Cost of ‘japa’ falls by up to 19% – Report

…As Canada overtakes US as top destination for Nigerians researching relocation

Moving abroad from Nigeria has become cheaper over the past year due to the exchange rate and not from lower prices overseas, a new survey has found.

In the third-quarter edition of the State of Japa report, published by Japa Calculator, a free relocation decision tool, the cost of relocating to 21 countries was calculated based on visa fees, proof of funds where required, a one-way flight from Lagos and three months’ rent and it found that the naira cost of every route fell compared with a year ago, by between 2 per cent and 19 per cent.

According to the report, the naira’s recovery against major currencies is the driver of this change as a dollar now costs 8 per cent lower than the naira at the Central Bank of Nigeria’s official rate compared to one year ago, a pound costs 8 per cent lower and the euro 11 per cent lower.

A typical move to Canada is now estimated at about ₦22.1 million, down from ₦24.1 million in 2025. South Africa remains the cheapest route at about ₦2.8 million, through its Critical Skills Visa. Turkey recorded the steepest fall, at 19 per cent.

However, not all developments favoured applicants. Australia’s skilled and student visa charges rose by about 25 per cent from 1 July 2026. The Skilled Independent (189) visa climbed from A$4,910 to A$6,135, and the student visa for most applicants went from A$2,000 to A$2,500.

According to the report, interest in destinations has shifted as well. Calculations on the platform showed 1,645 between July and September, up 18 per cent from 1,393 in the previous quarter, and 4,569 since launch.

Canada became the most-researched destination, accounting for 21 per cent of calculations, while the United States fell from first place to fifth, with 7 per cent. Rwanda, Cape Verde and Ireland entered the top 10.