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Italy EU Blue Card

EU Blue Card (Carta blu UE)

In short

Highly qualified employees with a degree from a course of at least three years can work in Italy with an EU Blue Card. The employer obtains a nulla osta from the Single Immigration Desk (or files a communication if it has a protocol with the Interior Ministry), and the card is issued for two years on an open-ended contract.

checked 25 October 2026

Key facts

Validity
Two years for an open-ended contract; for fixed-term contracts, the contract length plus three months.
Fee
€116National (D) visa fee under Italy's consular fee table; the mission states the currency and method of payment, and an external service provider, where used, charges its own fee.
Work
Highly qualified employment with the sponsoring employer.
Family
Family members can join; families of holders receive family permits.
Path to permanent residence
EU long-term residence after five years of continuous residence in the EU with a Blue Card, including at least two years in Italy.
Where to apply
Employer obtains the nulla osta in Italy; you apply at the Italian mission responsible for your place of residence.

Conditions

You must be hired for work under the direction of an employer and hold a higher-education qualification from a course of at least three years, plus any authorisation required for regulated professions. The salary must meet the threshold set by Italian law for the Blue Card, which the employer and the Single Immigration Desk check.

Procedure

The employer applies to the Single Immigration Desk of the prefecture for the nulla osta, or sends a communication if it has signed a protocol with the Interior Ministry. With the clearance, you apply for the national visa at the Italian mission responsible for your residence, bringing the contract, your degree (with a declaration of equivalence where required) and the original documents used for the SUI application.

  1. The Italian employer obtains the Blue Card nulla osta from the Single Immigration Desk.
  2. Download the official "Employment – Blue Card" checklist from the Italian mission responsible for your place of residence and complete the national (type D) application form.
  3. Book an appointment with the mission or its external service provider and lodge the file in person with originals, apostilled and translated documents where required.
  4. Pay the visa fee as the mission indicates; the statutory processing time for a type D visa is 90 days.
  5. Within 8 working days of entering Italy, apply for the residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) through the post office kit or the Questura.
  6. Attend the Questura appointment for fingerprints and, for permits of a year or more, sign the integration agreement.

After arrival: permesso di soggiorno

Within 8 working days of first entry you must apply to the Questura of the province where you will live, in many cases through authorised post offices. The fee is EUR 40 for permits of more than three months up to one year and EUR 50 for up to two years; applicants for permits of at least one year sign an integration agreement with the State. The card is usually issued within about 60 days.

Long-term residence

Holders can obtain EU long-term resident status after five years of lawful and continuous residence in the EU as Blue Card holders, of which at least two years with an Italian "carta blu UE" permit.

Documents

Required documents

Identity

  • National (type D) application form, completed, dated and signed at item 37 and on the last page
  • One ICAO photo 35 × 40 mm and a passport valid at least three months beyond the visa, with copies of current and previous passports
  • Copy of your national ID card; non-nationals: residence permit in the country where you apply; civil status certificate where the checklist asks for it

Travel

  • Outbound flight booking

Work

  • Nulla osta from the Single Immigration Desk (SUI)
  • Copy of the employment contract signed by the employer
  • Originals of the documents used for the SUI clearance and proof of current employment

Study

  • University degree (with declaration of equivalence where required)

Frequently asked questions

Is the Blue Card subject to the Flows Decree quotas?

The Blue Card follows its own procedure with a nulla osta from the Single Immigration Desk; check with the employer's prefecture for the current rules.

How long is the card valid?

Two years with an open-ended contract; otherwise the contract length plus three months.

What degree do I need?

A higher-education qualification from a course of at least three years.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Italy

Visits and short stays

Business and self-employment

  • Business visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days in any 180-day period

Study and training

Work

  • Work visa Maximum stay: 91 to 365 days on the visa; then a residence permit in Italy
  • Digital nomad visa Maximum stay: 91 to 365 days on the visa; then a residence permit in Italy

Family

Residence

  • Retirement visa Maximum stay: 91 to 365 days on the visa; then a residence permit in Italy
  • Permanent residence Validity: 10 years for adults, 5 years for minors; the status is permanent.

Protection

  • Asylum and international protection Validity: Asylum-seeker permit: until the decision; refugee and subsidiary protection: five years, renewable; special protection: two years, renewable.

Italy visa guide