What is the Italy EU Blue Card?
The EU Blue Card (Carta Blu UE) is Italy's route for highly qualified non-EU professionals, issued under the EU Blue Card Directive. Its defining advantage over the standard Decreto Flussi route is that it sits entirely outside the annual quota — no click day, no cap — so the employer can apply year-round.
It is designed for degree-holders (or those with 5 years' equivalent experience) in well-paid roles, at a gross salary of at least ~€36,300/year (1.5× the ISTAT national average), with a reduced ~€29,000 for shortage occupations. Under Law 182/2025 (in force 18 December 2025), the nulla osta review for Blue Card applicants was cut to 30 days, and the minimum contract is 6 months.
The Blue Card also carries EU-wide mobility — the right to move to another EU country after 12–18 months. Compare the German, Spanish and Portuguese Blue Cards for other EU entry points.
Note: Information on this page is for guidance only and does not constitute immigration advice. Requirements change — verify current figures at the official government source before applying.
Do you qualify?
You must meet two requirements. The Blue Card is quota-free — there is no click day and no Decreto Flussi cap.
A binding job offer or contract for at least 6 months at a gross salary of at least ~€36,300/year (1.5× the ISTAT national average), or about €29,000 for shortage occupations such as ICT and healthcare. The employer obtains the nulla osta from the SUI — for the Blue Card, this is not subject to any quota and is reviewed within 30 days.
A recognised higher education qualification of at least 3 years, validated through a Declaration of Value (Dichiarazione di Valore). Under Legislative Decree 152/2023, 5 years of documented professional experience can substitute for a formal degree.
The 2026 salary requirements
The Blue Card salary floor is pegged to the ISTAT national average and updated for 2026 to ~€36,300/year (1.5× the average, up from ~€35,500). A reduced threshold of about €29,000 (1.2×) applies to shortage occupations including ICT and healthcare. Figures are gross.
Sources vary slightly because the figure tracks ISTAT data — confirm the exact current figure before applying. Compared with the standard Decreto Flussi route, the Blue Card requires a defined salary but removes the quota and click-day lottery. Tax note: Italy's IRPEF is progressive (23–43%) plus regional and municipal surcharges; the "impatriati" regime for inbound workers can exempt a share of income, though its conditions have tightened — consult an Italian tax advisor.
What you need to apply
The employer files the Blue Card nulla osta year-round. You then apply for the entry visa at the Italian consulate, and the residence permit after arrival.
If you do not have any of the documents below, read the FAQs section for further guidance.
Application timeline
End-to-end typically takes 60–120 days, faster than the quota route because the Blue Card is filed year-round and the nulla osta is capped at 30 days.
Most common delay: the Declaration of Value for qualifications (1–3 months). Start qualification recognition early — it is the main bottleneck on this route.
The employer applies for the Blue Card nulla osta through the ALI immigration portal at any time — there is no click day or quota to wait for.
Handled by: your employer
The SUI processes the Blue Card nulla osta within a legal maximum of 30 days under Law 182/2025. Once the limit expires, the permit is deemed granted unless expressly refused.
Handled by: the SUI
Once the nulla osta is issued, apply for the entry visa at the Italian consulate in your country. Have your Declaration of Value ready. Processing takes roughly 2–3 weeks plus appointment availability.
Handled by: you
Travel to Italy. Within 8 working days of arrival, apply for the residence permit at the local Questura and sign the contract of stay at the SUI.
Handled by: you
Frequently asked questions
The Decreto Flussi is quota-limited and submitted on a competitive click day that can fill up within hours. The Blue Card sits entirely outside that quota — the employer applies year-round, the nulla osta is capped at 30 days, and the card adds EU-wide mobility. For degree-holders in well-paid roles, the Blue Card is the faster, more reliable route.
Yes — this is the Blue Card's defining advantage. After 12–18 months of legal residence in Italy on the Blue Card, you can move to another EU member state and apply for a Blue Card there under a simplified procedure. Blue Card holders also benefit from facilitated EU long-term residence.
Yes. Under Legislative Decree 152/2023, 5 years of documented professional experience relevant to the role can substitute for a formal higher education qualification — broadening the Blue Card to experienced specialists without a matching degree.
Yes, on favourable terms. Blue Card holders benefit from more generous family reunification. Your spouse and dependent children can join you; your spouse can work in Italy, and family members receive residence permits linked to yours.
Not for the Blue Card itself. However, Italian A2 is required for the EU long-term residence permit after 5 years. Outside multinationals, Italian is the working language, so learning it significantly improves both daily life and job prospects.
Faster than the quota route. Because the Blue Card is filed year-round and the nulla osta is capped at 30 days under Law 182/2025, the main variable is the Declaration of Value for your qualifications (1–3 months). Start that early, and the end-to-end timeline is typically 60–120 days.
You cannot apply for the EU Blue Card without a qualifying job offer and an employer-obtained nulla osta. Every job listed on Workbeyond is from employers who sponsor international talent to work in Italy. Use the filters to narrow by profession, city and seniority level to find roles that match your criteria.
Find sponsored jobs in Italy
Every job listed on Workbeyond is from an employer who sponsors international workers. For degree-holders, an employer who can file a quota-free EU Blue Card is the fastest route into Italy. Use the filters to narrow by profession, city and seniority level.
Planning a move? See the Italy destination guide.