Declaration of Value vs. CIMEA Statement: which Is the better Option for those applying for an EU Blue Card or a Digital Nomad Visa?

For many non-EU nationals interested in working or living in Italy, proving the value of their educational qualifications is one of the most important steps in the administrative process for obtaining a visa and the related residence and work permit. This is particularly relevant for those seeking to apply for an EU Blue Card or a Digital Nomad Visa, two immigration pathways designed to attract highly qualified professionals.

In recent years, alongside the traditional Declaration of Value (Dichiarazione di Valore – DoV) issued by Italian consular authorities, the CIMEA Statement has become increasingly established and is now widely used in Italian administrative procedures. But which option is preferable? The answer depends on the applicant's individual circumstances, the time available, and the specific procedure they intend to pursue.

Why is it necessary to prove the value of a foreign qualification?

Like many other European countries, Italy requires educational qualifications obtained abroad to be properly assessed before they can be used in certain administrative procedures.

The purpose is not only to verify the authenticity of the diploma or degree but also to determine its academic level and its equivalence within the Italian education system.

This assessment is often essential when the qualification constitutes one of the key requirements for obtaining a specific visa or residence permit, as is the case for the EU Blue Card and, in certain circumstances, the Digital Nomad Visa.

What is the declaration of value?

The Declaration of Value (Dichiarazione di Valore) is an official document issued by the Italian Consulate or Embassy with jurisdiction over the country where the educational qualification was obtained.

Through this document, the Italian diplomatic authority certifies several essential aspects of the qualification, including:

• the nature of the institution that awarded the qualification;

• the academic level of the programme of study;

• the duration of the course of study;

• the legal value of the diploma or degree in the country where it was awarded.

For many years, the Declaration of Value has been the primary instrument used by Italian public authorities to assess foreign educational qualifications.

What is the CIMEA Statement?

CIMEA (Information Centre on Academic Mobility and Equivalence) is the Italian organization belonging to the international networks dedicated to the recognition of academic qualifications.

Among the documents issued by CIMEA are:

• the Statement of Comparability;

• the Statement of Verification.

These certificates assess foreign educational qualifications according to internationally recognized standards and are now accepted in an increasing number of Italian administrative procedures.

The CIMEA Statement represents a modern, fully digital solution that is particularly appreciated by applicants wishing to avoid the often unpredictable processing times associated with consular procedures.

Declaration of Value vs. CIMEA: the main fifferences

Although both documents serve the purpose of facilitating the assessment of foreign qualifications, they differ in several respects.

Competent authority

The Declaration of Value is issued by Italian diplomatic missions abroad.

The CIMEA Statement, on the other hand, is issued by a specialized body dedicated to the recognition of academic qualifications.

Application procedure

Obtaining a Declaration of Value generally requires applicants to deal directly with the competent Italian Consulate, comply with local procedures, and submit the required documentation.

By contrast, CIMEA offers a fully digital application process which, in most cases, is easier to complete remotely.

Processing times

Processing times are often one of the main factors influencing an applicant's choice.

Consular procedures may vary significantly from one country to another and largely depend on the workload of the relevant diplomatic mission.

The CIMEA Statement generally offers more predictable processing times, which is why many applicants prefer it when working within tight deadlines. However, obtaining an appointment to submit the application may not always be straightforward, particularly for applicants who earned their qualifications in certain jurisdictions (for example, Colombia), where available appointment slots may be limited.

Which document is preferable for an EU Blue Card application?

The EU Blue Card is intended for highly qualified workers from non-EU countries and, in most cases, requires applicants to demonstrate that they possess the appropriate professional qualifications. Recent legislative reforms have also expanded eligibility by recognizing professional experience as a qualifying criterion in certain circumstances.

Where a university degree is the principal qualifying requirement, both the Declaration of Value and the CIMEA Statement may be suitable, provided that the competent authority accepts the chosen document for the specific application.

In practice, many applicants opt for the CIMEA Statement because of its faster processing times, while others continue to prefer the Declaration of Value, particularly where it is expressly required or recommended by the competent authority.

What about the digital nomad visa?

The Italian Digital Nomad Visa also requires applicants to demonstrate that they meet specific professional requirements and, in certain cases, possess the necessary academic qualifications, based on the same eligibility criteria and procedures applicable to the EU Blue Card.

In these circumstances, the documentation relating to the educational qualification serves to demonstrate the applicant's academic and professional background.

Conclusion

There is no universal answer when choosing between a Declaration of Value and a CIMEA Statement.

Applicants who prefer a traditional consular procedure may opt for the Declaration of Value. Those seeking a faster, fully digital process that is increasingly recognized by Italian public authorities may find the CIMEA Statement to be the more efficient solution.

Before submitting an application for an EU Blue Card or a Digital Nomad Visa, it is always advisable to verify carefully which supporting documentation is required in the specific case in order to avoid unnecessary delays and ensure a smoother administrative process.

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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, and Paolo Grassi, Trainee of LCA Studio Legale.