EU Blue Card: Timeline for Nigerians ₦820,412
Processing time for the EU Blue Card for Nigerian applicants is 30–90 days (nulla osta + visa processing, outside Decreto Flussi quota). Below is what to expect at each stage, plus the verified fees you pay along the way.
EU Blue Card 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)Not required | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Health surcharge or insurance | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Language test | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Credential evaluationSource: cimea-diplome.it, checked 8 Oct 2026 | ₦453,717 (~$337 USD) |
| Other government fees | ₦191,257 (~$142 USD) |
| Total upfront costs | ₦820,412 (~$610 USD) |
Priced at the Central Bank of Nigeria’s exchange rates of a year ago, these fees would have come to about ₦920,000: ₦100,000 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 ₦820,412 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.
- Credential evaluation — ₦453,717: A recognised assessment body checks that your Nigerian degree and certificates meet Italy’s standards. Allow 4–8 weeks for this process.
- Other government fees — ₦191,257: Includes residence permit issuance, VFS Global service charge, or biometric enrolment fees where applicable.
Processing timeline
Total processing time: 30–90 days (nulla osta + visa processing, outside Decreto Flussi quota)
- 1
Confirm eligibility
Check that you meet the EU Blue Card requirements before paying any fees.
- 2
Prepare documents
Passport, qualification certificates, credential evaluation report.
- 3
Pay fees
Pay ₦820,412 in upfront costs.
- 4
Submit application
Submit online or through the relevant embassy.
- 5
Wait for decision
Processing time: 30–90 days (nulla osta + visa processing, outside Decreto Flussi quota).
Expert tip
EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card is Italy’s best route for highly qualified workers — and crucially, it’s exempt from the Decreto Flussi quota system, meaning you don’t need to compete for limited slots on click days. You need a recognized degree (bachelor’s or higher) and a job offer paying at least the ISTAT average gross annual salary and the collective-agreement rate for the role (D.Lgs. 286/1998 art. 27-quater). The EU Immigration Portal put that threshold at €33,500 for 2024; no official 2026 figure is published, so plan on about €35,000. There is no lower threshold for shortage occupations. The visa fee is the same €116 D visa, and after arrival the permit itself costs €126.46 (€50 Blue Card fee, €30 postal kit, €16 tax stamp and €30.46 issuance cost). After 2 years with a Blue Card, you can move to any other EU country’s Blue Card scheme with simplified procedures. Your employer handles the nulla osta application. CIMEA evaluation (€300) is needed to validate your Nigerian degree. Blue Card holders get mandatory SSN enrollment — no separate health insurance cost.
Where Nigerians settle in Italy
Once your EU Blue Card 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 EU Blue Card cost for Nigerians moving to Italy?
- Upfront costs for the EU Blue Card come to ₦820,412 (about $610). This covers the visa application fee, credential evaluation of ₦453,717, and any other applicable government charges.
- How long does EU Blue Card processing take from Nigeria?
- Processing time for the EU Blue Card is 30–90 days (nulla osta + visa processing, outside Decreto Flussi quota). 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.
- What documents do I need to apply for the EU Blue Card from Nigeria?
- You will need a valid Nigerian international passport (at least 6 months validity beyond your intended travel date), completed application form, recent passport photographs, and supporting evidence of eligibility. A credential evaluation (₦453,717) from an approved body verifies your Nigerian qualifications for Italy authorities.
- Where do most Nigerians settle after relocating to Italy?
- Milan is the most popular destination for Nigerians relocating to Italy. Average 1-bedroom rent is ₦1,899,564 per month. The Nigerian community in Milan is smaller but active; diaspora associations and online groups help new arrivals settle quickly.
Related guides
Sibling variants of this visa route and other ways into Italy.
Calculate YOUR Japa Score for Italy
Get a personalised cost estimate for the EU Blue Card based on your salary, education, and family size. Takes 2 minutes.
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