10 Lesser-Known Countries You Can Relocate to on a Low Budget

Are you considering leaving Nigeria for a country with better opportunities and a lower cost of living? You’re not alone. With the rising cost of living, unstable economy, and limited job opportunities in Nigeria and many other African countries, many people are considering relocating to a better place.

When most people think about relocating, the first places that come to mind are the US, UK, Canada, or Australia. However, these countries have expensive visa processes and strict immigration policies that make relocation difficult, especially if you’re on a budget.

But what if I tell you that there are other countries where relocating is much easier and more affordable? These places might not be the first names that pop up in your head, but they offer good job opportunities, scholarships, business-friendly policies, and, most importantly, a lower cost of living.

Below, we’ll explore 10 countries you can relocate to on a low budget, from how easy it is to move to visa options, job opportunities, and living costs in each place.

1. The happiest country in the world – Finland

Finland might not be the first country you think of when considering relocation. But with a strong economy, world-class education, and an easy visa process, it’s one of the best places to go if you want to start fresh.

As a skilled worker, Finland makes things easy with a Job seeker visa that lets you move there first and find a job later. This visa gives you up to 12 months to land a job, meaning you don’t need an employer to sponsor you before moving. If you have experience in tech, healthcare, or engineering, your chances of getting hired are even higher.

For students, Finland is a goldmine. Several universities offer fully funded scholarships that cover tuition fees and, sometimes, even part of your living expenses. If you study in Finland, you can work part-time and later apply for a work visa, which makes settling down much easier.

The cost of living varies depending on where you stay, but it’s generally cheaper than in the UK or the US. If you’re open to learning a bit of Finnish and embracing a new culture, Finland is a fantastic option for relocation.

2. Europe’s west coast – Portugal

Portugal has quietly become one of the best places to relocate without breaking the bank. Living there is affordable, and visa options are easy, making it a great alternative to more expensive European countries.

Portugal provides a Job Seeker visa for skilled workers, which permits them to enter the country legally and search for a job. Once they secure employment, applying for a work permit and eventually permanent residency will be easy. The nation favors IT, healthcare, hospitality, and construction professionals, so your chances of finding work are even higher if you have skills in these fields.

For entrepreneurs and remote workers, Portugal’s D7 visa (the Passive income visa) is your go-to. If you can prove you have a stable income, whether from freelancing, remote work, or a small business, you can secure residency without needing a job offer.

This makes Portugal an excellent option for digital nomads or business owners who want to live in Europe without spending a fortune. Beyond visas, Portugal is simply a great place to live. The cost of living is lower than in many other European countries, and cities like Lisbon and Porto have beautiful weather, a relaxed lifestyle, and strong immigrant communities.

Plus, after five years of living in Portugal, you can apply for citizenship, giving you access to one of the world’s most powerful passports.

3. The easiest place to start a business – Singapore

Singapore might be small, but it punches way above its weight in terms of opportunities. This country could be your golden ticket if you’re a skilled IT, finance, or engineering professional. Singapore’s economy is booming, unemployment is low, and businesses are actively looking for top talent, especially from abroad.

Getting a work visa is simple and fast. The Employment Pass is the easiest way to get one as it’s designed for foreign professionals who have a job offer from a Singaporean company. Once you start working, you can apply for permanent residency in just a few years. Unlike many countries where immigration processes drag on forever, Singapore simplifies things.

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And if you’re an entrepreneur or planning to start your own business, you’ll love it here. Singapore is ranked globally as one of the easiest places to start a business. The government offers grants, tax breaks, and a business-friendly environment that encourages startups to grow.

Now, let’s talk money. Yes, Singapore has a higher cost of living than some other countries on this list, but salaries are also higher. If you’re in tech, finance, or engineering, you could earn well over what you’d make elsewhere. So, while housing might be pricey, the high earnings and quality of life make it worth considering.

4. A place of innovation and quality living – Sweden

Sweden is one of the most immigrant-friendly countries in Europe. Sweden is a solid option if you want to relocate without dealing with complicated visa processes.

For students, this is the country of their dreams. Swedish universities offer scholarships that cover tuition and, sometimes, even your living expenses. The best part is that you don’t have to pack up and leave once you graduate.

Sweden gives international students time to stay back and look for a job. If you find one, transitioning to a work visa is smooth, and after a few years, you can apply for permanent residency.

Skilled workers also have a great shot at relocating to Sweden. You’re in demand if you work in IT, healthcare, or engineering. The process is straightforward: get a job offer, apply for a work visa, and move. Salaries are good, work-life balance is taken seriously, and the country provides free healthcare and excellent social benefits.

Take note that Sweden isn’t the cheapest place to live in, but the quality of life makes up for it. You get free education for your kids, great healthcare, and a society that values work-life balance. Additionally, Swedish people are welcoming, and many speak English fluently, so adjusting isn’t as hard as you might think.

5. The youngest country – New Zealand

If you want a country that provides a better quality of life, great job opportunities, and an easy relocation process, New Zealand should be on your radar. It’s one of those places where life just feels different, with less stress, more balance, and plenty of opportunities to grow.

The easiest way to get there is via a working holiday visa. If you’re between 18 and 30, this visa lets you live and work in New Zealand for up to a year. It’s a great way to get your foot in the door, explore job opportunities, and see if the country fits you.

But if you’re older or looking for something more permanent, New Zealand welcomes skilled workers, especially in IT, healthcare, and construction industries. Getting a work visa is pretty straightforward if you land a job in one of these fields. And if you stay employed for a few years, you can apply for permanent residency, meaning you won’t have to worry about visas anymore.

The cost of living is reasonable, especially outside big cities like Auckland. Plus, New Zealand is known for its safety, friendly people, and strong economy, making it easy to settle down and call home.

6. The home of the Fjords – Norway

If you want to relocate to a country where salaries are high, healthcare is free, and there’s such a thing as work-life balance, Norway should be on your list. This Scandinavian country has a strong economy and many job opportunities, especially for skilled workers.

Getting in isn’t as hard as you might think. If you have a job offer from a Norwegian company, you can apply for a Skilled Worker visa and move there legally. The process is much simpler than in many other European countries, and after living there for a few years, you can easily apply for permanent residency.

If you’re not sure where to start, Norway also has a Job seeker visa that permits you to enter the country and look for a job while you’re there. So, instead of applying for jobs from Nigeria, you can be in Norway networking, attending interviews, and securing a role faster.

Yes, Norway’s cost of living is on the higher side, but so are the salaries, and once you’re settled, you’ll enjoy free healthcare, quality education for your kids, and a standard of living that’s hard to beat. Many Norwegians speak English, so adjusting isn’t as tough as you might think.

7. The pearl of the Indian Ocean- Mauritius

Mauritius isn’t just a vacation hotspot; it’s also one of the easiest places to relocate to without spending a fortune. Unlike many other countries with strict visa rules, Mauritius has relaxed immigration policies, a low cost of living, and a growing economy that welcomes foreign talent.

If you’re looking for work opportunities, Mauritius offers visas for skilled professionals, especially in finance, IT, and tourism. Getting a work permit is quite straightforward if you land a job with a Mauritian company.

Entrepreneurs also have it easy here. Mauritius has a self-employed occupation permit that allows you to start and run your own business. The government supports small businesses, and the cost of setting up is much lower than in many Western countries.

Beyond work, Mauritius offers something that most other countries don’t: a tropical island lifestyle with a low cost of living. Rent, transportation, and food are all affordable, and if you enjoy warm weather and beaches, it’s hard to beat. Plus, English is widely spoken, so settling in is a breeze.

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8. The land of saints and scholars – Ireland

Ireland is worth considering if you fancy relocating to Europe but do not want to deal with high costs or complicated visa processes. This English-speaking country has a strong job market, a welcoming atmosphere, and multiple visa options for skilled workers and students.

For professionals, Ireland offers the Critical Skills Employment Permit, which makes it easier for skilled workers to move there. If you have experience in IT, healthcare, engineering, or finance, getting a job and a visa is fairly straightforward. The best part is that if you work in Ireland for a few years, you can apply for permanent residency and eventually citizenship.

For students, Ireland is also a fantastic choice. Many universities offer scholarships, and once you graduate, you can stay back and work under the country’s stay-back visa program, which gives you time to find a job and transition to a work visa.

While Dublin can be pricey, smaller cities like Cork and Galway are much more affordable. Plus, Ireland has one of the lowest corporate tax rates in Europe, making it a great place for entrepreneurs and business-minded individuals.

9. The most livable city – Austria

Austria isn’t as famous as Germany or France when it comes to relocation, but that’s exactly why it’s a hidden gem. It provides a high quality of life, strong job opportunities, and an easier residency option, all at lower costs.

As a skilled worker, Austria offers you a Red-White-Red Card, which is similar to Germany’s blue card but with fewer restrictions. It allows non-EU nationals to live and work in Austria for up to two years, and if you maintain steady employment, you can eventually apply for permanent residency.

The country is looking for professionals in IT, healthcare, engineering, and skilled trades, so finding a job isn’t too difficult if you have experience in these areas. For entrepreneurs, Austria also has a Self-employed visa, which allows you to start and run your own business. The cost of setting up is relatively low, and Vienna, Austria’s capital, is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most livable cities.

While Austria isn’t the cheapest country in Europe, it’s still much more affordable than places like Switzerland or the UK, especially outside major cities. Public healthcare is excellent, public transport is efficient, and the work-life balance is far better than in many other countries.

Austria is a solid choice if you’re looking for a stable, immigrant-friendly country in Europe.

10. The country that grows with you – Uruguay

While you may have never considered Uruguay, it’s a solid option. This small South American country offers an easy path to residency, a low cost of living, and one of the highest standards of living in the region.

Unlike many countries with complicated visa rules, Uruguay makes relocation simple and affordable. If you can prove that you have a steady income or a job offer, you can apply for permanent residency almost immediately. There’s no minimum income requirement, no need to invest in property, and no complicated paperwork.

The cost of living is also surprisingly low. Rent, food, and transportation are all affordable, especially compared to Europe or North America. Uruguay also has a strong economy, excellent healthcare, and a stable government, making it a safe place to settle down.

Once you’ve lived in Uruguay for a few years, you can apply for citizenship and get a passport that gives you visa-free travel to over 150 countries. So, if you’re looking for a fresh start in a country that actually welcomes immigrants, Uruguay is worth considering.

Relocation is possible, even on a budget.

Relocating to a new country might seem like a huge challenge, but as you’ve seen, it doesn’t have to be either expensive or complicated. Plenty of countries out there welcome skilled professionals, students, and entrepreneurs with open arms, who don’t require you to spend millions on visa applications or residency permits.

Do your research, and take advantage of the opportunities available. Whether it’s a job seeker visa in Norway, a working holiday in New Zealand, or an entrepreneur permit in Mauritius, the right option for you depends on your skills, goals, and financial situation.

One thing is certain: you don’t have to stay stuck in one place if you’re dreaming of a better future. With the right approach, moving to a new country can be more affordable than you think.

So, if you’ve been considering relocating, now is the time to start taking action. Your next chapter could be waiting for you in one of these countries!