10 Easy European Countries to Immigrate To From Nigeria

If you’re a Nigerian looking to travel to Europe, there are a few countries that are particularly easy to immigrate to. Hungary, Sweden, and Norway are countries you can immigrate to from Nigeria with ease.

If you’re considering leaving Nigeria for a new life in Europe, you’ll want to know which countries are the easiest to immigrate to. While each country has unique requirements and application processes, some countries have more straightforward immigration policies and a lot to offer than others.

In this article, I’ll highlight some of the easiest European countries to immigrate to from Nigeria, based on factors such as cost of living, visa requirements, and job opportunities, with a focus on why they are considered among the more accessible options for Nigerians to immigrate to.

I’ll provide a comprehensive overview, including key statistics and insights highlighting their appeal to Nigerian immigrants. Let’s get started!

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Easy European Countries to Immigrate To From Nigeria

1. Hungary

Hungary is an excellent option for Nigerians looking to immigrate to Europe. Hungary is part of the European Union, so it has relatively relaxed immigration policies for EU citizens. Unlike some other EU countries, it doesn’t have a language barrier, as English is widely spoken.

As a Nigerian citizen, you must apply for a Schengen Visa, which allows you to travel freely within the Schengen area. Hungary has one of the lowest visa rejection rates in Europe for Nigerians.

Only about 1.5% of visa applications from Nigerians are rejected, which is lower than the EU average of 3.5%.

Hungary’s visa application process takes about three months from start to finish, which is much faster than I had expected.

Hungary is an attractive destination for immigrants from Nigeria, mainly because they specialize in critical sectors such as food processing, IT, pharmaceuticals, and tourism, which offers employment opportunities. 

The country’s low-income inequality and high-income economic status make it a promising place for a better standard of living. The government is open to skilled workers and students. The country’s education system, especially in higher education, is open to international students, and various scholarship programs are available.

2. Sweden

Sweden has one of the highest rates of naturalization for immigrants in Europe, which is why it is one of the easiest European countries to Immigrate to from Nigeria.

According to Global RCG, Sweden is the third easiest country to get citizenship in Europe. Sweden’s citizenship regulation is quite easy. There’s no language requirements for new immigrants and only a five-year residency time is required to become a Swedish citizen. This can even be reduced to only three years if the immigrant has been married to a Swedish spouse for at least two years, only that you’ll have to show that you’ve gotten used to the Swedish lifestyle.   

This indicates that Sweden makes it relatively easy for immigrants to become citizens, which can make settling in and feeling at home much easier.

Sweden boasts a diversified economy with an emphasis on technology, renewable energy, and high-end manufacturing. The job market is receptive to skilled workers, particularly in technology, healthcare, and engineering.

Sweden also has a relatively straightforward immigration process for skilled workers, with various pathways for work permits and eventual citizenship. Additionally, Sweden’s policies towards family reunification are among the most accommodating in Europe.

3. Norway

Norway consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world, and its cities are considered some of the most livable in the world. It has a strong economy with a high per capita income, and its residents enjoy a high quality of life.

Norway has a robust social welfare system that provides immigrants with access to healthcare, education, and other essential services. In addition, the country has a strong job market, with many opportunities for skilled workers.

Norway’s economy is buoyed by its oil wealth, but it is also diversified with opportunities in maritime, seafood, and renewable energy sectors. The country is known for its stunning natural beauty; Norway offers a high quality of life, with a strong emphasis on work-life balance and environmental sustainability. This is appealing to those looking for a healthy lifestyle along with career opportunities.

4. Portugal

Portugal is one of the easiest European Countries for Nigerians to immigrate to. It has a straightforward immigration process, and it is relatively inexpensive to live in Portugal compared to some other European countries.

Portugal has a Golden Visa program, which offers foreigners who invest in the country a fast track to citizenship. In addition, the Portuguese government offers tax breaks and other incentives for foreign workers, which makes it a financially attractive option. 

Portugal offers a more affordable cost of living when compared to other European countries. For example, the average cost of a home in Portugal is about ₤6,500 per square meter, while in Spain is about 7,500 per square meter. In addition, the cost of groceries and other everyday items in Portugal is also relatively low compared to other countries like the UK and Spain. 

In recent years, Portugal’s economy has grown steadily, with significant investments in technology and renewable energy. The country’s tourism industry is also a significant employer and continues to expand, offering various job opportunities.

5. Belgium

Belgium is another popular choice for Nigerians looking to immigrate to Europe, especially those seeking higher education. Belgium is centrally located in western Europe and well connected to other major countries such as France, the 

Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg. 

As of 2024, Belgium has a GDP per capita of over $50,000, making it one of Europe’s wealthiest countries. This means even immigrants will have access to numerous benefits because of the very strong economy possessed by Belgium. It also has a low unemployment rate and a high level of job security. 

Belgian visas come in different forms, and there are various options for those who wish to travel to the country. The most common type of visa is the Belgian Schengan Visa, which allows for short-term stays of up to 90 days. For those wishing to stay longer, there are options such as the family reunification Visa, the employment visa, and the student visa. 

6. France

As one of the largest economies in Europe, France offers a diverse array of job opportunities, especially in industries like technology, fashion, and tourism. Its strong economy is attractive to immigrants seeking better career opportunities.

France is known for its rich history, culture, and cuisine, factors that contribute to a high quality of life. The country’s healthcare and education systems are also among the best in the world.

France has various immigration programs, including talent passports for skilled professionals, family reunification, and student visas. The French government also occasionally regularizes long-term undocumented immigrants, which is a unique approach in Europe.

7. Spain

In 2024, Spain’s minimum wage increased by 5%, rising from €36 to €37.80 per hour and €1,080.00 to €1,134.00 per month for general workers. This is an excellent development for both citizens and foreigners in Spain. 

When we compare Spain’s minimum wage of €1134 per month to Nigeria’s Minimum wage of #30000 per month, there’s a massive difference between both. In addition, Spain has a robust social safety net that provides many benefits for workers, including healthcare, unemployment benefits, and pensions. That can’t be said of Nigeria, though.

Spain’s economy is diverse, with strengths in tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy sectors. The country offers various opportunities, especially in hospitality and service industries, appealing to immigrants seeking job opportunities. No wonder it is one of the easiest European Countries to immigrate to from Nigeria.

8. United Kingdom

The UK, one of the world’s largest economies, offers diverse job opportunities in finance, technology, healthcare, and education. It’s particularly attractive for professionals, investors, and students.

The historical relationship between Nigeria and the UK facilitates a smoother cultural integration for Nigerian immigrants. The common language and legal systems add to this ease of transition.

The UK provides various immigration routes, including work visas, student visas, and family visas. The points-based immigration system is designed to attract skilled workers.

9. Finland

Finland is a Nordic country often considered one of the easiest European countries to immigrate to from Nigeria. According to Wikipedia, Nigerians are the second largest African immigrant group after Somalis. This suggests that there is a growing African community in Finland. 

Finland is a country that has a quality education system and excellent healthcare, and it is relatively safe and stable. In addition, the Finnish government has made it easier for foreigners to move to the country by implementing policies that make it easier to get a residence permit and find a job.

As a result, Finland has become an increasingly popular destination for Nigerian immigrants. In recent years, the number of Nigerian immigrants in Finland has grown significantly, with over 1,000 Nigerians relocating to the country each year.

And it’s not just Nigerians who are drawn to Finland – the country has also become a popular destination for immigrants from other Africa and the Middle East.

In short, Finland is a great place to immigrate to from Nigeria because it offers a high quality of life and plenty of opportunities.

If you’re considering moving to Europe, Finland is definitely worth considering.

The process may not be easy, but it is certainly worth the effort.

10. Luxembourg

Like Finland, Luxembourg is another European country that is considered relatively easy to immigrate to from Nigeria. This is due to a number of factors, such as its proximity to Nigeria and its liberal immigration policies.

Luxembourg is much closer to Nigeria than many other European countries.

In fact, it’s only a four-hour flight from Nigeria’s capital city of Abuja. This close proximity makes it an attractive option for Nigerians looking to relocate to Europe. There are also a number of direct flights between the two countries, making the trip relatively easy and affordable.

Luxembourg is a small country, but it has a lot to offer. It is a member of the European Union, which makes it easier for Nigerians to move there. The process of getting a visa is relatively straightforward, and there are numerous employment opportunities available in Luxembourg.

For Nigerians looking to make the move, Luxembourg is an excellent option. The country has a strong economy and a high standard of living, and it is not as crowded or expensive as some other European countries. 

And don’t forget to learn some French!

Even though Luxembourg has three official languages, French is the most commonly spoken.

Conclusion

If you’re considering a move to Europe from Nigeria, you can Hungary, Sweden, Norway, or any of the other above listed countries. They are particularly well-suited for making the transition from Nigeria. 

These countries have friendly immigration policies, offer a high standard of living, and have a lot to offer in terms of lifestyle and culture. If you’re willing to learn a new language and embrace a new culture, these countries can be an excellent option for you.

And if you’re looking for a change of pace, they may be just what you need.

So don’t hesitate to consider any of the above-listed countries when planning to move to Europe.

Do you think I forgot to include one country or more, let me know in the comments box. Don’t forget to include a few details about the country too. Thanks for reading; I hope you find it helpful.