The real cost of japa to the UK is often much higher than people expect. Between visa fees, the Immigration Health Surcharge, flights, and first-month expenses, a single applicant on a 3-year Skilled Worker Visa can spend NGN 12-20 million before earning their first UK paycheck. This guide breaks down every naira so you can plan accurately and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Visa and Immigration Costs
The UK Skilled Worker Visa is expensive compared to other countries' work permits. The biggest single cost is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which gives you access to the NHS.
| Item | GBP | NGN Approx. |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application (3 years) | 1,420 | 2,560,000 |
| IHS (3 years at GBP 1,035/yr) | 3,105 | 5,590,000 |
| IELTS UKVI | 67 | 120,000 |
| TB test | 25 | 45,000 |
| Priority processing (optional) | 500 | 900,000 |
| Total visa costs | 4,617-5,117 | 8,315,000-9,215,000 |
Critical tip: many NHS trusts and large employers pay the visa fee and IHS on your behalf. Always ask during the offer stage. If your employer covers these costs, you save approximately NGN 8 million upfront.
Flights and Travel
One-way flights from Lagos to London cost NGN 800,000-1,500,000 (GBP 440-830) depending on season and advance booking. Direct flights on British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are most convenient but cost 30-50% more than connections through Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines), Dubai (Emirates), or Istanbul (Turkish Airlines). Book 6-8 weeks ahead for optimal prices. Avoid December and August (peak Nigerian travel periods).
Baggage allowance varies: economy usually includes 2 x 23 kg bags. Extra bags cost GBP 50-100 each. Most Nigerians ship additional items through cargo services (Aramex, DHL freight) at NGN 200,000-500,000 for a typical 50 kg shipment.
Stop guessing. Get your verdict.
See which countries match your income, skills, and goals. Free. 3 minutes.
Get Your Free Verdict →First Month in the UK: City Costs
| Expense | London | Manchester | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent deposit + first month | GBP 3,500 | GBP 2,000 | GBP 1,800 |
| Groceries | GBP 250 | GBP 220 | GBP 210 |
| Transport (monthly pass) | GBP 160 | GBP 80 | GBP 65 |
| SIM card + setup costs | GBP 50 | GBP 50 | GBP 50 |
| Winter clothing | GBP 200 | GBP 200 | GBP 200 |
| First-month total | GBP 4,160 | GBP 2,550 | GBP 2,325 |
London is significantly more expensive but offers the most job opportunities. Areas with established Nigerian communities — Peckham, Woolwich, Barking, Edmonton — offer slightly lower rents and access to Nigerian shops and churches. Outside London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds have growing Nigerian communities and significantly lower costs.
Money Transfer: NGN to GBP
The naira has been volatile since the 2023 float. As of early 2026, rates hover around NGN 1,800 per GBP, but parallel market rates can differ significantly. Using Wise typically saves 3-5% vs traditional bank wire transfers. For larger settlement transfers, compare rates on the day and consider splitting the transfer across 2-3 days to manage exchange rate risk.
CBN regulations limit personal forex purchases. Most Nigerians fund UK moves through a combination of: domiciliary account balances, international transfers from family abroad, and forex bureau purchases within regulatory limits.
Ready to find out where you can actually move?
Our engine checks your profile against 1,900+ visa programmes in 200 countries. MOVE, DELAY, or AVOID — in 3 minutes.
Get Your Free Verdict →Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to japa to the UK from Nigeria in 2026?
Total costs for a single person on a 3-year Skilled Worker Visa range from NGN 12-20 million (GBP 6,600-11,000). This includes visa fee (GBP 1,420), Immigration Health Surcharge (GBP 3,105 for 3 years), IELTS UKVI (NGN 120,000), TB test (NGN 45,000), flights (NGN 800,000-1,500,000), and first-month accommodation and expenses (GBP 2,500-4,500 depending on city). If your employer covers visa and IHS costs, your out-of-pocket drops to approximately NGN 5-8 million.
Which UK city is cheapest for Nigerians to settle in?
Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, and Sheffield offer significantly lower housing costs than London. A 1-bedroom flat in Manchester costs approximately GBP 800-1,000/month vs GBP 1,500-2,000 in London. These cities have growing Nigerian communities, direct flight connections to Lagos, and strong job markets in healthcare, technology, and engineering.
Can my employer pay for my UK visa and IHS?
Yes, and many do. NHS trusts routinely cover visa fees and IHS for healthcare workers. Large corporations and care providers also frequently include these costs in relocation packages. This saves you approximately GBP 4,525 (NGN 8.1 million) upfront. Always negotiate this before accepting a job offer.
Tools we recommend
Services that make moving abroad easier. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Affiliate disclosure: links above may be affiliate links. We only recommend tools we've vetted.
Compare UK vs Canada vs Germany for your move
Not sure which country gives you the best deal? Our assessment compares 200+ countries & territories side by side.
Get Your Free Verdict