Diaspora Banking

Frequently Asked Questions

1) What is FirstDiaspora ?
FirstDiaspora is an offering from first bank which is specially designed for Nigerians living abroad by providing them a platform to have easy access to wide range of products and services that will take care of their banking needs.

2) Who is eligible to open a diaspora account?
Any Nigerian living abroad as long as you have proof that you are a Nigerian.

3) What Type of products and services are available in FirstDiaspora?

4) What documents are required to open a first diaspora account?

5) What is BVN and how do I get enrolled?
BVN is acronym for Bank Verification Number. It is a unique identification number that all Nigerian account holders and intending ones, irrespective of your bank, must enroll for as stipulated by CBN. Your unique features such as picture, finger prints, Valid ID card and important details of the customer will be taken during registration so the customer needs to be physically present.
To enroll for the Bank Verification Number (BVN) exercise, kindly visit http://www.nibss-plc.com.ng/bvn/enrollment_centers.html for details of enrolment centers in Diaspora, you can also visit Nigeria to enroll. Also be informed that potential First Diaspora customers can open account without BVN pending when it is provided to allow the customer operate the account fully. BVN is only done once.

6) I have an existing account before I moved abroad; can I still operate the same account abroad to enjoy this service?
Yes, you can operate the same account from abroad but you will have to convert the account to a FirstDiaspora account and update your current foreign details by filling the necessary forms and provide the notarized Valid ID card and Proof of address as stated above in option 4.

7) How do I send all the necessary documents for my request to be treated after filling?

Scanned copies are to be sent via email to diasporabanking@firstbanknigeria.com while the hard copies are to be sent to our Diaspora Dept, First bank head office, No 35,marina, Lagos island.

8) How can I access my account abroad?

9) Can I open a First Diaspora account and set up the E-banking access to my new account when I visit Nigeria?
Yes, you can open any type of first diaspora account whenever you are in Nigeria but you must provide a copy of your foreign proof of address and valid ID. The first bank staff will attest the originals at the point of opening the account.
10) Can I open a FirstDiaspora corporate account from abroad?
Yes, you can open a diaspora corporate account conveniently. In addition to the above requirements, you will also provide all the registered documents given to you at the time of registering the company with CAC in Nigeria, TIN (tax identification number) and 2 valid references from a corporate account holder in any bank in Nigeria.
11) Can I visit any of your bank REP offices in my location if available for the submission of my documents?
Yes, you can visit any first bank rep offices if available in your location for the sighting and attestation of your documents and onward submission to the diaspora office in Lagos.

12) How can FirstDiaspora customers fund their accounts?

• Direct transfer from CBN recognized money transfer operators and/or from your foreign bank accounts to both naira and Dom account
• Direct cash or cheque lodgment to both accounts from any first bank branch in Nigeria by third party.
• Fund transfer from account holder or third party via any bank in Nigerian.

13) Is there any limit to the amount I can transfer to my account from abroad?
There is no limit to the amount of money you can transfer from abroad to any type of FirstDiaspora account you open.
14) Is there any limit to the amount I can transfer from my FirstDiaspora account via internet or mobile banking platform to beneficiaries in Nigeria?
Yes, First bank has a daily limit of 1M Naira per day on individual account and 10 M Naira per day on corporate account with the use of token device. However, you can increase the limit by filling an online limit increase indemnity form to the amount of your choice.
15) How can FirstDiaspora customer get the first bank internet banking service and email alerts?
Internet banking access and email alerts are profiled for new accounts by default while existing customers can fill out the required forms after the account has been migrated to the FirstDiaspora account. Your internet log in details (user ID and password) are confidential and sent directly to your registered email with the bank however you can reach us through First contact or via email in case of any delay.
16) Supposing I forget my password or have any issues trying to set up the internet banking, what do I do?
You can reach out to our 24 hour Firstcontact center, or send a mail to diasporabanking@firstbanknigeria.com for assistance.
17) How do I apply for my ATM card and Token device?
A FirstDiaspora customer can apply for visa card (for dollar account), master card (for naira account), prepaid cards and Token device by filling the ATM Card/ Token application form and sending a scanned copy to diaspora email.
18) How can a FirstDiaspora customer pick up the requested ATM card and token device?
Your ATM card and token will be dispatched to your registered address abroad at a cost. Also note that you can equally pick up the card and token when in Nigeria.
19) How can a Firstdiaspora customer get his or her ATM pin for the ATM card?<>
Depending on the type of card the customer wants, he can either get a third party ( with indemnity in place for third party activation) to activate the card on his behalf before dispatch or card and pin must be dispatched separately for security reasons.
20. Can I easily get a card or token replacement in case of damaged or lost token and how long?
Yes, you can easily get a replacement card or token by filling the necessary forms and paying the associated cost for such a replacement.

21. How can I contact diaspora banking?