Digital Nomad Visa: Overview for Nigerians ₦175,437
The Digital Nomad Visa is one of the main routes Nigerians use to relocate to Italy. This overview covers the verified 2026 fees, processing time, and the documents you need to apply. All figures are pulled from our verified relocation database — no estimates.
Digital Nomad Visa fees — verified breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa application feeSource: conslagos.esteri.it, checked 8 Oct 2026 | ₦175,437 (~$130 USD) |
| Proof of funds (your own savings)Refundable to youSource: consnewyork.esteri.it, checked 8 Oct 2026 | ₦37,490,677 (~$27,856 USD) |
| Health surcharge or insurance | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Language test | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Credential evaluation | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Total upfront costs | ₦175,437 (~$130 USD) |
Priced at the Central Bank of Nigeria’s exchange rates of a year ago, these fees would have come to about ₦200,000: ₦20,000 more than today (CBN rates as of 2 Nov 2026). Every country, then and now.
Verified against official immigration authority schedule. Exchange rates as of 5 November 2026. Proof of funds is your own money — you do not pay it to the government.
What each fee covers
The ₦175,437 total is made up of several distinct charges. Here is what you are actually paying for:
- Visa application fee — ₦175,437: Paid to the Italy immigration authority when you submit your application. Non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
- Proof of funds — ₦37,490,677: Your own savings — not paid to anyone. Must sit in your bank account, unencumbered, for typically 28–90 days before your application date.
Processing timeline
Total processing time: 4–8 weeks (launched April 2024)
- 1
Confirm eligibility
Check that you meet the Digital Nomad Visa requirements before paying any fees.
- 2
Prepare documents
Passport, qualification certificates.
- 3
Pay fees
Pay ₦175,437 in upfront costs.
- 4
Submit application
Submit online or through the relevant embassy.
- 5
Wait for decision
Processing time: 4–8 weeks (launched April 2024).
Expert tip
Digital Nomad Visa
Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa launched in April 2024 and is one of Europe’s newest remote work visas. You must earn at least €24,789/year (the figure published by the Italian Consulate General in New York) — this is three times the minimum income threshold for Italian healthcare exemption. The income must come from remote work for non-Italian companies or clients; passive income like rent or dividends does not count. You need at least 6 months of prior work experience in your field. Health insurance with minimum €30,000 coverage is mandatory. The visa is valid for 1 year and renewable annually. After arrival, visit the Questura within 8 working days to apply for your permesso di soggiorno. This visa lets you live in Italian cities at a fraction of the cost of Western European capitals — Bologna or Rome offer excellent quality of life for remote workers at €1,500–€2,500/month all-in. No credential evaluation is needed for this visa type.
Where Nigerians settle in Italy
Once your Digital Nomad Visa is approved, most Nigerians head to Milan or Rome. Here is what to budget for your first year:
- Milan: 1-bedroom rent ₦1,899,564/month · Lagos–Milan flights from ~$500 · Nigerian community: Large
- Rome: 1-bedroom rent ₦1,491,218/month · Lagos–Rome flights from ~$510 · Nigerian community: Large
- Bologna: 1-bedroom rent ₦1,386,863/month · Lagos–Bologna flights from ~$550 · Nigerian community: Medium
Life in Milan
Milan is Italy’s economic capital and most expensive city — but also where the best-paying jobs are, especially in finance, fashion, tech, and design. Numbeo data shows 1-bed apartments averaging €1,527 in the city centre and €1,038 outside (October 2026). Skip the centro and look at Quarto Oggiaro, Corvetto, or Lambrate for rents under €900. The ATM monthly transit pass costs €39 and covers metro, tram, and bus across the city. Milan has a growing Nigerian community and several African grocery stores in the Porta Venezia and San Siro areas. The job market is strong for tech and engineering roles, and Milan’s position as a European business hub means more English-speaking workplaces than other Italian cities.
3% of Nigerians who use Japa Calculator choose Italy as their destination. Average Japa Score: 5.8/10. Most common salary expectation among applicants: ₦300K–₦700K.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the Digital Nomad Visa cost for Nigerians moving to Italy?
- Upfront costs for the Digital Nomad Visa come to ₦175,437 (about $130). This covers the visa application fee, and any other applicable government charges.
- How long does Digital Nomad Visa processing take from Nigeria?
- Processing time for the Digital Nomad Visa is 4–8 weeks (launched April 2024). Apply from the Italy High Commission in Abuja or the Consulate in Lagos — book your appointment slot as early as possible, as backlogs frequently add 2–4 weeks beyond the official window.
- How much proof of funds do I need for the Digital Nomad Visa?
- You need to show ₦37,490,677 ($27,856) in savings for the Digital Nomad Visa. This money stays in your account — it is not paid to the government. Funds must be unencumbered: fixed deposits locked for a term or joint accounts with conditions may be queried by the officer.
- What documents do I need for the Digital Nomad Visa application from Nigeria?
- Core documents include a valid Nigerian passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, recent passport photographs, and proof of eligibility for this visa category. Include 6 months of bank statements showing the ₦37,490,677 proof-of-funds requirement is consistently met.
Related guides
Sibling variants of this visa route and other ways into Italy.
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Start Free CalculatorData methodology: Visa fees sourced from official immigration authority schedules. Naira conversions use live exchange rates from open.er-api.com (last updated 5 November 2026). All fees are subject to change with policy updates — verify with the official immigration website before applying. Last reviewed: 8 Oct 2026