Nurse Relocating to United Kingdom from Nigeria: ₦4,610,119–₦18,444,163
Over 14,815 Nigerian nurses and midwives have migrated to the UK since 2017, making Nigeria the third-largest source country for international nurse recruitment after India and the Philippines. This guide breaks down every cost, requirement, and timeline for Nigerian registered nurses seeking to work in the UK's National Health Service. Every figure is verified against official NMC, 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.
Nurse-specific costs in United Kingdom
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Registration & licensing costs | ₦2.8M–₦3.3M |
| Entry salary (2026/27) | GBP 32,073 |
| Salary band (2026/27) | Band 5 |
| Migration history | 14,815+ since 2017 |
Full Guide Available
Read the full Nurse → 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 nurse 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 nurse 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 nurse expect in United Kingdom?
- Entry salary for Registered Nurse in United Kingdom (Band 5, 2026/27) is GBP 32,073. Mid-career: GBP 34,592. Top of band: GBP 39,043. Minimum 2 years between each pay point. Overseas nurses typically start at Band 5 entry point.
- 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.
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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