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EU Blue Card · highly qualified workers

EU Blue Card in Italy: support for workers and employers

The EU Blue Card is the residence permit for highly qualified non-EU workers hired by a company in Italy. It is not subject to the Decreto Flussi quotas, so you can apply at any time of year.

The procedure starts in Italy: the company, or an authorised agency like DIB, applies for the Nulla Osta at the Immigration Office (Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione). The worker then applies for the visa at the consulate. We follow both.

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€2,200 + VAT · outside the quotas, you can apply at any time of year

Requirements

Requirements for the worker

  • Qualification. A degree of at least three years, recognised in Italy with a declaration of value or a CIMEA certificate if obtained outside the EU. Alternatively, at least 5 years of equivalent professional experience, or 3 years in the last 7 for ICT profiles.
  • Contract. A contract or binding job offer of at least 6 months for a highly qualified position.
  • Salary. A gross annual salary of at least €33,000.

For employers

Hiring a non-EU professional

The Blue Card is often the fastest route: it does not depend on the Decreto Flussi and the Nulla Osta application can be submitted all year round. We prepare the application for you, check that the candidate's degree can be recognised and tell you in advance what is needed.

Procedure

How it works

  1. Nulla Osta. The company, or an authorised agency like DIB, applies for it at the Immigration Office. Average time: 2-3 months.
  2. Visa. With the Nulla Osta, the worker applies for the visa at the Italian consulate in their country.
  3. Arrival in Italy. Within 8 days of entry, the worker applies for the residence permit.
  4. Questura. Appointment at the Questura for fingerprints.
  5. Blue Card. The worker receives the Blue Card.

The Blue Card is valid for 2 years with a permanent contract. With a fixed-term contract, it lasts as long as the contract plus 3 months.

Benefits

How it differs from a standard work permit

  • The holder can apply for family reunification straight away.
  • After 18 months in Italy, the holder can move to another EU country for work.
  • Years spent with the Blue Card count towards the EU long-term residence permit.

Our service

What we do for you

We assess the worker's profile and tell you straight away whether the requirements are met. We apply for the Nulla Osta on the company's behalf, directly in Italy.

We guide the worker through the visa application and prepare them for the consulate appointment. The worker must apply for the visa in person: no agency can do it for them.

When the worker arrives in Italy, we support them with the residence permit application.

Cost

Service fee

€2,200 + VAT

Taxes, revenue stamps, government fees and degree recognition costs are not included.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

I am already in Italy with another permit. Can I switch to the Blue Card?

No. The Blue Card procedure requires direct hiring from the worker's home country, through a Nulla Osta issued in Italy.

How long does it take overall?

About 6 months.

Can my family join me?

Yes. With the Blue Card you can apply for family reunification for your spouse and children.

Book a free introductory call

Whether you are a worker or an employer, we check the requirements and explain the next steps.

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