Moving to Lagos as an expat can feel overwhelming. But with the right preparation, you can navigate the process smoothly. This guide covers everything from visa requirements and housing to understanding neighborhoods, budgeting, and settling in.
Step 1: The Visa Process
Your first visa is the STR (Subject to Regularization) visa, valid for 90 days. You apply at a Nigerian embassy with your passport, employment letter, yellow fever vaccine proof, and bank statements. Processing takes 2-4 weeks, so apply at least 6 weeks before travel.
Once in Lagos, your employer handles your CERPAC (Combined Expatriate Residence Permit) application—a 2-year residence and work permit. This takes 4-8 weeks and typically costs ₦200k-500k if you’re paying yourself (employers usually cover it).
Step 2: Where to Live
Expats concentrate in four main neighborhoods:
**Victoria Island (VI)** – ₦15M-35M/year for 2-bedroom. Best for young professionals in finance. Modern infrastructure, restaurants, nightlife, but expensive and chaotic traffic.
**Ikoyi** – ₦12M-25M/year. Quieter than VI, safer, cleaner, still close to business areas. Fewer restaurants and less vibrant nightlife.
**Lekki Phase 1** – ₦8M-15M/year. Most expats choose this. International schools (The Leap School, Grange, Lagos Prep), LENNOX Mall, restaurants, and good security. 15-30 min to VI off-peak, but 45-90 min during rush hour. Visit our restaurant guide for suya spots like Norma Lagos and Glover Court.
**Lekki Phase 2** – ₦5M-10M/year. Newer, cheaper, growing. Better value but fewer schools and further from VI (30-45 min off-peak, 60-120 min peak). Good for remote workers and young professionals.
Find apartments on Airbnb (short-term), Jumia House, Property.ng, or Facebook groups like “Housing in Lagos.” Hire a local real estate agent (₦500k-1M fees) to verify properties.
Step 3: Budget for Your First Year
Quick Lekki Phase 1 budget:
- Rent: ₦700k-1.2M/month
- – Food & Dining: ₦150k-250k/month
- – Utilities & Generator: ₦80k-140k/month
- – Internet: ₦15k-30k/month
- – Transportation: ₦50k-100k/month
- – Healthcare: ₦30k-50k/month
- – Entertainment: ₦80k-150k/month
Total: ₦1.2M-1.8M monthly. Most expat packages include housing allowance, car, and healthcare. If you’re earning ₦3-4M monthly + benefits, you’re living comfortably in Lekki.
Step 4: Essential Setup
**Phone:** Buy an MTN, Airtel, or Glo SIM at the airport (you’ll need passport and address).
**Internet:** Get Smile Fibre (₦25k-35k/month) for home WiFi.
**Bank Account:** Open with Zenith, GTBank, or FirstBank (expat-friendly, English-speaking staff). You’ll need passport, CERPAC/STR visa, proof of address, and employer letter.
**Transportation:** Use Uber/Bolt (₦500-2k per trip) or get a company car. If buying, budget ₦2-8M for used car + ₦80k-200k/year insurance.
Step 5: Culture & Community
Lekki is safe for expats. Don’t carry large cash, avoid displaying expensive items, use trusted transport, and stay aware of surroundings. Join Facebook groups (“Expats in Lagos,” “Living in Lekki”), coworking spaces (The HUB, Co-Creation Hub), and expat meetups.
Final Thoughts
Your first month will be chaos. By month 3, you’ll have friends, favorite restaurants, and a rhythm. By month 6, you’ll wonder how you lived anywhere else. Preparation is key—use this guide, connect with other expats, and embrace the chaos. Lagos rewards those who adapt.
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