Italy has a solid Nigerian community. In 2023, 99,630 Nigerians were legal residents of Italy, and almost 20% were working. It's logical since Italy is trying to attract foreign workers: recently, the government took action to ease the temporary work visa application for foreigners. Let’s explore what has changed and how Nigerian expats can get a temporary work visa in Italy in 2024
Types of Italy work visas
Changes in the temporary work visa application process
Tips on how to get a temporary work permit in Italy
What is the Italy Blue card?
Types of Italy work visas
An Italian work visa is also called a national visa (D). When you find official work in Italy for foreigners, you must receive it for your legal stay. Otherwise, you won’t be able to enter Italy.
Six types of the Italian work visa
- Salaried employment visa
Get a job offer, and you can live in Italy for one year. If needed, you can renew it later for up to five years.
- Self-employment visa
This is an option for freelancers, startups, and business owners with valid contracts with Italian clients. It allows you to stay in Italy for a year and is renewable for up to five years.
Before going to Italy as a self-employed person, you must carefully read about local taxes to ensure you get all the vital information.
- Digital nomad visa
This visa is for freelancers and remote workers who earn a minimum of EUR 2,700 monthly. It’s valid for one year and has a five-year extension limit. If this visa suits you, read our guide on becoming a digital nomad in the country of pizza and wine.
- Temporary (seasonal) work visa
The visa for seasonal workers. It is valid for 20 days to nine months, depending on the duration of your job offer.
- Startup visa
An option for qualified Nigerian expats with an innovative startup idea. The time limit for staying is one year.
- Blue card for Italy
Covered later in this article.
Changes in the temporary work visa application process
The Italian government is increasing the number of "Click Days" (specific days on which Non-EU citizens can apply for visa) for visa applications to match the hiring needs of employers looking for skilled workers.
This adjustment aims to meet Italy's rising demand for foreign labour, as more than the current quota system and deadlines are required. The goal is to introduce a more adaptable visa process that responds directly to the labour market's demands.
What does it mean for foreigners who plan to work in Italy?
You have more time to apply for a visa, and if it doesn't work for the first time, you may be lucky enough to apply for a second time in the same year. How can you increase your chances of securing a visa? Here are some tips.
Tips on how to get a temporary work permit in Italy
- Look for free visa jobs in Italy on LinkedIn, Europass or Indeed.
- Receive an offer before applying for a temporary work visa in Italy.
- Ask your employer to apply for authorisation to work through the One-Stop-Shop for Immigration. As a Nigerian expat, you cannot do it yourself.
- Prepare all the documents.
The list may vary from Embassy to Embassy, so we recommend approaching them directly for the complete list of documents. Usually, this is what you have to gather:
- A valid Nigerian passport;
- Visa application form;
- 2-4 passport-sized photographs that you never used;
- The work permit that was issued in the last six months;
- Colour photocopy of the passport page containing the holder’s bio-data;
- A return ticket or sufficient funds to purchase one;
- Bank account statement;
- Non-Nigerian nationals living in Nigeria have to submit a copy of the Nigerian Residence Permit;
- Accommodation contract;
- Health insurance;
- Copy of the last Academic Degree/Certificate of the applicant;
- A police clearance certificate from Nigeria.
But again, please consider asking your local Embassy about the required documents.
Go to the Italian Embassy or Consulate — in most cases you cannot apply online for an Italy work visa, unless otherwise specified.
Receive a temporary work visa and relocate within 6 months after you have been granted an authorisation to work (step 3).
We hope these steps made it clear and that you now know how to get a temporary work permit in Italy.
After a successful application, start packing your bags :) When you receive your first salary, you can celebrate it with your family in Nigeria and send them money as a gift. To do this safely, quickly, and with 0% fees, use Profee.
More things to know
- Each year, there’s a quota for the number of work visas issued. In 2025, there will be 165,000 visas for foreigners. The number has constantly grown in the last few years, so if you still need a visa, try for the second time next year.
- You can apply for a work visa during certain months, usually starting in February.
What is the Italy Blue card?
If you are looking for a full-time job and a seasonal work visa is not for you, consider applying for an Italy Blue card. It is a work permit issued outside the annual quotas set by the government, intended for highly qualified foreign workers who have received a job offer in Italy. You can read more about it here .
Conclusion
Starting to work in Italy for foreigners is itself a challenge. However, getting a temporary work visa may be even more complicated. This article aims to help you navigate the world of visa application and make it easier. Now you know about the main types of visas, required documents, the Italy Blue card, and some process tips, like the unavailability of the option to apply for the Italy work visa online most of the time. Good luck, and see you in Italy. Remember to send money back to Nigeria with Profee when you get your first salary to share the joy with your family.
