Skilled Work Permit: Overview for Nigerians ₦332,316
The Skilled Work Permit is one of the main routes Nigerians use to relocate to Turkey. This overview covers the verified 2026 fees, processing time, and the documents you need to apply. All figures are pulled from our verified relocation database — no estimates.
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