Work Visa (Decreto Flussi / Nulla Osta): Timeline for Nigerians ₦416,767
Processing time for the Work Visa (Decreto Flussi / Nulla Osta) for Nigerian applicants is 30 days for nulla osta (legal maximum) + 2–4 weeks visa processing after nulla osta issued. Below is what to expect at each stage, plus the verified fees you pay along the way.
Work Visa (Decreto Flussi / Nulla Osta) 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 days for nulla osta (legal maximum) + 2–4 weeks visa processing after nulla osta issued
- 1
Confirm eligibility
Check that you meet the Work Visa (Decreto Flussi / Nulla Osta) 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 days for nulla osta (legal maximum) + 2–4 weeks visa processing after nulla osta issued.
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 (76,850 non-seasonal, 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 credential evaluation costs €150 (~$163 USD) 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 ₦1,967,891/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 Work Visa (Decreto Flussi / Nulla Osta) cost for Nigerians moving to Italy?
- Total government fees for the Work Visa (Decreto Flussi / Nulla Osta) 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 Work Visa (Decreto Flussi / Nulla Osta) processing take from Nigeria?
- Processing time for the Work Visa (Decreto Flussi / Nulla Osta) is 30 days for nulla osta (legal maximum) + 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 (₦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