How much does it cost to immigrate to another country?

Immigration costs vary widely by country and visa type. Budget options like Mexico or Thailand can cost $1,000-3,000 total for visa and initial setup. Mid-range countries like Portugal or Spain typically cost $3,000-8,000 including visa fees, health insurance, and initial housing. Premium destinations like the US, UK, or Australia can cost $5,000-15,000+ in visa and legal fees alone.

What are the hidden costs of immigration?

Common hidden costs include document apostille and translation fees ($500-2,000), health examinations and vaccinations ($200-500), credential recognition fees ($300-1,000), moving and shipping costs ($2,000-10,000), initial housing deposits (1-3 months rent), and local registration fees. Immigration lawyer fees can add $2,000-10,000 depending on complexity.

Is it cheaper to immigrate to Canada or Australia?

Canada is generally cheaper to immigrate to than Australia. Canadian Express Entry costs approximately CAD $2,300 ($1,700 USD) in government fees, while Australian skilled migration visa fees start at AUD $4,640 ($3,000 USD). However, cost of living in many Canadian cities is lower than major Australian cities, making the long-term costs in Canada more affordable.

Immigration Costs 2026: Country-by-Country Breakdown

Immigration costs go far beyond the visa application fee. Between government charges, legal fees, health exams, language tests, and settlement costs, the total price of moving abroad can range from $2,000 to well over $50,000. Here’s what you’ll actually pay in the most popular immigration destinations.

Canada — Express Entry

Government fees for a single applicant total approximately CAD $2,500-3,500. This includes: processing fee ($850), right of permanent residence fee ($515), biometrics ($85), medical exam (~$300), language test (~$300), and educational credential assessment (~$200). With a spouse, double most fees. Legal help, if needed, adds $2,000-5,000. Total realistic cost: $3,000-8,000 USD.

United Kingdom — Skilled Worker Visa

The UK Skilled Worker Visa is one of the more expensive routes. The visa fee is £625-£1,423, plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per year (£5,175 for a 5-year visa). Add English language tests (~£200), TB tests (~$100), and legal fees ($2,000-5,000). Total for 5 years: $7,000-12,000 USD.

Australia — Subclass 189/190

Australia’s skilled migration costs approximately AUD $8,000-12,000 per primary applicant. The visa fee alone is AUD $4,640, plus skills assessment ($500-3,000 depending on occupation), English test ($400), medical exam ($400), and police checks ($50-100 per country). Total: $6,000-10,000 USD.

Germany — Skilled Worker Visa

Germany is refreshingly affordable. The German Work Visa costs just €75 for the visa and €100 for the residence permit. Health insurance (~€200/month) is mandatory. You may need qualification recognition (€100-600) and German language certification (~€250). Total first-year cost: $1,500-3,000 USD.

United States — Employment-Based Green Card

US immigration is the most expensive. An EB green card involves: PERM labor certification ($0 filing but $5,000-15,000 in attorney fees), I-140 petition ($700), I-485 adjustment ($1,225), medical exam ($400+), and biometrics ($85). Most people spend $10,000-25,000+ in total with legal representation.

UAE — Work/Freelancer Visa

A UAE freelancer visa through a free zone costs AED 7,500-15,000 ($2,000-4,000) annually including the trade license. Employment visas are typically paid by the employer. The Golden Visa requires a minimum investment of AED 2 million ($545,000). Monthly living costs in Dubai are high: budget $3,000-5,000/month minimum.

Portugal — D7/D8 Visa

Portugal’s D7 visa costs approximately €90 for the visa plus €72 for the residence permit. You’ll need health insurance (~€50-150/month), a Portuguese bank account (free), and NIF tax number (free with representation). Possibly the cheapest EU immigration route at $500-1,500 USD in fees alone.

Hidden Costs to Budget For

Don’t forget: translation and apostille of documents ($50-200 per document), shipping or storage of belongings ($2,000-8,000), temporary housing on arrival ($1,000-3,000 for the first month), local transportation setup, and bank account establishment fees.

Compare all destination options at our complete destinations hub with detailed visa guides for each country.

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How Much Does It Cost to Immigrate in 2026? Country-by-Country Breakdown