EU Blue Card

For a complete application, the current statutory term for the Blue Card Nulla Osta is 30 days. Consular and residence-permit timing then depends on the competent offices, appointment availability, and whether additional evidence is requested. We provide a case-specific timeline after reviewing the employer and qualification file.

The Blue Card offers:

• Admission outside Decreto Flussi quotas
• A 2-year card with an indefinite contract, or contract duration plus 3 months for a fixed term
• Facilitated family reunification under the applicable conditions
• EU mobility after 12 months of lawful highly qualified employment
• Greater employer mobility after the first 12 months
• Specific aggregation rules for EU long-term residence

Compare it with the ordinary Employment Work Visa when the role or qualification does not meet Blue Card conditions.

Loss of employment does not automatically cancel the Blue Card. The unemployment protections applicable to work-permit holders may allow you to seek a new qualifying role for the remaining validity of the permit and, where the statutory conditions apply, for at least one year. Registration, notification, qualification, and salary requirements must still be respected; the card is not automatically revoked on day 366.

Yes. During the first 12 months of lawful highly qualified employment, a change of employer requires prior authorization from the competent labour authority. After that period the restriction is relaxed, but the new role must still meet Blue Card qualification and salary requirements and the required notifications must be filed.

Yes. After 12 months of lawful residence as an EU Blue Card holder, you may move to another participating Member State and apply there under its Blue Card procedure. The Italian card does not by itself authorize indefinite employment in the second country.

The Blue Card has favourable family rules. Eligible relatives can use family reunification without the ordinary two-year sponsor-residence requirement, and complete family applications can be coordinated with the Blue Card process where the statutory conditions are met. Income, housing, family-relationship and residence-permit requirements still have to be documented correctly through the appropriate Accompanying Family Visa process.