Updated · NextMigrate Team
Best Countries for Nigerians to Migrate To: Visas, Jobs and Quality of Life
Imagine you are a nurse in Lagos. You finish a long shift and sit in traffic for two more hours. At home, the power is out again, so you buy generator fuel with money you meant to save. Your salary has not moved, but the naira buys less. Three colleagues have already left. One sends photos from Manchester. Another is in Calgary.
You want simple things. Pay that keeps up with prices. Light when you flip the switch. Teachers who are not on strike. So the question is not "should I japa?" It is "where, and how, without wasting years on the wrong route?"
The short answer: Canada is the best all-round choice for most Nigerians. The UK suits healthcare workers and postgraduate students. Australia pays the most over a career. Germany is best for IT and engineering. The UAE is the fastest way to earn and save, but offers no permanent residence. Figures are as of 2026, and rules change often, so confirm fees on the official site before you apply.
Where Nigerians already live
Moving is easier when people who sound like you are already there. These 2026 estimates include second-generation Nigerians with at least one Nigerian-born parent:
| Country | Nigerian-Born Population | Total Nigerian Diaspora (incl. 2nd gen) | Main Cities | Annual Remittances to Nigeria |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 420,000-500,000 | 1,000,000+ | Houston, New York, Atlanta, Dallas, DMV area | ~$4 billion |
| United Kingdom | 270,000-320,000 | 800,000-1,000,000 | London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow | ~$3.5 billion |
| Canada | 130,000-170,000 | 500,000+ | Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa | ~$1.2 billion |
| UAE (Dubai/Abu Dhabi) | 100,000-150,000 | 150,000-200,000 | Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah | ~$500 million |
| South Africa | 70,000-100,000 | 100,000-150,000 | Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria | ~$200 million |
| Australia | 35,000-55,000 | 80,000-120,000 | Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth | ~$300 million |
| Germany | 25,000-35,000 | 50,000-70,000 | Frankfurt, Hamburg, Berlin, Munich | ~$150 million |
| Ireland | 20,000-40,000 | 60,000-80,000 | Dublin, Cork, Galway | ~$200 million |
| Italy | 60,000-80,000 | 100,000+ | Brescia, Turin, Naples | ~$300 million |
| Ghana | 50,000-100,000 | 100,000+ | Accra, Tema, Kumasi | ~$100 million |
The total diaspora is estimated at 15-17 million people, the largest from any African country. Remittances to Nigeria are about $20-$22 billion a year, the most in Sub-Saharan Africa.
What it costs to send $200 home
You will almost certainly send money home. Fees vary by route:
| Corridor | Average Fee (% of $200) | Best Provider | Best Provider Fee | Transfer Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK to Nigeria | 4.2% ($8.40) | Wise | 1.5-2.0% ($3-$4) | Minutes to 1 business day |
| Canada to Nigeria | 5.8% ($11.60) | Wise | 1.8-2.5% ($3.60-$5) | 1-2 business days |
| Australia to Nigeria | 6.1% ($12.20) | Wise / WorldRemit | 2.5-3.5% ($5-$7) | 1-3 business days |
| Germany to Nigeria | 5.5% ($11.00) | Wise | 1.5-2.2% ($3-$4.40) | Minutes to 2 business days |
| UAE to Nigeria | 4.8% ($9.60) | LemFi | 1.0-2.0% ($2-$4) | Minutes to 1 business day |
| US to Nigeria | 4.5% ($9.00) | Wise | 1.2-1.8% ($2.40-$3.60) | Minutes to 1 business day |
Use digital providers (Wise, WorldRemit, LemFi, Remitly). Banks and agents charge 6-12%; digital ones charge 1-3.5%. On $500 a month, that gap is $180-$510 a year. That is a few months of your mother's medicine.
1. Canada: the best all-round option
Canada runs one of the most transparent systems in the world and wants healthcare, IT, engineering and trades workers. For the points mechanics, see our Canada Express Entry guide for applicants from developing countries.
How Express Entry works now. It ranks you on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), whatever your nationality. Think of a queue with one main lane and several express lanes. Since 2024, most people get through the express lanes, called category-based draws. In 2025, the vast majority of invitations went to healthcare, trades, STEM, transport, agriculture, education or French speakers. General draws in 2026 often need around 520+. Category draws sometimes select 380-480.
A 2026 change. Category draws now need 12 months of qualifying work experience, up from six. New 2026 categories include senior managers, researchers, transport, medical doctors and military recruits. Healthcare and social services stay.
Provincial nomination. A Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination adds 600 points. It works like a VIP pass and all but guarantees an Invitation to Apply (ITA). But PNP places were cut across 2025-2026, so streams open and close fast. Ontario, BC, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia are among the most active. The Atlantic Immigration Program and Rural Community Immigration Pilot are other options.
Community. Over 500,000 people of Nigerian descent live in Toronto (Brampton, Scarborough, Mississauga), Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg and beyond. Every major city has Nigerian churches, networks and shops selling garri, palm oil and ogbono. See our first-year settling-in guide for Canada.
Costs and PR. City rent is CAD 1,500-2,600 a month, plus CAD 600-900 for groceries and transport: CAD 2,600-4,200 in total for one person. PR can come 6 months after your ITA. Citizenship follows after 3 years of physical presence (1,095 days out of 5 years).
| Visa Route | Processing Time (from Abuja/Lagos) | Application Fee | Biometrics Fee | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Express Entry (FSW) | 6-8 months (after ITA) | CAD $1,590 (principal) | CAD $85 | ~CAD $1,675 |
| PNP | 12-18 months (varies by province) | CAD $1,590 + provincial fee (up to about $2,000) | CAD $85 | CAD $1,675-$3,675 |
| Study Permit | 8-16 weeks | CAD $150 | CAD $85 | CAD $235 + tuition |
| LMIA Work Permit | 10-16 weeks (after LMIA) | CAD $155 | CAD $85 | CAD $240 + LMIA cost |
| Atlantic Immigration Program | 6-12 months | CAD $1,590 | CAD $85 | ~CAD $1,675 |
PR fees are CAD $990 processing plus a CAD $600 right of permanent residence fee, as of October 2026. Check IRCC or our visa cost calculator before you pay.
Settlement funds are proof you can stand on your own feet at first: about CAD $15,300 for one person, CAD $19,000 for a couple, CAD $23,400 for a family of three (updated yearly). It must be money in the bank, held for at least 3 months, not property or investments. The Canadian Experience Class, and people with a valid job offer and work authorisation, are exempt.
2. United Kingdom: best for healthcare workers and postgraduate students
The UK is still a top choice for Nigerian nurses and doctors, but rules tightened in 2024-2025. The care worker visa closed to overseas applicants on 22 July 2025 (people already in the UK can still switch). The Health and Care Worker visa keeps lower fees and no health surcharge. See our UK Skilled Worker visa guide.
Community. The largest Nigerian-born population outside Africa: over 270,000 first-generation, 800,000+ with the second generation. Peckham, Woolwich, Barking, Tottenham, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow all have strong communities.
Pay. NHS Band 5 nurses earn around GBP 30,000-37,000. IT professionals earn GBP 38,000-70,000. Foundation-year doctors earn GBP 36,600-42,000, consultants GBP 105,000-140,000.
Rent. Outside central London (zone 3+): GBP 900-1,600 a month. Manchester and Leeds: GBP 700-1,100. Birmingham: GBP 600-1,000. One person outside London needs GBP 1,700-2,700 a month in total. Our Lagos vs London cost-of-living breakdown compares the two.
| Visa Route | Processing Time (Abuja/Lagos VFS) | Application Fee | IHS Surcharge (per year) | Total Cost (3-year visa) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker Visa | 3-8 weeks | ~GBP £769 | GBP £1,035/year | ~GBP £3,874 |
| Health & Care Worker Visa | 3-8 weeks | ~GBP £304 | Exempt | ~GBP £304 |
| Student Visa | 3-6 weeks | ~GBP £524 | GBP £776/year | GBP £524 + IHS |
| Graduate Route | 8-12 weeks (from within UK) | ~GBP £880 | GBP £1,035/year | ~GBP £2,985 (2 years) |
| Global Talent Visa | 3-8 weeks (endorsement) + 3-8 weeks (visa) | ~GBP £766 total | GBP £1,035/year | ~GBP £1,801 (1 year) |
Home Office fees are reviewed often and rose in 2025, so treat these as a guide.
The salary bar rose. From 22 July 2025, new Skilled Worker visas need GBP £41,700 a year (up from £38,700) or the job's going rate if higher, and around £17.13 an hour. New entrants and relevant PhD holders may qualify at roughly £33,400 and £37,500. Health and Care Worker visas use the going rate instead, so nurses and doctors are far less affected. The Graduate Route gives 18 months of post-study work (longer for PhDs). Global Talent needs no job offer.
3. Australia: best for long-term earnings
Australia pays some of the world's highest wages. Its points system is like Canada's, with higher salary floors and stricter English. See our Australia skilled migration guide for the 189 and 190 visas.
Pay. Nurses earn AUD 78,000-100,000, software engineers AUD 95,000-150,000, civil engineers AUD 85,000-125,000. The minimum wage is around AUD $24.95 an hour. Skilled migration runs through the Core Skills Occupation List and related lists, covering hundreds of jobs. Employer routes now use the Skills in Demand visa.
Life. Roughly 35,000-55,000 Nigerian-born people live mainly in Sydney (Auburn, Blacktown), Melbourne (Dandenong, Werribee) and Brisbane. Medicare, good public schools, low crime and a top-tier Human Development Index score. A Sydney or Melbourne one-bedroom costs AUD $2,200-$3,800 a month. Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane are cheaper.
| Visa Route | Processing Time | Application Fee | Skills Assessment | Total Upfront Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) | 6-12 months | AUD $6,135 (principal, from 1 July 2026) | AUD $400-$1,200 | AUD $6,535-$7,335 |
| Subclass 190 (State Nominated) | 6-9 months | AUD $6,140 | AUD $400-$1,200 | AUD $6,540-$7,340 |
| Subclass 491 (Regional) | 6-12 months | AUD $6,140 | AUD $400-$1,200 | AUD $6,540-$7,340 |
| Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) | 1-4 months | AUD $4,015 | AUD $400-$1,200 | AUD $4,415-$5,215 |
| Subclass 500 (Student) | 4-12 weeks | AUD $2,500 | N/A | AUD $2,500 + tuition |
The student fee rose sharply in 2025, so check Home Affairs. The 189 needs no employer. The 190 adds 5 points for state sponsorship. The 491 adds 15 points but you must live regionally. The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) gives PR through an employer.
A warning. Australia refuses Nigerians more often than average. Temporary visas need you to pass the Genuine Student or genuine temporary entrant test. Ties to Nigeria (property, family, business), a clear plan and enough funds help.
4. Germany: best for IT professionals and engineers
Germany rewrote its laws to attract non-EU skilled workers through the Skilled Immigration Act and the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte). See our Germany Job Seeker visa guide.
No points if you have a job. With a recognised qualification and a job offer, you apply directly. Only the Opportunity Card uses points. It lets you search for up to 12 months and work part-time meanwhile.
EU Blue Card. The 2026 bar is EUR 50,700 gross a year, or EUR 45,934.20 for shortage jobs, recent graduates (within three years) and qualifying IT specialists. Settlement can follow in 21 months with B1 German, or 27 months with A1.
Cheap study. Public universities charge no tuition, except Baden-Württemberg (around EUR 1,500 a semester for non-EU students). Semester fees are EUR 150-350. A German master's, then the 18-month post-study work permit, then a Blue Card is a well-used path. See countries with free university education.
Costs. Rent is EUR 550-950 a month in Berlin, Hamburg or Cologne, EUR 900-1,500 in Munich or Frankfurt. Groceries are EUR 250-400. The Deutschlandticket costs EUR 63 a month in 2026. Outside Munich, budget EUR 1,300-2,100. Roughly 25,000-35,000 Nigerians live mainly in Frankfurt, Hamburg and Berlin, with groups such as the Nigerian Community in Germany.
| Visa Route | Processing Time (Abuja/Lagos) | Application Fee | Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) | Total Upfront Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU Blue Card | 4-12 weeks (after job offer) | EUR 75 | Not required (you have a job) | EUR 75 + relocation |
| Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) | 8-14 weeks | EUR 75 | ~EUR 13,092 | ~EUR 13,167 |
| Student Visa | 6-12 weeks | EUR 75 | ~EUR 11,904 | ~EUR 11,979 + semester fees |
| Skilled Worker Visa | 6-12 weeks | EUR 75 | Not required (you have a job) | EUR 75 + relocation |
The blocked account works out at EUR 1,091 a month for the Opportunity Card and EUR 992 for students, reviewed yearly. The Opportunity Card replaced the old job seeker visa in June 2024.
The appointment problem. German visa slots in Lagos and Abuja vanish within minutes, like concert tickets. The wait can be 3-6 months, so book as soon as your documents are ready.
5. UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi): best for fast income
The UAE offers no permanent residence like Canada or Australia. Think of it as a well-paid contract job, not a new home. But to earn fast and save hard, it is very practical. Our UAE work visa process guide covers each step.
Tax-free pay. No personal income tax. The 9% corporate tax from 2023 does not touch salaries. A developer on AED 25,000 a month (AED 300,000 a year, about $81,700 USD) keeps it all.
Close to home. Lagos to Dubai is 6-7 hours direct on Emirates, flydubai or Air Peace, at $450-$1,000 return. Dubai alone has 100,000+ Nigerians, with churches and restaurants in Deira, International City and Dubai Marina.
Golden Visa. Since 2019, it gives 10-year, self-sponsored residence to investors (from AED 2 million), specialised talent (usually AED 30,000+ a month), outstanding students and entrepreneurs.
Rent. AED 3,500-6,000 a month for a studio or one-bed in International City, JVC or Dubai Silicon Oasis. AED 7,000-12,000 in Marina, JBR or Downtown. One person needs AED 7,000-13,000 a month ($1,900-$3,540 USD). Rents rose sharply in 2024-2025.
| Visa Route | Processing Time | Cost | Validity | Sponsor Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employment Visa | 2-4 weeks | AED 3,000-6,000 (employer-paid) | 2-3 years | Yes, employer |
| Golden Visa (talent) | 2-4 weeks | ~AED 2,850-4,000 (application + medical + ID) | 10 years | No, self-sponsored |
| Golden Visa (investor) | 2-4 weeks | ~AED 2,850-4,000 | 10 years | No, self-sponsored |
| Green Visa | 2-4 weeks | ~AED 2,850-4,000 | 5 years | No, self-sponsored |
| Freelancer Visa | 1-3 weeks | AED 7,500-20,000 (varies by free zone) | 1-3 years | Free zone sponsor |
| Visit Visa (entry) | 3-5 business days | AED 350-600 | 30-90 days | Hotel or local sponsor |
Freelancer visas run through free zones such as DMCC, Dubai Internet City and IFZA. For jobs, you cannot legally job-hunt on a visit visa. Apply from Nigeria, interview remotely, get an offer, let the employer start the visa, then fly.
All five side by side
| Factor | Canada | UK | Australia | Germany | UAE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Difficulty (for Nigerians) | Moderate (transparent points system) | Moderate-High (higher salary floor, care route restricted) | Moderate-High (strict genuine-entrant tests, skills assessment) | Moderate (degree recognition is key hurdle) | Low (employer handles everything) |
| PR/Citizenship Pathway | PR in 6-12 months (Express Entry); citizenship in 3 years | ILR after 5 years (a 10-year settlement model is under review); citizenship 1 year later | PR via 189/190 (6-18 months); citizenship in 4 years | Settlement permit in 21-33 months (Blue Card); citizenship in about 5 years | No PR; Golden Visa (10 yrs) is the closest equivalent; no citizenship path |
| Salary Range (mid-level skilled) | CAD $65,000-$110,000 (~$47K-$79K USD) | GBP £38,000-£70,000 (~$48K-$88K USD) | AUD $80,000-$130,000 (~$52K-$84K USD) | EUR €48,000-€78,000 (~$52K-$85K USD) | AED 180,000-360,000 (~$49K-$98K USD, tax-free) |
| Cost of Living (monthly, single) | CAD $2,600-$4,200 (~$1,900-$3,000 USD) | GBP £1,700-£2,700 (~$2,100-$3,400 USD) | AUD $2,500-$4,000 (~$1,600-$2,600 USD) | EUR €1,300-€2,100 (~$1,400-$2,300 USD) | AED 7,000-13,000 (~$1,900-$3,540 USD) |
| Healthcare | Universal (provincial plan) | Universal (NHS, free at point of use) | Universal (Medicare, some gaps) | Universal (statutory health insurance) | Employer-provided private insurance only |
| Education (children) | Free public school K-12 | Free public school | Free public school | Free public school + free university | Free public school (limited English options); international schools AED 30,000-90,000/year |
| Safety | High | Moderate-High | High | High | Very High |
| Nigerian Food Availability | Excellent (Toronto, Calgary) | Excellent (London, Manchester) | Good (Sydney, Melbourne) | Limited (Frankfurt, Hamburg) | Good (Dubai Deira area) |
| Flight to Lagos | 10-14 hours (usually 1 stop) | ~6.5 hours (direct) | 20+ hours (2 stops minimum) | 6-8 hours (usually 1 stop) | 6-7 hours (direct) |
Where Nigerians get hired in each country
These follow real hiring patterns, not just what is possible on paper.
Canada: healthcare, IT, finance, trades
| Industry | Common Roles for Nigerians | Entry Salary (CAD) | Demand Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | Nurses (RN, RPN), personal support workers, medical lab technicians, pharmacists | $58,000-$90,000 | Very High |
| IT/Tech | Software developers, data analysts, QA engineers, DevOps | $70,000-$125,000 | High |
| Finance/Accounting | Accountants (CPA pathway), financial analysts, auditors | $55,000-$85,000 | High |
| Engineering | Civil, mechanical, electrical engineers (P.Eng pathway) | $65,000-$105,000 | High |
| Skilled Trades | Electricians, plumbers, welders (Red Seal certification) | $58,000-$95,000 | Very High |
| Education | Teachers (requires provincial certification), professors | $52,000-$88,000 | Moderate |
| Oil & Gas (Alberta) | Petroleum engineers, geologists, project managers | $85,000-$160,000 | Moderate |
French (TEF B2+) adds up to 50-72 CRS points. With so many draws aimed at French speakers, it can be your biggest lever.
UK: healthcare first, then IT and finance
| Industry | Common Roles for Nigerians | Entry Salary (GBP) | Demand Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| NHS Nursing | Band 5-7 nurses (adult, mental health, paediatric) | £30,000-£46,000 | High |
| Social/Elderly Care | Care workers, care home managers | £24,000-£33,000 | Moderate (overseas recruitment restricted) |
| Medicine | Junior doctors, registrars, consultants | £36,600-£140,000 | Very High |
| IT/Tech | Software engineers, data engineers, product managers | £38,000-£85,000 | Moderate-High |
| Finance (City of London) | Accountants (ACCA/ICAS), analysts, compliance | £38,000-£75,000 | Moderate-High |
| Pharmacy | Pharmacists (GPhC registration required) | £38,000-£50,000 | High |
| Education | Teachers (QTS required), university lecturers | £31,000-£46,000 | Moderate |
Skipping the Immigration Health Surcharge saves health workers over £3,000 on a 3-year visa. Many NHS trusts still recruit nurses with NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) registration from Nigeria.
Australia: mining, healthcare, IT, construction
| Industry | Common Roles for Nigerians | Entry Salary (AUD) | Demand Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | Nurses, aged care workers, medical technologists | $75,000-$100,000 | Very High |
| IT/Tech | Software developers, cybersecurity, cloud engineers | $90,000-$150,000 | High |
| Mining/Resources | Geologists, mining engineers, FIFO workers | $110,000-$220,000 | High |
| Construction | Project managers, quantity surveyors, civil engineers | $85,000-$135,000 | High |
| Accounting/Finance | Accountants (CPA/CA pathway), auditors | $65,000-$95,000 | Moderate-High |
| Education | Teachers (state registration required) | $75,000-$105,000 | Moderate |
FIFO (fly-in, fly-out) mining jobs in Western Australia and Queensland pay AUD $110,000-$220,000 with housing. Oil and gas experience transfers well.
Germany: IT, engineering, healthcare (with German)
| Industry | Common Roles for Nigerians | Entry Salary (EUR) | Demand Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| IT/Software | Backend developers, data engineers, DevOps | €48,000-€78,000 | Very High |
| Engineering | Mechanical, electrical, automotive engineers | €45,000-€72,000 | Very High |
| Healthcare | Nurses (requires B2 German + recognition), doctors | €36,000-€68,000 | Very High |
| Research/Academia | PhD researchers, postdocs (funded positions) | €45,000-€58,000 | Moderate |
| Skilled Trades | Electricians, mechatronics, CNC operators (requires German) | €33,000-€48,000 | High |
IT teams in Berlin, Munich and Hamburg often work in English.
UAE: sales, IT, banking, oil and gas, business
| Industry | Common Roles for Nigerians | Entry Salary (AED/month) | Demand Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| IT/Tech | Software developers, network engineers, data analysts | AED 12,000-25,000 | High |
| Banking/Finance | Relationship managers, analysts, compliance | AED 10,000-25,000 | Moderate-High |
| Oil & Gas | Engineers, project managers, HSE specialists | AED 15,000-40,000 | Moderate |
| Sales/Business Development | B2B sales, account management (Africa-facing roles) | AED 8,000-20,000 | High |
| Construction/Real Estate | Project managers, quantity surveyors, agents | AED 10,000-25,000 | Moderate-High |
| Entrepreneurship/Trading | Import/export, retail, consulting | Variable | High (Nigerians overrepresented) |
Dubai firms with African operations value your market knowledge, and many Nigerians there run their own businesses. If you are weighing Dubai as a company base, see the best countries for entrepreneurs and low taxes.
How to choose
- PR fast: Canada (Express Entry, ~6 months after ITA) or Germany (EU Blue Card, ~21 months to settlement).
- Nurse or doctor: the UK (Health and Care Worker visa, lower fees, NHS demand) or Australia (high pay, good conditions).
- Highest earnings: Australia (AUD $90,000-$150,000 for IT and engineering) or the UAE (tax-free, AED 180,000-360,000).
- Cheap study first: Germany (free tuition at public universities).
- Biggest Nigerian network: the UK (800,000+) or Canada (500,000+).
- Save hard, fast: the UAE. Tax-free pay and moderate costs make a 40-60% savings rate possible.
- Children, safety and schools: Canada or Australia.
- Visiting home often: the UK (~6.5 hours direct) or the UAE (6-7 hours direct). Australia takes 20+ hours and 2+ stops.
Seven questions to answer before you apply
- What is your job? Check if it is on the shortage or category list in your target country.
- What is your budget? Canada and Germany need proof of funds (roughly CAD $15,300 / EUR 13,092). Australia's main skilled visa fee alone is AUD $6,135 from 1 July 2026. The UK is expensive once you add the IHS.
- Do you have a job offer? Yes: the UK (Skilled Worker), Germany (Blue Card) or the UAE (Employment Visa). No: Canada (Express Entry) or Germany (Opportunity Card).
- What languages do you speak? German B1+ speeds up settlement in Germany. French B2+ is a big boost in Canada. English alone limits you mainly to English-speaking countries, plus IT roles in Germany.
- Do you want PR and citizenship? Yes: Canada, Australia, Germany or the UK. Income only: the UAE.
- Are you bringing family? Express Entry includes your spouse and children. The UK Skilled Worker visa allows dependants, but each one pays an application fee plus the IHS. Germany's Blue Card lets your spouse work straight away.
- When do you want to leave? Within 3 months: the UAE. Within 6 months: the UK (with a job offer). Within 12 months: Canada or Germany. Within 18 months: Australia.
The part nobody puts in the table
Leaving is not only paperwork. You will miss birthdays and the noise of a Lagos Sunday. Your first year as the "new" nurse in London may feel like a step down. So ask yourself: what exactly am I leaving for? Which country gives me that, on a visa I can actually get? And who will I call in my first hard month?
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See what you get →Frequently asked questions
Which country is easiest for Nigerians to move to?
The UAE, because the employer handles the visa, but it offers no permanent residence. For a permanent move, Canada is usually the most open: Express Entry ignores nationality, and category draws can select scores of 380-480.
How much money do I need to migrate from Nigeria to Canada?
About CAD $1,675 in Express Entry fees for the main applicant, plus settlement funds of about CAD $15,300 for one person, unless a job offer or the Canadian Experience Class exempts you.
Can Nigerian nurses still move to the UK?
Yes. The Health and Care Worker visa costs about £304 with no health surcharge, and you need NMC registration. Overseas care worker recruitment closed on 22 July 2025.
Is Germany a good choice if I do not speak German?
For IT, yes, since many tech teams work in English. Nurses need B2 German, and most trades need German too. B1 German also cuts Blue Card settlement from 27 months to 21.
Why does Australia refuse so many Nigerian applicants?
It sees a higher risk that temporary visa holders will not leave, so it applies the Genuine Student and genuine temporary entrant tests strictly. Show ties to Nigeria, a clear plan and enough funds.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Rules and fees change often. Always check the official government source before you apply.
