Visa and residence permit EU Blue Card

Outside the quota system provided by the "flow decree" there is the possibility of applying for a visa and residence permit that allows the direct hiring in Italy of a non-EU citizen: this is the "EU Blue Card". Regulated by Article 27 quater of Legislative Decree 286/98, the EU Blue Card has an initial duration of maximum 2 years and can be renewed for additional 2-year periods.

Who can apply for it?

The EU Blue Card is designed for highly specialized workers, i.e. those who have obtained a university-level qualification – validated by the Italian consular representation in the country where the degree was issued through the obtainment of the so-called "Declaration of value" – or a solid experience in the business sector for a highly qualified job role that can be classified in one of the first 3 categories of the ISTAT CP 2011 Professional Classification.

In addition to the specialization, the worker must demonstrate that they have received a binding job offer for a skilled position, lasting at least 6 months, from an Italian employer that guarantees a gross annual remuneration of not less than the minimum set forth by the CBA (Contratto Collettivo Nazionale di Lavoro – CCNL) to be applied by the Italian employer.

The procedure in a nutshell

What to do to obtain an EU Blue Card and be hired by an Italian employer:

1. apply online for a work authorization (nulla osta) on behalf of the Italian employer at the competent Single Desk for Immigration (“Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione – SUI”)
2. once the nulla osta has been obtained, apply for a long-term work visa at the Italian Consulate or Embassy competent on the basis of the worker's place of residence
3. enter Italy and within 8 days request an appointment at the SUI to sign the contract of stay and integration agreement
4. apply for a residence permit and undergo the fingerprinting procedure at the Police Headquarters (“Questura”)
5. pick up the residence permit at the Questura when ready

Benefits of the EU Blue Card

EU Blue Card holders can move within the European Union and also work in other EU countries for a maximum period of 90 days every 180 days without the need to apply for a visa or residence permit in the other EU State. After 12 months of legal stay in Italy, should they want to move permanently to another EU Member State they must apply for a new work authorization and residence permit through a simplified procedure in the elected EU Member State.

In Italy, after the first 12 months of work with an EU Blue Card, workers will be able to change employers without the need to inform the national immigration authorities.

After at least 5 years of stay in Italy, by showing official residency and a reasonable income, EU Blue Card holders can apply for an EU long-term residence permit and, upon reaching 10 years of uninterrupted legal residence in Italy, proceed to apply for Italian citizenship by residence.

Family members of holders an EU Blue Card, regardless of the duration of the latter, are entitled to family reunification.

Your Way to Italy: our assistance

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The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.