The cost of relocating from Nigeria to 21 popular destinations has decreased by between 2% and 19% over the past year, primarily driven by the naira’s recovery against major currencies rather than a reduction in overseas prices. According to the third-quarter edition of the State of Japa report, published by the free relocation decision tool Japa Calculator, the naira cost of every analyzed route fell compared to the same period a year ago.
The report attributes this decline to exchange rate fluctuations, noting that the dollar is now 8% lower against the naira at the Central Bank of Nigeria’s official rate compared to one year ago. Similarly, the pound is 8% lower and the euro is 11% lower. Consequently, a typical move to Canada is now estimated at approximately ₦22.1 million, down from ₦24.1 million in 2025. South Africa remains the most affordable option at about ₦2.8 million via its Critical Skills Visa, while Turkey recorded the steepest percentage drop at 19%.
Despite the general trend of falling costs, some specific visa fees have increased. Australia’s skilled and student visa charges rose by approximately 25% from July 1, 2026. The Skilled Independent (189) visa fee climbed from A$4,910 to A$6,135, and the standard student visa fee increased from A$2,000 to A$2,500. As a result, relocating to Australia through the Skilled Independent Visa now costs ₦15.2 million, representing only a 2% decrease from the previous year’s level of ₦15.4 million, the smallest fall on the list.
User interest in relocation destinations has also shifted significantly. Calculations on the Japa Calculator platform totaled 1,645 between July and September, an 18% increase from the previous quarter and 4,569 since the tool’s launch. Canada emerged as the most researched destination, accounting for 21% of all calculations, while the United States dropped from first place to fifth with 7%. Rwanda, Cape Verde, and Ireland entered the top 10, and Lagos accounted for 39% of all calculations. The most frequently entered professions were software engineer, nurse, student, and teacher.
Other specific cost breakdowns include the United States, where the H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa now costs ₦11.9 million, an 8% decrease from ₦12.9 million. Relocating to Malaysia through the EMGS-arranged Student Pass is estimated at ₦12.8 million, down 5% from ₦13.5 million. For Europe, the UK’s Skilled Worker Visa costs ₦15.4 million (down 8%), Cyprus’s Student Visa is ₦15.3 million (down 11%), France’s Campus France Student Visa is ₦20.2 million (down 11%), and Portugal’s D7 Passive Income Visa is ₦20.8 million (down 11%).
The report emphasizes that these figures represent calculations rather than actual moves, noting that a destination researched is not necessarily a destination chosen. The data utilizes the site’s exchange rate from October, with year-over-year comparisons based on the Central Bank’s official rates as of October 26. Additionally, 77% of this quarter’s calculations began with a Google search, a significant rise from 40% in the second quarter.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>