EU Blue Card: Overview for Nigerians ₦416,767
The EU Blue Card 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.
EU Blue Card fees — verified breakdown
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee | ₦181,748 (~$133 USD) |
| Proof of funds (your own savings)Not required | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Health surcharge | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Language test (IELTS/TEF) | ₦0 (~$0 USD) |
| Credential evaluation | ₦235,019 (~$172 USD) |
| Total government fees | ₦416,767 (~$305 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 ₦416,767 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.
- Credential evaluation — ₦235,019: A third-party body (WES, ACS, Engineers Australia, SAQA, or equivalent) verifies that your Nigerian degree and certificates meet Italy’s standards. Allow 4–8 weeks for this process.
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 ₦416,767 in government fees.
- 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 with a gross annual salary of at least €35,000 (~$38,150 USD) for general professions, or ~€28,000 (~$30,520 USD) for shortage sectors like IT, healthcare, and engineering. These thresholds are set at 1.5x and 1.2x the ISTAT national average salary respectively, and updated annually. The visa fee is the same €116 D visa. 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 (€150) 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 ₦1,967,891/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 EU Blue Card cost for Nigerians moving to Italy?
- Total government fees for the EU Blue Card are ₦416,767 (about $305). This covers the visa application fee, credential evaluation of ₦235,019, 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 (₦235,019) 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 ₦1,967,891 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.
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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