As the japa movement continues to gain more momentum in 2026, thousands of Nigerians are researching the cost of relocating abroad from Nigeria before packing their bags.
Many applicants are researching the cost of relocating abroad from Nigeria to ensure a smooth landing and avoid unexpected financial stress.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass presents a comprehensive guide in this report on the cost of relocating abroad from Nigeria, based on the latest 2026 figures.
Relocating to the United Kingdom from Nigeria in 2026
The UK remains one of the top japa destinations for Nigerians, but it is also one of the most expensive. In 2026, the cost of relocating to the UK from Nigeria: typically ranges between ₦4,500,000 and ₦18,000,000 ($3,300–$13,200), depending on the visa route, whether you are moving alone or with dependants, and the city you choose.
London’s sky-high rents and the mandatory Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) push costs upward, yet targeted routes like the Health and Care Worker visa can slash expenses dramatically.
A standard single-adult breakdown starts with the Skilled Worker visa application fee at ₦1,438,878 (about $1,069). You must also show proof of funds—usually ₦2,337,264 ($1,737) in accessible savings—plus the hefty IHS of ₦5,720,820 ($4,251) for three years. Add an English language test (IELTS or equivalent) at ₦297,636 ($221), credential evaluation via WES or ECA for ₦127,819 ($95), and a one-way flight from Lagos around ₦740,242 ($550).
Finally, budget for the first three months’ rent and deposits, which average ₦5,439,618 ($4,042) outside London and far more inside the capital. These figures bring the estimated total for a typical Skilled Worker route to roughly ₦16,102,277 ($11,965) before any family members join.
Several visa pathways offer different price tags and timelines. The Health and Care Worker visa stands out as the most budget-friendly option for eligible Nigerian nurses, doctors, midwives, and paramedics. The visa fee drops to ₦569,708 ($423), proof of funds stays the same, but you enjoy full exemption from the IHS (a saving of over ₦5.7 million). Language and credential costs remain, yet the minimum salary threshold is only £25,000—significantly lower than the general £41,700 requirement introduced in July 2025. Processing takes about three weeks standard or faster with priority. Note the major 2025 policy shift: overseas recruitment for care workers under SOC codes 6135/6136 ended, so only registered healthcare professionals qualify now. Nigerian nurses must pass the CBT in Nigeria and complete the OSCE practical exam within 12 weeks of arrival.
The Student Visa Plus Graduate Route appeals to younger Nigerians. The visa fee is ₦980,555 ($729), but proof of funds jumps sharply—up to ₦24,190,688 ($17,974) for nine months in London.
Health surcharge adds ₦1,429,749 ($1,062). After graduation, you receive two years of unrestricted work rights (three years for PhD holders), though this shortens to 18 months for new starters from January 2027. Tuition for international students ranges from £12,000 to £38,000 per year. Popular student cities include London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Birmingham. Savvy applicants target Commonwealth or Chevening scholarships, which can wipe out 50–100 % of tuition fees.
For high-achieving professionals in tech, science, arts, or engineering, the Global Talent visa removes the job-offer barrier entirely. The visa fee sits at ₦1,347,579 ($1,001) with no proof-of-funds requirement, but the IHS reaches ₦9,537,135 ($7,086) for three years. Endorsement from bodies such as the Royal Society or Tech Nation (now handled directly via GOV.UK) takes 5–8 weeks, followed by three weeks for visa processing. AI and cybersecurity specialists often receive fast-tracked endorsements.
Relocating to Canada from Nigeria in 2026
Canada continues to attract Nigerians seeking permanent residency and a quality of life. For Canada, one-way flights from Lagos or Abuja to major hubs like Toronto or Vancouver average ₦1,500,000 to ₦3,000,000 per ticket. Booking two to three months ahead secures the best rates. Visa and immigration fees form the next big chunk. A Permanent Residence application via Express Entry costs over ₦2.3 million per adult, with child fees around ₦265,730 each and biometrics at ₦260,000 for families. Medical exams add ₦41,400–₦50,000 per person, police clearance ₦50,000–₦80,000 per adult, IELTS language tests ₦200,000–₦277,000, and Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) ₦259,316–₦338,238.
Courier and application-centre charges bring the total visa-related spend to roughly ₦3.3–₦3.6 million for a single applicant or small family. Shipping personal belongings depends on volume. A 20-foot sea container runs ₦800,000–₦1.2 million and takes 4–8 weeks, while extra airline luggage costs ₦100,000–₦200,000. Once you land, expect temporary housing for the first two weeks at ₦500,000–₦700,000, followed by first-month rent for a 2–3 bedroom apartment between ₦2–₦3 million. Utilities and initial groceries add another ₦270,000–₦420,000. Overall, prudent planners budget ₦8–₦15 million for the full move, including a buffer for the first three months of settlement.
Relocating to the United States in 2026
For the United States total relocation expenses typically fall between ₦9 million and ₦35 million ($7,000–$25,000+), depending on visa type, city, and whether you ship belongings or travel light.
Nonimmigrant visas such as the F-1 student visa carry a base fee of $185 (approximately ₦269,000), while petition-based work visas like H-1B or employment-based immigrant visas range from $205 to $345 (₦280,000–₦470,000). The popular Diversity Visa (DV) lottery is free to enter but costs about $330 (₦450,000) if selected. Flights from Lagos to New York, Houston, or Atlanta average ₦900,000–₦1,500,000 one-way in 2026, with deals dipping as low as ₦830,000 if booked early.
Proof of funds varies sharply: F-1 students must demonstrate full tuition plus living expenses which is about $20,000–$50,000+ per year depending on the university, while work visa applicants need employer sponsorship and evidence that they can support themselves. Medical examinations cost $200–$300 (₦270,000–₦410,000), police clearance via POSSAP runs ₦50,000–₦80,000, and credential evaluations (WES) add similar fees to the UK route. Health insurance is mandatory and typically starts at $500 per month until employer coverage kicks in. Shipping follows patterns similar to Canada: sea freight for a container lands around ₦800,000–₦1.2 million.
Initial accommodation is the biggest variable. Houston, home to America’s largest Nigerian community, offers 1-bedroom rents near ₦1.66 million monthly with a lower cost-of-living index. Atlanta and Dallas hover around ₦2.1–₦2.3 million, while New York City can exceed ₦4.9 million. Budget ₦4–₦8 million for the first three months’ rent, deposits, utilities, and groceries across most cities. No equivalent to the UK’s IHS exists, but expect ongoing health insurance and potential SEVIS fees of $350 for students.
Popular pathways include the F-1 Student Visa leading to Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM extensions, the H-1B lottery for specialty occupations (premium processing adds thousands of dollars for faster adjudication), and employment-based green cards (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3). Family sponsorship or the DV lottery also remains a realistic route for many Nigerians. Top cities for settlement are Houston (no state income tax, very large Nigerian community), Atlanta, Dallas, and New York.
