Long-stay visas (Type D)
Italian EU Blue Card (Carta Blu UE)
A combined work-and-residence route for highly qualified non-EU professionals with a qualifying Italian job offer, granted outside the Flows Decree quota.
Important information
- Visa type
- National long-stay (Type D) leading to a Blue Card residence permit
- Quota
- Outside the Decreto Flussi quota; year-round applications
- For whom
- Highly qualified workers with a qualifying job offer/contract in Italy
- Contract length
- Qualifying employment contract or binding job offer of at least 6 months
- Salary threshold
- Minimum gross salary set relative to the national average (varies annually; lower threshold for shortage occupations)
- Exact figure changes each year — verify current threshold
Who it's for
Non-EU nationals with higher professional qualifications (a recognised degree, or in certain sectors equivalent professional experience) who have a qualifying, adequately paid job offer in Italy.
Requirements
- Higher-education qualification or, for eligible sectors, equivalent professional experience
- Qualifying employment contract or binding job offer in Italy of at least 6 months
- Gross salary at or above the applicable Blue Card threshold
- A nulla osta issued by the Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione
- Valid passport covering the visa period
What you can do
- Live and work in Italy in a highly qualified role
- Bring family members via family reunification
- Access public services on the same basis as Italian workers
- Move more easily to another EU state after a qualifying period of residence
How to apply
The employer applies for the nulla osta for highly qualified work at the immigration desk in Italy.
With the nulla osta granted, the worker applies for the Type D visa at the competent Italian consulate.
After arrival the worker signs the contract of stay and applies for the EU Blue Card residence permit within 8 days.
Documents
- Completed national visa application form and valid passport
- Original nulla osta for highly qualified work
- Employment contract or binding job offer stating salary and duration
- Proof of higher-education qualification or equivalent professional experience
- Proof of accommodation in Italy
Frequently asked questions
No. The EU Blue Card sits outside the Decreto Flussi quota, so a qualifying application can be submitted at any time of year.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
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