EU Blue Card for highly qualified workers: requirements and updates

Information updated as of 2026 

The EU Blue Card represents one of the main tools through which the European Union aims to attract highly qualified workers from third countries. Introduced to facilitate the entry of specialized skills into the European labor market, it allows non-EU citizens to live and work in a Member State through simplified procedures compared to standard channels.

In recent years, and particularly with the transposition of Directive (EU) 2021/1883, the regulatory framework has been significantly updated, with the aim of broadening access and making the system more flexible and globally competitive.

What is the EU Blue Card

It is a residence permit intended for highly qualified foreign workers who wish to carry out skilled employment in a European Union country. In Italy, unlike other instruments, the Blue Card allows entry even outside the quotas established by migration flow decrees, making it faster for Italian companies to recruit talent.

Essential requirements

In Italy, to obtain the EU Blue Card, it is necessary to demonstrate a high level of professional qualification. This requirement can be met not only through a university degree, but also through significant and documented work experience in highly specialized sectors, especially following recent reforms that have expanded the notion of “qualified worker” to include those who have gained professional experience in the field even without a formal academic degree.

In addition to qualifications, it is essential to have a concrete job offer or a binding contract for a highly qualified position signed by an Italian employer, lasting at least 6 months and providing for a gross annual salary of no less than €35,000.

Main legislative updates

The changes introduced in recent years have significantly impacted the EU Blue Card framework. First, the pool of beneficiaries has been expanded: today, professionals with substantial experience can also qualify, even without a traditional academic degree, provided they demonstrate equivalent skills.

At the same time, application procedures have been simplified, with greater involvement of the employer, shorter processing times (30 days for the issuance of work authorization), and clearer operational guidelines for the relevant authorities, with the aim of increasing digitalization of the process through the digital issuance of work authorization and the digital signing of the residence contract and integration agreement.

Another important element is the greater flexibility granted to Blue Card holders. They can change jobs more easily after 12 months from the first issuance of the permit, engage in self-employment under certain conditions, and benefit from periods of unemployment during which they can look for a new job without immediately losing their permit.

Mobility opportunities within the European Union have also been strengthened, facilitating both short-term and long-term moves between different Member States.

Finally, the new rules have introduced improvements for family reunification as well, making it easier for the worker’s family members to enter the country.

A more attractive system for talent and businesses

Recent reforms highlight a clear European strategy: to make the Blue Card a more competitive instrument compared to other qualified immigration systems. The expansion of requirements, simplification of procedures, and increased rights granted to holders aim to respond to the needs of the European—and therefore also Italian—labor market, which is increasingly oriented toward the search for specialized skills.

In this context, the EU Blue Card confirms itself as a privileged channel for fostering the match between supply and demand for qualified labor, contributing to economic development and innovation in Member States.

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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.