Europe offers foreign nationals a wide range of job opportunities. In particular, Nigerian citizens are no exception. Find out more about what Nigerians should know about moving and find a job in the EU

Many Nigerians leave the country every year in search of a better life and higher paying jobs. According to statistics, Nigerians leave the African continent to developed countries the most - on average, about 1.5 million people a year. However, these are only official figures, the number of illegal immigrants may be much higher.

European countries are the most popular destination among graduates and highly qualified workers from all over the world. Every year, more and more professionals are looking for new career opportunities and a better quality of life in this region.

Relocating to Europe can be a great decision for your career, as the European economy is in better shape compared to Nigeria's socio-economic problems, there are many vacancies for skilled professionals. The cost of living in Europe is lower than in the US, making it an even more attractive destination.

How to find a job in Europe? What factors must be considered when moving? In which countries is it easiest to issue visas? Details in our material.

Why should you choose Europe to move from Nigeria?

Each of the countries of the European Union is unique, has its own culture and way of life. The cost of living in Europe varies from country to country, but the average cost of living in Europe is lower than in America. For example, the cost of living is high in France and Germany, but salaries are also high there. On the other hand, salaries are lower in Romania or Bulgaria, but the cost of living is also lower.

Europeans have a higher quality of life. The region has a well-developed healthcare and education system, as well as an excellent social security system.

Read more about the rules for entering the EU for employment purposes and how to obtain a visa here.

Moving from Nigeria to Europe - where to start?

Planning your future move should start with job search. An application for a work permit in Europe can only be submitted when the immigrant has a job offer from a European employer. Many Nigerians choose a different route when moving - first they go to the country, and then they start looking for work there. However, this plan is quite risky, you can lose a lot of money, not find a job and be deported for being in the EU illegally.

There are many ways to find the perfect job in Europe: job portals, searching on Google or applying directly to a Nigerian company.

Depending on your professional qualities, choose a job for which you can apply, take into account the requirements of employers and the amount of remuneration. Send your resume to many employers, if the company has more than one position that meets your criteria, apply for each of them.

Searching for a job in Europe can be quite a complicated and lengthy process. To narrow it down, it would be helpful if you researched which country or city best suits you, your interests and skills before starting your search. Many different countries and cities have different cultures and work environments.

You can search for jobs on job search sites in a specific country or on international job search sites, some of them are LinkedIn, CV-Library, Arbetsformedlingen, Glassdoor and Indeed. 

Read more about why Nigerians are moving to Europe here. 

How can a Nigerian apply for a work permit in Europe?

For legal employment in EU countries, a foreigner must issue an EU Blue Card – a two-year residence and work permit with the possibility of extension. If you are a citizen of a non-EU country and have been offered a job that is considered highly qualified, you can apply for a blue card.

An approximate list of documents: a valid passport, a document about education, medical insurance, an offer from an employer with a salary level that could cover the costs of living in the EU.

The cost of a visa in each country is different and is displayed on its website, there are no hidden costs.

It is impossible to use a blue card of one European country to work in another.

After five years of legal residence in the EU, you can apply for long-term residence.

Advantages of working abroad

Working abroad has many advantages:

• Life in a safer and more socially developed country.

• A higher level of remuneration.

• Career prospects.

• An opportunity to learn more about another culture, language, cuisine and traditions.

• Getting to know the world and other people.

What are the costs to consider when moving from Nigeria to Europe?

The costs of moving to Europe include: the cost of a visa, plane tickets and renting a house in Europe. The amount varies depending on where you are going, what you need to bring with you and how much time you have before leaving your home.

It is also worth considering the additional costs associated with moving to a new country. For example, if you are moving from Nigeria to Germany and you own a car, you will need an international driving license and insurance before you can legally drive there.

Which European countries should you pay attention to when immigrating from Nigeria?

• Sweden

Sweden has a very low unemployment rate and a strong economy. Immigrants in Sweden take 8 out of every 10 new jobs.

• Norway

According to the UN Human Development Index, Norway is the number one country, where the balance between life and work is perfectly maintained. Norway is a very peaceful country, you don't have to worry about your safety.

• Netherlands

It is easiest for foreigners who have an interesting business plan or an existing company to get a work visa in the Netherlands. A business start-up visa is issued for one year. During the next 12 months, entrepreneurs can apply for a work permit for self-employed persons.

• Germany

The country needs skilled workers, especially in the fields of technology and health care.

• Ireland

It is very easy to get a work visa in Ireland if you have an offer from an employer. If you haven't found a job yet, you can apply for a standard work visa, but it can be a bit more difficult. Having a certain skill set will help you in the application process.

Working abroad can become a new stage in your career, you will also be able to explore a new culture, language and traditions - it will help you get to know the world better and give you new interesting experiences.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Medical insurance all over the world;

Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues (to receive the service, select the country of interest and citizenship).

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