Highly qualified non-EU nationals to be hired by an Italian employer can apply for an EU Blue Card
- provide a higher education qualification or extended professional experience in the field: either a university degree obtained after a 3 years course of studies and validated through the obtainment of a "Declaration of Value" from the Italian Embassy/Consulate in the country of issuance or a CIMEA attestation OR proof of professional experience of at least 5 years in the same field of work or 3 years during the last 7 years in case of IT&communication specialists
- have received a binding job offer from an Italian employer for a highly specialized job position for a duration of at least 6 months
- receive an annual gross remuneration not lower than the one provided for by the National Bargaining Agreement applicable to the Italian employer
Those who apply for an EU Blue Card will receive a work and residence permit of an initial duration of up to 2 years, if the employment contract is open-ended, or of the same duration of the employment contract + 3 months if it is a fixed-term employment (in any case no longer than 2 years). Renewal is possible as long as the conditions for the issuance of the work permit are maintained. Holders of an EU Blue Card can enjoy several benefits:
- short-term intra-EU mobility: holders of an EU Blue Card can move to another EU Member State for periods of maximum 90 days over 180 days to carry out a professional activity without the need to apply for a visa or residence permit in the other EU Member State
- long-term intra-EU mobility: after 12 months of legal stay in Italy, the worker can move to another EU Member State and be hired by a new employer
- family unit: family members of the holder of an EU Blue Card can obtain a visa and residence permit for family reasons no matter the duration of the EU Blue Card and notwithstanding the duration of the residence in Italy
- long term stay: after 5 years of holding an EU Blue Card and residing in Italy the worker can apply for an EU long term residence permit
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