Elective Residence Visa: Overview for Nigerians ₦181,748
The Elective Residence 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.
Elective Residence Visa fees — verified breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee | ₦181,748 (~$133 USD) |
| Proof of funds (your own savings)Refundable to you | ₦48,570,563 (~$35,554 USD) |
| Health surcharge | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Language test (IELTS/TEF) | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Credential evaluation | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Total government fees | ₦181,748 (~$133 USD) |
Verified against official immigration authority schedule. Exchange rates as of 21 June 2026. Proof of funds is your own money — you do not pay it to the government.
What each fee covers
The ₦181,748 total is made up of several distinct charges. Here is what you are actually paying for:
- Visa application fee — ₦181,748: Paid to the Italy immigration authority when you submit your application. Non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
- Proof of funds — ₦48,570,563: 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: 4–12 weeks (varies by consulate)
- 1
Confirm eligibility
Check that you meet the Elective Residence Visa requirements before paying any fees.
- 2
Prepare documents
Passport, qualification certificates.
- 3
Pay fees
Pay ₦181,748 in government fees.
- 4
Submit application
Submit online or through the relevant embassy.
- 5
Wait for decision
Processing time: 4–12 weeks (varies by consulate).
Expert tip
Elective Residence Visa
The Elective Residence Visa is Italy’s retirement and passive income visa — you cannot work in Italy on this visa. You must demonstrate at least €31,000/year (~$33,790 USD) in stable passive income from pensions, rental income, dividends, or annuities. For couples, the minimum rises to €38,000/year plus 20% per dependent child. Some consulates informally require €50,000–60,000 depending on your income sources, so apply conservatively. You need a signed lease for accommodation in Italy (minimum 1 year) or proof of property ownership before applying. Health insurance with €30,000 minimum coverage valid across all Schengen countries is mandatory. Bank savings alone do not qualify as ‘stable passive income’ but can support the application. This visa is ideal for Nigerians with established passive income streams who want to enjoy Italy’s lifestyle without employment obligations.
Where Nigerians settle in Italy
Once your Elective Residence Visa is approved, most Nigerians head to Milan or Rome. Here is what to budget for your first year:
- Milan: 1-bedroom rent ₦1,967,891/month · Lagos–Milan flights from ~$500 · Nigerian community: Large
- Rome: 1-bedroom rent ₦1,544,857/month · Lagos–Rome flights from ~$510 · Nigerian community: Large
- Bologna: 1-bedroom rent ₦1,436,749/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 €1,472 in the city centre and €1,033 outside. 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: 58/100. Most common salary expectation among applicants: ₦300K–₦700K.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the Elective Residence Visa cost for Nigerians moving to Italy?
- Total government fees for the Elective Residence Visa are ₦181,748 (about $133). This covers the visa application fee, and any other applicable government charges.
- How long does Elective Residence Visa processing take from Nigeria?
- Processing time for the Elective Residence Visa is 4–12 weeks (varies by consulate). 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 Elective Residence Visa?
- You need to show ₦48,570,563 ($35,554) in savings for the Elective Residence 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 Elective Residence 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 ₦48,570,563 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 21 June 2026). All fees are subject to change with policy updates — verify with the official immigration website before applying. Last verified: 2026-06-02