Declaration of Value or CIMEA Certificate – which is better for an EU Blue Card or a Digital Nomad Visa?

In recent years, Italy has introduced increasingly flexible tools to attract highly qualified workers and international professionals. In this context, the recognition of foreign academic qualifications plays a crucial role, especially for those intending to apply for an EU Blue Card or an Italian visa for digital nomads.

With the joint circular issued by the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of the Interior on 28 March 2024, a new option has become available: alongside the traditional Declaration of Value, it is now also possible to use a certificate issued by CIMEA to prove the educational qualification requirement. But which of these two solutions is truly the most advantageous?

Recognition of qualifications: a key step

Anyone who has obtained a university degree or a higher education qualification abroad and wishes to work legally in Italy must demonstrate its authenticity and academic level. This applies both to access to the qualified labour market and to obtaining specific residence permits linked to professional skills.

Both the Declaration of Value and the CIMEA certificate pursue this goal, but they do so with different approaches, timelines, and costs.

CIMEA Certificate: digitalization and speed

CIMEA (Centro di Informazione sulla Mobilità e le Equivalenze Accademiche – Information Centre on Academic Mobility and Equivalence) is the Italian reference body for the evaluation of foreign qualifications. Its system is based on fully online procedures, allowing applicants to upload documentation through dedicated platforms without having to physically visit consulates or embassies.

The certificates issued fall into two main categories:

• Statement of Comparability, which places the foreign qualification within the levels of the European system (Bologna Process and EQF);
• Statement of Verification, which confirms that the qualification was actually awarded by the competent institution.

These documents are increasingly used in EU Blue Card and Digital Nomad Visa applications, thanks to processing times that are generally shorter than traditional channels.

Strengths

• Fully digital procedure
• Shorter processing times (often between 30 and 60 days)
• No direct contact with consular offices

Possible limitations

• Higher costs compared to other options
• Not all qualifications or countries can be verified
• Not all authorities accept the certificate as a substitute for the Declaration of Value

Declaration of Value: the traditional tool

The Declaration of Value is issued by Italian diplomatic missions in the country where the qualification was obtained. It is an official document that describes the qualification, certifies its authenticity, and places it within the Italian education system.

Despite the introduction of more modern alternatives, the Declaration of Value remains a well-established reference for universities, employers, and public administrations.

Strengths

• Broad acceptance by all Italian institutions
• Often low or symbolic costs
• Formal recognition throughout the entire national territory

Critical aspects

• More complex bureaucratic process
• Requirement for legalisation, apostilles, and certified translations
• Sometimes very long waiting times, especially at particularly congested consulates

Which is the best choice for an EU Blue Card or a Digital Nomad Visa?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The choice between a CIMEA certificate and a Declaration of Value depends on several factors: the country where the qualification was obtained, the urgency of the application, the available budget, and the specific requirements of the Italian authority involved.

Those who need to speed up the process for an Italian visa linked to a highly qualified job offer may find CIMEA to be a faster and more efficient solution. Conversely, those who prefer a universally recognised document and can afford longer timelines may opt for the Declaration of Value.

In any case, carefully assessing the available alternatives before starting the procedure is essential to avoid delays and complications—especially when the goal is to work and live in Italy on a stable and lawful basis.

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The content of this article is intended to provide general information on the topic. For doubts or specific cases, it is advisable to seek specialized legal advice tailored to your particular situation.

Article written by Alessia Ajelli, Managing Associate of LCA Studio Legale, Italian lawyer specialized on Italian immigration and citizenship law.