How to Get a NIN from Abroad
Nigerians living outside Nigeria can enrol for a National Identification Number through NIMC's licensed diaspora partners. How it works, what to bring, and why it matters for investing.
You can enrol for a National Identification Number (NIN) without travelling to Nigeria. The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) licenses private partners in other countries to take diaspora enrolments, including biometrics, on its behalf. You book with a licensed partner, attend an appointment with your documents, and your NIN is issued once your details are verified.
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Why a NIN Matters If You Invest in Nigeria
Nigerian banks, brokers and investment platforms verify your identity against national records. A NIN is one of the documents that proves you are a Nigerian national. At Shares Saver, a Nigerian passport or a NIN is accepted, alongside a full BVN, a Nigerian bank account and proof of address. If your Nigerian passport has expired, a NIN can save you a passport renewal.
Check First Whether You Already Have One
Many Nigerians abroad enrolled for a NIN years ago, or had one linked to a phone line, and have forgotten. If your Nigerian SIM is still active, dialling *346# from it retrieves your NIN. The NIMC mobile app also shows your NIN once you have linked it.
How Diaspora NIN Enrolment Works
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- Find a licensed NIMC diaspora partner in your country. NIMC publishes the approved partners on its website, nimc.gov.ng. Only use a partner on that list.
- Pre-register and book an appointment with the partner, and pay its enrolment fee. Fees vary by partner and country, so confirm the fee before you pay.
- Attend the appointment with your documents. Your fingerprints, photograph and signature are captured there.
- Your details are sent to NIMC and checked. Once they are verified, your NIN is issued, and the partner tells you how you will receive your NIN slip.
Only an enrolment through a NIMC-licensed partner produces a valid NIN. Check the partner against NIMC's own list before you pay anyone.
What to Bring
Partners set out their exact list, but it usually includes proof that you are Nigerian and proof of where you live now:
- Your Nigerian passport (an expired one is often accepted as proof of nationality), or your birth certificate.
- A supporting document if you have one, such as a Nigerian driver's licence or voter's card.
- Proof of your address abroad, such as a recent utility bill, bank statement or residence permit.
Enrolling on a Visit Home
If you are travelling to Nigeria anyway, you can enrol at a NIMC enrolment centre or a licensed enrolment point there. If you do not yet have a full BVN, a visit home is also the time to enrol for one at a Nigerian bank: a Non-Resident BVN cannot be used to buy shares in your own name for now.
Why a full BVN is needed to buy shares, and how to find the one you may already have.
Can I Use a Non-Resident BVN?Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a NIN online without an appointment?
No. A NIN needs your fingerprints and photograph, so enrolment is always in person, either with a licensed diaspora partner or in Nigeria.
Do I need both a NIN and a Nigerian passport to invest?
Not at Shares Saver: either one is accepted, together with a full BVN, a Nigerian bank account and proof of address.
Can my children get a NIN abroad?
Yes. Licensed diaspora partners also enrol children, usually with a birth certificate and a parent's NIN or passport. Check the partner's list of documents.
Important disclaimer. This article is for general information and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice, investment advice, or any recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security. NIMC's requirements and its list of licensed partners can change; check nimc.gov.ng before you book. Shares Saver does not provide financial advice.
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