EU Blue Card in Italy
The EU-Blue Card allows highly skilled non-EU professionals to work in Italy without being subject to the annual quota for immigrant workers (Decreto Flussi). To qualify, applicants must meet specific requirements, including a concrete job offer, relevant qualifications, and a salary threshold aligned with Italian regulations. In this blog we will guide you through the requirements for the EU-Blue Card in Italy.
Requirements for the EU-Blue Card
Concrete job offer
- The applicant must have a binding job offer for at least six months.
- The duration of the work permit depends on the contract type:
- Temporary contract: Work permit duration is equal to the contract length.
- Permanent contract: Work permit duration is two years.
Highly qualified status
Applicants must meet at least one of the following qualification criteria:
- A tertiary-level higher education qualification issued by the competent authority in the country where it was obtained, confirming completion of a programme lasting at least three years.
- A post-secondary professional qualification of at least three years’ duration corresponding to level 6 of the Italian National Qualifications Framework.
- A regulated profession qualification (e.g., architecture, engineering), as per Legislative Decree no. 206/2007.
- At least five years of professional experience relevant to the job role.
- Managers and specialists in the information and communication technology sector may qualify based on at least three years of relevant professional experience acquired during the seven years preceding the application.
In addition, the position offered must be consistent with the applicant’s qualifications, professional experience and educational background. The role must fall within the scope of highly qualified employment.
Minimum salary requirements
The EU Blue Card is subject to a minimum salary threshold. As of July 2026, the minimum gross annual salary is EUR 35,500. This threshold was updated from the previous amount of EUR 33,500 and is based on the latest ISTAT salary data. Employers must ensure that the offered salary meets or exceeds this amount and remains compliant with applicable collective labour agreements.
Required documentation
Before applying for an EU Blue Card, applicants and employers should prepare the required supporting documentation. Commonly requested documents include:
• Valid passport
• Employment contract or binding job offer
• Job description
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• University degree or professional qualification
• Proof of salary
• Supporting documentation demonstrating professional experience where applicable
Documents relating to qualifications and professional experience may need to be translated into Italian and legalized or provided with an Apostille, depending on the country of origin.
Compliance implications for employers
Employers must comply with the salary requirements as stipulated by the NCBAs to prevent issues with immigration and employment regulations. Key points to consider:
- Failure to meet salary requirements may result in work permit rejection or revocation.
- Non-compliance can lead to financial penalties and damage an employer’s ability to hire foreign professionals in the future.
- Employers should update payroll systems and review employment contracts before renewal.
- HR teams should ensure that offers made to new hires meet the required remuneration levels.
By staying compliant, employers can continue attracting top international talent while avoiding legal risks.
Impact on Highly Skilled Migrants
The remuneration requirement affects both current and prospective applicants:
- Current employees must ensure their contract renewals meet the remuneration requirements to maintain their EU-Blue Card.
- Prospective applicants must ensure their salary aligns with industry standards and NCBA requirements, which may influence their job searches and career planning.
Considerations for Young Professionals and Recent Graduates
- Recent Graduates: Graduates from Italian universities must ensure their salaries comply with the NCBAs.
- Young Professionals (<30 years old): Those under 30 must ensure their salaries align with both NCBA standards and industry norms.
- Key Sectors: Industries with skill shortages—such as technology, engineering, and finance—are more likely to offer salaries that comply with NCBA requirements.
Ensuring compliance with salary standards can improve job security and career prospects for highly skilled migrants.
EU Blue Card application process
The application process generally includes collecting the required documentation, submitting the work permit application, receiving the Nulla Osta approval, obtaining the entry visa, registering with the immigration authorities after arrival in Italy and completing the residence permit procedure. Processing times vary depending on the workload of the authorities and the individual case.
How Parakar supports employers and Highly Skilled Migrants
Navigating Italy’s updated salary thresholds for highly skilled migrants can be complex, but Parakar is here to simplify the process with expert guidance and tailored solutions.
- For employers: We provide support in reviewing and updating employment contracts, ensuring payroll compliance with the new thresholds, and managing immigration processes to avoid penalties and delays.
- For Highly Skilled Migrants: We assist with work permit applications, contract evaluations, and personalized guidance to ensure continued employment and residency compliance.
With our deep expertise in Italian labour law and immigration regulations, Parakar helps businesses and professionals adapt seamlessly to the 2025 changes. Employers can focus on growing their operations while highly skilled migrants can advance their careers in Italy with confidence, knowing their legal and employment matters are in trusted hands.
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