EU Blue Card (Carta Blu UE)
Highly qualified non-EU professionals with a degree or skills and a qualifying Italian job offer.
The EU Blue Card (Carta Blu UE) is a Italian work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€116 visa + ~€100+ residence permit costs) and processing time (~1-3 months (outside the standard Flussi quota)), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the EU Blue Card (Carta Blu UE) is for
Highly qualified non-EU professionals with a degree or skills and a qualifying Italian job offer.
Counts toward the EU long-term residence permit, with time in other EU states aggregable.
EU Blue Card (Carta Blu UE) - eligibility criteria
- Higher education qualification or equivalent skilled experience
- Work contract of at least 6 months
- Gross salary above the national Blue Card threshold
- Profession matching qualification level
- Recognition of foreign qualifications where required
EU Blue Card (Carta Blu UE) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the EU Blue Card (Carta Blu UE) (Italy) is ~€116 visa + ~€100+ residence permit costs, with an indicative processing time of ~1-3 months (outside the standard Flussi quota). Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Italy Visa Portal.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Nulla osta filed by employer; visa at a consulate abroad |
| Length of stay | Up to 2 years (or contract length plus 3 months), renewable |
| Work rights | Highly qualified employment; easier intra-EU mobility |
| Study rights | Permitted alongside work |
| Government fee | ~€116 visa + ~€100+ residence permit costs |
| Processing time | ~1-3 months (outside the standard Flussi quota) |
| Route to PR | Counts toward the EU long-term residence permit, with time in other EU states aggregable. |
Pathway & next steps
Counts toward the EU long-term residence permit, with time in other EU states aggregable.
Many applicants also compare Lavoro Subordinato · Subordinate Work Visa (Decreto Flussi quota), ICT · Intra-Company Transfer Visa (ICT), Researcher · Research Visa (Scientific Research). Run a free VisaChief check to see which Italian route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common EU Blue Card (Carta Blu UE) pitfalls we fix
EU Blue Card (Carta Blu UE) - frequently asked questions
How much does the EU Blue Card (Carta Blu UE) cost?
The EU Blue Card (Carta Blu UE) government fee is ~€116 visa + ~€100+ residence permit costs. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Italy Visa Portal before applying.
How long does the EU Blue Card (Carta Blu UE) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~1-3 months (outside the standard Flussi quota). Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the EU Blue Card (Carta Blu UE) lead to permanent residence?
Counts toward the EU long-term residence permit, with time in other EU states aggregable.
Can I work on the EU Blue Card (Carta Blu UE)?
Work rights: Highly qualified employment; easier intra-EU mobility.
Who can apply for the EU Blue Card (Carta Blu UE)?
Highly qualified non-EU professionals with a degree or skills and a qualifying Italian job offer.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Italy government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- Italy Visa Portal - official Italy immigration authority