Cheapest Countries to Immigrate to as a Skilled Worker in 2026

Immigration is an investment — visa fees, language tests, credential assessments, flights, and settling-in costs add up fast. But not all countries are equally expensive to immigrate to. If budget is a major factor in your decision, this guide breaks down the cheapest countries to immigrate to as a skilled worker in 2026, including visa fees, processing costs, and cost of living once you arrive.

1. Germany — From €400 Total Visa Costs

Germany is one of the cheapest countries to immigrate to in terms of visa and processing fees. A national work visa costs just €75, and the residence permit is around €100. Even with credential recognition (€200-600) and health insurance, your total immigration cost is well under €1,000. The EU Blue Card offers the same low fees with a fast-track to permanent residency.

Total estimated immigration cost: €400–€800

Monthly cost of living: €1,200–€1,800 (outside Munich/Frankfurt)

Trade-off: You’ll need German language skills (B1-B2) for most positions.

Full Germany Immigration Guide →

2. Portugal — D7 Visa from €170

Portugal’s D7 (Passive Income) visa is one of Europe’s most affordable residence permits, with application fees of just €90 for the visa and €80 for the residence card. The D8 Digital Nomad visa costs slightly more. Portugal also has one of the lowest costs of living in Western Europe, making it especially attractive for remote workers and freelancers.

Total estimated immigration cost: €170–€500

Monthly cost of living: €1,000–€1,500 (Lisbon is pricier at €1,400–€2,000)

Trade-off: Salaries for local employment are low (average €1,200/month), so this is best for remote workers or those with passive income.

Full Portugal Immigration Guide →

3. Netherlands — From €210 (Employer-Sponsored)

If your employer sponsors your Highly Skilled Migrant visa (kennismigrant), the IND fees are around €210, and your employer typically covers them. The 30% ruling — a tax benefit allowing 30% of your salary to be tax-free for up to 5 years — is a significant financial bonus that effectively raises your take-home pay.

Total estimated immigration cost: €210–€500 (often employer-paid)

Monthly cost of living: €1,400–€2,000 (Amsterdam is higher)

Trade-off: Housing is expensive and competitive, especially in Amsterdam and Utrecht.

Full Netherlands Immigration Guide →

4. Singapore — From SGD $105 for Employment Pass

Singapore’s Employment Pass costs just SGD $105 to apply, and there are no additional credential assessment or language test requirements. The process is straightforward and employer-driven, typically taking 3–8 weeks. While Singapore has a high cost of living, the zero capital gains tax and competitive salaries (especially in tech and finance) can offset this.

Total estimated immigration cost: SGD $105–$300

Monthly cost of living: SGD $2,500–$4,000 (housing is the biggest expense)

Trade-off: High cost of living, particularly for housing and car ownership. Permanent residency is harder to obtain.

Full Singapore Immigration Guide →

5. New Zealand — NZD $680 Work Visa

New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) costs NZD $680, and the Green List straight-to-residence pathway is NZD $580 for the EOI plus NZD $3,310 for the residence application. While not the absolute cheapest, the Green List’s immediate residency for nurses, engineers, and other shortage occupations means you skip years of temporary visa renewals — saving money long-term.

Total estimated immigration cost: NZD $700–$4,000

Monthly cost of living: NZD $2,000–$3,000 (Auckland is pricier)

Trade-off: Remote location means expensive flights home; smaller job market than Australia or Canada.

Full New Zealand Immigration Guide →

6. Canada — CAD $2,800+ (More Expensive, But Direct PR)

Canada is more expensive upfront than most countries on this list, with Express Entry costing approximately CAD $2,800–$3,500 per person in government fees alone. However, you receive permanent residency directly — no temporary visa stage, no employer dependency, no renewals. When you factor in the cost of years of temporary visa renewals in other countries, Canada’s upfront cost can actually be cheaper long-term.

Total estimated immigration cost: CAD $2,800–$3,500 per person

Monthly cost of living: CAD $1,800–$2,800 (varies widely by city)

Full Canada Immigration Guide →

Cost Comparison Table

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for the absolute cheapest visa fees, Portugal and Singapore win. For the best balance of low costs and high quality of life, Germany and the Netherlands stand out. And if you want to invest more upfront for direct permanent residency, Canada and New Zealand are worth the higher price tag.