Expanding into Nigeria’s dynamic economy presents tremendous opportunities for foreign investors. Success, however, depends on expert legal guidance, strategic planning, and strict regulatory compliance. Shekinah delivers comprehensive legal services for foreign direct investment (FDI), international business growth, and cross-border commercial transactions, guaranteeing smooth market entry and sustainable long-term operations.
Our Foreign Investment & Business Set-Up Practice is dedicated to supporting international clients, diaspora entrepreneurs, and multinational corporations in confidently navigating Nigeria’s investment environment. From company registration and regulatory compliance to tax optimization and profit repatriation, Shekinah provides strategic legal solutions tailored to your business objectives and aligned with Nigeria’s regulatory framework.
With extensive expertise in corporate, immigration, investment, and tax laws in Nigeria, our team is dedicated to helping you create a legally compliant and commercially successful business presence.
Our Service Offerings:
1. Business Formation & Structuring for Foreign Investors
- Incorporation of foreign-owned companies under Nigerian law
- Advisory on company structure (wholly foreign-owned, joint ventures, subsidiaries)
- Guidance on shareholding arrangements and shareholder agreements
- Drafting of constitutional documents and regulatory filings with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)
2. Regulatory Approvals & Licenses
- Business permit and expatriate quota applications with the Ministry of Interior
- NIPC (Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission) registration and investment certificates
- Approvals from NAFDAC, NOTAP, SON, and other sector-specific regulators
- Legal representation before government agencies and compliance support
3. Immigration & Expatriate Advisory
- CERPAC (Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Alien Card) procurement
- Work and residency permits for foreign directors and employees
- Advisory on employee relocation, immigration compliance, and timelines
- Visa support services and liaison with Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS)
4. Tax & Repatriation Advisory
- FIRS and state tax registration and advisory on tax obligations
- Structuring for tax efficiency, VAT, withholding tax, and capital gains tax
- Guidance on remittance of dividends and repatriation of capital and profits
- Support with double taxation treaties and tax compliance advisory
5. Foreign Exchange & Capital Importation Compliance
- Legal support in obtaining Certificates of Capital Importation (CCI)
- Advisory on FX controls, repatriation of investment returns, and CBN guidelines
- Assistance with foreign loan registration and interest remittance compliance
- Coordination with commercial banks and the Central Bank of Nigeria
6. Legal Due Diligence & Risk Assessment
- Due diligence on local partners, vendors, and acquisition targets
- Identification of legal risks and regulatory red flags
- Legal feasibility studies for market entry and investment
- Tailored legal opinions on foreign investment frameworks in Nigeria
7. Commercial Contracts & Investment Agreements
- Drafting and negotiation of joint venture agreements, MOUs, and PPP frameworks
- Review of distribution, licensing, agency, and franchise agreements
- Investment protection strategies and exit mechanism structuring
- Representation in negotiations and dispute management
8. Ongoing Legal Advisory & Local Counsel Services
- Retainer-based legal services for foreign companies with Nigerian operations
- Compliance monitoring, corporate governance, and statutory filings
- Legal representation in regulatory audits and inspections
- Continuous legal guidance for operational and strategic matters
Shekinah is your trusted Nigerian legal partner for establishing, managing, and expanding your foreign business interests. Whether you are setting up a new subsidiary, entering a joint venture, or acquiring an existing company, we ensure that your business is compliant, protected, and poised for success.
We simplify doing business in Nigeria for foreign investors by delivering expert legal, strategic, and efficient solutions.
Partner with us to establish your business correctly from the very beginning.