Canada, UK, Germany lead Nigerian relocation research in Q3 2026

Canada, the United Kingdom and Germany were the most-researched relocation destinations among Nigerians in the third quarter of 2026. The State of Japa 2026 Q3 report, published by Japa Calculator on October 30, 2026, analysed 1,645 relocation calculations made between July and September.

The calculations rose 18% from the preceding quarter. Japa Calculator had recorded 4,569 calculations since launch as of October 27, 2026. The report said the figures reflect relocation interest among users, not actual migration numbers.

Nurses, engineers and Lagos users dominate

Software engineers, nurses, students, teachers, electricians and product designers were among the most frequently entered occupations. Nursing recorded 119 calculations, including entries classified as registered nurses.

Lagos accounted for 39% of all calculations. Edo, Ogun, the Federal Capital Territory Abuja and Oyo State followed. Working remotely from Nigeria was the highest-scoring recommendation in 53% of calculations, compared with 31% for remaining in Nigeria and 15% for relocating abroad.

New Zealand, Ireland, Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia

New Zealand ranked 10th with 4% of calculations. It was ninth in the second quarter with 3%. The Accredited Employer Work Visa pathway was estimated at N7.6 million, down from N8.3 million a year earlier, an 8% reduction. The estimate covers visa-related expenses, a one-way flight from Lagos and three months rent.

Ireland ranked ninth with 4%, after sitting outside the top 10 in the second quarter. Its Critical Skills Employment Permit route was estimated at N8.5 million, compared with N9.6 million a year earlier, an 11% reduction. Time spent in Ireland under student permissions Stamp 2 and Stamp 2A generally does not count towards naturalisation residence requirements.

Cape Verde ranked eighth with 4%, up from outside the top 10 in the second quarter. Its economy relies heavily on tourism and services. Japa Calculator did not provide a specific relocation cost for Cape Verde in its published comparison of 21 countries. The report said its inclusion reflects interest recorded on the platform rather than evidence of increased migration or employment opportunities.

Saudi Arabia ranked seventh with 4%, up from eighth in the second quarter when it had 3%. Its Vision 2030 programme seeks to expand economic activity beyond oil and develop sectors including tourism.

What it means for japa budgets

The naira cost of relocating to New Zealand and Ireland fell by 8% and 11% respectively year on year, largely reflecting naira appreciation. That matters for families budgeting for relocation and for Nigerian employers watching skilled nurses, software engineers and other professionals research exits.