Japa vs Stay Tax Calculator
Determine tax liability on foreign income for residents, considering double taxation treaties.
Planning Your Japa: Relocation Cost Calculator & Moving Abroad Savings Guide
Last Updated: feb 23, 2026What is "Japa"?
"Japa" is a Nigerian slang term that means to relocate abroad, usually for better opportunities. Whether you're planning to move to the UK, Canada, USA, or anywhere else, this relocation cost calculator helps you budget for your move and understand the financial requirements.
"I wan Japa go Canada, how much I need save?" — This calculator gives you the real numbers!
What Costs Should You Plan For?
Moving abroad from Nigeria involves several major expenses:
- Visa Application Fees: Student visa, work permit, or skilled migration visa fees (varies by country: UK £1,500-£3,000, Canada CAD$1,500-$2,500)
- Flight Tickets: One-way or return tickets for you and your family (₦800k-₦2M per person depending on destination)
- Accommodation Deposit: First month's rent + security deposit in your destination country (UK: £1,500-£3,000, Canada: CAD$2,000-$4,000)
- Proof of Funds: Most countries require you to show savings (UK: £9,000+, Canada: CAD$13,000+ for single person)
- Medical Exams & Tests: Immigration medical exams, vaccinations, and health insurance (₦150k-₦300k)
- Document Processing: Passport, police clearance, educational credential evaluation, notarization (₦100k-₦250k)
- Settling-In Costs: Food, transport, phone, utilities for first 2-3 months until you find work
Popular Japa Destinations from Nigeria
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Estimated Total Cost: ₦8M - ₦15M
Popular Routes: Student visa, Skilled Worker visa, Health & Care Worker visa
Proof of Funds: £9,000+ for students, £1,270+ for workers
🇨🇦 Canada
Estimated Total Cost: ₦10M - ₦18M
Popular Routes: Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program, Study Permit
Proof of Funds: CAD$13,310+ for single person, CAD$16,570+ for couple
🇺🇸 United States
Estimated Total Cost: ₦12M - ₦25M
Popular Routes: Student visa (F-1), Work visa (H-1B), Diversity Visa Lottery
Proof of Funds: Varies by university/sponsor requirements
How to Save for Your Japa
Here's a realistic savings plan:
- Set a Target Date: Decide when you want to relocate (12-24 months is realistic)
- Calculate Total Cost: Use this calculator to estimate your destination's requirements
- Monthly Savings Goal: Divide total cost by number of months. For example, ₦10M ÷ 24 months = ₦417k/month
- Cut Expenses: Reduce non-essential spending, cancel subscriptions, cook at home more
- Increase Income: Side hustles, freelancing, overtime work to boost savings
- Save in Dollars: Consider domiciliary accounts to protect against Naira devaluation
Tax Implications of Japa
Before you leave Nigeria:
- Ensure you have a valid Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) — some embassies ask for it
- If you're leaving permanently, inform FIRS to close your tax file and avoid future penalties
- If you maintain income sources in Nigeria (rental property, business), you'll still need to file tax returns
💡 Pro Tip: Start your Japa planning early! The visa process alone can take 6-12 months. Use this relocation cost calculator to set realistic savings goals and track your progress monthly.
UK Plans?
The UK Home Office just increased visa and health surcharge fees. Don't get stranded!
See the New UK Costs →Why Use This Relocation Calculator?
Our Japa calculator (also known as a moving abroad savings planneror relocation cost calculator) helps you:
- Estimate total costs for your destination country
- Set realistic monthly savings targets
- Track your progress toward your relocation goal
- Avoid surprises and hidden costs
Whether you call it "Japa", "relocation planning", or "emigration budgeting" — this tool gives you the numbers you need to make your move successfully!