How to Convert BVN to NRBVN

How to Convert BVN to NRBVN: A Step-by-Step for Nigerians Abroad. If you're a Nigerian living abroad, you've probably encountered roadblocks when it comes to financial access in Nigeria. Opening or operating a bank account without being physically present is a major challenge. That’s where the Naira Remittance Bank Verification Number (NRBVN) comes in.

The BVN, or Bank Verification Number, has long been a crucial component in the Nigerian banking system, acting as a unique identifier that links all your Nigerian bank accounts under a single biometric profile. However, traditional BVN was designed with Nigeria-based users in mind. For Nigerians living overseas, this can become a roadblock.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) introduced the NRBVN to bridge that gap — it’s an enhanced version of the BVN tailored to remittance and diaspora banking needs. If you’re wondering how to convert your BVN to NRBVN, or whether you need to register a new one altogether, this blog post walks you through every step.

In this deep-dive, we’ll break it all down:

What’s the difference between BVN and NRBVN?

Why should you convert your BVN to NRBVN?

Step-by-step guide on how to convert BVN to NRBVN

Common questions and troubleshooting

Additional tips for Nigerians abroad managing financial identity

What Is BVN?

The Bank Verification Number (BVN) is an initiative of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in collaboration with the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS). It was introduced in 2014 to combat financial fraud and streamline identity across banks.

Every Nigerian with a bank account must have a BVN. It’s an 11-digit number tied to your biometric data  fingerprints, facial photo, and personal details that links your identity across all banks in Nigeria. This means once you have a BVN, it follows you everywhere in the Nigerian banking ecosystem. But here’s the thing: BVN was built for residents in Nigeria.

This made things complicated for Nigerians abroad who still wanted to engage in banking back home — like sending remittances, saving in naira, or opening new accounts. BVN registration used to require physical presence, which excluded many in the diaspora.

What Is NRBVN?

The NRBVN (Non-Resident Bank Verification Number) is a new development by the CBN in partnership with NIBSS to cater specifically to Nigerians living overseas. It offers all the core features of the regular BVN — identity verification, biometric data, financial security — but it’s built to be accessible from abroad.

It allows Nigerians in the diaspora to register or convert their BVN into a version tailored for remittances, non-resident banking, and digital-only banking access.

NRBVN is:

Registered via international enrollment partners

Made with remote onboarding in mind

Focused on enabling diaspora remittance and financial inclusion

Linked to international remittance platforms

Usable with digital banks like VFD, Kuda, and Eyowo

So if you're abroad and already have a BVN, the smart move is to convert it to an NRBVN, giving you broader access without needing to fly back home.

Who Needs to Convert to NRBVN?

Before jumping into the process, ask yourself:

Are you a Nigerian living permanently or temporarily overseas?

Do you want to maintain banking ties in Nigeria while abroad?

Do you use remittance platforms (like Sendwave, Wise, or Remitly) to send money to Nigeria?

Do you need to open a Nigerian bank account while living overseas?

Are you interested in saving or investing in Nigeria?

If you answered “yes” to any of these, converting your BVN to NRBVN is not only smart — it’s essential.

Benefits of Converting BVN to NRBVN

Remote Account Opening: NRBVN allows you to open digital bank accounts from outside Nigeria.

Enhanced Remittance Access: It enables more seamless, verified transfers and remittances.

Reduced Fraud Risk: NRBVN gives you secure identity verification that works abroad.

No Need to Return Home: Everything can be done remotely through approved international agents.

Recognized by CBN and Banks: It is fully supported by the Central Bank of Nigeria and recognized by all CBN-licensed institutions.

Better Access to Financial Products: Loans, investments, and even naira savings accounts are now accessible from abroad.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Convert BVN to NRBVN

Let’s walk through the full process from start to finish. You don’t need to travel back to Nigeria. The process is entirely digital — if you follow the right steps.

Step 1: Confirm Your BVN Status

Before converting your BVN, check:

Is your current BVN valid?

Is it linked to your correct date of birth, name, and phone number?

Do you have access to the email or number registered with it?

To check your BVN details:

Dial 5650# on a Nigerian line (if you have roaming)

Or contact your Nigerian bank for a BVN confirmation letter

Step 2: Find an Authorized Enrollment Agent Abroad

The CBN partners with agents and biometric service providers outside Nigeria to help with NRBVN enrollment and conversion.

These agents are usually found in cities with large Nigerian populations: London, New York, Toronto, Berlin, Johannesburg, and others.

Some examples include:

OIS Services (Online Integrated Solutions)

Innovate1 Services

VFS Global

Nigeria High Commission-affiliated centers

Use their websites to:

Book an appointment

Get a list of accepted documents

Understand pricing and turnaround times

Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents

You’ll need:

International Passport (mandatory)

Proof of Address abroad (utility bill, tenancy agreement, etc.)

Any old Nigerian ID (NIN, Voter’s Card, Driver’s License) if available

Existing BVN number (required for conversion)

Some agents may take fingerprints and facial photos again. Others just verify existing data.

Step 4: Book a Biometric Verification Appointment

Most agents require you to book a time slot online for verification.

During your appointment:

Bring all original documents

A biometric officer will take your fingerprints and photo

You'll complete a short form to confirm your consent

If you already have a BVN, they will initiate the conversion process to tag your profile as a non-resident.

Fees vary between $30 and $50 depending on the location.

Step 5: Receive Confirmation from NIBSS

Once the process is complete, your BVN status will change to NRBVN on the NIBSS central database.

Some users receive a confirmation email.

To check manually:

Visit https://bvnvalidationportal.nibss-plc.com.ng/bvn-validation-portal/

Input your BVN and date of birth

You should see a profile with a tag or comment like “Non-resident NRBVN”

Step 6: Use Your NRBVN with Digital Banks or Remittance Platforms

Now that your BVN has been converted, you can:

Open new digital Nigerian bank accounts remotely

Receive money in naira via NRBVN-linked channels

Enjoy improved security for transfers and ID verification

Digital banks like VFD Microfinance Bank, Eyowo, and Kuda allow remote onboarding with NRBVN.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have both BVN and NRBVN?

No. The NRBVN is not a separate number — it's just a status tag on your existing BVN indicating you are a non-resident.

Is the process reversible?

Yes, if you move back to Nigeria, you can update your BVN status to resident. You’d need to visit a local bank.

Do I need a Nigerian phone number to use NRBVN?

Not necessarily. While some platforms prefer a Nigerian number, most modern banks accept international numbers if your email is verified.

Does NRBVN affect my Nigerian credit score?

Not directly, but any activity tied to your BVN, whether resident or non-resident, may be reported to the Nigerian Credit Bureau.

Common Issues and Fixes

Problem: Biometric mismatch

This happens when your new fingerprints don’t match your old ones. Solution: provide additional ID and possibly re-register.

Problem: BVN not found

Check if you mistyped the number or if your BVN has expired or was not linked correctly. Contact your bank to fix it.

Problem: No confirmation after 2 weeks

Contact the enrollment agent and ask for status. Also try validating the BVN online.

Tips for Managing Nigerian Banking from Abroad

Use NRBVN-enabled banks like Eyowo or Rubies to simplify access

Keep a valid international passport — it’s the most accepted ID

Monitor your BVN activity using the NIBSS portal regularly

Use international-friendly platforms like Flutterwave for remittances

Consider dual wallets (e.g., naira + foreign currency) for exchange flexibility

Conclusion

Converting your BVN to NRBVN is a smart, strategic move for any Nigerian abroad. It not only simplifies access to financial services in Nigeria but also future-proofs your banking identity in a way that keeps you connected, protected, and empowered.

The process is now smoother than ever thanks to digital tools and international enrollment partners. If you follow the steps outlined here, you’ll be able to complete your NRBVN conversion in a matter of weeks — all from wherever you are in the world.

Don’t let distance limit your financial future. Whether you're sending money home, planning to invest in Nigeria, or just want to stay financially active, NRBVN is your ticket in.

Have you completed your NRBVN conversion? Share your experience in the comments below or tag us on social media!