How to open a domiciliary account in Nigeria (at home or abroad)
What you need, how the BVN and the new Non-Resident BVN work, and the CBN rules on deposits and withdrawals.
Quick answer
A domiciliary account is a foreign currency account, usually in dollars, pounds or euros, held at a Nigerian bank. In Nigeria, you open one at a branch or through your bank's app with a valid ID, your Bank Verification Number (BVN), proof of address and a passport photo. If you live abroad without a BVN, you can now get a Non-Resident BVN online in about 72 hours after approval.
At a glance
| What it is | A bank account in a foreign currency (commonly USD, GBP or EUR) at a Nigerian bank |
|---|---|
| Key requirement | A Bank Verification Number (BVN), mandatory for every Nigerian bank account |
| If you live abroad | Get a Non-Resident BVN online at nrbvn.com, run by NIBSS for the CBN; issued within 72 hours once approved |
| Documents | Valid ID, BVN, proof of address from the last three months, passport photograph(s), account opening form |
| Opening deposit | Set by each bank; ask before you apply |
| Withdrawals | CBN allows cash withdrawals up to $10,000 a day (or equivalent) from ordinary domiciliary accounts |
A domiciliary account lets you hold dollars, pounds or euros at a Nigerian bank. It is useful if you are paid in foreign currency, receive money from family abroad, pay school fees or suppliers overseas, or simply want part of your savings outside the naira. For Nigerians abroad, it is often the easiest way to keep money at home without converting it straight away.
Opening one has become easier. You still need a Bank Verification Number, but Nigerians abroad no longer have to fly home to get one.
Before you start: requirements checklist
- A valid government ID: international passport, driver's licence or national ID card.
- Your BVN: the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) requires one for every bank account. If you live abroad and have never had one, you need a Non-Resident BVN (NRBVN).
- Proof of address from the last three months: a utility bill (such as an electricity or water bill), a bank statement, a letter from your employer, or a tenancy agreement.
- One or two recent passport photographs.
- The bank's account opening form.
- References, at some banks: completed reference forms from existing customers. Ask first.
- The opening deposit, if your bank sets one.
For applicants abroad: what the NRBVN needs
According to NIBSS, the Non-Resident BVN is open to Nigerian citizens abroad who do not have a BVN, people of Nigerian descent (with proof of a parent's citizenship) and, after pre-registration, non-Nigerian directors of Nigerian companies. You will need:
- A valid passport or national ID card
- Proof of where you live abroad, such as a utility bill or lease
- Employment verification, such as a work ID or letter
- Bank statements or tax returns, which are optional
The application includes a live selfie check and anti-money-laundering and sanctions screening. NIBSS says the NRBVN is issued within 72 hours once your application is approved.
Step by step
Get your BVN (or Non-Resident BVN)
In Nigeria, enrol for a BVN at any bank branch with valid ID. Your fingerprints and photo are taken, and the CBN says you receive your BVN by SMS within 24 hours. If you live abroad, apply for a Non-Resident BVN at nrbvn.com instead: upload your documents, complete a live selfie check, and receive the number within 72 hours of approval.
Choose a bank and currency
Compare banks on the currencies they offer, the opening deposit, card options, transfer charges, and whether you can open the account in their app. Many people open a dollar account. Pick the currency you will actually receive or spend.
Prepare your documents
Have a valid government ID (international passport, driver's licence or national ID card), your BVN, a utility bill or other proof of address from the last three months, and one or two recent passport photos. Some banks ask for references from existing customers, so check first.
Fill in the account opening form
Complete the bank's domiciliary account form, in the app, online or at a branch. Make sure your name matches your BVN record exactly. A mismatch is one of the most common reasons applications are held up.
Make the opening deposit
Fund the account with the bank's minimum opening balance, if it has one, by transfer from abroad or cash at a branch. Banks set their own minimums, so confirm the amount before you pay.
Get your account details and test a transfer
Once the account is open, ask for the full details for receiving money from abroad: account number, SWIFT/BIC code and any correspondent bank details. Send a small test transfer before any large payment.
Costs and limits
| Item | What to expect | Source |
|---|---|---|
| BVN enrolment in Nigeria | At any bank branch; BVN by SMS within 24 hours | CBN |
| NRBVN from abroad | Online at nrbvn.com; fees shown during the application; issued within 72 hours of approval | NIBSS |
| Opening deposit | Set by each bank; confirm before applying | Your bank |
| Cash withdrawals | Up to $10,000 a day or equivalent (ordinary domiciliary accounts) | CBN, June 2023 |
| Cash deposits | Allowed, subject to the bank's due diligence | CBN, June 2023 |
| Transfers in and out | Bank and correspondent-bank charges vary; ask for the tariff | Your bank |
How long it takes
- Typical, in Nigeria with a BVN: the bank's checks start once your documents are accepted. Ask your bank how long its checks take, because it varies from bank to bank.
- Typical, from abroad: up to 72 hours for the NRBVN after approval, then the bank's own account-opening checks.
- Worst case: your name does not match your BVN record, your proof of address is out of date, or the bank asks for references you do not have. Each one sends you back a step.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Name mismatches. The name on your form and ID must match your BVN record exactly. If you have changed your name, update your BVN record first.
- Old proof of address. Most banks want a document from the last three months. An old bill is the most common reason an application is sent back.
- Assuming you can always withdraw cash. The CBN allows up to $10,000 a day, but TechNext reported in 2026 that customers were often told branches had no foreign notes. If you will need cash, ask your branch in advance.
- Not getting the full receiving details. Money from abroad needs the account number, the bank's SWIFT/BIC code and sometimes a correspondent bank. Incomplete details lead to delayed or returned transfers.
- Sending large amounts without a test. Send a small amount first to confirm the details work.
Alternatives
- Non-resident accounts. NIBSS lists a Non-resident Ordinary Account and a Non-resident Investment Account, in USD, GBP and EUR, for Nigerians abroad. These may suit you better if you plan to invest.
- Keep money abroad and send as needed. If you only need naira occasionally, a licensed money transfer service may be simpler than holding a domiciliary account.
- Naira account only. If everything you pay is in naira, a domiciliary account may not be worth the extra charges.
Official links
- Central Bank of Nigeria: BVN
- NIBSS: Non-Resident BVN
- NRBVN application platform
- Central Bank of Nigeria: circulars on foreign exchange and domiciliary accounts
Frequently asked questions
Can I open a Nigerian domiciliary account from the UK or US?
Yes. First get a Non-Resident BVN at nrbvn.com, the platform NIBSS runs for the Central Bank of Nigeria. NIBSS says the NRBVN supports opening accounts, including domiciliary accounts in USD, GBP and EUR, without travelling home. Then apply through a bank that accepts NRBVN customers.
How much cash can I withdraw from a domiciliary account?
In June 2023, the CBN said ordinary domiciliary account holders should have unrestricted access to their funds, with cash withdrawals of up to $10,000 a day or its equivalent. Branches do not always have enough foreign notes, so ask your bank before you plan a large cash withdrawal.
Can I deposit foreign cash into my domiciliary account?
The CBN lifted its restriction on cash deposits into domiciliary accounts, subject to banks doing proper due diligence. Expect to be asked where the money came from, especially for large amounts.
Do I need a BVN even if I already have a naira account?
You use the same BVN across all your Nigerian bank accounts. If you already have one, give it to the new bank. You do not enrol again.
Is a domiciliary account the same as a diaspora account?
Not quite. Some banks and the NRBVN platform offer special non-resident accounts, such as a Non-resident Ordinary Account or Non-resident Investment Account. A standard domiciliary account can be held by residents too. Ask your bank which fits your plans.
Sources
- Central Bank of Nigeria: Bank Verification Number (BVN)
- NIBSS: Non-Resident BVN (NRBVN)
- NIBSS: CBN partners with NIBSS to launch NRBVN platform
- Premium Times: CBN lifts cash deposit restriction on domiciliary accounts, allows $10,000 daily withdrawals
- TechNext: Why domiciliary accounts are failing Nigerian savers in 2026
- GTBank: Non-Resident Bank Verification Number
Fees and rules change. We last checked these facts on 30 September 2026. Always confirm with the official office before you pay. This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.