Understanding the Blue Card for Italy

The Blue Card is a specialized work permit that allows highly qualified professionals to work in Italy. Unlike other work permits, it is issued outside the annual quotas set by the Italian government, making it an attractive option for skilled foreign workers. 

Recent updates have broadened the eligibility criteria, making it possible for more professionals to apply.

Who Is Eligible and which are the requirements?

Eligibility for the Blue Card in Italy has evolved to be more inclusive. Traditionally, applicants needed a university degree from a three-year program. However, the latest updates have expanded this to include alternative qualifications, opening doors for many professionals with significant experience but without formal university education.

You can now qualify for the Blue Card if you have:

• A tertiary level higher education degree (e.g., a university diploma) or a post-secondary professional qualification. This can include diplomas issued by non-university institutions after at least a three-year course. A Declaration of Value or a CIMEA attestation is required to verify these qualifications. For regulated professions, it is necessary to obtain the acknowledgment of your professional qualifications in Italy.
• Alternatively, a higher professional qualification based on at least five years of relevant professional experience in the sector specified in your job offer. For managers and specialists in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), this requirement can be reduced to three years of experience within the last seven years. This experience must be well-documented with contracts, pay slips, and possibly a letter of experience from your employer. If these documents are issued outside the EU, they must be legalized or apostilled and translated, with the translation certified as faithful to the original text by Italian diplomatic or consular authorities, or sworn in an Italian court.

Additionally, specific categories of workers, such as seasonal workers, beneficiaries of international protection, holders of a residence permit for research, and holders of an ICT residence permit for intra-corporate transfers, are also eligible for the Blue Card.

The Job Offer

Securing a job offer is a crucial part of the Blue Card application. The offer must be for a highly qualified position and have a duration of at least six months. Importantly, the salary must not be lower than what is established by national collective labor agreements, and it must meet the minimum threshold of approximately €34,000 per year, as reported by ISTAT. However, this figure may vary case by case depending on the role the applicant has been hired for. 

How to apply for the EU Blue Card in Italy

The process for obtaining a Blue Card involves several key steps:

1. Submitting the Application: Your employer will submit the application to the Immigration Authorities through the Ministry of the Interior’s online system. This includes providing proof of the unavailability of a qualified worker already present in Italy, as mentioned in the Labour Market Test.
2. Issuance of the Nulla Osta: The documents downloaded on the Ministry of Interior’s online system will be received by the competent police headquarters (Questura) which will issue a nulla osta (authorization). Nulla Osta will be submitted by the applicant for a work visa to the competent Consular authority.
3. Entering Italy and Finalizing the Permit: After obtaining the visa, you can enter Italy, where you must apply for a residence permit within eight days. You can begin working immediately upon entry, provided your employer submits the required notification (UNILAV). The Blue Card will then be issued, typically valid for two years if your contract is indefinite, or for the length of your contract plus three months for fixed-term contracts.
4. Contract of Stay: After entering Italy, you will need to sign a Contratto di Soggiorno (contract of stay) to formalize your residency status. While waiting for this contract to be signed, you can start working immediately, provided your employer has notified the authorities through UNILAV. The proof of this notification must be presented when you sign the contract.

Key Considerations

A few important considerations for Blue Card holders:

• Change of Employment: During the first 12 months, you cannot change employers without prior authorization from the Territorial Labor Inspectorate. After this period, you can switch jobs more freely within the same highly qualified category.
• Job Loss: If you lose your job, you can remain in Italy and be registered in employment lists for the duration of your Blue Card, up to a minimum of one year.
• Self-Employment: Blue Card holders are allowed to engage in self-employment activities alongside their primary highly qualified employment.
• Mobility within the EU: After 18 months of legal residence in one EU member state, you can move to another EU country without needing a new visa. Additionally, if you hold a Blue Card from another EU country, you can enter Italy to work for up to 90 days without needing a new permit. For longer stays, you’ll need to follow the regular application process, but you can do so without a visa after 12 months of residence in another EU state. Once in Italy, your employer must submit a work authorization application within one month, and you must apply for a residence permit within eight days of entering Italy or receiving the authorization if you are already in the country.

Accommodation and Other Requirements

When applying for a Blue Card, you must also provide proof of accommodation in Italy. If your employer arranges private accommodation, a housing suitability certificate from the local municipality is required. If you stay in a hotel or residence, a letter of accommodation on official letterhead will suffice.

Which is the duration and what are the costs? 

The Blue Card is generally issued for a period of two years if your contract is indefinite. For fixed-term contracts, the card’s validity will extend for the contract duration plus three months. The process typically takes up to 90 days from the submission of your application to the issuance of the Blue Card.

How Moving2Italy Can Assist You

At Moving2Italy, we offer comprehensive support to help you navigate the Blue Card process with ease. We’ll assess your qualifications and job offer, assist with the necessary documentation, and guide you through every step of the application process. Even after you’ve received your Blue Card, we’re here to help with renewals, family reunification, and any other residency-related needs.

Relocating to Italy should be an exciting adventure, not a stressful ordeal. With our expertise, you can confidently navigate the Blue Card process for Italy, knowing that you have a dedicated team by your side every step of the way.