Research-Backed : Cheapest Countries for Nigerian Nurses to Move to in 2025 (Cost of Living & Salary)
Complete Guide: Cheapest Countries for Nigerian Nurses to Move to in 2025 (Cost of Living & Salary)
For many healthcare professionals in Nigeria, the dream of building a rewarding international career is often held back by one major concern—affordability. The cost of relocating abroad, combined with high living expenses in popular destinations like the UK, US, or Canada, can make migration feel impossible.
That’s why more nurses are now exploring the Cheapest Countries for Nigerian Nurses to Move to in 2025—countries that not only welcome foreign nurses but also offer lower relocation costs, affordable living expenses, and competitive salaries that can still guarantee financial stability.
In this complete guide, we break down the most budget-friendly destinations for Nigerian nurses looking to migrate in 2025. From tuition-free or low-cost licensing requirements, to countries where accommodation, feeding, and transport remain within reach, you’ll discover practical options that reduce the financial pressure of migration. At the same time, these countries provide stable income opportunities, structured healthcare systems, and in some cases, even sponsorship or relocation support.
This article will help you understand the real-world balance between cost of living and nursing salaries, so you can choose wisely and avoid debt or disappointment after moving. Whether you’re a fresh graduate looking to start your career abroad, or an experienced RN seeking better pay and quality of life, this guide highlights affordable countries that still offer strong professional growth, cultural diversity, and pathways to permanent residency.
By the end of this article, you’ll not only know the Cheapest Countries for Nigerian Nurses to Move to in 2025, but also what to expect in terms of housing costs, average salaries, and lifestyle advantages in each destination. This way, you can make an informed decision and plan your relocation journey without unnecessary financial strain.
Complete Guide: NOC 3012 Canada PR Requirements for Internationally Educated Nurses 2025
Why Nigerian Nurses Are Seeking Cheaper Countries in 2025
The global demand for nurses continues to grow, but the cost of relocating to popular destinations like the UK, Canada, and the US has become overwhelming for many Nigerian nurses. High visa fees, credential verification charges, expensive English proficiency tests, and rising living costs make migration to these countries financially draining. For instance, while salaries may be attractive in the UK or US, the cost of accommodation, utilities, and food often leaves nurses struggling to save as much as they expected.
This challenge has pushed many Nigerian healthcare professionals to explore the Cheapest Countries for Nigerian Nurses to Move to in 2025. These countries may not be the “traditional big three” destinations, but they provide strong career opportunities, lower migration costs, and living expenses that are more in line with a nurse’s salary. Some of them even offer family-friendly policies, faster residency options, or easier work permit processes that make relocation smoother.
By considering these alternative destinations, Nigerian nurses can achieve the same goals—international exposure, better pay compared to Nigeria, and improved living standards—without being weighed down by excessive costs. In the following sections, we’ll provide a detailed comparison of the best low-cost countries, focusing on their cost of living, average salaries for nurses, licensing requirements, and overall lifestyle advantages.
Complete Guide: Express Entry vs PNP Nurses: Which Path Is Best for Nurses Seeking Canada PR 2025
Top 10 Cheapest Countries for Nigerian Nurses to Move to in 2025
When deciding where to relocate as a nurse, affordability and income potential are equally important.
Below are some of the Cheapest Countries for Nigerian Nurses to Move to in 2025, with insights into cost of living, salaries, and overall benefits.
1. Poland
Poland has become one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for foreign-trained nurses due to its affordable cost of living and rising demand for healthcare workers.
-
Average Nurse Salary: $1,200 – $1,600 per month
-
Cost of Living: Around $600 – $800 monthly (including rent, food, and utilities in smaller cities)
-
Why Poland? Nurses can save more compared to the UK, while still enjoying the benefits of living in the European Union. The licensing process is also less expensive, and Poland offers pathways to permanent residency after a few years of work.
2. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia remains a popular option for Nigerian nurses seeking tax-free salaries and employer-sponsored relocation.
-
Average Nurse Salary: $2,000 – $3,500 per month (tax-free)
-
Cost of Living: $700 – $1,000 monthly (excluding employer-provided accommodation and transport)
-
Why Saudi Arabia? Most employers provide free housing, transportation, and health insurance, drastically reducing personal expenses. Nurses save a large portion of their income, making it one of the cheapest and most profitable options.
3. Hungary
Hungary is gaining attention as a budget-friendly country for foreign nurses, with a low cost of living and a growing healthcare system.
-
Average Nurse Salary: $1,000 – $1,400 per month
-
Cost of Living: $500 – $700 monthly in smaller towns
-
Why Hungary? The licensing and visa process is less costly compared to Western Europe, and nurses can live comfortably while still saving. Being an EU country, it also provides future opportunities to move within Europe.
4. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Though Dubai and Abu Dhabi are known for luxury living, the UAE still offers affordable relocation when compared to Western countries, especially because of employer-sponsored benefits.
-
Average Nurse Salary: $2,500 – $4,000 per month (tax-free)
-
Cost of Living: $900 – $1,300 monthly (lower if accommodation is employer-provided)
-
Why UAE? Employers often cover housing and airfare, meaning Nigerian nurses can save significantly while working in a modern healthcare system with career growth opportunities.
5. Qatar
Qatar offers nurses a chance to earn high tax-free salaries while enjoying modern healthcare facilities.
-
Average Nurse Salary: $2,200 – $3,800 per month (tax-free)
-
Cost of Living: $800 – $1,200 monthly (excluding employer-provided housing)
-
Why Qatar? Many hospitals provide free accommodation, transportation, and flight allowances. With lower personal expenses and no income tax, nurses can save a large portion of their earnings.
6. Germany
Germany has a strong healthcare system and is actively recruiting foreign nurses, including from Nigeria.
-
Average Nurse Salary: $2,000 – $3,000 per month
-
Cost of Living: $900 – $1,200 monthly depending on city
-
Why Germany? While the licensing process may require language proficiency (German B2), the overall migration costs are much cheaper compared to the UK or US. Nurses also benefit from long-term career security and opportunities for permanent residency.
7. Oman
Oman is another Middle Eastern country offering affordable migration pathways and attractive salary packages.
-
Average Nurse Salary: $1,800 – $2,800 per month (tax-free)
-
Cost of Living: $600 – $900 monthly (excluding housing covered by employer)
-
Why Oman? The work environment is less stressful compared to larger Middle Eastern countries, and nurses can save more due to employer benefits like accommodation and health insurance.
8. Malaysia
Malaysia is one of the Cheapest Countries for Nigerian Nurses to Move to in Asia, offering low living expenses and a growing demand for healthcare workers.
-
Average Nurse Salary: $900 – $1,400 per month
-
Cost of Living: $400 – $600 monthly in most cities
-
Why Malaysia? Though salaries are lower than in Europe or the Middle East, the very low cost of living balances it out. It is an excellent option for nurses who want affordable migration with decent career growth.
9. Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is emerging as a budget-friendly European destination for nurses.
-
Average Nurse Salary: $1,200 – $1,800 per month
-
Cost of Living: $500 – $700 monthly (especially outside Prague)
-
Why Czech Republic? Lower licensing costs, affordable living, and EU mobility make it one of the best stepping stones for Nigerian nurses planning a European career.
10. Portugal
Portugal is among the cheapest Western European countries for Nigerian nurses in 2025.
-
Average Nurse Salary: $1,200 – $1,600 per month
-
Cost of Living: $600 – $900 monthly
-
Why Portugal? With low relocation costs, affordable healthcare, and a friendly environment for migrants, Portugal provides both affordability and lifestyle benefits.
Easy Steps: How to Apply for Travel Nursing Jobs in the US 2025
Cost of Living vs. Salary Comparison Table for Nigerian Nurses (2025)
| Country | Average Nurse Salary (Monthly) | Estimated Cost of Living (Monthly) | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poland | $1,200 – $1,600 | $600 – $800 | EU opportunities, affordable licensing |
| Saudi Arabia | $2,000 – $3,500 (tax-free) | $700 – $1,000 (often covered) | Free housing, tax-free salary |
| Hungary | $1,000 – $1,400 | $500 – $700 | Low migration cost, EU mobility |
| UAE | $2,500 – $4,000 (tax-free) | $900 – $1,300 (lower with benefits) | Employer benefits, modern healthcare |
| Qatar | $2,200 – $3,800 (tax-free) | $800 – $1,200 (lower with benefits) | Free housing, high savings potential |
| Germany | $2,000 – $3,000 | $900 – $1,200 | Career stability, EU residency options |
| Oman | $1,800 – $2,800 (tax-free) | $600 – $900 (often covered) | Employer-paid benefits, stress-free work |
| Malaysia | $900 – $1,400 | $400 – $600 | Very low cost of living, easy relocation |
| Czech Republic | $1,200 – $1,800 | $500 – $700 | EU mobility, affordable lifestyle |
| Portugal | $1,200 – $1,600 | $600 – $900 | Western Europe at lower cost |
Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Country
While identifying the Cheapest Countries for Nigerian Nurses to Move to in 2025 is important, affordability alone should not be the only deciding factor. Nurses must also weigh other essential elements that directly affect their career growth, financial stability, and quality of life abroad.
Here are the most important factors to consider before making your move:
1. Licensing and Credential Verification
Each country has its own licensing requirements for foreign-trained nurses. Some, like Germany, require proof of language proficiency (German B2), while Middle Eastern countries may focus more on professional verification and exams. Understanding these processes—and the costs involved—can help you prepare better.
2. Language Barrier
Moving to a country where English is not the main language may present challenges both at work and in daily life. Countries like Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic may require nurses to learn the local language for licensing and effective patient care. This adds time and sometimes extra cost, but it may be worth it for long-term career benefits.
3. Employer Benefits
In many Gulf countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman), employers cover housing, transportation, and health insurance. This drastically reduces living costs and makes these destinations more affordable despite slightly higher living expenses. Always check the benefit package before signing a contract.
4. Pathways to Residency or Citizenship
If your goal is long-term settlement, European countries like Germany, Portugal, and Poland provide clear pathways to permanent residency and eventually citizenship. In contrast, Middle Eastern countries usually do not offer permanent residency, so they are best for short- to medium-term savings.
5. Cost of Relocation
Beyond salaries and monthly expenses, consider the initial costs: visa applications, licensing exams, travel tickets, and credential verifications. Some countries are cheaper to migrate to (Malaysia, Poland), while others may require significant upfront investment (UK, US, Canada).
6. Quality of Life and Work-Life Balance
Finally, think about your personal comfort and well-being. Factors like working hours, cultural adjustment, family support, and safety should be part of your decision. A cheaper country with poor work-life balance may not be the best choice in the long run.
Easy Opportunity: Top Travel Nursing Agencies in the US Hiring in 2025
Conclusion
Relocating abroad is one of the biggest career decisions a nurse can make, and for Nigerian nurses in particular, balancing cost of migration, living expenses, and salary potential is essential.
This is why exploring the Cheapest Countries for Nigerian Nurses to Move to in 2025 provides a smarter, cost-effective pathway compared to the traditional choices of the UK, US, or Canada.
Countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE stand out for their high tax-free salaries and employer-sponsored benefits, making it easy for nurses to save a significant portion of their income. On the other hand, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Portugal offer affordable living in Europe with pathways to permanent residency and career stability. For those who prefer Asia, Malaysia combines a very low cost of living with opportunities for growth, while Germany provides long-term security in one of the world’s strongest healthcare systems.
The right choice ultimately depends on your personal goals—whether you’re seeking quick savings, long-term settlement, family relocation, or global career opportunities. By carefully weighing the factors of salary, living expenses, licensing requirements, and quality of life, you can make a well-informed decision that benefits both your career and financial future.
As more Nigerian nurses consider migration in 2025, this guide highlights the best affordable options that don’t compromise on opportunity. Whether you want to save aggressively or settle permanently, these destinations provide practical and rewarding alternatives to high-cost countries.
If you’re ready to start your journey, begin by researching licensing requirements for your chosen country, comparing employer benefit packages, and planning your relocation budget in advance. With the right preparation, your move abroad can be both affordable and life-changing.
Helpful Resources for Nigerian Nurses in 2025
To make your relocation process smoother, here are reliable resources where you can find official information on licensing, cost of living, and job opportunities:
-
World Health Organization (WHO) – Global Nursing Workforce Data
https://www.who.int/ -
International Council of Nurses (ICN) – Migration & Nursing Policy
https://www.icn.ch/ -
Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) – Licensing process for nurses in Saudi Arabia
https://www.scfhs.org.sa/ -
Dubai Health Authority (DHA) – Nursing Licensing & Regulations
https://www.dha.gov.ae/ -
Qatar Ministry of Public Health – Healthcare Professionals Registration
https://www.moph.gov.qa/ -
Germany’s Federal Employment Agency – Nursing Opportunities & Recognition of Foreign Qualifications
https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/ -
Poland National Chamber of Nurses and Midwives
https://nipip.pl/ -
Nursing & Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) – For credential verification before migration
https://nmcn.gov.ng/ -
Numbeo – Cost of Living Data Worldwide
https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/
