Skilled Work Permit: Timeline for Nigerians ₦332,316
Processing time for the Skilled Work Permit for Nigerian applicants is Employer-sponsored; ~30–45 days. Below is what to expect at each stage, plus the verified fees you pay along the way.
Skilled Work Permit fees — verified breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee | ₦302,907 (~$222 USD) |
| Proof of funds (your own savings)Not required | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Health surcharge | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Language test (IELTS/TEF) | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Credential evaluation | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Other government fees | ₦29,408 (~$22 USD) |
| Total government fees | ₦332,316 (~$243 USD) |
Verified against official immigration authority schedule. Exchange rates as of 21 June 2026. Proof of funds is your own money — you do not pay it to the government.
What each fee covers
The ₦332,316 total is made up of several distinct charges. Here is what you are actually paying for:
- Visa application fee — ₦302,907: Paid to the Turkey immigration authority when you submit your application. Non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
- Other government fees — ₦29,408: Includes residence permit issuance, VFS Global service charge, or biometric enrolment fees where applicable.
Processing timeline
Total processing time: Employer-sponsored; ~30–45 days
- 1
Confirm eligibility
Check that you meet the Skilled Work Permit requirements before paying any fees.
- 2
Prepare documents
Passport, qualification certificates.
- 3
Pay fees
Pay ₦332,316 in government fees.
- 4
Submit application
Submit online or through the relevant embassy.
- 5
Wait for decision
Processing time: Employer-sponsored; ~30–45 days.
Expert tip
Skilled Work Permit
The work-permit route is employer-sponsored — you cannot self-apply — and salaries must clear minimum thresholds set as multiples of Turkey's 2026 gross minimum wage (33,030 TRY/month): 2x for specialists and teachers (66,060 TRY), 3x for managers, 4x for engineers and architects (132,120 TRY), 5x for senior executives and pilots. Many Nigerians study first and convert to a work permit afterwards. Note the lira's high inflation means these TRY thresholds are revised frequently. A separate citizenship-by-investment route exists ($400,000 in real estate held 3 years) for those with capital, and 8 years' continuous residence leads to long-term residence.
Where Nigerians settle in Turkey
Once your Skilled Work Permit is approved, most Nigerians head to Istanbul or Ankara. Here is what to budget for your first year:
- Istanbul: 1-bedroom rent ₦1,117,522/month · Lagos–Istanbul flights from ~$700 · Nigerian community: Medium
- Ankara: 1-bedroom rent ₦705,803/month · Lagos–Ankara flights from ~$760 · Nigerian community: Small
- Izmir: 1-bedroom rent ₦646,986/month · Lagos–Izmir flights from ~$760 · Nigerian community: Very Small
Life in Istanbul
Istanbul has the most universities, jobs and the largest Nigerian community, but it is the most expensive Turkish city — a 1-bedroom averages roughly 38,000 TRY/month (centre ~47,000, outside ~29,000), about $750–1,100. Turkish Airlines flies Lagos–Istanbul DIRECT (~7 hours, with ~7 nonstop flights a week), which is a major convenience versus other study destinations. Student districts like Avcılar, Esenyurt and Beylikdüzü are cheaper. Remember lira inflation moves rents fast — treat figures as a 2026 snapshot and negotiate in current terms.
3% of Nigerians who use Japa Calculator choose Turkey as their destination. Average Japa Score: 59/100. Most common salary expectation among applicants: ₦250K–₦600K.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the Skilled Work Permit cost for Nigerians moving to Turkey?
- Total government fees for the Skilled Work Permit are ₦332,316 (about $243). This covers the visa application fee, and any other applicable government charges.
- How long does Skilled Work Permit processing take from Nigeria?
- Processing time for the Skilled Work Permit is Employer-sponsored; ~30–45 days. Apply from the Turkey High Commission in Abuja or the Consulate in Lagos — book your appointment slot as early as possible, as backlogs frequently add 2–4 weeks beyond the official window.
- What documents do I need to apply for the Skilled Work Permit from Nigeria?
- You will need a valid Nigerian international passport (at least 6 months validity beyond your intended travel date), completed application form, recent passport photographs, and supporting evidence of eligibility.
- Where do most Nigerians settle after relocating to Turkey?
- Istanbul is the most popular destination for Nigerians relocating to Turkey. Average 1-bedroom rent is ₦1,117,522 per month. The Nigerian community in Istanbul is smaller but active; diaspora associations and online groups help new arrivals settle quickly.
Related guides
Sibling variants of this visa route and other ways into Turkey.
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Start Free CalculatorData methodology: Visa fees sourced from official immigration authority schedules. Naira conversions use live exchange rates from open.er-api.com (last updated 21 June 2026). All fees are subject to change with policy updates — verify with the official immigration website before applying. Last verified: 2026-06-02