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IN THIS ISSUE

• How Diaspora Nigerians Can Get Non-resident BVN

DEEPTHINK

How Diaspora Nigerians Can Get Non-resident BVN

For years, as a Nigerian in diaspora, you needed a Bank Verification Number to open Nigerian bank accounts and access financial services, but getting a BVN required physical presence in Nigeria for biometric capture. This single barrier blocked millions from investing in real estate, opening businesses, buying government bonds, or even managing remittances efficiently.

However, on May 13, 2025, that barrier disappeared. The Central Bank of Nigeria, in collaboration with the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), launched the Non-Resident Bank Verification Number (NRBVN) platform – a digital solution enabling diaspora Nigerians to obtain BVNs remotely from anywhere in the world. Within 72 hours of application and for a $50 processing fee, you can now access the Nigerian financial system without setting foot in the country.

CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso described this as “a milestone in financial inclusion,” part of the apex bank’s strategy to reach $1 billion in monthly diaspora remittances ($12 billion annually). For diaspora Nigerians, it’s something more practical: the key unlocking investment opportunities you’ve read about but couldn’t access. 

In this article, we explain what the NRBVN is and how to get it.

What Is The NRBVN And Why It Matters

The Bank Verification Number, introduced by the CBN in 2014, is an 11-digit unique identifier linking you to the Nigerian banking system. Think of it as Nigeria’s financial identity number – similar to how Social Security numbers work in the US or National Insurance numbers function in the UK.

Every financial transaction in Nigeria requires BVN verification. Want to open a bank account? You need a BVN. Apply for a loan? BVN required. Register for the Diaspora Housing Scheme? BVN mandatory. Buy shares on the Nigerian Stock Exchange? BVN essential. The system was designed to reduce banking fraud, ensure accurate customer identification, and create a unified banking identity across all Nigerian financial institutions.

The problem was the biometric requirement. Getting a BVN meant visiting a Nigerian bank branch in person for fingerprint and facial capture. For diaspora living in London, New York, Dubai, or Toronto, this meant planning expensive trips to Nigeria solely for banking registration or missing out on Nigerian financial services entirely.

The NRBVN solves this by leveraging digital identity verification. Instead of physical biometrics, the system uses your international passport details and selfie verification. You complete the entire process online from anywhere in the world, receive your BVN within three business days, and can then access Nigerian banking services remotely.

How To Get Your Non-Resident BVN: Step-By-Step Process

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before starting your application, you need to assemble several important documents. You must have a valid Nigerian international passport that has not expired. You also need proof of residence abroad, which can be a utility bill, bank statement, or residence permit showing your current address. Make sure you have a valid email address that you check regularly. You’ll need a working phone number where you can receive SMS verification codes. Finally, prepare a credit or debit card for the $50 USD payment, which costs approximately ₦75,000-80,000 depending on the exchange rate.

There are some important things to note about these requirements. Your passport must be Nigerian-issued because foreign passports don’t qualify, even if you’re a Nigerian citizen. The proof of residence document must clearly show your name and current foreign address. Bank statements work well as they’re readily available and show both pieces of information.

Step 2: Access The NRBVN Portal

Visit the official NIBSS NRBVN registration portal at https://nrbvn.nibss-plc.com.ng. You should bookmark this URL or type it directly into your browser. Don’t click links from emails claiming to offer NRBVN services because scammers have created fake portals charging higher fees or stealing information.

The portal displays a simple interface with clear instructions. You’ll see fields for personal information, document uploads, and payment processing. The entire system is in English and designed for non-technical users.

Step 3: Complete The Online Application Form

Fill in your personal details accurately, matching exactly what appears on your international passport. Enter your full name as shown on your passport, including surname, first name, and middle name if applicable. Provide your date of birth in DD/MM/YYYY format. Include your passport number, phone number with country code (for example, +44 for the UK or +1 for the US and Canada), and email address. Enter your current residential address abroad and confirm your nationality as Nigerian.

It’s critical to double-check every entry before submission. Mismatches between your application and passport cause delays or rejections. If your passport shows “Adekunle” but you enter “Ade,” the application fails verification.

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

Take clear, legible photos or scans of your documents. For the passport bio-data page, photograph or scan the page containing your photo, name, passport number, and expiration date. Ensure all text is readable. The file should be under 5MB and in JPG, JPEG, or PNG format.

For proof of residence, upload your utility bill, bank statement, or residence permit. The document must be dated within the last three months and clearly show your name and foreign address.

You’ll also need to take a recent selfie following the portal’s instructions. Usually, this means holding your passport next to your face, ensuring both your face and passport photo are clearly visible. Good lighting is essential. Avoid sunglasses, hats, or anything obscuring your face.

Step 5: Pay The Processing Fee

The NRBVN costs $50 USD, payable via international credit or debit card using Visa or Mastercard. The portal accepts payment in dollars, and your card issuer will handle currency conversion if you’re using a card in pounds, euros, or another currency.

After payment, you’ll receive an email confirmation with your application reference number. Save this email because you’ll need the reference number to track your application status.

Step 6: Wait For Processing And Approval

NIBSS typically processes NRBVN applications within 72 hours, which is three business days. You’ll receive email updates at each stage of the process. First, you’ll get confirmation that your application was received and is under review. Then you’ll hear that your documents were verified. Next comes a notification that your BVN was generated and approved. Finally, you’ll receive your BVN delivery via email.

Your BVN arrives as an 11-digit number via email. There’s no physical card because the number itself is what you need for all Nigerian banking transactions.

Action Steps

With your BVN in your email, your next step is to get started on opportunities to invest in Nigeria. We can help you with that. Book a consultation call with Mr Ted Iwere today!

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