4. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom remains popular with international workers because of its large economy, English-speaking environment and established work-visa system.
The country has employment opportunities across:
- healthcare;
- engineering;
- technology;
- construction;
- finance;
- education;
- social care;
- scientific research;
- professional services.
Skilled Worker route
The UK Skilled Worker route allows eligible foreign nationals to work for approved sponsors in eligible occupations.
However, the UK’s immigration system has become more selective, and not every job qualifies.
Applicants need to check:
- occupation eligibility;
- sponsor status;
- salary requirements;
- English-language requirements;
- visa conditions.
Healthcare workers
The Health and Care Worker visa remains an important route for eligible healthcare professionals.
Depending on the occupation, eligible applicants can include:
- doctors;
- nurses;
- pharmacists;
- physiotherapists;
- occupational therapists;
- radiographers;
- other qualifying healthcare professionals.
Cost of living
London is one of the UK’s most expensive locations.
People moving to Britain should consider cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Sheffield, Liverpool and other areas depending on employment opportunities and housing costs.
Who should consider the UK?
The UK may be suitable if you:
- speak English;
- have an eligible skilled occupation;
- work in healthcare;
- have a UK job offer;
- have professional qualifications;
- want to live in an English-speaking European country.
Official resources
5. Ireland
Ireland is particularly interesting for English-speaking professionals who want access to the European Union.
The country has employment opportunities in:
- technology;
- healthcare;
- pharmaceuticals;
- engineering;
- finance;
- construction;
- professional services.
Ireland uses employment permits for many non-EEA workers.
Critical Skills Employment Permit
The Critical Skills Employment Permit is designed for highly skilled occupations where Ireland has identified labour shortages.
The 2026 Critical Skills Occupations List includes numerous healthcare and professional occupations.
Ireland also increased employment-permit salary thresholds from 1 March 2026.
The government states that the general minimum annual remuneration threshold increased to €36,605, while the Critical Skills Employment Permit threshold increased to €40,904. A lower threshold of €32,691 applies to certain healthcare assistants, home carers and care workers.
These figures are important because articles published before March 2026 may contain outdated thresholds.
Cost of living
Ireland’s major disadvantage is housing.
Dublin in particular can be expensive, and finding affordable accommodation can be difficult.
Therefore, anyone considering Ireland should investigate housing before accepting a job offer.
Who should consider Ireland?
Ireland may be attractive if you:
- speak English;
- work in technology;
- have healthcare qualifications;
- work in pharmaceuticals;
- have engineering experience;
- have an eligible professional occupation;
- want to live in an EU country.
Official resource
6. New Zealand
New Zealand is attractive to people who prioritize quality of life, relatively smaller cities and access to nature.
Its economy is smaller than those of Australia, Canada, the UK and Germany, but it continues to recruit skilled workers in selected sectors.
Skilled Migrant Category
New Zealand operates the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa for eligible skilled workers.
Importantly, New Zealand announced changes to the Skilled Migrant Category that take effect on 24 August 2026.
The changes include:
- two new pathways;
- a Skilled Work Experience pathway;
- a Trades and Technician pathway;
- changes to the points-based pathway;
- changes to wage-threshold rules.
This means that anyone planning a New Zealand move later in 2026 should check the rules that apply on the actual date of application.
Jobs in New Zealand
Potential opportunities include:
- healthcare;
- construction;
- engineering;
- skilled trades;
- agriculture;
- education;
- technology;
- professional services.
Cost of living
New Zealand can be expensive, particularly in Auckland and other major urban areas.
However, smaller cities and regional locations can offer different housing and lifestyle options.
Who should consider New Zealand?
New Zealand may suit people who:
- have skilled employment;
- value quality of life;
- prefer smaller population centres;
- work in an occupation experiencing shortages;
- want a potential residence pathway.
Official resource
7. Portugal
Portugal remains an attractive relocation destination for people interested in Europe, warmer weather and a relatively relaxed lifestyle.
It is important, however, to distinguish lifestyle appeal from immigration ease.
Portugal has legal residence routes for foreign nationals who intend to work in the country.
The Portuguese government states that non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals intending to work in Portugal generally need an appropriate residence title and that employment-based residence visas require an employment contract or promise of a contract.
Jobs in Portugal
International applicants may find opportunities in:
- tourism;
- hospitality;
- technology;
- construction;
- healthcare;
- customer service;
- manufacturing;
- professional services.
Portuguese language ability can significantly expand the number of jobs available.
Cost of living
Portugal has historically been viewed as a relatively affordable Western European destination, but housing costs have risen substantially in popular areas.
Lisbon and parts of the Algarve can be expensive compared with smaller Portuguese cities.
Therefore, do not assume Portugal is automatically “cheap.”
Who should consider Portugal?
Portugal may appeal to people who:
- want to live in Europe;
- have an employment opportunity;
- work remotely where legally permitted;
- have sufficient financial resources;
- are willing to learn Portuguese;
- prefer a warmer climate.
Official resources
Portugal Government – Work Residence Visa
Portugal Employment Services (IEFP)
8. United States
The United States remains one of the world’s largest economies and offers enormous employment opportunities.
It is particularly attractive to people working in:
- technology;
- medicine;
- engineering;
- finance;
- science;
- education;
- specialized professional services.
However, the United States should not be described as an easy country to immigrate to.
Many employment-based immigration routes require employer sponsorship, a qualifying occupation or other specific criteria.
Employment-based immigration
The U.S. immigration system includes several employment-based categories.
Examples include:
- EB-1;
- EB-2;
- EB-3;
- H-1B;
- other temporary or permanent employment-based categories.
The correct route depends on the applicant’s occupation, qualifications, employer and circumstances.
Jobs
The sheer size of the U.S. economy creates opportunities in almost every major professional sector.
However, professional licensing can be a significant barrier in fields such as:
- medicine;
- nursing;
- law;
- teaching;
- engineering;
- other regulated professions.
Cost of living
The United States varies dramatically by location.
New York, San Francisco and some other major cities can be extremely expensive, while many cities in Texas, the Midwest and other regions offer different cost structures.
Who should consider the United States?
The U.S. can be attractive if you:
- have a highly skilled occupation;
- have a U.S. employer;
- work in technology;
- work in healthcare;
- have advanced qualifications;
- have a strong professional profile.
Official resource
USCIS – Working in the United States
Best Countries to Move to for Work in 2026
If employment is your main reason for relocating, your decision should start with your occupation rather than with a country.
For example:
| Profession/Skill | Countries Worth Researching |
|---|---|
| Nurses and healthcare professionals | Canada, UK, Australia, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand |
| Engineers | Canada, Australia, Germany, UK, Ireland |
| IT professionals | Germany, Canada, Australia, UK, Ireland, USA |
| Skilled trades | Canada, Australia, Germany, New Zealand |
| Teachers | Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland |
| Manufacturing/technical workers | Germany, Canada, Australia, UK |
| Finance professionals | UK, Ireland, Canada, USA, Australia |
| Researchers | Canada, Germany, UK, Australia, USA |
| Construction workers | Canada, Australia, Germany, New Zealand |
| Agriculture workers | Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Portugal |
This table is a starting point, not a guarantee of visa eligibility.
The occupation, qualification, experience and immigration category must still be checked.
Best Countries to Move to from Nigeria in 2026
For Nigerians considering relocation, the choice of destination should be based on more than salary.
Important factors include:
- availability of work visas;
- English-language requirements;
- recognition of Nigerian qualifications;
- professional licensing;
- cost of flights;
- accommodation;
- tuition if studying;
- family costs;
- job availability;
- long-term residence opportunities.
English-speaking countries such as Canada, the UK, Australia, Ireland and New Zealand can be attractive because English is already widely used in Nigeria.
Germany and Portugal can also be viable options, but learning the local language may significantly improve employment and integration opportunities.
For a Nigerian applicant, the strongest strategy is often to choose a country after identifying an occupation and immigration pathway, rather than choosing a country first and trying to find any job afterward.
