Cost of Relocating to the Uk from Nigeria

Last updated on August 16th, 2024

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• A Standard Visitor Visa to the UK and one month living expenses will cost you more than ₦1,761,620 (excluding the flight ticket).
• Traveling to the UK from Nigeria on a Student Visa cost ₦4,139,125 or more (excluding school fees and accommodation).
• Traveling from Nigeria to the UK through a skilled worker visa costs around ₦6,118,621 or more (excluding the flight ticket).
• Obtaining a UK Spouse Visa and then traveling to the UK cost ₦11,591,607 or more. See full details below.

Cost of Relocating to the Uk from Nigeria

Knowing the cost of relocating to the UK from Nigeria is important because it helps you prepare ahead of time and allow you to know how much you need to move to the UK with or without your family. 

The challenge is that the exchange rate in Nigeria is hardly stable, and visa fees and flight tickets keep increasing as well or are not stable. And all these will affect the overall cost of relocating from Nigeria.

In this article, I will break down everything you need to know about the most recent cost of relocating to the UK from Nigeria.

And just to let you know, the visa costs quoted here are valid until December 31, 2024. For the most up-to-date visa costs, you can visit the UK immigration website. If you’re interested in finding out the visa cost from Nigeria to the USA, I’ve got you covered as well. You can check it out after this post.

So, depending on why you want to relocate from Nigeria to the UK, there are several visa types you can apply for. Each tier has distinct eligibility requirements, and you must present sufficient documentation to back up your claim and show that you are eligible for the Visa you want.

What are the different types of UK visas for Nigerians?

Nigerians interested in visiting the United Kingdom can apply for various visas. The Standard Visitor visa is the most popular type of Visa, and it permits visitors to travel to the UK for tourism, business, or to visit family and friends.

Nigerians on a Skilled Worker visa or another work visa may also be permitted to work in the UK. Other types of UK visas include student visas and partner/spouse visas. There are settlement options in addition to visas. Whatever Visa option you choose, there are costs attached to it. Now, let’s look at the cost of these visas and other expenses below.

What is the Cost of Relocating to the Uk from Nigeria?

Here are some of the most significant costs involved in moving to the UK.

#1. Visa Costs

As stated earlier, the most important things to consider are visa costs. Unfortunately, visa costs are often one of the biggest hurdles when it comes to relocating to the UK from Nigeria – but it doesn’t have to be a deal breaker. Here’s a breakdown of the typical visa costs you can expect to pay when making a move.

Standard Visitor Visa

When applying for a Standard Visitor Visa, you must have enough money to:

• Pay the application fee, which costs £115 (₦232,636) for Six months. The 2 year long-term standard visitor application fee is £432 (₦873,902) for frequent visit to the UK for up to two years.
• When you arrive in the UK, you will need a monthly budget of about £756 (₦1,528,984) as a visitor for living expenses, as the UK is an expensive country. However, you do not need to pay the surcharge if you’re applying from outside the UK to stay for less than 6 months.

So, depending on your travel purpose and plans, a standard Visitor Visa to the UK will cost you more than ₦1,761,620. However, it’s advisable to have a host or someone to stay with in the UK to drastically reduce costs. And, please note that this estimate does not include your flight ticket, so you may need to add that in.

To be qualified for a Visitor visa, you must meet these requirements:

1. Have a Valid Passport.
2. Submit your bank statement
3. Show your invitation letter from your host if you are asked to visit the UK. This letter must include your host’s name, passport number, status in the UK, and the reason for your stay.
4. Proof of your host’s utility bills and residence permit.
5. Proof of your lodging throughout your stay in the UK.
6. Evidence of financial means to support your living expenses while in the UK.
7. Previous trip history and comprehensive travel itinerary.
8. Biometrics data.
9. Provide confirmation of your criminal past, medical condition, and
10. Payment of Standard Visitor Visa application fees.

Student Visa

If you are applying for a UK Student Visa, you must:

• The application fee is £490 (₦991, 550).
• The healthcare surcharge (IHS) fee is £776 (₦1,570,698).
• The cheapest flight from Nigeria to the UK is ₦1, 576,877.
• As a result, the cost of traveling to the UK on a Student Visa will be ₦4,139,125 or more.

Please note: These costs does not include your school fees. So, you may need to add it up with the above estimate.

To obtain a student visa in the UK, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
2. Bring your current passport and any other valid travel documentation with you.
3. Provide proof of parental consent if you are under the age of eighteen.
4. Written approval for your application from your financial sponsor for the cost of your studies and living expenses in the UK.
5. Biometrics and a few additional documents that you must provide before your Visa may be completed.

Skilled Worker Visa

When applying for a UK Skilled Worker visa, you must have enough money to:

• Pay the application fee, which costs £719 (₦1,454,864) for three years or less.
• Pay the healthcare fee of £1,035 (₦2,094,205) per year.
• When you arrive in the UK, you will normally require at least £1,270 (₦2,569,552) to maintain yourself (if your employer cannot cover these costs).

Generally, the skilled Worker Visa Application charge may vary depending on the type of job you intend to undertake in the UK; however, traveling from Nigeria to the UK for this purpose typically costs around ₦6,118,621 or more, when you sum up all the costs. Remember, depending on your lifestyle you may spend more money.

To be qualified for a Skilled Worker visa, you must meet these requirements:

1. Work for a UK employer approved by the Home Office.
2. Have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your company detailing the position you’ve been given in the UK.
3. Perform a job on the list of approved vocations (teaching is included).
4. Be paid a minimum wage, the amount of which depends on the type of work you undertake.

Spouse Visa

If you want to enter and stay in the UK for more than six months with a partner (spouse/fiance), you will need a UK spouse visa.

The cost of a UK spouse visa application from Nigeria is £1,846 (₦3,733,676), and a flight ticket from Nigeria to the UK could cost ₦1,576,877 or more. The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fee costs £3,105 (₦6,281,054).

As a result, the expense of obtaining a Spouse Visa and then traveling to the UK could exceed ₦11,591,607.

The eligibility criteria for a Spouse visa are as follows:

1. Both the resident and the applicant must be over the age of eighteen.
2. You must be a British citizen in order to join.
3. In the United Kingdom, your marriage or civil partnership must be recognized.
4. When you apply, your relationship must be at least two years old (this is to prevent arranged marriages which British law does not recognize).
5. If you are a fiance, you must provide confirmation that you will marry within the next six months.
6. If you are a prospective civil partner, you must present documentation that you will get into a civil partnership within six months.
7. The financial criteria must be met by the partner residing in the United Kingdom.
8. The applicant must demonstrate proficiency in English.

#2. Initial Travel Costs

After you have considered your visa costs to relocate from Nigeria to the UK, there are some initial travel costs you will need to factor in. Here’s a breakdown of what you may expect to pay for airfare (Flights), accommodation, and transportation.

Airfare (Flights):

Depending on your location in Nigeria, you can expect to pay anywhere from ₦1,200,826 – ₦2,132,910 for a one-way ticket to the UK.

Accommodation:

Once you arrive in the UK, you’ll need somewhere to stay. If you’re planning on renting an apartment, prices start at around £795.78 (₦1,625,461) per month. If you’re staying in a hotel, expect to pay ₦60 – ₦100,000 per night.

Transportation:

Getting around the UK is easy and efficient thanks to its well-developed public transportation system.

Wrapping Up!

 Relocating to the UK from Nigeria can be costly, but it is definitely worth it! The cost of living in the UK can be very high, but there are so many opportunities and things to do that it is more than worth it. If you are considering relocating to the UK, go for it! It will be an amazing experience.

Must Read:

• Top 10 Countries Nigerians Can Now Visit Without A Visa
• Japa or Travel to the UK as a Nurse in 10 Easy Steps

Frequently Asked Questions

This section contains answers to all the most Frequently Asked Questions about the cost of relocating to the UK from Nigeria. 

How do I relocate to the UK from Nigeria?

Relocating to the UK is not something you suddenly wake up to do. You need to have started the process for some time. Basically, you need to apply for a visa, meet all the visa requirements, and pay the fees. If granted a visa, then you can move. Try to get an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if you want to stay there permanently.

Can Nigerians settle in the UK?

Yes, Nigerians can settle in the United Kingdom. In fact, Nigerians can apply for a UK visa to enter and remain in the UK. The process of settling in the UK is pretty simple, and various visas are available to assist you.

How much is the UK fee in Nigeria?

Generally, the cost of a UK visa in Nigeria ranges from ₦232,636 to ₦3,733,676 (depending on the type of visa your apply for).

How much is the UK working Visa from Nigeria?

The UK working Visa from Nigeria is typically for six months but can be extended for up to three years. The cost of the Visa is £719 (₦1,454,864).

How much is the bank balance needed for the UK work Visa?

There is no set amount, as the requirements for a UK work visa depend on your job offer. But, to apply for a UK work visa, you must typically have a bank balance of at least (£1,270) ₦2,593,346.