Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About National Identity Number (NIN)

Yes! Children from birth are eligible for NIN registration. Parents or guardians can enroll minors by presenting the child’s birth certificate along with their own NIN.

Yes. Once you have your NIN, you can submit it to your Nigerian mobile network provider to link your SIM card, even while abroad.

Without a NIN, you may be unable to:

• Renew your Nigerian passport

• Open or operate a bank account in Nigeria

• Register a SIM card

• Access government services

  It is now compulsory for all Nigerians.

You can check by dialing \*346# on a Nigerian SIM card (if available). If abroad, you can confirm through the NIN Registration Center Hamburg or by contacting NIMC.

Yes. If you change your name (e.g., after marriage), address, or other details, you can update your NIN record at the enrollment center. Supporting documents are required.

You can only register once. Duplicate registrations are not allowed. If you forget your NIN, you can retrieve it instead of re-registering.

If you lose your NIN slip, you can request a reprint at the NIN Registration Center Hamburg or through NIMC. Your number remains the same.

Yes. Once issued, your NIN is valid for life and does not expire.

No. Only Nigerians (by birth, naturalization, or legal residency) are eligible for a NIN. Foreign nationals without Nigerian citizenship cannot apply.

Appointments can be booked online through the NIN Registration Center Hamburg website or just call us. Walk-ins may not always be accepted, so scheduling in advance is recommended.

The National Identity Number (NIN) is an 11-digit unique number issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) of Nigeria.

It is used to verify the identity of Nigerian citizens and legal residents. Every Nigerian must have a NIN for official identification and access to government and private sector services.

The NIN is mandatory for accessing essential services such as:

• Obtaining a Nigerian passport

• Opening bank accounts

• SIM card registration

• Government welfare and benefits

• Educational applications

It serves as the primary digital identity for Nigerians worldwide.

Every Nigerian citizen, whether living in Nigeria or abroad, is required to enroll for a NIN. Legal residents of Nigeria are also eligible to register.

You can register for NIN at the NIN Enrollment Center Hamburg. This center is authorized to capture biometric data and process applications for Nigerians living in Germany.

The NIN registration itself is free in Nigeria, but at the NIN Registration Center Hamburg, administrative and biometric capture fees may apply to cover processing costs abroad.

After successful enrollment, it usually takes 2–6 weeks to receive your NIN slip via email or physical collection. Processing times may vary depending on verification.

You can pre-enroll online by filling out the NIMC Pre-Enrollment Form, but biometric capture must be completed in person at the NIN Enrollment Center Hamburg.

Yes! Your NIN is recognized globally as proof of Nigerian identity. It is required at Nigerian embassies, immigration offices, and for accessing consular services abroad.

The required documents include:

• A valid Nigerian passport (mandatory)

• Birth certificate or declaration of age

• Proof of residence in Germany (Meldebescheinigun

• Any supporting identification documents

No! The NIN and BVN are different. The NIN is a national identity number, while the BVN is linked to your banking records. However, both may be connected for identity verification.