Doctor Relocating to United Kingdom from Nigeria: ₦4,610,119–₦18,444,163
4,193 Nigerian doctors and dentists left Nigeria in 2024 alone, with approximately 66% heading to the UK. The PLAB exam pathway remains the primary route for Nigerian medical graduates to practise in the NHS. This guide breaks down every cost from MDCN verification to GMC registration, including the PLAB 2 trip to Manchester that many guides forget to budget for. Every figure is verified against official GMC, GOV.UK, and NHS sources as of April 2026.
Verified relocation cost — Nigeria to United Kingdom
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Total cost (NGN) | ₦4,610,119–₦18,444,163 |
| Total cost (USD) | $3,342–$13,372 |
| Primary visa route | Skilled Worker Visa |
| Visa fee | ₦1,509,671 |
| Processing time | 3 weeks (standard), 5 working days (priority) |
| Rent (1-bed, London) | ₦3,625,791/mo |
All figures from our verified relocation database. Exchange rates as of 14 July 2026.
Doctor-specific costs in United Kingdom
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Registration & licensing costs | ₦6.5M–₦10.1M |
| Entry salary (2026/27) | GBP 36,616 |
| Salary band (2026/27) | FY1 → ST3+ |
| Migration history | 4,193 left Nigeria in 2024 |
Full Guide Available
Read the full Doctor → United Kingdom guide → — covers registration steps, exam fees, salary progression, and the documents you need to practise in United Kingdom.
Visa options for United Kingdom
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost for a doctor to move from Nigeria to United Kingdom?
- On the work/skilled route, budget ₦4,610,119–₦18,444,163 for visa fees, flights from Lagos and the first months of rent in United Kingdom. Profession-specific licensing or registration fees apply on top, and the study route (with tuition and proof of funds) costs more. Use the Japa Calculator for a personalised estimate.
- What is the best visa route for a doctor from Nigeria to United Kingdom?
- The primary skilled-worker route for United Kingdom is the Skilled Worker Visa. Processing time is 3 weeks (standard), 5 working days (priority). Verified visa fee: ₦1,509,671.
- What salary can a Nigerian doctor expect in United Kingdom?
- Entry salary for Doctor in United Kingdom (FY1 → ST3+, 2026/27) is GBP 36,616. Mid-career: GBP 49,909. Top of band: GBP 61,825. FY1 basic £36,616 (total ~£45,900 with antisocial hours). FY2 £42,008. CT/ST1-2 £49,909. ST3+ £61,825. Includes 37% enhancement for nights and weekend allowance.
- How much does it cost to relocate from Nigeria to the United Kingdom?
- The total cost of relocating from Nigeria to the United Kingdom ranges from ₦4,500,000 to ₦18,000,000 ($3,300–$13,200) in 2026, depending on your visa type and destination city. The Skilled Worker visa costs approximately ₦10.6 million including the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year for up to 5 years), while the Health and Care Worker visa is significantly cheaper at ₦3.6 million as it is exempt from the IHS. London is the most expensive city for settlement, with one-bedroom rent averaging £1,800/month. Use the Japa Calculator to get a personalized cost estimate based on your specific situation.
Related guides
Other pages Nigerians most often read alongside this one.
Calculate YOUR Japa Score for United Kingdom
Get a personalised cost estimate for relocating to United Kingdom as a doctor, based on your salary, education, and family size. Takes 2 minutes.
Start Free CalculatorData methodology: Visa fees sourced from official government websites. Cost-of-living from Numbeo and local sources. Naira conversions use live exchange rates from open.er-api.com (last updated 14 July 2026). All costs are estimates and subject to change with exchange rates and policy updates. Verify with official immigration websites before making decisions. Last verified: 2026-06-02