Blue Card Italy: Complete Guide for Highly Qualified Workers

Introduction

The EU Blue Card (Carta Blu UE) is a residence permit designed for highly qualified non-EU workers who wish to live and work in Italy 🇮🇹.
It is a harmonized tool at the European level, introduced with Directive 2009/50/EC and transposed in Italy through Legislative Decree 108/2012, later updated by reforms in 2021 and 2023 to make the procedure more accessible.

📌 Its goal is to attract foreign talent in strategic sectors, filling shortages in the Italian labor market and facilitating the integration of skilled professionals.

Who is the Blue Card for

The Blue Card is intended for non-EU citizens who:

• hold a university degree of at least 3 years 📚, or
• can prove at least 5 years of professional experience in highly specialized sectors (ICT, engineering, research, medicine, etc.).

👉 It applies to those who receive a job offer in Italy for a qualified position, with a contract lasting at least 6 months and a salary above a minimum threshold.

Legal framework

• Directive 2009/50/EC, updated by Directive (EU) 2021/1883.
• Legislative Decree 108/2012, transposition in Italy.
• Consolidated Immigration Act (D.Lgs. 286/1998), with later updates.

Main requirements

To obtain the Blue Card in Italy, the worker must meet the following criteria:

1. Employment contract or binding job offer
   • Minimum duration: 6 months.
   • Tasks must correspond to the applicant’s qualification.
2. Professional qualifications
   • University degree of at least 3 years, recognized in Italy.
   • Alternatively, at least 5 years of proven experience in a highly qualified sector.
3. Minimum salary
   • At least 1.5 times the national average salary (updated annually by ISTAT and the Ministry of Labor).
   • Exception: in shortage sectors (ICT, healthcare, researchers), the threshold is reduced to 1.25 times the national average 💶.
4. Health insurance
   • Automatically granted with enrollment in the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN – National Health Service).
5. Housing in Italy 🏡
   • Lease agreement, property ownership, or hospitality declaration.

Step-by-step procedure

1. Nulla osta application

The Italian employer submits the request at the Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione (Immigration Office at the Prefecture).

2. Nulla osta issuance

If requirements are met, the office issues the nulla osta within 90 days.

3. Visa request

With the nulla osta, the worker goes to the Italian consulate in their country of residence to apply for the national visa (type D).

4. Entry into Italy

With the visa, the worker may enter Italy.

5. Residence permit application

Within 8 days of entry, the worker must apply for the EU Blue Card through the kit postale (postal kit) at authorized post offices or directly at the Questura (Police Headquarters).

6. Issuance of the Blue Card

The Questura summons the applicant for fingerprinting 👮 and document verification.
If everything is in order, the electronic Blue Card is issued, valid for up to 2 years.

Duration and renewal

• Initial duration: up to 2 years, or equal to the length of the contract + 3 months.
• Renewal: possible if the employment contract is renewed or extended.
• After 5 years of regular residence, the holder can apply for the permesso UE per soggiornanti di lungo periodo (EU long-term residence permit).

Rights granted by the Blue Card

Blue Card holders in Italy are entitled to:

• live and work legally in Italy 🇮🇹,
• access the qualified labor market,
• enjoy equal treatment with Italian citizens in terms of working conditions, social security, and education,
• simplified family reunification 👨‍👩‍👧,
• travel freely within the Schengen Area ✈️ (up to 90 days every 6 months),
• after 18 months, move to another EU country and apply for a new Blue Card there.

Required documents

• Valid passport,
• Nulla osta,
• Employment contract or binding job offer,
• Degree certificate or proof of professional experience,
• Proof of accommodation in Italy,
• Health insurance (if not yet registered with the SSN),
• Marca da bollo (€16 revenue stamp),
• Receipt of payment for the electronic permit (~€100–130).

Indicative costs

• Marca da bollo: €16
• Electronic permit: €30
• Administrative contribution: €80–130
• Postal services: approx. €30

Common mistakes and reasons for refusal

❌ Degree not recognized in Italy.
❌ Contract shorter than 6 months or for non-qualified tasks.
❌ Salary below the required threshold.
❌ Incomplete or untranslated documents.

Advantages over other permits

• More rights and EU mobility compared to a standard permesso di soggiorno per lavoro subordinato (residence permit for subordinate work).
• Simplified renewal if employment continues.
• Easier access to long-term residence.
• Stronger appeal for highly skilled professionals seeking career opportunities in Italy.

Practical tips

💡 Check in advance if your degree is recognized in Italy.
💡 Prepare sworn translations of diplomas and certificates.
💡 Choose contracts with solid companies in high-demand sectors.
💡 Always keep copies of submitted documents.

Conclusion

The Blue Card Italy is one of the best options for highly qualified workers aiming to build their career in Italy.
With clear requirements, defined procedures, and concrete benefits, the Blue Card not only allows living and working in Italy but also opens the door to EU mobility and eventual Italian citizenship.

📌 The golden rule: secure a valid job contract, ensure your qualifications are recognized, and meet the salary thresholds.