The Blue Card residence permit is intended for highly skilled workers and can be obtained after entering Italy with a Blue Card visa.

Is a quota required for the Blue Card visa?

No, the Blue Card visa is not part of the Decreto Flussi and is therefore not subject to entry quotas.

What are the requirements to qualify as a highly skilled worker?

• A higher education qualification at the tertiary level, or a post-secondary professional qualification, issued by the competent authority in the country where it was obtained, certifying the completion of a higher education program of at least three years’ duration.
• The requirements set out in Legislative Decree No. 206 of 6 November 2007, limited to the exercise of regulated professions.
• A higher professional qualification certified by at least five years of relevant professional experience in the profession or sector indicated in the EU Blue Card application.
• For managers and specialists in the field of information and communication technologies only: a higher professional qualification certified by at least three years of relevant professional experience acquired within the seven years preceding the submission of the EU Blue Card application.

Do I have to apply for the visa directly at the Italian Embassy?

No, the employer must apply for the Nulla Osta through the Ministero dell’Interno website, attaching all the required documentation, including your degree, which must be translated, legalized, and accompanied by either a DOV (Declaration of Value) or a CIMEA certificate.

What else is required?

• A job offer with an annual salary of at least 36.300€.
• As with the Decreto Flussi, the employer must first verify with the Centro per l’Impiego that there are no workers already residing in Italy who are available to fill the position.
• The Asseverazione, a declaration prepared by an accountant, lawyer, or labor consultant confirming that all legal conditions are met for hiring a foreign worker.
• Proof of housing suitability for the accommodation where the foreign worker will reside in Italy.

Can I apply if I’m already in Italy?

Yes, it is possible to apply while you are already in Italy with another permesso di soggiorno.

What if I’m living in another EU country with a Blue Card issued there?

Yes, you can apply, and the process will be even easier.

Can I change jobs after obtaining the Blue Card?

There are some restrictions during the first 12 months. Specifically, you cannot change jobs if the new position does not qualify as highly skilled work the type that allowed you to obtain the Blue Card. Additionally, you can only change employers during this period with prior authorization from the Ispettorato Nazionale del Lavoro

Can I renew the Blue Card permit?

Yes, it is renewable.

Can I work as a freelancer while holding a Blue Card?

Yes, freelance work is allowed, as long as it is in addition to your main employment contract.