Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Nigeria Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Nigeria Property Pack
Nigeria can be an excellent place to live in 2026 if your income is tied to foreign currency or you have a strong local package, but daily life requires more planning than in many other destinations.
The country offers vibrant cities, business opportunities, and a rich culture, though expats typically center their lives in Lagos or Abuja where international services are most accessible.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest prices, regulations, and expat experiences in Nigeria.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Nigeria.
Is Nigeria a good place to live in 2026?
Is quality of life getting better or worse in Nigeria in 2026?
As of early 2026, quality of life in Nigeria is mixed, with improvements in some areas but persistent challenges that create what many expats describe as a "two Nigerias" experience.
The fintech and digital payments sector has improved dramatically over the past three years, making everyday transactions much easier for expats who can now use apps like OPay, PalmPay, and Bolt for payments and transportation.
However, inflation remains a persistent challenge in Nigeria, with prices changing frequently and the naira's volatility against foreign currencies making budgeting difficult for expats who don't earn in USD, EUR, or GBP.
Are hospitals good in Nigeria in 2026?
As of early 2026, private hospitals in Nigeria can be good for routine care, but even the better private facilities may not match US or UK standards, and public hospitals are significantly more constrained.
Expats in Nigeria most commonly recommend Lagoon Hospitals in Ikoyi and Victoria Island, Reddington Hospital on Victoria Island in Lagos, and Nizamiye Hospital in Abuja for quality private care.
A standard doctor consultation in Nigeria in 2026 typically costs between 25,000 and 60,000 naira (roughly 15 to 40 USD or 14 to 37 EUR) for a private GP visit, though specialist consultations and diagnostics can run significantly higher.
Private health insurance is strongly recommended for expats living in Nigeria because consular guidance consistently emphasizes that private care and evacuation coverage are essential given the healthcare limitations.
Are there any good international schools in Nigeria in 2026?
As of early 2026, Nigeria has a solid selection of international schools concentrated in Lagos and Abuja, with options ranging from ultra-premium British-style institutions to more moderately priced international curriculum schools.
The most reputable international schools among expat families in Nigeria include Charterhouse Lagos for premium British education, American International School Lagos, and American International School of Abuja for American curriculum options.
Annual tuition fees at international schools in Nigeria in 2026 range from about 5 million to 46 million naira (roughly 3,000 to 30,000 USD or 2,800 to 28,000 EUR), with ultra-premium schools like Charterhouse Lagos at the higher end and mainstream international schools starting around 5 to 10 million naira.
Waitlists at the most in-demand international schools in Lagos can be long, especially at key entry years, and while public schools are largely free, they are generally not recommended for expat children due to curriculum differences and resource constraints.
Is Nigeria a dangerous place in 2026?
As of early 2026, Nigeria's safety profile is highly location-dependent, with consular sources from multiple countries advising elevated caution and emphasizing that security concerns including crime and kidnapping require strong situational awareness.
The most common safety concerns for expats in Nigeria include armed robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping for ransom, with consular guidance noting that crimes have sometimes been committed by individuals posing as police or military personnel, particularly in certain regions.
The safest neighborhoods for expats in Nigeria are typically secure estates and compounds in areas like Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki Phase 1, and Oniru in Lagos, and Maitama, Asokoro, and Wuse II in Abuja, where controlled access and security guards are standard.
Women can live alone safely in Nigeria, but expat women typically do so in security-managed setups with secure compounds, vetted drivers, and conservative routines at night, rather than relying on general neighborhood safety.
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How much does everyday life cost in Nigeria in 2026?
What monthly budget do I need to live well in Nigeria in 2026?
As of early 2026, a single expat living comfortably in Lagos in an expat-style area needs roughly 2.5 to 4 million naira per month (about 1,600 to 2,600 USD or 1,500 to 2,400 EUR), with housing being the dominant expense.
For a modest but decent lifestyle in Nigeria, a single person can manage on about 1.5 to 2 million naira per month (roughly 1,000 to 1,300 USD or 900 to 1,200 EUR), though this typically means living outside prime expat neighborhoods.
A more comfortable or upscale lifestyle in Lagos, including a family with one child in a premium international school, requires roughly 6 to 10 million naira per month (about 4,000 to 6,500 USD or 3,700 to 6,000 EUR) because school fees alone can consume a large portion of the budget.
Housing typically takes the largest share of a monthly budget in Nigeria, but what makes Nigeria unique is that rent is usually collected annually upfront, so expats need significant capital available when securing accommodation.
What is the average income tax rate in Nigeria in 2026?
As of early 2026, a typical middle-income earner in Nigeria with annual gross income around 12 million naira often sees an effective tax rate of roughly 10 to 16 percent after reliefs and exemptions are applied.
Nigeria's personal income tax brackets under the 2025 Tax Act range from 0 percent on the first 800,000 naira up to 25 percent on income above 50 million naira, with intermediate rates of 15, 18, 21, and 23 percent applying to income bands in between.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Nigeria versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What kind of foreigners actually live in Nigeria in 2026?
Where do most expats come from in Nigeria in 2026?
As of early 2026, the largest groups of expats in Nigeria come from other West African countries through ECOWAS regional mobility, followed by significant populations from India, Lebanon, China, the UK, and the US working in multinational companies and the development sector.
The total number of foreign residents in Nigeria represents a relatively small percentage of the overall population, with UN DESA international migrant stock data providing the most reliable baseline for understanding the foreign-born population.
Expats from these top origin countries are drawn to Nigeria primarily by business opportunities in Africa's largest consumer market, energy sector work, and positions with multinational corporations, NGOs, and diplomatic missions.
The expat population in Nigeria is predominantly working professionals and corporate assignees rather than retirees or digital nomads, with multinational company staff, development workers, and entrepreneurs making up the core of the foreign community.
Where do most expats live in Nigeria in 2026?
As of early 2026, most expats in Nigeria concentrate in Lagos neighborhoods like Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki Phase 1, Oniru, and Banana Island, and in Abuja neighborhoods like Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse II, and Gwarinpa.
These neighborhoods attract expats because they offer the combination of secure compounds with controlled access, proximity to international schools and offices, reliable backup power infrastructure, and easy access to restaurants, shops, and services that cater to foreign residents.
Eko Atlantic in Lagos is an emerging area starting to attract more expats in Nigeria, offering newly built premium housing on reclaimed land, though it remains a niche choice compared to established neighborhoods like Victoria Island and Ikoyi.
Are expats moving in or leaving Nigeria in 2026?
As of early 2026, expat presence in Nigeria appears to be holding steady in core sectors, though some expats are optimizing for shorter assignments and stronger security and health coverage rather than long-term relocation.
The main factor drawing expats to Nigeria right now is the sheer size of the business opportunity in Africa's most populous country, with multinational companies continuing to need senior staff for Lagos and Abuja operations.
The main factor causing some expats to leave Nigeria recently is the combination of security concerns, infrastructure challenges like power reliability and traffic, and the administrative friction of daily life that accumulates over time.
Compared to similar destinations in the region like Ghana or Kenya, Nigeria sees more corporate rotations but potentially fewer lifestyle expats because the daily-life overhead is higher, even though the business opportunity is larger.
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What paperwork do I need to move to Nigeria in 2026?
What visa options are popular in Nigeria in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three most popular visa types for expats moving to Nigeria are the Employment Visa tied to an Expatriate Quota, the Subject to Regularization (STR) Visa for those with job offers who need to regularize their stay, and the Temporary Work Permit (TWP) for short-term assignments.
The most commonly used expat visa in Nigeria, the Employment Visa, requires a confirmed work contract with a Nigerian employer who holds a valid Expatriate Quota, plus educational certificates, a CV, and company documentation demonstrating that no qualified Nigerian is available for the role.
Nigeria does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa, so remote workers typically enter on business visas for short stays, though this does not authorize formal employment and longer-term remote work requires proper work authorization.
Employment Visas linked to Expatriate Quotas are typically valid for one year and must be renewed annually through the CERPAC (Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card) system, with the overall quota grant lasting up to seven years depending on the industry.
How long does it take to get residency in Nigeria in 2026?
As of early 2026, a straightforward employer-driven residency case in Nigeria typically takes 6 to 12 weeks to process, though timelines can stretch longer if documentation is incomplete or if you are changing employers or status.
Common factors that can delay the residency application process in Nigeria include incomplete documentation, the employer's lack of experience with immigration procedures, and the recent digitalization reforms that are still being implemented across the system.
Nigeria does not have a straightforward path to permanent residency or citizenship for most expats, and the standard model is continued renewal of work authorization tied to employment, rather than accumulation toward permanent status.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Nigeria. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
How hard is it to find a job in Nigeria in 2026?
Which industries are hiring the most in Nigeria in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top industries hiring in Nigeria for expat-relevant roles are fintech and digital payments, energy and oil services, and telecommunications, with additional demand in FMCG, construction, and the development sector including NGOs and multilateral organizations.
It is realistic for expats to get hired in Nigeria without speaking local languages because English is Nigeria's official language and the standard for business, though familiarity with local expressions and some basic Yoruba, Igbo, or Hausa can help socially.
The types of roles most accessible to foreign job seekers in Nigeria are senior technical positions, management roles in multinationals, specialized engineering positions in energy, and leadership roles in fintech startups where specific expertise is scarce locally.
What salary ranges are common for expats in Nigeria in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical salary ranges for expats working in Nigeria vary widely by sector, but mid-level professional roles often come with packages valued at 800,000 to 2 million naira monthly (roughly 500 to 1,300 USD or 460 to 1,200 EUR) in base salary, often supplemented by housing and transport allowances.
Entry-level or mid-level expat positions in Nigeria typically offer base salaries of 500,000 to 1.5 million naira monthly (roughly 330 to 1,000 USD or 300 to 920 EUR), though total compensation including benefits can be significantly higher.
Senior or specialized expat roles in Nigeria, particularly in energy, banking, and multinational regional positions, can command packages worth 3 to 10 million naira monthly or more (roughly 2,000 to 6,500 USD or 1,850 to 6,000 EUR) when housing, schooling, and other allowances are included.
Employers in Nigeria commonly sponsor work visas for foreign hires in multinationals and large local corporates, but smaller firms and startups often prefer candidates who are already resident with valid work authorization.
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What's daily life really like for expats in Nigeria right now?
What do expats love most about living in Nigeria right now?
Expats in Nigeria most commonly love the energy and ambition of Lagos, the vibrant food culture and social scene, and the density of business opportunities in Africa's largest economy.
The lifestyle benefit most frequently praised by expats in Nigeria is the sense of being at the center of something dynamic, with Lagos in particular offering a pace and entrepreneurial culture that many find exciting and professionally stimulating.
The practical advantage expats appreciate most in Nigeria is often the value for money on domestic help, drivers, and personal services, which allows for a staffed household lifestyle that would be unaffordable in most Western countries.
The social and cultural aspect that makes Nigeria particularly enjoyable for expats is the warmth and hospitality of Nigerians, with many expats noting that once you build trusted relationships, the social network becomes a genuine support system.
What do expats dislike most about life in Nigeria right now?
The top complaints expats have about living in Nigeria include unreliable power supply requiring constant generator use, severe traffic congestion especially in Lagos, and the cumulative daily friction of logistics and infrastructure challenges.
The daily inconvenience that frustrates expats most in Nigeria is the power situation, where even in premium areas you need backup generators, and the cost and noise of running them becomes a constant part of life.
The bureaucratic issue that causes the most headaches for expats in Nigeria is the complexity of immigration and work permit renewals, especially with the recent digitalization reforms creating a transition period where processes can be unpredictable.
These common frustrations are manageable for most expats in Nigeria who have strong employer support, appropriate compensation, and realistic expectations, but they can become deal-breakers for those without adequate resources or patience for the daily overhead.
What are the biggest culture shocks in Nigeria right now?
The biggest culture shocks expats experience in Nigeria include how quickly small daily frictions accumulate, the critical importance of trusted personal networks for everything from drivers to doctors, and how visibly prices change week to week during inflationary periods.
The social norm in Nigeria that surprises newcomers most is the relationship-driven nature of everything, where who you know often matters more than formal processes, and building trust with key people unlocks access to services and opportunities.
The aspect of daily routines in Nigeria that takes longest for expats to adjust to is the unpredictability of timing, where meetings may start late, traffic can turn a 20-minute trip into two hours, and flexibility becomes essential to maintaining sanity.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Nigeria compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
Can I buy a home as a foreigner in Nigeria in 2026?
Can foreigners legally own property in Nigeria in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreign property ownership in Nigeria is technically restricted, but foreigners commonly acquire property through locally incorporated companies, making ownership possible through a corporate structure.
The specific restrictions for foreigners buying property in Nigeria include the requirement for Governor's consent to transfer land titles under the Land Use Act, the practical need to incorporate a Nigerian company, and the complexity of title perfection that affects all buyers but can be particularly challenging for foreigners unfamiliar with the system.
Foreigners in Nigeria can generally acquire apartments and houses through a company structure, but direct freehold land ownership is more constrained, and navigating the title documentation requires experienced legal counsel.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the whole property buying process for foreigners in Nigeria.
What is the average price per m² in Nigeria in 2026?
As of early 2026, average residential property prices in Nigeria vary dramatically by location, with prime Lagos areas like Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and Banana Island ranging from roughly 800,000 to 2 million naira per square meter (about 530 to 1,300 USD or 490 to 1,200 EUR per square meter).
Property prices in prime areas of Nigeria have generally trended upward in naira terms over the past three years, though the picture is more complex when measured in USD or EUR due to currency volatility, with real values fluctuating based on exchange rate movements.
Also, you'll find our latest property market analysis about Nigeria here.
Do banks give mortgages to foreigners in Nigeria in 2026?
As of early 2026, mortgages for foreigners in Nigeria are available but limited, with the overall mortgage market structurally constrained even for Nigerian citizens due to high interest rates and short loan terms.
Banks in Nigeria that have been known to work with foreigners on mortgage financing include Stanbic IBTC Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), and Access Bank, though each has specific requirements and foreigner lending is handled case by case.
Typical mortgage conditions for foreigners in Nigeria include down payments of 30 to 50 percent, interest rates ranging from 18 to 28 percent annually, and maximum loan terms of 10 to 20 years, making financing significantly more expensive than in Western markets.
Documents and eligibility requirements for foreigners to qualify for a mortgage in Nigeria typically include proof of stable income, valid work permit and residency documentation, clear property title documentation, and often an existing banking relationship with the lending institution.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Nigeria.
Buying real estate in Nigeria can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Nigeria, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) | Nigeria's official statistics agency and the primary source for inflation data. | We use it to anchor cost-of-living estimates in the reality of fast-moving prices. We also use it to justify wider budget ranges and explain why prices can change weekly. |
| Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) | The official monetary authority and reference for Nigeria's exchange rates. | We use it to translate naira budgets into USD and EUR with a defensible benchmark. We also use it to explain why expat costs can swing when currency values move. |
| Nigeria Tax Act (Gazetted) | Official legal text (primary source) for current tax rules. | We use it to state the 2026 personal income tax brackets accurately. We also use it to estimate effective tax burdens for typical expat salary bands. |
| UK FCDO Nigeria Travel Advice | Government source updated as risks change, reflecting consular experience. | We use it to characterize healthcare constraints and safety considerations. We also use it to frame practical security habits for expats in Nigeria. |
| U.S. Embassy Nigeria Medical Guidance | Official consular guidance written for real-world expat needs. | We use it to set expectations on public versus private healthcare standards. We also use it to justify why many expats plan for private care and evacuation options. |
| U.S. CDC Nigeria Traveler Health | Leading public health authority for travel risks including malaria and vaccines. | We use it to recommend health preparation that affects expat life. We also use it to explain why preventive care costs are a predictable budget line item. |
| Knight Frank Africa Report | Global real estate consultancy with structured market reporting on Lagos. | We use it to anchor where expats live and what prime rents look like. We also use it to build realistic housing budgets for Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and Lekki. |
| Charterhouse Lagos Fee Sheet | Primary document from the school itself for tuition costs. | We use it to put hard numbers on premium international school fees in Lagos. We also use it to show how school costs can dominate a family budget. |
| DLA Piper REALWORLD | Major global law firm's structured jurisdiction guide for property law. | We use it to explain how foreigners typically buy property via local companies. We also use it to flag Governor's consent and title perfection requirements. |
| Nigeria Immigration Service | Official government source for visa and work permit requirements. | We use it to describe the visa types and processes expats need to follow. We also use it to explain CERPAC and Expatriate Quota requirements accurately. |
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Nigeria. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.