After my post on how much is visa from Nigeria to the USA, many of you asked about the 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 japa or 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. 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.
Disclaimer: Just in case you don’t know, the cost of visas, flight tickets, transportation, and accommodation changes due to the forex issues in Nigeria. The costs quoted here are valid till December 31, 2023. For the most up-to-date currency conversion rates, visit Abokifx.com.
To start with, you must apply for a UK visa before leaving, though certain business travelers may be able to get their visas on arrival. However, you must receive formal confirmation that your visa application was approved before you travel to the UK.
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, so you must present sufficient documentation to back up your claim and show that you are eligible for the Visa you want.
Table of Contents
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, we look at some of the more significant costs involved when 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 £100 (₦112,000) for Six months. The standard visitor application fee is £376 (₦421,120) for stays of up to two years.
- Pay the healthcare fee of £470 (₦526,400) per year.
- When you arrive in the UK, you’ll normally require about (£1,500) ₦1,680,000 to maintain yourself monthly (unless you’re exempt).
So, depending on your travel purpose and plans, a normal Visitor Visa to the UK will cost you more than ₦2,318,400.
To be qualified for a Visitor visa, you must meet these requirements:
- Have a Valid Passport.
- Send in your cover letter.
- Submit your bank statement
- 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.
- Proof of your host’s utility bills and residence permit.
- Proof of your lodging throughout your stay in the UK.
- Evidence of financial means to support your living expenses while in the UK.
- Previous trip history and comprehensive travel itinerary.
- Biometrics data.
- Provide confirmation of your criminal past, medical condition, and
- Payment of Standard Visitor Visa application fees.
Student Visa
If you are applying for a UK Student Visa, you must:
- The application fee is €494 (about ₦553,280).
- The additional cost for completing your Visa is up to ₦150,000, and the cheapest flight from Nigeria to the UK is ₦778,991.
- As a result, the cost of traveling to the UK on a Student Visa will be ₦2,102,271 or more.
To obtain a student visa in the UK, you must meet the following requirements:
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
- Bring your current passport and any other valid travel documentation with you.
- Provide proof of parental consent if you are under the age of eighteen.
- Written approval for your application from your financial sponsor for the cost of your studies and living expenses in the UK.
- 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 (£1,423) ₦1,593,760 for three years or less.
- Pay the healthcare fee of £624 (₦698,880) per year.
- When you arrive in the UK, you’ll normally require at least (£1,500) ₦1,680,000 to maintain yourself (unless you’re exempt).
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 ₦1,100,000 or more, when you sum up all the costs.
To be qualified for a Skilled Worker visa, you must meet these requirements:
- Work for a UK employer approved by the Home Office.
- Have a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ from your company detailing the position you’ve been given in the UK.
- Perform a job on the list of approved vocations (teaching is included).
- 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 £1,538 (₦1,722,560), and a family relocating to the UK from Nigeria will pay considerably more. As a result, the expense of obtaining a Spouse Visa and then traveling to the UK could exceed one million Naira.
The eligibility criteria for a Spouse visa are as follows:
- Both the resident and the applicant must be over the age of eighteen.
- You must be a British citizen in order to join.
- In the United Kingdom, your marriage or civil partnership must be recognized.
- When you apply, your relationship must be at least two years old (this is to prevent arranged marriages which British law does not recognize).
- If you are a fiance, you must provide confirmation that you will marry within the next six months.
- If you are a prospective civil partner, you must present documentation that you will get into a civil partnership within six months.
- The financial criteria must be met by the partner residing in the United Kingdom.
- 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 ₦578,235 – ₦1,532,910 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 ₦300 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!
In conclusion, 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 ₦120,000 to ₦1,593,760).
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 £625 (₦700,000)
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) ₦1,422,400.
Emmanuel Peter is the founder of Naijajapa.com. Experience gained in the Study abroad and Immigration industry since 2017. A graduate of International Relations from ABU Zaria.
I love UK ….I want to relocate to the UK
I love uk…..I will like to relocate there
I really wish to go to the UK and I believe that there’s nothing is impossible for God to do.
Sure! Nothing impossible…