required income for the duration of the visa (e.g., R1,776,000 for a four-year visa).

B. Health Insurance

• Applicants must have valid medical insurance for the duration of their stay in South Africa.

C. Good Standing

• Applicants must have a clean criminal record and provide a police clearance certificate from their country of residence.

4. Implications of the Lack of an Age Requirement

The absence of an age restriction makes the retired person’s visa in South Africa accessible to a wide range of applicants, including those who:

1. Have achieved financial independence at an early age (e.g., through investments or business ventures).

2. Choose to retire early and relocate for lifestyle reasons.

3. Are semi-retired and wish to split their time between South Africa and other countries.

This flexibility is particularly attractive to younger retirees or those seeking a long-term but non-permanent residence option.

5. Why South Africa Has No Age Limit

South Africa’s policy reflects a focus on financial sustainability rather than age as a criterion. This approach:

• Encourages financially independent individuals to contribute to the local economy without placing undue pressure on public resources.

• Attracts a diverse group of expatriates, ranging from traditional retirees to digital nomads and semi-retirees.

6. Comparison with Other Countries

In contrast to South Africa’s policy, many countries have specific age requirements for their retirement visas:

• Thailand: Requires applicants to be at least 50 years old.

• Malaysia (MM2H Program): Targets individuals aged 35 and above, depending on financial criteria.

• Portugal (Golden Visa): No explicit age restriction, but often marketed to older individuals due to its retirement focus.

South Africa’s lack of an age limit makes it a more inclusive and flexible option.

7. Documentation Required to Apply

While age is not a requirement, applicants must submit detailed documentation to meet the visa's financial and legal requirements, including:

1. Proof of Income: Documents such as bank statements, pension statements, or investment account summaries showing compliance with the income threshold.

2. Medical Insurance: Proof of health insurance valid in South Africa.

3. Police Clearance: A certificate from the applicant’s country of residence.

4. Valid Passport: With sufficient validity for the duration of the visa.

5. Application Forms: Duly completed forms as prescribed by the Department of Home Affairs.

8. Considerations for Younger Applicants

Although there is no age limit, younger applicants may face additional scrutiny regarding their financial independence. For instance:

• Proof of consistent income or lump sum funds is critical.

• Younger applicants may need to provide stronger justification for why they are applying for a retired person’s visa instead of other visa types (e.g., work or business visas).

9. Benefits of No Age Restriction

• Flexibility: Attracts a wider pool of applicants, including early retirees or individuals with passive incomes.

• Lifestyle Choice: Allows individuals to choose South Africa as a residence for reasons such as climate, cost of living, or access to natural beauty, regardless of age.

• Economic Contribution: Ensures that only those who can sustain themselves financially are admitted, benefiting the economy without adding strain to public resources.

10. Conclusion

There is no age requirement to apply for a retired visa to reside in South Africa. The eligibility criteria are centered on financial independence and legal compliance rather than age. This policy provides flexibility for a diverse range of applicants, including both traditional retirees and younger individuals with sufficient resources to support themselves in the country. The absence of an age limit, combined with South Africa’s attractive lifestyle and cost of living, makes the retired visa an appealing option for a wide demographic.

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Our dynamic team of immigration consultants provide specialist advice on temporary residence visas, permanent residence permits, appeals on rejected applications, undesirable declaration waivers, V-listing and legal immigration services. Get in touch with us if you’d like a professional yet personal experience provided by our experienced consultants.

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