Relocating to another country can be life-changing, especially for Nigerians looking for better job opportunities, quality education, healthcare, and an improved standard of living. In 2025, several countries offer low-cost living, high-quality life, and easy immigration pathways for Nigerians seeking a fresh start abroad.
This guide highlights the best and most affordable countries for Nigerians to relocate to in 2025, including their visa options, cost of living, job opportunities, and why they are great choices.
Why Nigerians Are Relocating in 2025
Many Nigerians choose to move abroad for:
✅ Better job opportunities with higher salaries
✅ Affordable healthcare and education for families
✅ Stronger currencies and better economic stability
✅ Easier immigration pathways with work and student visas
✅ Higher safety and security levels compared to Nigeria
Let’s explore the best countries offering Nigerians an affordable and high-quality life in 2025.
1. Canada – The Best Country for Skilled Nigerians
✅ Why Canada?
- Easy immigration pathways through Express Entry
- High-paying jobs in IT, healthcare, and finance
- Free healthcare and top-quality education
Canada is a top choice for Nigerians because of its skilled worker programs and welcoming immigration system. The Express Entry system allows skilled workers to get permanent residency (PR) in as little as 6 months.
📌 Best Visa Options for Nigerians
- Express Entry Program (For skilled workers)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) (For specific provinces)
- Study Permit (For international students, with a pathway to PR)
💰 Average Monthly Cost of Living:
- Rent: $1,200 – $2,500 CAD
- Food & Utilities: $500 – $1,000 CAD
- Transportation: $150 CAD
2. United Kingdom (UK) – Best for Work & Study
✅ Why the UK?
- Short processing time for work and study visas
- Plenty of job opportunities in healthcare, IT, and finance
- Easy transition from student visa to work visa
The UK Skilled Worker Visa allows professionals to move and work legally, and international students can transition to permanent residency after a few years.
📌 Best Visa Options for Nigerians
- Skilled Worker Visa (For professionals with job offers)
- Student Visa (For those looking to study and settle)
- Graduate Visa (For those who studied in the UK)
💰 Average Monthly Cost of Living:
- Rent: £800 – £1,500
- Food & Utilities: £300 – £600
- Transportation: £100 – £200
3. Portugal – Easy Residency with Low Cost of Living
✅ Why Portugal?
- Low cost of living compared to other European countries
- Easiest visa pathways for Nigerians (D7 Visa, Work Visa)
- Warm climate and welcoming community
Portugal is one of the cheapest and easiest countries for Nigerians to relocate to. The D7 Visa allows Nigerians to live in Portugal with passive income, and after 5 years, they can apply for Portuguese citizenship.
📌 Best Visa Options for Nigerians
- D7 Visa (For remote workers and retirees)
- Work Visa (For professionals with job offers)
- Golden Visa (Investment-based residency)
💰 Average Monthly Cost of Living:
- Rent: €500 – €1,200
- Food & Utilities: €300 – €500
- Transportation: €50 – €150
4. Germany – Best for Skilled Professionals & Engineers
✅ Why Germany?
- Strong economy and high salaries
- Job Seeker Visa available (No job offer required)
- Tuition-free education for students
Germany is perfect for skilled Nigerians in engineering, IT, and healthcare. The Job Seeker Visa allows Nigerians to move first and find a job later. Once employed, they can apply for a work visa and eventually permanent residency.
📌 Best Visa Options for Nigerians
- Job Seeker Visa (For skilled workers)
- EU Blue Card (For highly skilled professionals)
- Student Visa (For international students)
💰 Average Monthly Cost of Living:
- Rent: €600 – €1,500
- Food & Utilities: €300 – €600
- Transportation: €80 – €150
5. United Arab Emirates (UAE) – Best for Business & Jobs
✅ Why UAE?
- Tax-free salaries with high job demand
- Fastest visa processing (7–30 days)
- Golden Visa for skilled professionals
The UAE offers work visas and a Golden Visa program for highly skilled professionals, investors, and students. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are among the top destinations for business, finance, IT, and healthcare professionals.
📌 Best Visa Options for Nigerians
- Employment Visa (Company-sponsored work visa)
- Golden Visa (For professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs)
- Freelancer Visa (For remote workers)
💰 Average Monthly Cost of Living:
- Rent: AED 3,500 – AED 7,000
- Food & Utilities: AED 1,000 – AED 2,000
- Transportation: AED 300 – AED 800
6. Australia – Best for High Salaries & PR Opportunities
✅ Why Australia?
- Easy work visa options for skilled professionals
- High salaries and excellent healthcare system
- Pathway to Australian PR
Australia’s Skilled Migration Program allows Nigerians to move with their families, and after 3–4 years, they can apply for permanent residency (PR).
📌 Best Visa Options for Nigerians
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189) (No job offer required)
- Employer-Sponsored Visa (Subclass 482) (For those with job offers)
- Student Visa (For international students)
💰 Average Monthly Cost of Living:
- Rent: AUD 1,500 – AUD 3,000
- Food & Utilities: AUD 500 – AUD 1,200
- Transportation: AUD 100 – AUD 300
Final Thoughts
For Nigerians looking to relocate in 2025, these countries offer low-cost living, high-quality life, and easy visa pathways. Whether you’re a skilled worker, student, entrepreneur, or remote worker, these destinations provide better opportunities for you and your family.
🌍 Which country interests you the most? Let us know in the comments!
