Moving to Italy from Nigeria
Quick answer
Nigeria citizens can visit Italy visa-free for up to 90 days, but to live there they need a national (type D) visa obtained before travelling, then a permesso di soggiorno within 8 working days of arriving. In addition, documents issued in Nigeria generally need full consular legalization plus an official Italian translation.
As a Nigeria citizen you are a non-EU national, so you need a national (type D) visa before moving to Italy and a permesso di soggiorno within 8 working days of arriving. You will also need your civil documents legalized for use in Italy. Approdo builds your exact checklist and pre-fills the forms.
- ✓Which visa fits your move (digital nomad, elective residency, study, work)
- ✓The 8-working-day permesso deadline, counted for you
- ✓Codice fiscale, residenza and tessera sanitaria, in order
Frequently asked questions
Do Nigeria citizens need a visa to move to Italy?+
Yes. Nigeria citizens can visit Italy visa-free for up to 90 days, but to live there you need a national (type D) visa from an Italian consulate before you travel. Which visa depends on your reason for moving.
How do I legalize my documents from Nigeria for use in Italy?+
Civil-status documents issued in Nigeria generally need full legalization by the Italian consulate, plus an official Italian translation, because Nigeria is not confirmed as an Apostille Convention member. Confirm the exact procedure with the Italian consulate before you travel.
What is the most common way to move to Italy from Nigeria?+
Most people moving from Nigeria use the study, work or family-reunification routes, each with its own documents and its own permesso di soggiorno category. Approdo builds the checklist around your specific situation once you enter your visa type.
What do I do after arriving in Italy from Nigeria?+
Apply for your permesso di soggiorno within 8 working days, then get your codice fiscale, open a bank account, register your residenza at the comune, and enrol in the health service. Approdo lists them in the right order with the forms pre-filled.
Related guides
Approdo provides information, not legal or tax advice. Where a step legally requires a professional, we say so and point you to one.