Published June 25, 2025 | By NUNAI Team
When Chioma first landed in Milan three years ago, she spent her first week frantically googling “how to get codice fiscale” and “Nigerian food near me.” Sound familiar? We’ve all been there – that overwhelming feeling of not knowing where to start in a new country.
Essential Resources Every Nigerian in Italy Should Know About
When Chioma first landed in Milan three years ago, she spent her first week frantically googling “how to get codice fiscale” and “Nigerian food near me.” Sound familiar? We’ve all been there – that overwhelming feeling of not knowing where to start in a new country.
That’s exactly why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide. Think of it as the blog post we wish someone had written for us when we first arrived in Italy.
Your First 30 Days: The Survival Checklist
Let’s be real – your first month in Italy can feel like you’re trying to solve a puzzle where half the pieces are missing and the instructions are in rapid Italian. Here’s what actually matters:
Week 1 Priorities:
- Get your codice fiscale (Italian tax code) – you literally can’t do anything without this
- Register with your local municipality (Anagrafe)
- Find temporary accommodation if you haven’t already
- Get an Italian SIM card so you can actually communicate
Week 2-4 Goals:
- Open a bank account (bring everything – passport, codice fiscale, proof of address)
- Register with the local health authority (ASL)
- Start your permesso di soggiorno application if you’re non-EU
- Begin your housing search for something more permanent
Pro tip from our community: Don’t try to do everything in one day. Italian bureaucracy moves at its own pace, and fighting it will only give you stress headaches.
The Housing Hunt: What Nobody Tells You
Finding a place to live in Italy as a Nigerian can be… challenging. Let’s talk about the reality and how to navigate it successfully.
The Good News: Italy has strong tenant protection laws once you’re in.
The Reality Check: Some landlords will discriminate. It’s illegal, but it happens. Don’t take it personally – just keep moving.
Your Secret Weapons:
- Personal recommendations from other Nigerians (join our WhatsApp groups!)
- Having all your documents ready and organized
- Offering to pay a few months in advance if you can afford it
- Getting an Italian colleague or friend to vouch for you
Red Flags to Avoid:
- Anyone asking for money before you see the property
- Deals that seem impossibly cheap (they usually are)
- Landlords who won’t meet in person or show proper documents
Maria, one of our Milan members, found her perfect apartment through a NUNAI connection after months of searching. Sometimes it really is about who you know.
Cracking the Italian Job Market
The Italian job market has its own rhythm, and understanding it can make the difference between landing your dream job and endless frustration.
What Actually Works:
- LinkedIn is huge in Italy – make sure your profile is polished
- Networking events (like our monthly NUNAI mixers) often work better than online applications
- Having your qualifications recognized officially, even if it takes time
- Learning industry-specific Italian vocabulary
Cultural Tips That Matter:
- Italians hire people they like, not just people who are qualified
- Invest time in relationship-building, even if it feels slow
- Your CV should include a professional photo
- Follow up on applications, but don’t be pushy
Dr. Emeka, now a successful consultant in Rome, spent his first year working below his qualifications while getting his credentials recognized. “It was frustrating,” he says, “but it was also my foot in the door. The connections I made during that time led to my current position.”
Mastering Italian (Without Losing Your Mind)
Everyone asks: “How long does it take to learn Italian?” The answer depends on what you mean by “learn.”
Survival Italian: 3-6 months if you’re motivated Professional Italian: 1-2 years with consistent practice Feeling truly comfortable: 2-3 years, and you’ll still learn new things
What Actually Helps:
- Watch Italian Netflix with Italian subtitles (not English ones)
- Find an Italian conversation partner – many Italians want to practice English
- Join local hobby groups where you have to speak Italian
- Don’t be embarrassed about making mistakes – Italians appreciate the effort
Resources Our Members Swear By:
- Duolingo for daily practice (yes, really)
- Local biblioteca (library) conversation groups
- RAI News for understanding current events
- Italian podcast “Italiano Automatico” for intermediate learners
Quick tip: Learn the bureaucracy vocabulary first. Words like “modulo” (form), “ufficio” (office), and “appuntamento” (appointment) will save you more stress than knowing how to order a perfect cappuccino.
Healthcare: Navigating the System
Italy’s healthcare system is actually quite good once you understand how it works. Here’s the practical breakdown:
The Basics:
- Register with your local ASL (health authority)
- Choose a medico di base (family doctor) – this is free
- Emergency care is always available regardless of your status
- Prescriptions are filled at any pharmacy
What to Expect:
- Your family doctor handles most routine care
- Specialists require referrals from your family doctor
- Emergency room visits can have long waits for non-urgent issues
- Private insurance is available if you want faster access to specialists
Mental Health Matters: Living in a foreign country can be isolating. Italy is getting better at mental health support, but it’s still developing. Our NUNAI community support groups have been a lifeline for many members dealing with homesickness, work stress, or family pressures.
Money Matters: Banking and Beyond
Opening a Bank Account: Italian banks love paperwork, but once you’re set up, banking is straightforward. Bring your passport, codice fiscale, permesso di soggiorno (if applicable), and proof of address.
Recommended Banks:
- Intesa Sanpaolo: Good English support
- UniCredit: Strong international services
- Digital options: Fineco, N26, Revolut
Money Transfer Tips: Sending money home to Nigeria? Skip the traditional bank transfers. Wise, WorldRemit, and Remitly offer much better rates and faster service.
Tax Reality: If you’re living in Italy for more than 183 days a year, you’re a tax resident. Period. Get professional help with your first tax return – it’s worth the cost to avoid mistakes.
Building Your Italian Network
Success in Italy is often about relationships. Here’s how to build meaningful connections:
Professional Networks:
- Industry associations in your field
- LinkedIn local groups
- Chamber of Commerce events
- Our NUNAI professional mixers (shameless plug, but they work!)
Social Connections:
- Language exchange groups
- Sports clubs and hobby groups
- Volunteer organizations
- Neighborhood events and festivals
The Nigerian Community: Don’t underestimate the power of connecting with other Nigerians. We understand the unique challenges you’re facing, and we’re often happy to share contacts, advice, and job opportunities.
Keeping Nigeria Close While Building Your Italian Life
One of the hardest parts of living abroad is maintaining your Nigerian identity while adapting to Italian culture. Here’s how our community balances both:
Cultural Maintenance:
- Regular Nigerian movie nights and cultural events
- Teaching our children Nigerian languages
- Celebrating Nigerian holidays and festivals
- Cooking Nigerian food for Italian friends (cultural diplomacy!)
Italian Integration:
- Learning about Italian history and regional differences
- Participating in local festivals and traditions
- Building genuine friendships with Italian colleagues and neighbors
- Contributing to your local community
Remember: You don’t have to choose between being Nigerian and being successful in Italy. The best of our community members are proudly both.
When Things Get Tough
Let’s be honest – living abroad isn’t always Instagram-perfect. Homesickness, bureaucratic frustrations, workplace challenges, and cultural misunderstandings are part of the journey.
Common Challenges:
- Feeling isolated or misunderstood
- Dealing with subtle (or not-so-subtle) discrimination
- Missing important family events back home
- Pressure to succeed and “make it worth it”
What Helps:
- Having a support network (hello, NUNAI!)
- Celebrating small victories along the way
- Regular video calls with family and friends back home
- Professional help when you need it – there’s no shame in therapy
Emergency Resources:
- Nigerian Embassy Rome: +39 06 8073 0842
- General emergency: 112
- NUNAI crisis support: help@nunai.it
Your Italian Success Story
Every successful Nigerian in Italy started exactly where you are now – confused, a little overwhelmed, but determined to make it work. The difference between those who thrive and those who struggle isn’t talent or luck – it’s having the right information, support, and mindset.
Your Italian journey won’t always be easy, but it can absolutely be successful and fulfilling. Whether you’re here for a few years or planning to make Italy your permanent home, you have a community that understands your journey and wants to see you succeed.
What’s your story? Share your experiences in the comments below or join one of our upcoming events. We’d love to hear from you.
Next week: “Navigating Italian Healthcare: A Complete Guide for Nigerian Families”
Tags: #LivingInItaly #NigerianCommunity #ItalianLife #Expat #Immigration #NUNAI
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