12 affordable countries to move to as a Nigerian
In recent times, the japa wave has taken over Nigeria like a forceful tornado.
People from different regions of the country, sectors and industries have relocated from the country in search of a better life.
Every human being needs to have their needs and wants fulfilled.
Migration is born when those needs and wants are not met or when people are forced to survive in a hostile environment.
However, migrating to and living in some countries costs an arm and a leg. For a Nigerian with a limited budget, relocating to these countries is not feasible.
There are other affordable countries filled with exciting opportunities you can relocate to without breaking the bank.
How to choose the right affordable country to move to.
Before you start making preparations to relocate as a Nigerian, there are some important factors to consider.
These factors, if considered carefully, can do a lot to help you make the right decision on which country is right for you. They are the following:
- The cost of living in the country of choice.
It’s important to find out how much it costs on average to live in a country before relocating to that country. Essentials like food, utilities, healthcare and so on should not be too high.
Find out if you can afford to live in said country with your lifestyle choices or if you will need to adjust your budget.
There are online resources like Numbeo and Expatistan that can help you compare the cost of living in various countries.
- Understand the visa requirements and residency pathways.
Research and review the visa requirements and residency pathways available for Nigerians in the country of your choice.
There are many visa options and pathways for foreigners. Look into the processes of obtaining both and decide from that.
- The job market and opportunities for Nigerians.
Knowing the state of the job market is very essential. Find our industries that need your skills and review the permits(if any) needed before you become employable as a new immigrant.
- Language requirements and english proficiency.
There’s a running joke that there’s a Nigerian in every corner of the world no matter how remote.
While a country might look like the ideal destination for you, not being fluent in that country’s official language can affect your job prospects.
Are you willing to learn a new language? Your answer to this question can influence how well you will integrate into the new country.
- Lifestyle and culture.
Every country has its own culture and general lifestyle adopted by its citizens.
Before moving to any country, research on the cultural difference between that country and Nigeria. Only go with a country that meets your comfort level.
Top 12 affordable countries for Nigerians.
Now that you know the factors to look out for when picking out your next destination, let’s look into the top 12 affordable countries Nigerians can move to with a brief view into their visa requirements, job market and culture.
Thailand: This country offers different types of visas to Nigerians. It has a vibrant culture and a low cost of living. This country has tourism, education and IT as its main sectors. Thai is the official language so learning it will be beneficial.
Vietnam: This country can employ Nigerians with the necessary skills as expatriates in IT, hospitality and education. This means that Nigerians can be offered work visas. Vietnamese is the official language.
Ghana: Being an ECOWAS country like Nigeria, Ghana is an easy option. The similarity in culture and lower cost of living is also a big plus. Here, the opportunities are in the education, healthcare, and construction sectors. English is the official language.
Senegal: This is another West African country that Nigerians can easily move into. Not only is it close to home but it also has a lower cost of living when compared to Nigeria. The official language is French.
Turkey: The cost of living in Turkey can be said to be moderate- neither high nor low. Nigerians can get work visas for jobs in tourism, hospitality and education. Though English is spoken in some areas, the official language of this country is Turkish.
Cambodia: In Cambodia, the cost of living is even lower than in Thailand. English is not widely spoken but getting work visas is easier.
Malaysia: Here, English is mostly spoken in its bigger cities. With a moderate cost of living, Malaysia’s jobs are mostly in engineering, oil and gas, and education sectors. Work visas are also available to Nigerians.
Ecuador: Ecuador has a low cost of living and different residency options. The job market mainly has openings in IT, construction and education. Spanish is the official language.
Bolivia: This country is not often talked about but it's a budget-friendly option for Nigerians looking to relocate. You can get work visas and the job market is focused on teaching English, healthcare, and construction. The official language in Bolivia is Spanish.
Colombia: Work visas in this Spanish speaking country are also available to Nigerians. Here, the job opportunities are heavily focused on various sectors like IT, education, and healthcare. Colombia has a moderate cost of living.
Poland: As a member of the European Union, the number of English speakers in Poland is on the increase. Polish is the official language but you can find English speakers in Poland's big cities. The cost of living is low and the job market is focused on IT, engineering, and healthcare.
Peru: Peru has a moderate cost of living. Work visas are available, and job opportunities exist in tourism, hospitality, and education. The official language is Spanish.
Planning your move abroad from Nigeria.
Relocating to a new country involves careful and detailed planning. Planning carefully makes for a smooth move and transition.
Here are some things you should do and have in place ahead of your relocation:
- Find out the cost of relocating. Carefully review and take note of each one from the cost of airfare, visa processing and accommodation.
- Now that you know the country you'd like to move to and the cost of living there, set up a budget for yourself. You have to save enough money to carry you through until you find a suitable job.
- Learn how to communicate in basic phrases if the country's official language is not English.
- Prepare to be open-minded and accepting. This can help you integrate into society faster.
- Be open-minded: Embrace cultural differences and try to understand local customs and traditions.
- It might not be very easy if the people are wary of strangers but it's important to build relationships with the locals. You'd be able to get by easier and also learn about the country's culture.
Adapting to a new country and its culture can be overwhelming and exciting at the same time especially with the culture shock. So, keep learning and don't give up on yourself.
Moving to another country as a Nigerian is always seen as a huge expense but it does have to be so. This guide looked into 12 affordable countries that NIgerians can move to and the factors to be considered before moving to any of them.
With careful research, you will be able to find a suitable country that allows you to experience new horizons without breaking the bank.
