The cost of relocating abroad from Nigeria has fallen by between 2 per cent and 19 per cent in naira terms over the past year, as the local currency strengthened against major foreign currencies.
This is according to the State of Japa 2026 Q3 report published by Japa Calculator, which examined relocation costs across 21 countries.
The report found that although visa fees and immigration requirements have risen in several destinations, the naira’s appreciation has lowered the estimated local currency cost of relocating.
According to the findings, the naira gained about 8 per cent against the US dollar and the British pound, and 11 per cent against the euro, over the review period.
However, the report noted that the drop in naira-denominated costs does not necessarily mean relocation has become cheaper in foreign currency terms, since visa fees and other expenses remain high.
The report estimated that relocating from Nigeria currently costs between ₦2.8 million and ₦22.1 million, depending on the destination and immigration pathway.
The calculations covered visa and government fees, proof of funds where required, a one-way flight from Lagos and three months’ accommodation.
South Africa emerged as one of the cheapest destinations, with an estimated relocation cost of ₦2.8 million, compared with ₦2.9 million a year earlier.
Turkey recorded the largest percentage decline, with estimated costs falling by 19 per cent from ₦4.1 million to ₦3.3 million.
Other destinations also recorded reductions. Canada remained the most expensive of the 21 countries assessed, although its estimated relocation cost fell from ₦24.1 million to ₦22.1 million.
The report attributed these reductions mainly to exchange-rate movements, rather than lower immigration or living expenses abroad.
The decline in relocation costs comes amid a sustained recovery in the naira over the past year, supported by improved foreign exchange liquidity, rising external reserves and increased capital inflows.
In October 2025, the currency closed the month at ₦1,427.50/$, recovering from ₦1,602/$ in April 2025, when it hit one of its weakest levels of the year.
The recovery coincided with improvements in foreign exchange liquidity and external reserves, which reached $43.17 billion by the end of October.
The appreciation continued into 2026. The naira closed June 2026 at ₦1,376/$, compared with ₦1,532/$ in June 2025, a year-on-year gain of about 10.2 per cent.
The improvement was linked to stronger foreign portfolio inflows, diaspora remittances and foreign exchange market reforms.
By September 2026, the currency had strengthened further to ₦1,329.50/$, although it later weakened to ₦1,346/$ at the end of October.
Comparing the October 2025 and October 2026 closing rates, the naira appreciated by about 5.7 per cent against the dollar over the 12-month period, despite renewed volatility towards the end of the review period.
The World Bank also recognised the recovery, naming the naira among Africa’s more resilient currencies in the second quarter of 2026. Its maximum depreciation was limited to 2.6 per cent despite broader currency pressures across the continent.
In March 2026, the United Kingdom announced increases in visa and citizenship fees, effective April 8.
Under the revised charges, the Skilled Worker visa fee for stays of up to three years rose from £769 to £819, while the student visa fee increased from £524 to £558.
More recently, the UK announced another increase in proof-of-funds requirements for international students. From November 30, 2026, applicants studying in London are expected to show access to at least £14,130 in living expenses, excluding tuition and other visa-related costs.
Similarly, in September, Australia introduced tighter immigration rules affecting international students, skilled workers and visitors. The government is moving to reduce net overseas migration and prioritise occupations facing labour shortages.
In the United States, routine visa processing was moved exclusively to Lagos from August 1, 2026, following the suspension of services at the US Embassy in Abuja.
The development raised concerns about extra transportation and accommodation expenses for applicants travelling from other parts of Nigeria.
