The Blue Card reform to allow the entry and residence in Italy of qualified non-EU workers, introduced with Legislative Decree 152/2023, significantly updates the rules for access to Italy of qualified non-EU workers required by companies for non-EU hiring and for the employment of professional immigrants. The reform also concerns non-EU self-employed workers who want to open a professional or entrepreneurial activity in Italy. The main innovations introduced by the reform are:
- Simplification of administrative procedures.
- Reduction of minimum wage requirements.
- Greater flexibility in mobility within the EU.
- Easier access for family members of qualified workers.
- Opening to qualified self-employed workers.
The Reform of Legislative Decree 152/2023, for the entry into Italy of highly qualified foreign workers. Eligibility and requirements, salary, contract duration, mobility, family reunification
1 Eligibility and Requirements to obtain the EU Blue Card
The updated criteria for the granting of the EU Blue Card include:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher (also foreign, if recognized).
- Work experience: At least 5 years in the relevant sector.
- Minimum salary: 1.5x the Italian gross average (1.2x for critical sectors such as IT or Healthcare).
- For self-employed workers: It is necessary to present a detailed business plan and demonstrate financial sustainability.
2 EU Blue Card Minimum Wage 2025: Updated Economic Requirements
Decree 152/2023 introduces lower salary thresholds compared to the past, with exceptions for strategic sectors:
Category Average Gross Salary Multiplier Examples of Facilitated Sectors
General 1.5x (~€35,000 gross per year*) –
Shortage 1.2x (~€28,000 gross per year*) IT, Healthcare, Engineering, Qualified Tourism
FAQ: EU Blue Card Minimum Wage 2024
How do I know if my sector is “short of workers”?
The list of priority sectors is published quarterly on the Department of Labour’s website. Common examples include IT, engineering and healthcare.
Do overtime or bonuses count towards the minimum wage?
No, only the gross base pay is considered, excluding benefits, bonuses or overtime.
What is the exact amount of the minimum wage for 2024?
It depends on the updated national average. In 2024, 1.5x corresponds to approximately €35,000 gross per year, while 1.2x corresponds to €28,000.
3 Contract Duration and Blue Card Renewal 2024
Key news:
- Minimum contract duration: 6 months (previously 1 year).
- Renewal: Possible without limits, provided that the requirements are met.
- Permanent residence: Can be requested after 5 years of regular residence.
Attention: The job must correspond to the qualification presented. Example: A biomedical engineer cannot be hired as a waiter.
FAQ: Contract Duration and Renewal
Can I get the Blue Card with a 6-month project contract?
Yes, but the employer must guarantee the stability of the business (e.g. probable renewal or ongoing need).
After 5 years, how do you get permanent residency?
You must demonstrate:
- 5 years of regular residence.
- Constant income above the poverty threshold.
- No criminal convictions.
What happens if I lose my job during the validity of the Blue Card?
You have 6 months to find a new job, as long as you meet the salary requirements.
3 Job Mobility and Changing Employers. How to Change Companies
- Wait 12 months of work with the first employer.
- Notify the Immigration One-Stop Shop within 30 days of the new contract.
- The new employer must guarantee the minimum wage required.
Moving to Another EU Country
After 12 months in Italy, you can:
- Move to another EU country for up to 3 months without additional bureaucracy.
- Apply for the Blue Card of the destination country with accelerated procedures.
FAQ: Job Mobility and Change of Employer
Do I have to inform the Police Headquarters if I change jobs?
Yes, within 30 days of signing the new contract, through the Sportello Unico Immigrazione.
Can I move to Germany with the Italian Blue Card?
After 12 months in Italy, you can move for up to 3 months without a visa. For longer periods, you must apply for the German Blue Card.
What happens if the new employer does not respect the minimum wage?
The Blue Card is revoked and the employer risks fines of up to €10,000.
4 Family Reunification: What’s New
Residence permit and rights of family members (spouse, minor children, dependent parents):
Access to work without waiting for the flow decree. Documentation required:
- Proof of suitable accommodation.
- Declaration of economic support.
- Family certificate from the country of origin.
- Average times: 30-60 days for authorization.
FAQ: Family Reunification
Can I bring my elderly parents to Italy?
Yes, if you can prove that they are financially dependent on you and have no support in their country of origin.
Do family members have to pass an Italian language test?
No, but they must take a basic integration course within 6 months of arrival.
How long does it take to obtain a permit for family members?
On average 30-60 days, depending on the Police Headquarters.
Blue Card for Self-Employed Workers: Requirements
Who can open a business in Italy?
- Graduates or professionals with 5+ years of experience in the sector.
- Economic plan approved by the Chamber of Commerce.
- Minimum turnover: 1.2x the average gross annual salary (€28,000*).
Download a government business plan template.
FAQ: Self-Employed Workers
Which sectors are easier to start a self-employed business?
Tech, specialist consultancy and niche tourism (e.g. multilingual cultural guides).
Do I need to open a VAT number for the Blue Card?
Yes, it is mandatory within 30 days of arriving in Italy.
What is meant by “economic sustainability” of the project?
You must demonstrate a minimum turnover of €28,000 per year or savings equivalent to 12 months of expenses
Step-by-Step Procedure to Apply for the Blue Card
Employer’s application: Submission to the Immigration Single Desk (SUI).
Document verification: 20 working days.
Nulla Osta: Received via PEC, valid for 6 months.
Entry visa: Requested from abroad at the Italian embassy.
Permit release: Collected at the Police Headquarters within 8 days of arrival.
Total cost: ~€600 including stamp duty, SUI fees and visa.
Release Times
The procedure now provides certain timeframes:
- Maximum 90 days for the release of the EU Blue Card from the moment of the complete application
Documentation required to submit the Blue Card request to the administration in Italy
- Employment contract
- Academic qualifications, degree and professional certifications
- Documentation certifying the proposed salary
- Valid passport
FAQ: Step-by-Step Procedure
How much does it cost to apply for the Carta Blu in 2024?
Total: ~€600 (€200 for the nulla osta, €100 stamp duty, €300 for the visa).
2. How to check the status of the application?
Use the application code received via PEC on the Sportello Unico per l’Immigrazione portal.
3. What to do if the nulla osta is rejected?
You have 30 days to appeal to the TAR with legal assistance.
The Benefits of the Blue Card for Employers and Workers
The advantages of the blue card for the employer:
Simplified procedures and reduced times for the entry of qualified personnel, max 90 days.
Greater flexibility in the management and recruitment of highly qualified immigrant personnel from outside the EU.
The advantages of the blue card for the qualified non-EU worker:
Greater legal certainty and labour mobility in the EU.
Rights for family members equal to those of citizens and simplified residence paths for self-employed workers.
FAQ: Benefits for Companies and Workers
- Why is the Blue Card better than a standard permit?
Halved time (90 days vs 6 months). - Family members can work immediately.
Can a small company (10 employees) apply for the Blue Card?
Yes, there are no limits on company size, only salary requirements.
Do workers with a Blue Card pay more taxes?
No, taxation is identical to that of Italian citizens.
Regulatory References and Document Checklist
Legislative Decree no. 152 of 2023
European Directive 2021/1883 on the EU Blue Card
Consolidated Law on Immigration Legislative Decree 286/98 (amended)
Document checklist:
Signed contract + certified translation.
Graduation certificate (with apostille).
Employer’s statement on salary and duties.
FAQ: References and Documents
Is an official translation of the diploma required?
Yes, with apostille or legalization for non-EU diplomas.
Is the original signed contract mandatory?
Yes, attached to the application in paper or digital format with digital signature.
Conclusion
La nuova normativa sulla Carta Blu UE Italia 2024 rappresenta un’opportunità concreta per attrarre talenti qualificati, semplificando le procedure e favorendo l’integrazione professionale e sociale dei lavoratori stranieri altamente qualificati.
FAQ: Conclusions and Next Steps
How to get started if I am a foreign worker?
- Find an Italian job offer.
- Ask the employer to start the process at the Sportello Unico.
What mistakes should I avoid in the application?
- Salary below the threshold.
- Documents not translated/legalized.
- Proof of work experience is missing (pay slips, employer letters).
Are there any benefits for innovative startups?
- Yes, for founders under 40 there is a 30% reduction in bureaucratic costs.
