Work Visa (Decreto Flussi / Nulla Osta): Fees Breakdown for Nigerians ₦629,155
Below is the complete breakdown of Work Visa (Decreto Flussi / Nulla Osta) fees for Nigerian applicants moving to Italy. Every line item is verified against the official immigration authority schedule — application fee, health surcharge, language test, credential evaluation, and other government fees.
Work Visa (Decreto Flussi / Nulla Osta) 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) |
| Total upfront costs | ₦629,155 (~$467 USD) |
Priced at the Central Bank of Nigeria’s exchange rates of a year ago, these fees would have come to about ₦700,000: ₦70,000 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 ₦629,155 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.
Expert tip
Work Visa (Decreto Flussi / Nulla Osta)
Italy’s Decreto Flussi is a quota-based system — the government sets annual caps on how many non-EU workers can enter. For 2026, there are 164,850 slots total (76,200 for non-seasonal employment, 650 for self-employment and 88,000 seasonal). Your Italian employer must apply for the nulla osta (work authorization) through the Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione, and it’s a race: applications open on specific ‘click days’ and slots fill within hours. The national D visa fee is €116 (~$126 USD). Once you arrive, you must apply for your permesso di soggiorno (residence permit) at the local Questura within 8 working days. Workers with Italian employment contracts get mandatory free enrollment in the SSN (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale) public healthcare system — no health surcharge. CIMEA’s comparability and verification service costs €300 including VAT and takes 60 working days. Target sectors with the most quota slots: agriculture, tourism, construction, and logistics.
Where Nigerians settle in Italy
Once your Work Visa (Decreto Flussi / Nulla Osta) 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 Work Visa (Decreto Flussi / Nulla Osta) cost for Nigerians moving to Italy?
- Upfront costs for the Work Visa (Decreto Flussi / Nulla Osta) come to ₦629,155 (about $467). This covers the visa application fee, credential evaluation of ₦453,717, and any other applicable government charges.
- How long does Work Visa (Decreto Flussi / Nulla Osta) processing take from Nigeria?
- Processing time for the Work Visa (Decreto Flussi / Nulla Osta) is Up to 60 days for the nulla osta (legal maximum for non-seasonal work; 20 days for seasonal) + 2–4 weeks visa processing after nulla osta issued. 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 Work Visa (Decreto Flussi / Nulla Osta) 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.
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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