Many Nigerians come to Spain for a master’s degree, with a skilled professional profile or to join family already living there. Nigeria does not apply the Apostille Convention, so legalising documents is the step that takes the longest. Here are the usual routes and how to prepare Nigerian paperwork.
Key facts
- Entry: Nigerian passport holders need a visa even for short Schengen stays. To live in Spain you need a national residence visa for a specific purpose.
- Citizenship: the general requirement is 10 years of legal, continuous residence. At the oath you must declare that you renounce Nigerian nationality (art. 24 of the Civil Code); its effect in Nigeria depends on Nigerian law. The CCSE and DELE A2 tests are required.
- Documents: Nigeria is not party to the Hague Convention: documents must be legalised, first by the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then by the Consulate General of Spain in Lagos. English-language documents need a sworn translation.
- Driving: there is no exchange agreement. Once resident you can drive for six months on your Nigerian licence; after that you must take the Spanish theory and practical tests.
- Social security: there is no social security agreement between Spain and Nigeria.
How people usually move
- Studies. A degree, master’s, PhD or vocational course with a study authorisation, which allows work up to 30 hours a week. You need admission, sufficient funds and health insurance. Time as a student does not count towards citizenship. Study permit
- Skilled work. With an offer from a Spanish company you can apply for the highly qualified professional permit or the EU Blue Card, processed by the Large Companies Unit (UGE). For other jobs, the employer applies for an employee work permit. Highly qualified professional
- Remote work. The digital nomad visa suits people working remotely for companies or clients outside Spain, with a relationship of at least three months. Digital nomad
- Family reunification. A relative legally resident in Spain can bring a spouse, children and, under conditions, parents after at least one year of residence with renewal obtained or applied for. Family reunification
- Family of a Spanish or EU citizen. Marriage or registered partnership with a Spanish or EU citizen, or dependent children and parents. Family member of a Spanish or EU citizen
Documents and apostille
- Criminal record: the Police Character Certificate issued by the Nigeria Police Force (Force Criminal Investigation Department). It usually has to be recent; it must then be legalised and translated.
- Birth and marriage certificates: the consulate asks for the birth certificate with the National Population Commission (NPC) attestation letter. If no birth certificate exists, a sworn declaration of age is accepted.
- Legalisation: each document goes through the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then the Consulate General of Spain in Lagos. Without both legalisations the document is not valid in Spain.
- Sworn translation into Spanish of every English document, by an authorised sworn translator, after legalisation.
- Academic degrees and transcripts, legalised, if you will study, seek recognition or apply for a skilled visa. Documents and legalisation
What to keep in mind
- The Consulate General of Spain in Lagos has consular jurisdiction over all of Nigeria (and Benin); the Embassy in Abuja handles diplomatic relations. Appointments and payments are managed through BLS International: check its website for the current procedure for your visa type.
- Allow plenty of time: double legalisation, translation and the appointment can take weeks. Apply for a study visa as soon as you have your admission letter.
- Common mistakes: documents without the Spanish consulate’s legalisation, birth certificates without NPC verification and expired criminal records.
- In Spain: register at the town hall (padrón) and, if you came with a residence visa, apply for your TIE within the first month.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apostille my Nigerian documents?
No. Nigeria does not apply the Hague Convention, so instead of an apostille you need legalisation by the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs followed by the Consulate General of Spain in Lagos. A sworn translation into Spanish comes after that.
Can I work in Spain on a study visa?
Yes. With a study authorisation for higher education or vocational training you can work up to 30 hours a week, provided it is compatible with your studies. When you finish, you may switch to a work or job-search permit if you meet the requirements.
Is my Nigerian driving licence valid in Spain?
Only for the first six months after you become resident. Spain has no exchange agreement with Nigeria, so after that you must pass the DGT theory and practical tests.