A recent survey by Japa Calculator, a free relocation decision tool, has found that relocating abroad from Nigeria has become cheaper in naira terms over the past year. The third-quarter edition of the State of Japa report calculated the cost of relocating to 21 countries based on various expenses such as visa fees and flight costs. The report revealed that the naira cost of every route dropped compared to a year ago, by between 2% and 19%.
The naira's recovery against major currencies is responsible for the change, as a dollar now costs 8% less in naira at the Central Bank of Nigeria's official rate compared to one year ago. A pound costs 8% less and the euro 11% less. This significant drop in currency exchange rates has made it cheaper for Nigerians to relocate abroad. The report also noted that a typical move to Canada is now estimated at about N22.1 million, down from N24.1 million in 2025.
South Africa remains the cheapest route at about N2.8 million, through its Critical Skills Visa. Turkey recorded the steepest drop, at 19%. However, not all developments favoured applicants, as Australia's skilled and student visa charges increased by about 25% from July 1, 2026. The Skilled Independent (189) visa rose from A$4,910 to A$6,135, and the student visa for most applicants moved from A$2,000 to A$2,500.
The report also said interest in destinations has shifted, with calculations on the platform increasing by 18% from 1,393 in the previous quarter to 1,645 between July and September. Canada became the most-researched destination, accounting for 21% of calculations, while the United States dropped from first place to fifth, with 7%. Rwanda, Cape Verde and Ireland entered the top 10.
Lagos accounted for 39% of calculations, and the most frequently entered professions were software engineer, nurse, student and teacher. The report also noted that 77% of this quarter's calculations started with a Google search, compared with 40% in the second quarter. This indicates a significant shift in how people are searching for relocation information.
The report stressed the limitations to these figures, noting that a calculation is not a person, and a destination researched is not a move. The naira rate used was the site's exchange rate in October, while changes over time use the Central Bank's official rates as of October 26. The report provided various estimates for relocating to different countries, including the US, Malaysia, Australia, Cyprus, the UK, France, and Portugal.
The average cost of relocating to the US through the H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa now costs N11.9 million, 8% less than the N12.9 million it cost a year ago. The report provided similar estimates for other countries, including Malaysia, Australia, Cyprus, the UK, France, and Portugal, with costs ranging from N12.8 million to N20.8 million.
Key points
- The naira's recovery against major currencies has made it cheaper for Nigerians to relocate abroad.
- Canada is the most expensive destination on the list, with a cost of N22.1 million.
- Australia's skilled and student visa charges increased by 25% from July 1, 2026.
Reporting sources
- Cost of Japa drops by up to 19% – Report · The Point
