Italy streamlines migration procedures: faster processing times for EU Blue Card work authorizations and for workers trained abroad

Italy is taking another step toward administrative modernization with the final approval of a law aimed at digitizing and speeding up a wide range of bureaucratic procedures. The measure, long awaited and now ready to enter into force following publication in the Official Gazette, introduces important changes regarding immigration and the management of work permits.

Shorter processing times for work authorizations

One of the most significant innovations is the reduction of processing times for work authorization applications. The new regulatory framework establishes that applications submitted by two specific categories must be reviewed within 30 days:

• Foreign workers who have completed professional and civic-linguistic training programs abroad, previously subject to a 60-day timeline
• Highly qualified workers applying for the EU Blue Card, whose processing time is reduced from 90 to 30 days

This is a major change aimed at making the country more competitive in attracting talent and facilitating the entry of specialized professionals. Those planning to apply for an Italian work visa in the cases mentioned above will therefore benefit from clearer, more uniform, and faster procedures.

Simpler housing requirements and less burdensome procedures

The reform also addresses the verification of suitable housing, one of the aspects that often slows down the process of obtaining a work residence permit. The new provisions introduce simplifications in two common situations:

Housing provided by the employer at a worksite or company facility

In this case, it is sufficient for the employer to submit a self-certification stating compliance with the safety and hygiene standards required by law. This measure reduces documentation burdens without compromising worker protections.

Accommodation in hotels or lodging facilities

When the worker is hosted in a hotel, it is now enough to provide the hotel reservation. This practice, already widely accepted by immigration offices, is finally formalized in the law, ensuring greater administrative consistency and predictability.

A reform aimed at modernization

The overarching goal of the new law is to create a more efficient, transparent system capable of meeting the needs of the Italian labor market. For foreign citizens, companies, and professionals, the measures introduced promise a smoother path toward obtaining a work visa for Italy and the related residence permit—key elements for a lawful and stable integration into the country.

With this reform, Italy positions itself from a more modern perspective aligned with European standards, while strengthening its ability to attract skilled workers and support productive sectors that increasingly depend on qualified professionals from abroad.

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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.