Many Nigerians dream of relocating abroad in search of better opportunities, stable economies, quality education, and a higher standard of living. However, relocation often seems expensive — from visa fees to accommodation costs. The good news is that in 2025, there are still affordable countries you can relocate to from Nigeria without breaking the bank.

In this article, you’ll discover the top 7 cheapest countries to relocate to from Nigeria in 2025, their cost of living, job opportunities, visa options, and how you can start your relocation journey easily.

1. Poland

Poland has become one of the most budget-friendly European countries for Nigerians looking to relocate. It offers affordable education, low cost of living, and easy visa options for students and skilled workers.

Why Poland is a great choice:

• Affordable tuition fees (as low as €2,000 per year)
• High demand for foreign workers in IT, healthcare, and engineering
• Easy student visa application process
• Safe and clean environment

Average monthly cost of living: ₦250,000 – ₦400,000
How to relocate:
You can move through the student route or apply for work visas if you have a job offer. Universities like the University of Warsaw and Jagiellonian University accept Nigerian students.

2. Canada

Canada remains one of the most popular relocation destinations for Nigerians. While not the cheapest overall, it offers many affordable immigration programs that make relocation easier and worth the investment.

Why Canada is a top destination:

• Multiple immigration routes (Express Entry, Study, Work)
• Nigerians are among the top beneficiaries of Canadian PR
• High demand for skilled workers
• Family-friendly and multicultural environment

Average monthly cost of living: ₦400,000 – ₦700,000
How to relocate:
The easiest route is through Express Entry or Study Visa. You can also apply for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) with lower competition.

3. Turkey

Turkey offers a balance between affordability, beautiful scenery, and growing job opportunities. Nigerians can live comfortably here with low rent and food expenses.

Why Turkey is affordable:

• Low rent and utility bills
• Access to quality education and healthcare
• Friendly visa policies for Nigerians
• Strategic location between Europe and Asia

Average monthly cost of living: ₦200,000 – ₦350,000
How to relocate:
You can apply for a student visa, work permit, or residence permit. Turkey also allows Nigerians to apply for citizenship by investment for those who can afford it.

4. Portugal

Portugal is one of the cheapest countries in Western Europe for Nigerians to relocate to in 2025. It has a warm climate, beautiful beaches, and a relaxed lifestyle.

Why Nigerians love Portugal:

• Low cost of living compared to other European countries
• Opportunity to get Permanent Residence after 5 years
• Affordable tuition and rent
• English-friendly environment

Average monthly cost of living: ₦300,000 – ₦450,000
How to relocate:
Apply through study, work, or D7 visa (for remote workers or freelancers). Portugal also offers a Golden Visa for investors and business owners.

5. Malaysia

Malaysia is one of the most affordable and comfortable Asian countries to relocate to from Nigeria. It’s known for its quality education, modern infrastructure, and low living costs.

Why Malaysia stands out:

• Low tuition fees (₦1.5M – ₦3M per year)
• Excellent healthcare system
• Welcoming environment for Nigerians
• Good transportation and internet access

Average monthly cost of living: ₦150,000 – ₦300,000
How to relocate:
The easiest route is via a student visa. You can also apply for a work visa or Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program for long-term residency.

6. United Arab Emirates (UAE) – Dubai

Dubai remains one of the most popular relocation destinations for Nigerians due to its zero income tax, job opportunities, and modern lifestyle. While the UAE isn’t the cheapest overall, it’s still affordable compared to countries like the UK or the US.

Why Nigerians move to the UAE:

• No personal income tax
• Many job opportunities in hospitality, tech, and construction
• English widely spoken
• Visa-free or visa-on-arrival options for short stays

Average monthly cost of living: ₦350,000 – ₦600,000
How to relocate:
Apply for a work visa, freelance visa, or student visa. You can also relocate via business setup in free zones, which gives you residency rights.

7. Germany

Germany offers excellent opportunities for Nigerians seeking education and skilled work. Although a European country, it has low tuition fees (almost free in public universities) and reasonable living costs compared to other EU nations.

Why Germany is a great choice:

• Free or low-cost tuition in public universities
• High demand for skilled workers (especially engineers and IT experts)
• Easy access to permanent residence after 5 years
• Strong economy and stable government

Average monthly cost of living: ₦300,000 – ₦500,000
How to relocate:
You can apply for a student visa, job seeker visa, or skilled worker visa. Once employed, you can apply for permanent residence.

Tips for Nigerians Planning to Relocate in 2025

1. Start early: Begin your visa application process months before your target relocation date.
2. Learn new skills: Digital skills like web design, marketing, or tech can help you find jobs faster abroad.
3. Save in foreign currency: The naira fluctuates often, so start saving in dollars or euros.
4. Avoid agents who promise instant visas: Always apply through official embassy channels.
5. Research your destination country thoroughly — including job market, housing, and cost of living.

Wrapping Up…

Relocating abroad doesn’t have to be a dream reserved for the wealthy. With the right planning and information, you can move to an affordable country, build a career, and enjoy a better standard of living.

Whether you choose Poland, Malaysia, or Portugal, each of these countries offers a cost-effective way for Nigerians to start fresh in 2025. Begin your research, prepare your documents, and take that bold step — your global opportunity awaits.

FAQs

1. Which country is the cheapest for Nigerians to relocate to?

Malaysia and Poland are among the most affordable countries for Nigerians to relocate to in 2025 due to their low tuition fees and cost of living.

2. Can I relocate without a job offer?

Yes. Countries like Canada, Germany, and Portugal offer visas for students and job seekers, allowing you to find work after relocation.

3. What’s the easiest way to relocate from Nigeria?

The student visa route remains the easiest for Nigerians, as it provides a legal pathway to live, study, and later work abroad.

4. Do I need IELTS to relocate?

Not all countries require IELTS. For example, Poland, Turkey, and Malaysia often accept Nigerians without IELTS, especially for student visas.

5. How much should I budget for relocation?

It depends on your destination, but you can start your relocation process with as low as ₦1.5 million to ₦5 million, depending on the country and visa type.